“Barriers to mental health services: A Narrative Review of Obstacles to Care Access Amongst Syrian Asylum Seekers and Refugees Residing in Türkiye”

Abstract

The ongoing Syrian civil war has precipitated a massive forced displacement, with Türkiye hosting approximately 3.76 million Syrian asylum seekers (UNHCR, 2023). Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions among this population, significant gaps remain in understanding the obstacles they face in accessing essential mental health services. This dissertation presents a narrative review synthesizing existing research on the barriers to mental health care access for Syrian asylum seekers in Türkiye. Utilizing the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) pyramid framework, this study examines the multi-layered factors influencing mental health service accessibility and utilization. The review explores socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers, as well as systemic challenges within the Turkish healthcare system that impact service provision for this vulnerable population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2024. The narrative synthesis highlights key themes in access barriers, including cultural beliefs and stigma, language barriers, lack of awareness about available services, financial constraints, and policy-related challenges. The findings of this review contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health care access for Syrian population in Türkiye. By elucidating these barriers, this study aims to inform policy makers, healthcare providers, and humanitarian organizations in developing more effective, culturally sensitive, and accessible mental health interventions for this population. This research underscores the need for innovative approaches to mental health service delivery, such as community-based interventions and cross-sector partnerships, to enhance the reach and impact of psychological support for Syrian asylum seekers in Türkiye. The insights gained from this review can guide future initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes and overall well-being for this displaced population.