MENTAL HEALTH

Immigrant South Asian families struggle with many issues once they begin their life in the US.

The cultural and societal differences create stress and anxiety among these families and individuals of every age.

Some of the specific factors that can cause these feelings are:

Culture shock
Missing family back home
Sense of isolation
Language and communication
The mental gap between the first generation and second generation
Racism
Not having a support system when abuse happens
Acculturation issues
Being unfamiliar with the system
Financial issues

At SAHARA, we understand this and believe that everyone who walks through our door or calls us is a survivor.

We provide trauma-informed care, which means non-judgmental acceptance of the client and their experiences. South Asian culture and linguistic aspects are utilized to create a sense of internal and external safety for clients seeking assistance, so they can express themselves without any fears.

At SAHARA, we work with survivors in various setups:

Individual psychotherapy
Group psychotherapy
Milieu psychotherapy at the shelter

The model of clinical care is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which involves a short-term, goal-driven treatment. At SAHARA, we take a hands-on, logical approach to problem-solving.

The goal is to assist survivors in changing their thinking and behavior that are behind their difficulties, and in the long term, make them feel better. We strictly practice client-centered care.

We work with youth, young adults, adults, and elders that are going through any kind of mental health issues.

At SAHARA, we offer one-on-one and group therapy sessions. Some of our group sessions include:

CBT groups
Psycho-educational group
Parenting group
Art therapy group
Yoga group
Meditation group
Self-defense group

We also have internship programs for bachelor and masters level students and can provide supervision and supervision hours.

At SAHARA we have weekly support group sessions and monthly “Chai Time” meetings. Chai Time is a circle of sharing, where we support each other, have fun and talk about how to manage stress.

IF YOU ARE FACING A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, CALL 911

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support or would like to attend our regular meetings, please call us at 562-402-4132 or email our mental health coordinator.

CONTACT US

If you would like to know more about SAHARA or help us continue to provide these services, please give us a call at 562-402-4132 or contact us.