Mental Health for multicultural families

The scarcity of therapy is a significant issue in our community. Professionals are overwhelmed by so many patients needing mental health care. We are hoping spaces will open, and Issaquah School District families will soon find all the help they need.

For many, this is the first time considering help. If your student asks to speak to someone or if you think this would help your child, send a message to your child’s teacher. If your student is in middle school or high school, ask the school office about the right counselor to contact.

Now, for all families, it is important to find someone who would be able to recognize some of their lived experiences, which could be challenging for members of 6 our diverse community. We have listed some organizations that support and promote mental health for some of our communities.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service:

Their Youth Mental Health Counseling program offers bilingual and bicultural AAPI counselors. They help youth grapple with the many challenges they may face as the children of immigrants and refugees or as immigrants and refugees themselves. For children and youth services, reach out via cyfintake@ acrs.org. To request an intake form, send an email to cyintake@acrs.org. Visit acrs. org, @acrsnews on Instagram and Twitter, @ACRSonline on Facebook for more info. ACRS offers services in more than 40 languages and dialects. Language assistance services are offered free of charge. (https://acrs.org/services/ child-youth-development/).

API Chaya:

Supports Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander survivors and families impacted by domestic violence, forced marriage, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors from all communities. To get more information, visit https:// www.apichaya.org or call (206) 325-0325 or 1-877-922- 4292 (M-F 9am - 5pm)

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service:

The organization offers youth an initial assessment appointment at one of Consejo’s offices in Renton or Bellevue.

To get more information, visit consejocounseling.org, @consejocounseling on Instagram, or call 206-461- 4880. Remote and in-person services are available. Services are provided in Spanish and English.

CALMA Clinic:

Seattle Children’s Child and Adolescent Latino Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (CALMA) Clinic is a mental health evaluation and treatment clinic for children and families who primarily speak Spanish. Their providers are bilingual and can provide care in both Spanish and English. Their services are for children ages 2 to 18 who have mental health concerns and their parents or other caregivers.

They see children who struggle with disruptive behavior, difficulties following household rules, anxiety or low mood, difficulties in school, and concerns about development (coordination and movement, schoolwork, making friends).

They perform a thorough evaluation to understand the child’s challenges and then work closely with families to provide short-term group treatments. They may recommend a psychiatric medication consultation and short-term medication management with our bilingual psychiatrist. They do not offer long-term individual therapy or medication management. If these services are needed, they will provide a referral to services in the community.

Seattle Children’s accepts most private insurance, Apple Health (Medicaid), and the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) plans like Molina, Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, CHPW, and United HealthCare Community Plan. For more information: https://www. seattlechildrens.org/clinics/ psychiatry-and-behavioralmedicine/services/latinomental-health-clinic/

Sea Mar Behavioral Health Clinics:

This clinic offers therapy for children and adults. Sea Mar accepts most insurance, including Medicaid, and provides services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. When insurance is not available, Sea Mar offers a sliding fee discount, determined by household size and income. Services are provided in Spanish and English. For more information, visit: https://www.seamar.org/services-bh.html

Esperanza videos:

The nonprofit organization, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Hispanic/ Latinx communities through dialogue, storytelling, and a guided discussion on the following topics: Youth and Mental Wellness: “Sanando Juntos”/“Healing Together”, Community Leaders and Mental Wellness: “Las Raíces de Nuestra Sanación”/“The Roots of Our Healing”, Latinx Families and Mental Wellness: “La Mesa”/“The Table”. For more information, visit: https://www.nami. org/Your-Journey/Identityand-Cultural-Dimensions/ Hispanic-Latinx

Black Girls Smile:

This is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the mental health of young Black women and girls. Through mental health literacy workshops and therapy scholarships, the organization aims to empower the mental well-being of Black women. They offer the Charlyne McFarland Therapy Assistance Program that aims to alleviate the financial burden of seeking therapy for young African American women and girls. They connect Black women and girls with culturally, racially, and gender competent and sensitive providers to meet therapeutic needs.

The CMT Assistance provides financial support for approximately 2-6 therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional. Recipients have the option to work with a current licensed mental health provider, a vetted provider list, or through a provider partner’s network such as Open Path Collective,BetterHelp, and TalkSpace. For more information, visit blackgirlssmile.org, contact@ blackgirlssmile.org, call 347- 669-4229, @blackgirlssmile on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

WA Therapy Fund:

This nonprofit organization offers help for the Black community in Washington State. Families must be facing a financial need and having trouble paying for the cost of therapy. Funds are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Families will be awarded 6 voucher numbers to cover the cost of 6 therapy sessions. Vouchers will only be provided per participant one time a year. For more information, look for them on Instagram and Facebook or therapyfundfoundation.org

The Muslim Behavioral Health Network:

This group is made up of distinguished professionals whose goal is to educate and provide resources to the Muslim community about mental health and substance use issues. To connect, look for them on Facebook, Instagram, or muslimbhnetwork@ gmail.com. Remote referral services, virtual, and inperson workshops are available. Some providers speak multiple languages and dialects.