Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the response to the flow of Venezuelan migrants in Boa Vista: humanitarian assistance and cooperation

Brazil is the second country with the highest number of refugee status recognition for Venezuelan people and most of these requests took place in Roraima. Recognizing the need of the refugee and migrant public in mental health demands, the importance of responding in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in humanitarian situations and the lack of services of this type in the country, the objectives of this article: a) are to verify if the Network of Psychosocial Care (RAPS) in Boa Vista has been affected by the migratory flow of Venezuelans; and b) analyze the role of international organizations in strengthening local mental health services in the face of the emergency situation evidenced by migration. This is a case study with quali-quanti methodology.  

The results are that a) this migratory flow impacted the RAPS by bringing new demands in mental health; b) actions such as training in SMAPS for local professionals and support for structuring the matrix support flow were cited as strategies of international organizations with a positive impact on strengthening the local network; c) the field of mental health still occupied a sectored place and was restricted to certain activities, not being fully integrated into the response as a whole. More familiarity of managers and humanitarian professionals with the theme is necessary to increase strategies that promote well-being and mitigate those that negatively impact the population served. 

Keywords: Human Migration; Humanitarian help; Mental health; Right to health