Highlighting the importance of mental health awareness
While one in five people will experience mental illness over the course of their lifetimes, everyone will face challenges that can and will affect their mental health. Observed every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues and highlights efforts to support mental health.
Acknowledging the state of one’s mental health issues is important, and so is being able to seek help when you’re struggling. ACA has provided resources to support counselors around the world who play a crucial role for those struggling with their mental health.
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General Public Resources from the Counseling Corner
How Immigrants Can Find Mental Health Services in Their State
People migrate to different places for various reasons. In some cases, immigrants carry trauma connected to leaving their homes or traveling on their journey to a new country. Leaving behind loved ones and the familiarities of life and having to adjust to a new culture and way of living can cause stress and anxiety.
Settling into a new community and learning who to trust while navigating this process can also cause feelings of uncertainty especially when seeking help for mental health services. It is important to prioritize self-care when adjusting to a new home.
The availability of mental health resources for immigrants has been changing due to shifts in federal laws. However, non-profit, religious, legal aid organizations; institutions of learning; and public offices continue to provide mental health services to immigrant populations. These include:
- National Immigration Law Center
- Immigration Advocates Network
- United We Dream: Undocuhealth & Wellness
Finding the Right Mental Health Professional
The requirements for finding the right mental health professional can vary from person to person. Immigrants can consider finding a professional fluent in their preferred language. They can also seek health facilities that offer forms and other paperwork in their preferred language. Immigrants who are connected to immigration advocacy centers can learn about mental health professionals through word-of-mouth or by recommendations from staff at these centers.
It is important to understand that it is okay to choose to walk away from a mental health experience that does not fit and find a better connection.
Finding a Safe Space in Unprecedented Times
Mental health professionals have an ethical responsibility to provide confidential environments and a legal responsibility not to share counseling records unless mandated under a court order. Even then, there are different laws that govern privileged communications between counselors and clients from state to state. It’s important to develop an understanding of local laws and protections. Immigrants may consider creating a plan of action if they are at increased risk of being targeted by immigration officials.
Special thanks to Tiphanie Gonzalez, PhD, from the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development — a division of the American Counseling Association — for her contributions to this article.
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