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 offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.”
“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”
“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
“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.
“Advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy.”
“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 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.
“creating spaces for Asian women to care for themselves, their community and their world.”
Social Justice
“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.”
“Our goal is to challenge and help end the intersections of violence against and within our communities.”
“protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans.”
Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs
Current events have many of us grappling with complicated emotions. Studies show these impacts may be felt on even deeper levels by Black survivors, who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. Identity, culture, and trauma intertwine in complex ways that not all providers are equipped to address. Mental health services that truly support Black survivors bringing the entirety of their experiences and identity to the table are essential. If you’re a Black survivor struggling right now, we hope these resources help bring you hope and support. You deserve to be fully understood and accepted in your grieving and healing, however that manifests for you.
“Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.”
“Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.”
“In partnership with licensed mental health professionals and coaches in private practice throughout the fifty states, TherapyForBlackMen.org provides proactive, multiculturally competent care to men of color.”
“To provide access to mental health treatment, psycho-education, and community resources to men of color.”
“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”
“Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy.”
“BLHF provides access to localized and black-culturally competent therapy resources sourced through a network of clinicians, service providers, counselors, and thought leaders.” BLHF also has a directory of mental health providers and programs serving the African-American community.
“The daily meditation app for us, by us. A safe space for the Black community to develop a daily meditation habit.”
“Our mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. We do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.”
Black Mental Health Alliance
“To develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities.”
Black Mental Wellness
“to provide access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community.”
edited to include additional resources, 2/1/2022
