A systematic review of psychological group interventions for adult refugees in resettlement countries: development of a stepped care approach to mental health treatment

Objective: While previous systematic reviews have focused on individual interventions for refugees, the current study aims to contribute to the literature by systematically reviewing the effectiveness of group and community-based interventions, to provide insight into ways current treatments can be scaled and integrated into stepped-care interventions. 

Method: A systematic review was conducted. In September 2022, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL were systematically searched and findings were analysed using narrative thematic analysis. 

Results: Key findings were that in general the group format was effective, especially when paired with an intervention such as cognitive behavioural therapy. The findings also point to barriers and facilitators for accessing group interventions, including language, cultural safety, and gender considerations. 

Conclusion: In general, while groups were not typically seen as a replacement for individual therapy, the included studies suggested the complementary value of group modalities, as well as their utility as an early access intervention. Ultimately, the existing body of research concerning group interventions indicates that treatments delivered in a group format have utility and scalability and should be considered for integration into stepped models of care for people with refugee backgrounds.