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The Connection seeks to engage professionals across the spectrum of mental health: clinical licensed social workers, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners. We invite the participation of licensed mental health providers committed to:

• Building their skills in providing culturally responsive therapeutic services;
• Engaging in self-education and cultural inquiry about the perspectives and practices that inform the diverse world-views of refugee clients, including beliefs around wellness, health, and healing; and
• Working with a qualified interpreter (provided by the Connection) whenever necessary, in order to ensure clients’ full access to services.

Each network member will be asked to commit to working with at least two Connection clients per year. Session frequency and duration will be determined by the client and member therapist. Participating providers who accept Medical Assistance may seek Medicaid reimbursement for refugee clients with MA coverage. However, all participating therapists must be willing to see at least one Connection client per year on a pro bono basis. This helps ensure provision of mental health services for asylum-seeking individuals who are uninsured and lack access to Federal benefits.

In return, participating Connection providers will have access to a variety of informational resources, as well as ongoing opportunities for learning and professional support. These include:

• Free training workshops on therapeutic care for refugees and survivors of conflict-related trauma and torture, with CEUs available;
• Access to the services of trained interpreters for therapeutic sessions provided through the Connection; and
• Consultation/supervision — individual and/or group — provided by a clinician with long experience working with refugees, immigrants, asylees, and survivors of torture.

Interpreters

The Connection seeks the assistance of trained interpreters who can ensure clear and accurate communication between clients and counselors during therapy sessions, in adherence to professional terms of ethics and confidentiality. Candidates who have completed 40-hour Community Interpreter training and who have prior experience in interpreting during mental health counseling/therapy sessions are strongly preferred.

The project seeks interpreters in all major refugee languages, including Tigrinya, Amharic, Nepali, Burmese, Arabic, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge, Kiswahili, and French.

Interpreters will be reimbursed for their services through a contracting agreement administered by Fusion Partnerships.

Graduate students /project aides

The Connection has established an informal network of Baltimore-area graduate students in clinical mental health programs who share an interest in strengthening access and quality of services for refugee clients. Several have provided valuable volunteer assistance on various project activities and/or acted as aides during training workshops. Periodic gatherings and discussions are also held among group members, enabling exchange of experience and resources.

Although the Connection is not able to offer any formal internships or placements, the role of volunteers is welcomed.