Psychological First Aid–Informed Guidelines for Mental Health Professionals Working With Central American Unaccompanied Minors in Transitional Settings

Abstract: News of unaccompanied minors (UMs) from Central America entering the United States–Mexico border have inundated political and social platforms as policies are discussed to address this crisis. The hope for a future away from violence, poverty, and fear drives these minors into embarking on an uncertain journey to the United States. The dangers these children encounter on their long travels along with previous distressing experiences from their home country put a devastating toll on their psychological and overall well-being. Their anguish continues as these youth are placed in transitional settings (i.e., shelters) while awaiting to be released into their new communities. While psychological care is often available at these settings, the complex realities of these children call for culturally and trauma-responsive guidelines to address their unique psychosocial needs. This conceptual paper reviews existent literature on the mental health needs of Central American youth in the United States–Mexico border as well as relevant theories and principles, such as the evidence-informed psychological first aid (PFA), which has shown to help Central American youth in the immediate aftermath of disasters and other crises. The aim of this manuscript was to adapt and expand on the core elements of PFA and utilize its theoretical basis to (1) enhance the psychological health of Central American UMs in transitional settings and (2) equip mental health professionals working in the United States–Mexican border or other US mental health professionals to address the immediate psychological needs of UMs from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach.