The Refugee Mental Health Program (RMHP) originated in the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) in 1980. The basic mission of the RMHP was to provide mental health assessment, treatment, and consultation to Cuban and Haitian migrants, and their providers. In 1992, in conjunction with the reorganization of ADAMHA, the activities of the RMHP were transferred to the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 1995, the original Cuban/Haitian activities of the RMHP were transferred to the Department of Justice. Concurrently, the consultative activities of the RMHP were retained in SAMHSA, CMHS.
Since 1995, through an Intra-Agency Agreement with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the RMHP provides refugee mental health consultation and technical assistance to Federal, State, or local agencies. Priority is given to ORR-funded programs. There is no cost for these services. Specific RMHP services and activities include:
- on-site and distance consultation
- community assessments, program development and dissemination of technical assistance documents
- development and provision of workshops and training programs for resettlement staff, mental health personnel, or other providers.
- special missions as assigned by the Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement
Contact Information
Program Director
Captain John J. Tuskan, Jr., USPHS
E-mail: john.tuskan@samhsa.hhs.gov
Office Tel: 240-276-1845
Fax: 240-276-1890
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Center for Mental Health Services
Refugee Mental Health Program
1 Choke Cherry Road
Room 6-1099
Rockville, MD 20857
