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Mental health care for migrants in the Netherlands: A decolonial perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2025

Gian-Louis Hernandez*
Affiliation:
Amsterdam School of International Business, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Amsterdam School of Communication Research, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Melanie de Looper
Affiliation:
Amsterdam School of International Business, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University , Tilburg, The Netherlands
Sabine Braun
Affiliation:
Centre of Translation Studies, University of Surrey , Surrey, UK
Graham Hieke
Affiliation:
Centre of Translation Studies, University of Surrey , Surrey, UK
Demi Krystallidou
Affiliation:
Centre of Translation Studies, University of Surrey , Surrey, UK
Julia van Weert
Affiliation:
Amsterdam School of International Business, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Barbara Schouten
Affiliation:
Amsterdam School of International Business, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
*
Corresponding author: Gian-Louis Hernandez; Email: g.hernandez@hva.nl
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Abstract

This study addresses the mental health needs of refugees and migrants in the Netherlands, highlighting the urgent public health challenges they face. Unique psychosocial hurdles, exacerbated by cultural dislocation, language barriers and systemic inequalities, hinder their access to quality mental healthcare. This study explores how coloniality intersects with mental healthcare access, using a decolonial framework to challenge stereotypes and assumptions that marginalize migrant voices. Through semi-structured interviews with migrants and language service providers, this research reveals the complexities of navigating the mental healthcare system. Findings reveal that temporality, professionalism and language barriers are key issues in migrants’ mental healthcare journeys. We advocate for systemic changes that prioritize migrant perspectives. Ultimately, this study aims to inform policy and practice to enhance mental health services for migrant populations in the Netherlands and contribute to the broader dialogue on decolonization in mental health.

Information

Type
Perspective
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press
Figure 0

Table 1. Participants’ characteristics