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