What do Mental Health Providers Need to Know about the Current Immigration Situation

Written by: Dan Mortenson, PhD

Given the current national climate with respect to immigration related issues, and our local climate here in Chicago with respect to the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is important for mental health providers to know what the American Psychological Association (APA)’s stance is on immigration, have some basic information about the immigrant experience, and how mental healthcare providers can best manage interfacing with ICE.

What does the APA have to say about immigration policies?

Per the APA, immigrants benefit host societies from an economic, cultural, and social perspective. Punitive immigration policies are harmful for immigrant families both in terms of fearing consequences and avoiding seeking healthcare. Children of immigrants are especially set up for long term anxiety, mood, and trauma issues that can have cascading impacts.

Anti-immigration policies also harmful for others in society who are witnessing traumatic events unfolding. The APA recommends: 1) Immigration policies that consider mental health needs with a focus on keeping families together; and 2) Funding should also cover regular mental health screenings and preventative measure to address burgeoning anxiety/trauma issues early on.

The Immigrant Experience

In 2023, there were 945,000 asylum seekers in the US, which is 88% increase since 2022. Most (77%) immigrants become established legally, but the nature of immigration and tumultuous route from countries in distress can complicate the journey and increase the risk for anxiety and trauma. Fear of seeking out help and exclusion from services are defining aspects of most immigrant experiences are visa stressors and family tension around mixed status among members.

Government run detention centers face issues related to overcrowding and systemic disorganization that can negatively impact and separate families (even more the case for privately run detention centers). There is a lack of funding in the current administration to research the mental health impact on detainees.

Deportation sometimes has a strangely initial positive impact to be temporarily free of detention system, followed by confusion and anxiety around next steps, the financial impact of deportation, and psychological strain when it separates families without a path for reunification. 

As mental health providers, we can best help through regularly training ourselves in cultural competency, working with communities, and supporting legislative changes that incorporate mental health into immigration policy.

Legal Considerations for Us as Mental Health Providers

Mental health providers and practice owners should make a plan and practice it for ICE involvement. They should limit compliance without a warrant (only a judicial warrant is legitimate, administrative warrants and subpoenas do not necessitate compliance.) As always, we should maintain client privacy and create private areas. We should strive to document everything about the interaction that we can. (The SALUTE acronym for ICE reporting is a starting point, but mental healthcare providers should strive to document in addition details relevant to patient care and confidentiality.) Consider that any materials “in clear view” are considered fair game, so client records should never be kept “in clear view.” This also applies to any information ICE can hear without assistance. 

We should reassure clients and stay calm and professional. It may be helpful to establish a single point of contact for your practice so that all law enforcement communication can be directed to an individual who is prepared to respond to these matters rather than task all employees with point of contact responsibilities.

Mental health providers must do their best in these moments to reinforce their expertise on issues related to immigration, establish and enact best practices in interfacing with law enforcement, and maintain best practices in providing a safe place for healing and client confidentiality.

Sources

American Psychological Association (APA). (2025, March). What Psychological Science Says About Immigration and Immigrant Health. https://d3dkdvqff0zqx.cloudfront.net/groups/apaadvocacy/attachments/Advocacy-Factsheet-Immigration_V4.pdf

Meilink, Kelli J. & Baldwin, Tiffany L. (2025, Jan 24). Thought Leadership, Husch Blackwell. ICE at Healthcare Facilities: What Should You Do. https://www.huschblackwell.com/newsandinsights/ice-at-healthcare-facilities-what-should-you-do

Valero, Myriam Vidal. (2025, Sept 1). U.S. immigration policy: Mental health impacts of increased detentions and deportations. Monitor on Psychology, 56(6). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/09/mental-health-immigration-enforcement