The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait

Listen Later
What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait

Curt and Katie chat with Andy R. Strait, Esq., about immigration policies, mental health, and the role of therapists in supporting immigrant clients. They explore legal challenges, asylum cases, and the impact of fear-driven policies on mental health. Strait emphasizes the importance of legal representation, knowing one’s immigration status, and providing accurate resources. Therapists can help by offering pro bono evaluations, connecting clients with legal aid, and creating safe spaces for immigrant communities.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about what therapists need to know about immigration

Immigration policies directly impact the mental health of both therapists and their clients. We asked Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, about the challenges immigrants face in the U.S. legal system, the role of therapists in supporting their clients, and practical steps therapists can take to provide assistance.

What do therapists need to know about immigration policies?
  • The lack of legal representation for immigrants and how this affects asylum outcomes.
  • How the culture of fear surrounding immigration policies affects mental health.
  • The importance of therapists providing accurate legal resources to clients.
  • The racial profiling and shifting demographic focus of ICE operations.
  • How therapists can help clients plan for potential deportation and protect their families.
    • How Therapists Can Support Clients Facing Immigration Challenges
    • Refer clients to legal experts by connecting with organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Survivors of Torture Network.
    • Consider offering pro bono psychological evaluations for asylum cases, as expert testimony is often crucial.
    • Help clients understand their rights and the importance of legal documentation.
    • Provide safe spaces for immigrants to process their fears and mental health struggles.
    • Be mindful of misinformation and educate clients using accurate, vetted sources.
      • Understanding the Realities of the Immigration System
      • The asylum process is complex and overburdened, leaving many without proper representation.
      • There is no right to an attorney for immigrants, making legal aid essential.
      • Immigrants and their families need proactive strategies to prepare for potential enforcement actions.
      • Therapists can play a critical role in reducing the stigma around seeking legal and mental health support.


        • Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

        Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined


        Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

        Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

        Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyBy Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
        • 4.3
        • 4.3
        • 4.3
        • 4.3
        • 4.3

        4.3

        237 ratings

        More shows like The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

        View all
        The One You Feed by Eric Zimmer

        The One You Feed

        2,553 Listeners

        The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

        The Trauma Therapist

        539 Listeners

        Psychology In Seattle Podcast by Kirk Honda

        Psychology In Seattle Podcast

        1,134 Listeners

        Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

        Therapy Chat

        676 Listeners

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

        2,508 Listeners

        Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

        Therapist Uncensored Podcast

        1,386 Listeners

        The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

        The Couples Therapist Couch

        278 Listeners

        Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast by David Puder, M.D.

        Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

        1,350 Listeners

        Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

        Light Up The Couch

        327 Listeners

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

        280 Listeners

        Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories by Craig Heacock MD

        Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories

        470 Listeners

        IFS Talks by Aníbal Henriques, Tisha Shull & Alexia Rothman

        IFS Talks

        193 Listeners

        Therapy in a Nutshell by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

        Therapy in a Nutshell

        571 Listeners

        Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch by iHeartPodcasts

        Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch

        2,353 Listeners

        Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

        Trauma Rewired

        347 Listeners