Abstract

Definition of the problem Refugees show a high prevalence of mental health burden. Catering to the need for mental health services is made difficult by access barriers. These barriers consist of structural factors as well as culturally different attitudes towards mental health, mental illness, and therapeutic interventions. One option to overcome these access barriers and to provide mental healthcare services in an appropriate manner is seen in digital interventions. In the form of interactive websites or smartphone apps, these interventions have proven to be effective in mental healthcare. There are also promising examples of successful use of these technologies with refugees. However, the ethical aspects of digital interventions for refugees have scarcely been studied yet. Arguments Aim of this paper is to tackle this research desiderate. The instrument of the ethical analysis to be conducted is the concept of agency. According to the concept of agency, persons have to be seen as actors capable of acting based on their own resources and competencies. Agency is the guiding principle here for analyzing the opportunities and risks of digital interventions for refugees. In addition, I will attempt to point out prospects for an agency-based application of digital interventions. Conclusion The ethical analysis could be used as the blueprint for developing therapeutic concepts that contribute to the improvement of mental healthcare services for refugees from an ethical perspective.