Community Mental Health Models in Türkiye from a Life Course Perspective: The Case of Migrants Under Temporary Protection Status
Applying the life-course perspective enables CMHCs to tailor interventions to the specific needs of individuals at various life stages, ensuring that care is relevant and effective. For example, refugees who arrived in Türkiye as children face different mental health challenges as they become adults compared to those who migrated later in life. This approach ensures that mental health services are responsive to current needs and anticipate future challenges, making them more comprehensive and adaptive.
The life-course perspective also emphasizes early intervention and continuous care, recognizing that mental health is shaped by a lifetime of experiences. In CMHCs, this perspective helps design programs that are preventive and holistic, enhancing the overall effectiveness of community-based mental health services.
Incorporating the life-course perspective ensures that mental health interventions are context-sensitive and capable of supporting the long-term well-being of refugee populations in Türkiye, who have experienced significant life disruptions.
This study uses a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals, administrators, and refugees who have utilized CMHCs in Türkiye. The sample includes diverse age groups to capture a wide range of experiences. Grounded theory serves as the framework, allowing themes to emerge related to the impact of CMHCs on the mental health and well-being of refugees over time. This methodology provides insights into how the life-course perspective enhances the effectiveness of community-based mental health interventions.