Mental Health Resource Guide

What to do and where to look

Mental Health in BAMEMSA Communities

• Muslim Americans report high levels of psychological distress, but only one-third seek professional help, often due to stigma or lack of culturally competent care.

  • Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

• Only 31% of Black adults, 32% of Hispanic/Latino adults, and 25% of Asian adults with mental illness received care in 2021, compared to 50% of white adults.

  • NAMI – Mental Health by the Numbers

• Racial trauma and discrimination are significant contributors to anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in BIPOC communities.

  • American Psychological Association

Breaking the Stigma: You Deserve Care

• Mental health care isn’t weakness — it’s resistance, especially in communities impacted by racism and hate.

• You’re allowed to need help, even if your family or community doesn’t talk about mental health.

• Healing looks different for everyone: therapy, faith, community, creativity, rest.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Seeking support is a courageous act.

Acknowledge What You’re Feeling

Repeated bullying or discrimination can lead to

• anxiety

• panic attacks

• depression

• isolation

Reminder: You don’t have to hit a breaking point to get help.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Start with someone familiar and safe:

• a parent or guardian

• a counselor or school therapist

• a trust teacher or advisor

• a faith leader or mentor

You can say: “I’ve been feeling off lately and I think it’s connected to something I experienced.”

National & Crisis Resources

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Specialized Mental Health Organizations

• Muslim Wellness Foundation – muslimwellness.com

• Khalil Center – khalilcenter.com

• Therapy for Black Girls – therapyforblackgirls.com

• Asian Mental Health Collective – asianmhc.org

• Latinx Therapy – latinxtherapy.com

• Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Inc. (OCAPICA) – ocapica.org

Find more Mental Health Resources: cphb.org/mental-health-resources

Not Ready to Talk? Start Here:

• Journaling: Write what happened and how it made you feel

• Use Healing tools: art, music, movement

• Read about others’ experiences: You’re not alone.

Healing is a process, mental health care is not a one-time fix.

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