1. Considerations For Refugee Students In Academic Settings
Michelle Esquibel, MA, LPCC
NM Department of Health

2. The Role of the RMHC
Screening and assessment of refugees: including children and adolescents.
Assisting refugees in accessing mental health care.
Assisting refugee mental health providers increase competencies needed to properly serve refugees.

3. Resettlement Stressors In Families and Children
Speaking little or no English, initially.
Loss of community, family, culture, status, etc.
Struggles to meet basic needs: finding employment, adequate housing, financial stability, transportation, interpretation, etc.
Adapting to a new culture: fitting in, understanding norms, finding community and other supports.

4. Signs of Stress in Refugee Children:
Somatic complaints not related to a medical issue (stomachaches, headaches, pain).
Frequent crying.
Fear, anxiety, sadness, isolation, irritability.
Trouble with sleep and appetite.
Difficulty regulating emotions.
Jumpiness and/or hyperactivity.
Feeling or acting as if the traumatic experience is still happening.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Refugee Services Toolkit

5. When To Refer A Student For Counseling:
Behavior changes from baseline.
Difficulty integrating into a peer group.
Lingering sadness, anxiety, and/or anger.
Verbal or physical aggression.
Suicidal ideation or gestures.
Self-harming behaviors.
Preoccupation with the traumatic event/events.
The student, parent/caregiver, or service provider express the need for help.

6. Ways To Help Your Student:
Establish a positive connection and reinforce this daily.
Assist in pairing student with other peers.
Display patience and kindness when redirecting behavior or following through with a consequence.
Praise frequently! Including parents/caregivers.
Be consistent.
Help students predict the day: Preview the schedule and prepare for transitions with prompting.
Connect with parent/caregivers frequently.
Assist early in emotional regulation/calming.

7. Michelle Esquibel, MA, LPCC
Refugee Mental Health Coordinator
NM Department of Health