ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Center for Victims of Torture^TM (CVT) has opened its doors in Atlanta and is extending rehabilitative care to refugee survivors of torture through a partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). CVT’s interdisciplinary model of care is now available in both Minnesota and Georgia in the United States, in addition to healing initiatives in Africa and the Middle East.

This partnership, known as Thrive, makes it possible for CVT to offer care to survivors of torture among the refugee populations currently working with the IRC in its Atlanta location. Care is delivered utilizing a holistic model incorporating psychotherapy, mental health case management and interpretation to address the unique needs of each client in a safe therapeutic space.

“It is exciting to finally begin seeing clients here in Atlanta after several months of preparation. More importantly, it is remarkable that torture treatment services are now available to survivors of torture in the Atlanta area, where these services have been incredibly limited,” said Dr. Adaobi Iheduru, psychotherapist/team lead in the Thrive office. “Providing holistic care to survivors of torture will ensure healing of the mind and body so that these individuals have an increased ability to function effectively in their new society.”

Combining the services offered by the IRC—an international humanitarian and refugee resettlement services provider—with CVT’s interdisciplinary care allows newly-resettled refugees the opportunity to receive a full spectrum of assistance. CVT’s clients in Atlanta are referred by the IRC.

“We are excited to bring this new and culturally appropriate service to the refugee and immigrant population in Atlanta, and this partnership will provide critical services that will make lives better for survivors of torture,” said J.D. McCrary, executive director, IRC in Atlanta.

The project opened with a small staff and will ramp up over time, beginning with one client services coordinator, one therapist and one mental health case manager, in addition to two half-time IRC staff. The CVT office is located adjacent to the IRC’s office in the Northlake neighborhood in Atlanta.

“CVT’s expansion into Georgia and our partnership with the IRC make it possible for us to reach individuals who need rehabilitative care in a part of the country which has been underserved,” said Curt Goering, CVT’s executive director. “This extension of our services clearly aligns with our mission to heal the wounds of torture on individuals, their families and their communities. By partnering with an organization as well-respected and firmly established as the IRC, much-needed but previously unavailable services will now be offered to survivors arriving in Atlanta.”                    

This project is made possible through funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and services are provided at no cost to the clients.