Understanding and Supporting Immigrants & Refugees

For those working in social, medical, mental health, and legal services, understanding how immigration impacts our clients is imperative. Ten percent of Coloradans and 12% of Denver-metro residents are immigrants. Nearly 175,000 (25%) children in Denver and 276,000 (20%) children in Colorado have at least one parent who is an immigrant. 329,000 residents of Colorado are at risk of detention and deportation.

Working with refugees and immigrants in changing environments requires flexibility and adaptability from human service providers. This training will provide an overview of the mental and psychological impact of migration and immigration systems while offering hands-on experience with culturally responsive interventions. Through creative innovative ways participants will gain practical tools to support the unique needs of the population.

T A K E A W A Y S

• Help simplify the complexities involved in working with refugee and immigrant populations.
• Learn about the psychological and psychosocial impact unique to this population.
• Learn to apply interventions through case-based discussions.
• Learn how to advocate for refugee clients.
• Understand the compound impacts of individual trauma, forced migration, US racism oppression, and limited service access on immigrant clients
• Implement best practices for working with immigrants and refugees

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P R E S E N T E R

Osmara Medrano, LCSW, PsyD candidate, is a bilingual clinician specializing in trauma-informed, culturally-responsive mental health care for immigrants, refugees, and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). With a background in clinical social work and psychology, she seeks to promote healing and resilience in marginalized communities. Currently she serves as a doctoral intern at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, where she delivers individual and group therapy to refugees and immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Eligible for two hours Certificate of Completion