Bridges Mental Health, a Mental Health Resource for Asian Americans
Stigma around mental health is particularly pronounced in the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American (APISA) communities due to deeply-held values around achievement and perseverance, family obligations, disregard for emotional health, and shame in admitting weakness. In fact, research has shown that Asian Americans are three times less likely than their white counterparts to seek therapy. To compound the issue, when Asian Americans do seek therapy, they often report feeling invalidated by therapists that are unable to relate to their experiences or may assume a certain narrative.
As an Asian American in the therapy world, I am acutely aware of the lack of representation and am committed to normalizing mental health and therapy, as well as increasing access to culturally responsive therapists. As part of this, Christie Kim, Samantha Waldman, and I created Bridges Mental Health, a mental health resource which features a clinician directory for the APISAA community in New York City. Our directory features culturally competent and predominantly Asian American therapists and psychiatric providers who have experience working with a range of therapeutic issues and individuals with intersecting identities including culture, faith, class, gender, and sexual preference.
Listen to our Podcast: Beyond the Couch
In addition to expanding access through the directory, Bridges gives voice to the unique stories and needs of the Asian American community as it intersects with mental health. Tune into our podcast, Beyond the Couch, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeart and follow us on Instagram to learn more.
Join the Bridges Clinician Community
If you're a clinician working with Asian, Pacific Islander, or South Asian Americans and craving connection, come join the Bridges Clinician Community. We're a vibrant, expanding network of mental health professionals dedicated to serving the APISA community.
Access to the Bridges Clinician Community includes:
Exchange of referrals, resources, events and offerings with like-minded, niched mental health professionals
Connection with peers for career support, consultation, and recommendations
Invitations to in-person and virtual meet-ups and peer groups throughout the year
Exchange of classified postings (e.g., office space, rentals, jobs listings); priority access to professional opportunities (e.g., podcast, panels, speaking opportunities, etc.)
…and much more!