Psychiatrists’ Involvement in a Public Health Response to Human Trafficking

Robitz et al discuss the involvement of psychiatrists in San Diego CA in a public health response to human trafficking. Human trafficking is increasingly being viewed through a public health lens, which allows us to address it as an issue that affects health. With this approach, psychiatrists can focus on preventive measures and on the health care needs of individuals who have experienced trafficking. Psychiatrists in San Diego have partnered with the local community to address trafficking through clinical services and development of policies for identification and appropriate care of trafficking survivors. Clinical work began when a University of California, San Diego, family medicine--psychiatry resident with an interest in working with this population developed relationships with community organizations. Many organizations used therapists to provide behavioral health support, but they were unable to access trauma-informed psychiatric services in a timely fashion.