Abstract
This study addresses the mental health needs of refugees and migrants in the Netherlands, highlighting the urgent public health challenges they face. Unique psychosocial hurdles, exacerbated by cultural dislocation, language barriers and systemic inequalities, hinder their access to quality mental healthcare. This study explores how coloniality intersects with mental healthcare access, using a decolonial framework to challenge stereotypes and assumptions that marginalize migrant voices. Through semi-structured interviews with migrants and language service providers, this research reveals the complexities of navigating the mental healthcare system. Findings reveal that temporality, professionalism and language barriers are key issues in migrants’ mental healthcare journeys. We advocate for systemic changes that prioritize migrant perspectives. Ultimately, this study aims to inform policy and practice to enhance mental health services for migrant populations in the Netherlands and contribute to the broader dialogue on decolonization in mental health. Impact statement The mental health needs of migrants in the Netherlands are often overlooked, highlighting a critical gap in both the understanding and provision of mental healthcare services. This article presents a decolonial perspective on the experiences of migrants navigating the mental healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence and structural equity. By analyzing the barriers faced by migrants, such as low language proficiency and cultural misunderstandings, this study offers valuable insights into the systemic inequities that persist within mental health frameworks. The findings underscore the necessity for inclusive and empathetic mental health services that are tailored to the unique needs of migrant populations. Recommendations include enhancing training for healthcare providers in cultural humility, advocating for policy changes, prioritizing funding for migrant mental health initiatives and fostering community engagement to build trust and collaboration.The impact of this article extends beyond the Netherlands, as it provides a framework for understanding the intersection of coloniality and mental health in diverse global contexts. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, this study encourages mental health researchers and practitioners worldwide to adopt a decolonial lens, ultimately contributing to more equitable and effective mental health care for marginalized populations. The insights gained from this research can inform future studies and interventions, promoting a more inclusive approach to global mental health that recognizes and addresses the complexities of migration and mental health care. Social media summary New research reveals critical gaps in mental health support for migrants in the Netherlands. A decolonial lens shows how language, culture and historical power dynamics create systemic barriers to care. Time to center migrant voices a