AAPI Mental Health and Self-Care Resources

There are a variety of mental health and self-care resources available for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Some examples are included in this guide as a helpful starting point.

NAMI Identity and Cultural Dimensions—AAPI

Understand how culture and identity impact AAPI’s perceptions and experience of mental health conditions and how this can influence one’s mental health journey

NAMI Blog

The blog features the latest research, stories, of recovery, ways to end stigma, and strategies for living well from the voices and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Asian Mental Health Collective

The AMHC aims to normalize and de-stigmatize mental health within the Asian community and make mental health easily available and approachable to Asian communities worldwide. The website features resources including:

• Therapist Directory for locating an Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American (APISAA) therapist by state
• Mental Health FAQ to help yourself or loved ones who may be struggling with mental illness
• Advancing Asian Mental Health interview series featuring individuals and organizations paving the way for acceptance and normalization of Asian mental health issues
• #myasianmentalhealth is a community project aimed at sharing the journeys and experiences of members of the Asian Diaspora; read these inspiring stories and share your own

Asian American Psychological Association

The AAPA aims to advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy. The website provides access to a host of resources, including:

• COVID-19 Resources related to mental health and self-care, responding to racism and xenophobia, parenting and caregiving, engaging with faith and spirit, and anti-stigma statements
• Bullying Prevention Resource Guide for Parents in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese
• AAPA Undergraduate Consortium offering information on university courses, as well as research and volunteer opportunities, for undergraduate students interested in studying topics on Asian Americans and psychology

South Asian Therapists Directory

Founded in 2020, it has become the largest South Asian mental health community in the world, helping mental health providers serve the mental health needs of the South Asian diaspora.

Subtle Asian Mental Health

This private Facebook group is intended to be a safe, nonjudgmental space for Asians and those of Asian descent to share thoughts and feelings about anything, especially mental health.

Asian Pride Project

Asian Pride Project advances the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) families and communities.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

The ADAA website features facts and statistics, guidelines on choosing a provider, and trending articles related to Asian American/Pacific Islander mental health.

Social Action and Educational Resources for AAPI and Allies

• Article on the impact of racist incidents and COVID-19 on Asian American businesses
• Video featuring a panel discussion on the rise of anti-Asian violence in the U.S. and its repercussions
• Resources and activities to expand understanding of how the Coronavirus pandemic has led to increased racism against people of Chinese or Asian descent, and what you can do about it
• Safety tips for those experiencing or witnessing hate, available in English, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, Thai, Mong, Punjabi, Hindi, Vietnamese, Bengali, and Nepali
• Stop AAPI Hate—A reporting center that tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

You Are Not Alone

Remember that support is always available through the Employee Assistance Program. CCA@YourService can help you and your family members by providing free, confidential access to emotional and mental-wellbeing resources, including:

• 24/7 phone access to professional counseling; simply call toll-free 800.833.8707, or visit the website (company code: CUNY)
• Referrals to short-term professional counseling for any issue that’s on your mind
• Resources and referrals to support medication management, and self-care for mind, body, and spirit
• Online articles, tips, and self-assessments to help identify signs, symptoms, and treatment options for various conditions