1st and 2nd Generation Immigrant Mental Health

If you were born in another country and moved here, or if your parents did, then you can absolutely understand the feeling of not being fully rooted. Cultural norms and beliefs may differ, and it can be very difficult to adjust and acclimate without feeling torn. Trauma can manifest in different ways across different cultures. Often times there is a strong stigma and skepticism around mental health. A culture clash can occur when living and being raised in an environment that is different that what you had, or what your parents did. Immigrant guilt is also very real: the comparing out and the idea that children of immigrants can have where they feel like they must ignore or white knuckle their struggles because of the risks and sacrifices their parents made to come here. Often times there is also a fear that your therapist just “wont get it,” especially where culture is concerned. Culturally competent treatment is highly important, and at times overlooked. Immigrant mental health is the clinical directors passion, and an area that she truly understands being a 1st generation immigrant herself.