July is Multicultural Mental Health Awareness Month in Fairfax County

From the Fairfax County Government:

Mental health directly and indirectly affects all of us. One in every five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition. Mental illness does not discriminate – it impacts people of all races, ethnicities, cultures and genders. However, statistics show that some populations and communities face barriers that make it more difficult to get help for mental health or substance use disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some groups have less access to treatment and health insurance, and experience higher levels of stigma. Language can also be a barrier. Any of these factors can lead to misdiagnosis or people dropping out of care they may need.

To help bring attention to the need for multicultural mental health resources and awareness, July is designated nationwide as " Multicultural Mental Health Awareness Month."

In our community, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) can help connect people who need mental health services with appropriate supports and services. Many CSB staff members speak more than one language, and some have expertise that is recognized across the world.

CSB Behavioral Health Clinician Yehudith Ayala Castro is recognized as a Master Trainer by the U.S. State Department on the topic of universal treatment and has trained professionals from across the globe on best practices for treating substance use disorders. In her fulltime job, Yehudith helps clients in our community understand that trauma and the resulting mental health issues can be treated and that recovery is possible. Yehudith helped create a Latina discussion group called "Today’s Woman" (Mujeres De Hoy). The group's participants have each encountered serious trauma or abuse that resulted in depression, anxiety and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.

"Prior to encounters with the CSB, our clients had no access to treatment," explains Yehudith. "They often have suffered for decades. With our support, over time, we see them open up and address issues that are, in many cultures, extremely difficult to discuss. Many graduate from our programs with the knowledge that they can take control and have the power to change their way of thinking. They come to learn that we are a safe and confidential environment and develop skills can help build self-esteem and a sense of empowerment." She adds: "It is heartwarming to receive calls or notes from the women telling me they are sober, they have gotten a job, they are in school and they are leading healthy, happy lives."

The CSB regularly provides mental health and substance use education to specific community groups upon request. Moghitha Alkibsi is a CSB Behavioral Health Clinician who specializes in providing culturally appropriate outreach to people from Middle Eastern cultures. As a multicultural therapist, Moghitha emphasizes the importance ofunderstanding, tolerance and respect. A recipient of Fairfax County’s 2014 Human Rights Award for combating discrimination through promotion of interfaith dialogues, Moghitha is committed to furthering an understanding of mental health services and resources and spends her personal time working on causes she cares about deeply. Moghitha seeks out and highlights similarities between cultures.

"She (Moghitha) has helped me grow in many ways and never gave up on me," writes one client." She is the most empathetic, understanding and non-judgmental therapist I've ever had. I am now more stable than ever because of her care and because she believes in me. I still feel bouts of sadness but I am better equipped at dealing with these times. I work closely with her and am moving toward a life of stability and recovery, thankfully, and I feel like my life has meaning again."

Learn more about mental health and multicultural issues.

Information about CSB services is available in many different languages.

You can help! Become educated about mental illness, warning signs, and treatment options. Our popular "Mental Health First Aid" course is offered in both English and Spanish, as are many of our public information materials.

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