Let's Talk About…Access to Mental Health Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (World Mental Health Day 2025)

Let's Talk About…Access to Mental Health Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (World Mental Health Day 2025)

Author: BABCP October 10, 2025 Duration: 32:03

It's World Mental Health Day 2025, and this year's theme is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies'. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

In this special episode of Lets' Talk about CBT, Helen Macdonald speaks with Kerry Young, a consultant clinical psychologist specialising in PTSD, particularly among asylum seekers and refugees. They discuss the impact of trauma on mental health, the challenges faced by asylum seekers in accessing mental health services, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on the role of interpreters in therapy, barriers to accessing services, and positive developments in mental health support for asylum seekers.

Useful Information

Links to services by region:

Find a NHS Talking Therapies service here

Wales:

https://sanctuary.gov.wales/refugeesandasylumseekers/healthandwellbeing#

 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/programmes/refugee-programmes/refugee-and-asylum-seekers-wales

Scotland:

https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/health/#Mentalhealthsupport

Northern Ireland:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/journey-wellbeing-refugees-transport-and-mental-health-northern-ireland

Ireland:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/primarycare/socialinclusion/intercultural-health/mental-health-supports/

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please email the Let's Talk About CBT team at podcasts@babcp.com.

You can also follow us on Instagram and BlueSky at @BABCPPodcasts.

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our sister podcasts: Let's Talk About CBT - Practice Matters and Let's Talk About CBT - Research Matters.

Credits:

Music is Autmn Coffee by Bosnow from Uppbeat

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/autumn-coffee

License code: 3F32NRBYH67P5MIF


You might have heard the term CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, mentioned everywhere these days, but what does it actually involve? Let's Talk About CBT cuts through the noise to explore the real-world application of this widely discussed approach. Produced by the BABCP, the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, this series brings genuine clarity by featuring conversations with both practicing therapists and people who have personally engaged with the therapy. Each episode feels like a balanced discussion, demystifying complex terms and tackling common misconceptions head-on. Rather than offering quick fixes, the podcast provides a grounded look at how CBT principles work in everyday situations, explaining the why behind the techniques. It’s that direct access to expert insight paired with relatable personal stories that makes the subject so accessible. Whether you're a professional in the field, someone considering therapy, or simply curious about the science of mental well-being, this podcast offers a thoughtful and nuanced perspective. The tone is engaging and informative, stripping away jargon to focus on practical understanding. Tune in for a series that genuinely illuminates the transformative potential of cognitive behavioural therapy, one honest conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 42

Let's Talk About CBT
Podcast Episodes
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