Mental Health Support for Asylum Seekers: Available Resources

Last updated: 16 September 2026

Photo: Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health - Maryland GovPics

Asylum seekers face some of the highest rates of mental health problems of any group in society. Studies consistently show that between 30% and 50% of asylum seekers experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a condition caused by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events. Rates of depression and anxiety are also much higher than in the general population. Getting mental health asylum support matters for two important reasons: it helps you feel better, and it can also strengthen your asylum case. This guide explains the scale of the problem, the support available in the UK and US, and how mental health evidence can help prove your claim.[1]

Many asylum seekers do not seek help because they do not know what is available, because of stigma (the feeling that mental health problems are shameful), or because they think it will hurt their case. In reality, the opposite is true. Getting professional help shows that you are dealing with real problems. A diagnosis of PTSD or depression from a qualified professional can actually support your credibility. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about mental health and the asylum process.

The Scale of Mental Health Problems Among Asylum Seekers

Research published in major medical journals shows that asylum seekers and refugees experience mental health problems at far higher rates than the general population. A large review of studies found that approximately 31% of asylum seekers meet the criteria for PTSD, compared to about 4% of the general population. For depression, the figures range from 40% to 60% among asylum seekers, compared to approximately 5% in the wider population. Anxiety disorders affect around 40% of asylum seekers.[2]

These numbers are not surprising when you consider what asylum seekers have been through. Many have experienced war, torture, sexual violence, imprisonment, or the loss of family members. The journey to safety is often dangerous and traumatic in itself. And once they arrive in a new country, the stress does not stop. The asylum process can last months or years, and the uncertainty of not knowing whether you will be allowed to stay creates constant worry. These conditions make mental health problems almost inevitable for many people.

Why Mental Health Suffers During the Asylum Process

Understanding the causes of mental health problems among asylum seekers helps explain why so many people are affected. The causes fall into three main categories: what happened before, what happened during the journey, and what happens after arrival.[3]

Before arrival: trauma from persecution

Most asylum seekers have experienced serious harm in their home country. This may include torture, imprisonment, sexual violence, forced marriage, or witnessing the killing of family members. These experiences cause deep psychological wounds. PTSD develops when the brain cannot properly process a traumatic event. The person may experience flashbacks (vivid memories that feel like the event is happening again), nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and a constant feeling of being in danger.

During the journey: further trauma

The journey to safety often involves more traumatic experiences. People may travel through dangerous countries, face exploitation by smugglers, experience violence, or witness others die during the journey. Women and children are especially vulnerable to sexual violence during transit. These additional traumas add layers to existing mental health problems.

After arrival: the asylum process itself

Many people expect that reaching a safe country will bring relief. However, the asylum process creates its own mental health challenges. These include:

• Uncertainty: Not knowing if your claim will be accepted creates constant anxiety. In the UK, people wait an average of 10 months or more for a decision.
• Isolation: Asylum seekers are often placed in accommodation far from communities where they know people. Language barriers make it hard to build new connections.
• Poverty: In the UK, asylum seekers receive just over 49 pounds per week. In the US, many applicants cannot work while they wait for their case to be processed.
• Detention: Some asylum seekers are held in immigration detention centres, which research shows significantly worsens mental health.
• Re-traumatisation: Having to tell your story repeatedly to officials, often through interpreters, can feel like reliving the trauma.

The mental health of asylum seekers is affected not only by past traumatic experiences but also by the ongoing stressors of the asylum process itself, including prolonged uncertainty, social isolation, and poverty.
Priebe, Giacco and El-Nagib, 'Public Health Aspects of Mental Health Among Migrants and Refugees' (WHO, 2016)

Mental Health Support in the UK

Asylum seekers in the UK have the right to access NHS (National Health Service) mental health services. You do not need to pay for these services, and your immigration status does not affect your right to receive treatment. Here are the main options available:[4]

NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT)

NHS Talking Therapies is a free service that provides psychological treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. You can refer yourself without needing a referral from a GP (doctor). Many services offer interpreters. Treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that helps you change unhelpful thinking patterns, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), which is a specialist treatment for PTSD.

Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture is a UK charity that provides therapy and support specifically for survivors of torture. They have centres in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle. Their therapists are trained to work with people who have experienced severe trauma. They also provide medico-legal reports (detailed medical documents that describe the physical and psychological effects of torture) that can be used as evidence in asylum cases.

Helen Bamber Foundation

The Helen Bamber Foundation provides specialist care for survivors of trafficking, torture, and other forms of extreme cruelty. Based in London, they offer therapy, legal support, and help with housing and welfare. They also produce expert medical evidence for asylum cases.

Refugee Council and Mind

The Refugee Council offers counselling and emotional support through its therapeutic services programme. Mind, the UK mental health charity, provides information and support in multiple languages. Both organisations can help you find local mental health services in your area.

Mental Health Support in the US

In the US, asylum seekers can access mental health support through several routes, although the system is more complex than in the UK because healthcare is not free for everyone.[5]

Community health centres

Federally Qualified Health Centres (FQHCs) provide healthcare on a sliding scale based on your income. This means you pay only what you can afford, and many asylum seekers qualify for free care. These centres are located across the country and often have staff who speak multiple languages.

Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture

Based in New York City, this programme provides free mental health treatment, medical care, and legal support for survivors of torture and persecution. It is one of the oldest and largest programmes of its kind in the US. They offer individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric treatment.

Torture Abolition and Survivor Support Coalition (TASSC)

TASSC, based in Washington DC, provides support services for torture survivors including counselling, case management, and community programmes. They also advocate for better policies to protect survivors.

Other resources

Many cities have local organisations that provide mental health support to asylum seekers and refugees. The National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs coordinates over 30 treatment centres across the US. Your immigration lawyer may also be able to refer you to local services.

Mental Health Resources: UK vs US

How Mental Health Evidence Helps Your Asylum Case

One of the most important things to understand about mental health asylum support is that getting a diagnosis and treatment can directly strengthen your asylum case. Here is how:[6]

Medico-legal reports

A medico-legal report is a detailed document written by a qualified medical or psychological professional. It describes your mental health condition, explains the likely cause (for example, torture or persecution), and assesses whether your symptoms are consistent with the events you describe. These reports follow the Istanbul Protocol (the international standard for documenting torture and ill-treatment, published by the United Nations). A medico-legal report can be powerful evidence in your case.

PTSD diagnosis supports credibility

Asylum decision-makers sometimes question why applicants give inconsistent accounts or cannot remember certain details. A diagnosis of PTSD helps explain this. PTSD affects memory. People with PTSD may have difficulty remembering dates, sequences of events, or specific details. They may also become confused or distressed when asked to describe traumatic events. A psychologist's report explaining these effects can prevent the decision-maker from treating memory gaps as evidence of dishonesty.[7]

Psychological assessment under the Istanbul Protocol

The Istanbul Protocol sets out how medical professionals should document evidence of torture and persecution. A psychological assessment under this protocol examines your mental state, identifies symptoms of trauma, and provides a professional opinion on whether those symptoms are consistent with the persecution you describe. UK tribunals and US immigration courts regularly accept this type of evidence. If you need a specialist to prepare such a report, visit our expert witness directory.

Mental Health Prevalence Among Asylum Seekers

Self-Help While Waiting for Your Case

Professional support is important, but there are also things you can do yourself to protect your mental health during the long wait for a decision. These strategies do not replace professional treatment, but they can help you cope day to day.[8]

Build a routine

Having a daily routine gives you a sense of control. Wake up at the same time each day. Plan simple activities such as walking, reading, or learning English. Structure helps reduce the feeling of helplessness that often comes with waiting.

Stay physically active

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Even a 30-minute walk each day can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many communities have free exercise groups, football clubs, or running groups for refugees and asylum seekers.

Connect with others

Isolation makes mental health problems worse. Try to connect with other people, even if it feels difficult. Community groups, faith organisations, and refugee support charities often run social activities. Peer support (talking to other people who understand what you are going through) can be especially helpful.

Limit re-traumatising activities

Watching the news about your home country can trigger distressing memories. It is important to stay informed, but limit how much time you spend on news and social media about conflict or persecution. Give yourself permission to take breaks.

Use helplines when you need them

If you are in crisis, you can call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 (free, 24 hours, available in English). In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. These services are confidential and free. For more resources, see our human rights section.

Conclusion

Mental health problems are extremely common among asylum seekers, and they are a natural response to the terrible experiences that forced people to flee their homes. Getting professional support is essential for your wellbeing. It can also make a real difference to your asylum case. A medico-legal report or psychological assessment can explain memory difficulties, support your credibility, and provide independent evidence of the harm you have suffered. In both the UK and the US, free or low-cost services exist specifically for asylum seekers and torture survivors. Do not wait until you are in crisis. Reach out to the organisations listed in this guide, ask your lawyer about obtaining a medico-legal report, and take small steps each day to protect your mental health. For more guidance on the asylum process, explore our asylum guide or find a specialist through our expert witness directory.