SAMHIN answers questions about mental illness and treatment by developing mental health support programs for people of all age groups and walks of life. We also create and distribute educational materials. The SAMHIN team of mental health professionals participates in a variety of community outreach programs to engage and educate people about mental health and available services for South Asians. We participate in health fairs, appear on TV shows, organize workshops, and can be heard on radio shows. See where you can find us at upcoming events.
We conduct these activities to educate, improve mental health literacy, and address the mental health needs of the South Asian community. Stigma and shame are major impediments to seeking psychiatric care. Education improves understanding of mental illness and decreases stigma and access to care. We also provide guidance to non-South Asian mental health providers regarding cultural issues related to the treatment of South Asians.
SAMHIN’s origins are in New Jersey and we are working to expand throughout the United States.
SAMHIN Support Groups
Divorced Women Support Group
First and third Tuesday each month, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET, virtual
Suicide Survivor Support Group
Second and fourth Monday each month, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET, virtual
Mental Wellness Group for Youth
First and third Wednesday each month, 5:00 PM – 6:00 ET, virtual
Sahara Grief Support Group
First and third Monday each month, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET, virtual
SAMHIN Community Liaisons
Community Events
The SAMHIN team of mental health professionals participates in a variety of community outreach programs to engage and educate people about mental health and available services for South Asians in the U.S. See where we will be next.
Helpline – Do you have a mental health question?
SAMHIN responds to phone and email questions about mental health, addiction, resources, and how to help a family member who is struggling with mental illness or addiction. Inquiries come from individuals, institutions, mental health providers, spiritual organizations, etc. Some questions are about the cultural context of an individual being cared for by a non-South Asian provider who is not familiar with the South Asian culture. See helpline details
If you have a mental health question, please contact us at 732-902-2561 or info@samhin.org and a member of our mental health team will respond in a timely manner.
Partnerships
MANAVI
A mental health provider from SAMHIN conducts a monthly support group at Manavi’s Ashiana for South Asian women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Manavi’s support groups provide emotional support for women as they work to empower themselves. These sessions are a safe place for survivors to share their personal experiences with violence. Mental health professionals also conduct workshops on diverse topics like sexual and reproductive health and positive coping mechanisms for depression and anxiety.
Future SAMHIN Programs
- Support spreading awareness of substance use recovery in the South Asian community by connecting individuals and families to AA/NA/Al Anon & supporting the groups’ initiatives. These meetings are run independently and are a separate entity. SAMHIN supports their initiatives.
- Develop new partnerships and collaborations to bring educational workshops to more communities to improve mental health literacy and help overcome roadblocks to accessing care.
- Developing a program to provide access to affordable psychiatric care (low cost or even free) to South Asians who do not have health insurance or are financially disadvantaged.