Intensified fighting and insecurity in Damascus has limited the ability of the Iraqi refugees, displaced Syrians, partners and staff to physically access many of the fixed facilities offering mental health and psychosocial services. Before the conflict in 2011, UNHCR Syria had a presence in the area, operating a comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support program for Iraqi refugees, building on the resources and capacities of the refugee population. In 2012, this program was opened to support Syrians affected by conflict through a mixture of (mobile) individualized case management, family and community level supports provided by outreach volunteers, and targeted assistance to displaced persons living in collective shelters.
