The outpatient centre for refugees at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is a project funded by the CHILDREN FOR TOMORROW foundation, which specialises in providing socio-psychiatric care for young refugees. Founded in 1998 by Stefanie Graf and Prof. Peter Riedesser, the outpatient centre treats around 600 patients each year from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and Ukraine. The target group includes children and young people up to the age of 21.
The outpatient centre for refugees at the UKE is a place where refugee children and their families living in Hamburg and the surrounding area can go to access to a range of therapeutic services, such as one-to-one and group therapy, as well as psychosocial counselling. Treatment is given regardless of the patient’s residence status and delivered with the help of interpreters. The multicultural and interdisciplinary team consists of doctors, therapists, art therapists and social education specialists.
The outpatient centre for refugees makes it easier for many children and their families to access the necessary psychiatric care, ultimately helping them to integrate into society.
Scientifically proven and established test procedures are used to make a diagnosis. After a wide range of screening tests, work is done to establish an individual, disorder-specific diagnosis. This is based on the patient’s own reports, external reports (parents, caregivers, teachers, etc.) and the clinical impression of those carrying out the examinations.
Psychotherapists from various disciplines (depth psychology, behavioural therapy, systemic therapy, etc.) cover the entire psychotherapeutic spectrum in one-to-one and group settings. Trauma therapy methods form an important part of the treatment. If required, all aspects of the treatment are translated by trained and supervised interpreters who are native speakers.
All children and young people who come to us also receive psychiatric care. Besides arranging ice-breaking and follow-up appointments and coordinating the general practitioner’s somatic assessment, this can also include providing medical advice and drug treatment or crisis interventions. The psychosocial services range from interdisciplinary cooperation (with lawyers, the youth welfare office, schools, social institutions, etc.) to help with career options and leisure activities, plus housing and asylum advice.
Non-verbal forms of therapy such as art therapy are established treatment methods and use creative and imaginative ways to promote the healing process. In art therapy, internal and external images that often cannot be accessed through verbal expression are given visual form.
Family therapy is always a key aspect of any treatment. Only when parents are strong can they give their children adequate support. The family is thus viewed and used as a resource. If the parents are not available, the team works with other key figures such as carers.
Regular networking takes place with various players (such as the youth welfare office, day-care centres, schools, doctors, psychotherapists, etc.) along with training sessions in the areas of supervision, care and education.
Since 2017, the outpatient centre for refugees has been using anonymised patient data to research the different forms of treatment and determine their effectiveness in dealing with trauma. We also cooperate with other research institutes and publish scientific papers and book articles.
Outpatient centre for refugee children and adolescents
Outpatient Department at the UKE GmbH
University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
Martinistraße 52
East Building 44
20246 Hamburg
| T | +49 (0)40 – 47 19 308 0 |
| F | +49 (0)40 – 47 19 308 25 |
| M | ed.eku@znalubmasgnilthceulf |
Further information is available on the UKE website
The wide range of disciplines brought together under one roof is a unique aspect of the outpatient centre for refugees. It covers the entire spectrum of socio-psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care. This is a basic prerequisite for mental development. We assume that there can be no peace in the absence of good mental health.
In my opinion, the outpatient centre for refugees plays a key role in integrating refugees and promoting understanding between different cultures. Emotional healing fosters integration and prevents conflicts.
When I was 12 years old, I was captured in Somalia and ordered to train to become a soldier. One year later, I was able to flee. I spent almost three years crossing Ethiopia and Sudan, mainly on foot. I almost died of thirst in the desert of Sudan and saw other people dying in front of my eyes. (…) When I arrived in Germany, I felt progressively worse. In the outpatient centre for refugees, I finally had the feeling that someone was listening to me. I started psychotherapy and was finally able to sleep again. I also learned to control the terrible memories.
When I am in the photo project with Ms Sofie and my friends, I feel very happy. This means I am having a good time and feel no pain.
One day, I would like to lead a normal life!
