By Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs

It has been over a year since the pandemic began and although we’re starting to see the horizon, many are still facing the same persistent challenges. For Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities these challenges are especially troubling. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, rates of hate crimes against AAPI communities have exploded (sources: here, here). As individuals in these communities are all too aware, there is a legacy of AAPI violence and discrimination in our country. So even with the end of the pandemic coming into focus, these issues won’t go away with it. For AAPI survivors of sexual violence, grapling with the devastating recent events as well as the historical trauma of their communities, on top of their SV trauma can be extremely complex, exhausting, and overwhelming.

To be fully heard and understood, in all the ways trauma affects your experiences, is essential. To AAPI survivors going through it right now, you deserve that level of support and so much more. Hopefully these culturally relevant resources can provide some much needed support and healing through these incredibly challenging times.

Finding A Therapist

Inclusive Therapists

“Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.”

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”

Asian Mental Health Collective

“AMHC aspires to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.” Their website also includes an Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American therapist directory.

Mental Health Support

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

“APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 20 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions.” They also offer a community care package.

Asian American Psychological Association

“Advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy.”

Asians Do therapy

“My hope is that in highlighting Asian people’s experience in therapy and as therapists and sharing culturally relevant information, more Asians and Asian Americans will seek therapy as a resource, available and meant for us.⁣⁣⁣”

Womankind

Womankind works with survivors of gender-based violence to rise above trauma and build a path to healing. We bring critical resources and deep cultural competency to help Asian communities find refuge, recovery, and renewal.

The Cosmos

“creating spaces for Asian women to care for themselves, their community and their world.”

Social Justice

Stop AAPI Hate

“The center tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.”