Evaluation and treatment of mental health symptoms among unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents in the United States: A systematic review.

Background: Unaccompanied migrant youths are at elevated risk for exposure to trauma and related mental health challenges, but there is minimal evidence guiding best practices. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies that examined mental health evaluation and treatment services for unaccompanied migrant youths resettled in the United States (US). Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement, a literature search was conducted for empirical studies in nine databases and publicly available search engines. Citation tracking also assisted in identifying additional studies, including from the gray literature. The study protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023396805). Inclusion criteria required that studies be published between January 1, 2000 and November 11, 2024 and report quantitative results that evaluate mental health status or mental health treatment outcomes for youths (younger than 18 years) who were unaccompanied when they arrived in the US. Descriptive, narrative synthesis was used for analysis of results. Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to appraise study quality. Results: Of 543 studies screened, 13 ( Conclusions: Rigorous studies with comprehensive collection of sociodemographic characteristics are needed to inform the development of evidence-based services that accurately detect and effectively treat mental health challenges among unaccompanied migrant youths.