Gender-based violence is a public health issue that affects all communities. Gender, patriarchy, and culture interact in complex ways that influence our physical and mental health. As a result of their experiences as immigrants and people of color, South Asian survivors often suffer from unaddressed complex trauma. Additionally, in many communities, addressing mental health, like addressing gender-based violence, can attract stigma, rejection and further isolation.
Sakhi has long been a part of the movement to open a dialogue around mental health, especially as it relates to gender-based violence. As trauma-informed service providers, we understand the importance of having mental health services be available to the community. Mental health services are neither affordable nor accessible for most U.S. residents. Furthermore, those services that are available are rarely culturally- or linguistically-specific. Therefore Sakhi’s Mental Health Program offers:
- Individual Counseling
- In Sakhi’s counseling program, evidence-based practices (EBP) are uniquely honed to include South Asian perspectives. Counseling services include mental health assessments, individual one-on-one counseling sessions, and referrals and follow up with outside providers if possible.
- Peer Support Groups
- Throughout the pandemic, our counselors adapted sessions to be remote through tele-therapy and responsive to immediate needs
- Sakhi counselors and program advocates facilitate “Chai and Chat” support group sessions open both to clients moving out of one-on-one counseling and clients who prefer a group setting. Some examples of the topics raised by participants/clients in session can include: loss of identity, sexuality and consensual interactions, emotional regulation, internalized shame, psycho-education and redefining boundaries
Sakhi started providing in-house mental health supportive counseling in 2017, and hired a full-time mental health counselor in 2019.
With a dedicated and growing team of trauma-informed mental health service providers, we currently provide mental health services in English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, and Gujarati.
In 2021, our team of mental health counselors worked with over 75 survivors.
If you or someone you know identifies as a survivor and wants to access Sakhi’s mental health services, please contact us through our helpline.
For specific information regarding mental health services at Sakhi, please contact .
If you are looking for support, please reach out to us.
Outside of office hours, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.