Identifying strengths of an integrated community-based psychosocial support service in Istanbul: a qualitative exploration from a refugee perspective [İstanbul’da uygulanan entegre ve toplum temelli bir psikososyal destek hizmetinin güçlü yönleri: Göçmen perspektifinden nitel bir keşif çalışması]

Turkey hosts a large number of refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Middle East. Despite being exposed to several risk factors for developing mental health conditions, refugees have low contact rates with mental health services in Turkey. The aim of the current study was to explore refugee and service provider perspectives on the characteristics of an integrated community-based psychological counselling programme in Istanbul, which may help to mitigate the barriers to mental health services regularly experienced by refugees. Eight interviews were conducted with three service providers and five Syrian and Afghan refugees who had attended a psychological counselling service in Istanbul between June and July 2021. Data was analysed using framework analysis. Four themes were identified as potential service characteristics which could mitigate barriers to accessing mental health services: (1) reputation-based trust, (2) appointment flexibility, (3) child-friendly spaces and (4) social support. Implications for research and practice are discussed with an emphasis on service development. Patient-champion networks, client-centred approaches, and active participation of refugees in the continued development of mental health services are recommended as strategies to increase refugees' engagement with mental health services.