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FAQ: Okay, I'm ready...

I don't know what to do. What can I do?

What resources are available in my state?

There are a number of regional resources available, visit these national sites and look specifically for your state:

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Many South Asian community members, particularly emerging adults, struggle with not knowing what to do or who to turn towards for support and guidance. Speaking with someone outside of the home can feel like "going against the family" and feel shameful. Visit the Let's Talk About Mental Health Page for some script ideas. But treatment can help process some of the thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Treatment comes in many different forms, it can look like:

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  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

    • Individual or Group Sessions​

    • Support Groups

  • Medication​

    • Antidepression​

    • Antianxiety

  • Lifestyle Changes​

    • Physical health (exercise, eating healthy)

    • Cessation (smoking or other substances)

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FAQ: I told them, now what...

I told my family and they told me to go "pray more" or "just get some sleep".

Will insurance cover the costs of seeing a therapist?

It took a lot of courage to talk with your family, you should give yourself a lot of credit for that! We fully recognize the importance of these suggestions, it is also important to understand that talking with a licensed professional will help us organize, validate, and work through our mental health challenges. Be sure to seek out allies who will support you in taking care of your mental health.

This is a popular question and each case is unique. If you have insurance through your parents/guardians, you can call the insurance company to find out what is covered. Check out this helpful script to start the conversation with the insurance company.

 

Some therapists might be OON (Out of Network) or do not take insurance at all. This does not mean you can't see them! It simply means you'll have to find out if your insurance company will reimburse for out of network services. 

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Also, keep in mind, most college counseling centers offer free sessions and do not involve insurance or co-payments. Be sure to connect with your college counseling center and ask what resources are available to you as a student.

FAQ: And then?

I feel more comfortable talking with a South Asian therapist but I don't know how to find one.

Some South Asian individuals seeking therapy feel more comfortable talking with someone who shares their own identities. This is very reasonable and you do not have to feel uncomfortable sharing your preferences, many others have shared this same thought. Here are some great directories to help find the therapist that fits your needs.

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My child was born in the U.S., but they should still live and embrace our culture.

This is respectfully true, and it is equally important that we recognize that straddling multiple cultures can lead to anxiety and stress. Your child could be facing microagressions, discrimination, or racism. While we embrace the uniqueness of our traditions, it is crucial that we have the proper support to talk through cultural stressors. 

Why does my child need to see a therapist?

There is an infinite number of reasons why individuals want or need to see a therapist. Sometimes, it may feel like life events are overwhelming and talking with a therapist might help validate and organize those feelings to feel less overwhelmed. In some South Asian communities, stigma and silence of mental illness and substance abuse are major barriers for SA individuals to seek and complete treatment (Reda, 2023) and speaking about treatment openly might help begin the healing journey.

Why did my child change so much after going away to school?

Individuals might find a group of peers that they're comfortable with and feel safe. Parents might feel like this is not like them or this happened all of a sudden - when in fact, this is something the individual has been thinking about in their head for months (if not years). 

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Some Extra Reading

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