Mental Health Initiative
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AACC’s mental health initiative strives to see Asian American Christians flourishing in their mental, emotional, and spiritual lives as persons made in God’s image for the sake of God’s kingdom
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We want to normalize engagement with mental health issues in the Asian American Christian community.
AACC’s mental health initiative seeks to provide comprehensive mental health resources for Asian American ministry leaders and individuals that are specifically suited for Asian American communities and are Christian in their mission and fervor. We seek to provide a space where people can access resources for counseling and therapy, spiritual direction, and group care for Asian American Christians. We also seek to provide ministry resources and training for ministry leaders navigating mental health in their own contexts through training, webinars, podcasts, articles, and other mediums. Finally, we seek to provide support groups for Asian American Christians seeking community among other Asian American Christians. Ultimately, we seek to see Asian American Christians find holistic care to see them flourish in their communities as image bearers of God.
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While there have been great strides when it comes to mental health and mental health awareness in the US, there continues to be a gap in resources and understanding for the mental health of Asian Americans in particular. Studies have shown that the leading cause of death for AAPIs ages 15 to 24 is suicide making up over a third of over all deaths for this population. In a 2019 study, Asian American males were 30% more likely to experience suicidal ideation than their white counterparts. Another study has found that 70% of Southeast Asians who receive mental health care are diagnosed with PTSD.
Despite these realities, Asian Americans are unlikely to seek professional help for their mental health. According to data taken in 2019, 7% of Asian Americans received mental health services compared to the 19.8% of white Americans who received services. Asian Americans are also less likely to receive prescription medicine for mental health with 4.8% reviving medication compared to the 16.6% of white Americans who receive the same treatment. Finally, the same data shows that 51.7% of Asian Americans received treatment for a major depressive episode in 2019 compared to the 70.2% of white Americans.
Despite the challenges Asian Americans face when it comes to their mental health, they are less likely to receive the adequate care they need to address it. This troubling data poses significant trouble for Asian American churches or churches ministering to Asian Americans in particular. There are varying cultural and theological beliefs which can either aid or hinder in Asian Americans seeking mental health services in order to live a flourishing life. At AACC, our hope and prayer is to aid churches and individuals to seek the adequate holistic care they need to thrive spiritually, mentally, and physically in their everyday lives.
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Here, you will find compiled resources provided by AACC that cover a range of topics regarding Asian Americans, faith, and mental health. There are video resources, podcasts, articles, and PDFs that will help guide conversations on mental health support for Asian Americans. Each of the resources provided are led or written by mental health professionals and ministry leaders who work in Asian American contexts and are experts in their respective fields.
Webinars
The Flourish Webinar Series, part of the larger AACC Mental Health Initiative, aims to support mental health within Asian American Christian communities by integrating mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. This series focuses on aiding AAPI churches and ministries by covering topics including, but not limited to combating loneliness, addressing burnout, healing from racial trauma, and soul care. The webinars, featuring Asian American mental health professionals and ministry leaders, seek to bridge the gap in conversations at the intersection of faith, mental health, and racial ethnic identity, promoting churches as centers of hope, healing, and transformation.
AACC's "Flourish" Webinar Series is made possible in part through a grant from the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
In this webinar, Raymond Chang, President of AACC, interviews Rachael Wade who is the Founder and Chief Encourager at Olive Us. This webinar explores what it means to live faithfully as Christians in a world where loneliness is an increasingly present reality for more and more people. Wade gives us a Biblical understanding of loneliness and explores how loneliness affects Asian Americans in particular. She gives some practical advice on how to combat loneliness in our everyday lives and what to do when we encounter others who are experiencing loneliness.
The companion discussion guide will help to foster conversations based on the webinars offered. It can be used either individually or in a group. We strongly recommend using these webinars and this guide in a church or small group setting to help foster a deeper understanding of mental health, the way God created our minds, and how mental health affects Asian Americans in particular.
In this webinar, "We are Not Immune: Lessons From a Mental Health Crisis," Jessica Cheng, Mental Health Initiative Coordinator for AACC, talks with Dr. Matthew Kim, Professor of Practical Theology and Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Chair of Pastoral Leadership at George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Kim shares his personal experience with burnout and how his Asian American identity contributed to a continual pressure to achieve in order to succeed. He offers practical advice on preventing burnout and reaching out to others who may be experiencing burnout in their own lives. His experience provides valuable insight into the unique challenges Asian Americans face regarding mental health and burnout.
In this webinar, Raymond Chang, President of AACC, has a conversation with Jeff Hyun, who is the founder of Barnabas & Co. This webinar explores what it means to care for the whole person by reclaiming a biblical understanding of the soul as the whole person integrated as spirit, mind, and body. Hyun explores what it looks like to care for the whole person in community and how Asian American experiences impact our understanding of the soul. He gives practical tips on how to practice soul care alongside one another in community.
In this webinar, Raymond Chang, President of AACC, sits down with Dr. Felicia Wu Song, a Sociologist, Writer and Speaker,, to discuss how social media affects our mental health. Dr. Song brings her experience researching the effects of technology on the lives of individuals and gives practical advice on how to have a proper relationship with social media so that we might flourish in our mental health and our faith.
In this webinar, Raymond Chang, President of AACC, engages in a conversation with Eunhyey Lok, a licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained pastor, and spiritual director involved with the Mustard Seed Generation. During the discussion, Lok provides practical tips for churches on how to access mental health resources. She also offers guidance on how churches can support individuals in a mental health crisis and how they can walk alongside those struggling with their mental health.
Video Resources
At the Table - Mental Health and Spirituality
This discussion emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations and ensuring congregants feel supported.
They tackle questions related to the essential roles of prayer, mindfulness, and destigmatizing mental health, promoting a comprehensive approach that integrates faith, professional help, and community support.
Mental Health and Practical Tips for Faith-Based Parenting - Ying-Ying Shiue
This in-person presentation gives practical tips on faith-based parenting.
In this presentation, she describes what mental health is, gives several misconceptions about mental health, and gives practical tips on how to address mental health issues to parents navigating their kid’s mental health and emotions.
Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic: Mental Health and Resilience for Children, Teens, and Adults - Dr. David Wang
This in-person presentation explores the mental health crisis that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and reveals the different statistics found from the impact on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. David Wang discusses different traumatic responses one may have when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic specifically related to the Asian American experience during the pandemic. He speaks about the necessity of social support and for lament and accompaniment for those dealing with trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slide Deck & Toolkits
This PDF offers a list of resources specifically designed for youth and children. This PDF offers resources for how to talk with youth and children about mental health, how to deal with mental health issues among youth and children, and additional books, podcasts, and articles for youth and children. There are also resources for those in crisis dealing with mental health issues that can be helpful for youth and kids in crisis.
Rev. Daniel H. Yang provides these slides with helpful statistics on the equity of mental health resources available to the AAPI community. He also delves into mental health for AAPI adolescents and and AAPI people who identify as LGBTQ.
This presentation is part of AACC's 2023 Parenting conference. These slides were used in conjunction with Ying-Ying Shiue’s in-person recorded presentation. Ying-Ying Shiue, a licensed LPCC, NCC, and PPS, gives practical tips on faith-based parenting. In this presentation, she describes what mental health is, gives several misconceptions about mental health, and gives practical tips on how to address mental health issues to parents navigating their kid’s mental health and emotions.
This slide presentation by Rev. Sherin Swift leads us through Ignatian spirituality, specifically the prayer of examen. It also leads us through some biblical passages about shame and orients us towards how to break shame through examen.
In these slides, Lora Kim Kwan looks at childhood trauma among Asian Americans. She explores the root causes of trauma in Asian American children, the different kinds of trauma children and experience, and how our Christian faith can help inform how we respond to Asian American children experiencing trauma.
This presentation is part of AACC's 2023 Parenting conference. These slides were used in conjunction with David Wang’s in-person recorded presentation. In this presentation, Dr. David Wang, Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary, explores the mental health crisis that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, Dr. Wang explores different statistics from the impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses different traumatic responses one may have when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic specifically related to the Asian American experience during the pandemic. Finally, he speaks about the necessity of social support and for lament and accompaniment for those dealing with trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reclaim Podcast Episodes on Mental Health
Mental Health for Asian American Christian Leaders
What is mental health and how should we best care for it as Asian American Christians? Podcast hosts Raymond Chang and Michelle Reyes join George Xiong and Janette Lee to talk about how to approach conversations regarding mental health, helpful practices, and more.
Navigating Burnout & Soul Care for Asian American Christian Leaders
How should Asian American Christian leaders deal with burnout? Podcast hosts Raymond Chang and Michelle Reyes join Dr. David Wang to talk about strategies for spiritual formation, social support, and more.
Exploring Mental health and faith: A conversation with j.s. park
This podcast episode engages the intersection of faith and mental health with J.S. Park, a Korean-American hospital chaplain whose journey from atheism to chaplaincy is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, J.S. Park candidly shares his experiences and insights, drawing from his unique perspective as a thera-priest—a term he coined that perfectly encapsulates his role as an interfaith chaplain. With a background in both psychology and theology, J.S. Park seamlessly weaves together his Christian faith and mental health advocacy, a blend that shines through in his book, "The Voices We Carry." Join us as we delve into his work at a top-tier hospital and his past service with a leading East Coast charity for the homeless. Through his story, we navigate the challenging terrain of faith, mental wellness, and cultural perspectives, seeking to bridge the gap between these vital aspects of life.
Exploring Mental Health and Faith: Implications for the Next Generation
In this podcast episode, AACC President Raymond Chang talks with DJ Chuang and Ying-Ying Shiue, a licensed professional clinical counselor. She is credentialed as a school counselor in California as well as being a National Certified Counselor. Ying-Ying has worked in a wide range of settings, including school, after school, community, nonprofit, juvenile justice, and private practice, serving children, youth, adults, and families.
Articles and Other Resources on Mental Health
AACC’s Reclaim Magazine has addressed key issues surrounding mental health, faith, and the Asian American experience. In these articles, you will find experts discuss various different topics regarding Asian Americans and mental health.
Past AACC Sponsored Mental Health Conferences
AACC has been a proud sponsor of two mental health conferences, supporting the work of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center for Asian American Christianity in 2023 and 2024. You can visit the website for resources emerging from both conferences. On their website, you will find lectures and panel discussions all available for free.
CAAC Conference on Mental Health 2024
“Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans”
CAAC Conference on Mental Health 2023
“Mental Health Conference”
Resources for Those Seeking Help
Here, you will find a list of organizations that provide mental health services like counseling, training, retreats, and other helpful resources that seek to serve Asian American Christians who are struggling with their mental health. You will also find directories for counselors specifically servicing Asian Americans as well as resources for Asian American mental health professionals seeking support and networks for their practice.
Explore Other Efforts:
American Baptist Home Mission Societies - ABHMS
ABHMS hosted a three part webinar series on the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities. The Love the Lord With All Your Mind Webinar Series is designed for all leaders who desire greater cultural awareness and includes Bible study materials to accompany the series’ content.
Community of Asian American Therapists in Chicagoland - CAATCH
The Community of Asian American Therapists in Chicagoland or CAATCH offers support for AAPI therapists in Chicagoland. CAATCH offers resources like mentorships, conferences and other events to support AAPI therapists. They also offer their own therapy for the AAPI community with support for those who identify as AAPI.
Catalyst Wellness Alliance - CWA
CWA is a nonprofit ministry that empowers AAPI thriving by hosting a nationwide community for pastors, clinicians, academics, denominations, and nonprofits to share learnings, resources, and opportunities. They currently hold a database with Asian American counselors and therapists who have licensure in multiple different states in addition to a directory of spiritual directors. They also hold a podcast titled Erasing Shame that looks at the intersection of faith and Asian American mental health. They also host events on Asian American mental health.
CWA’s Directory of Counselors and Spiritual Directors
Mustard Seed Generation - MSG
The Mustard Seed Generation is an organization that specifically addresses mental health among Korean American Christians. They focus on raising awareness around mental health for Korean Americans by educating families, equipping church and community leaders, and empowering mental health professionals. They offer training, webinars, conferences, and workshops to help equip Korean churches in addressing mental health issues in their congregations. They also have a network of licensed professionals in different states that can provide counseling services through telehealth and in person.
Lighthouse Counseling Network - LCN
Lighthouse Counseling Network is a network of Christian counselors in the greater Northern New Jersey region. They provide group counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, and workshops and seminars for both pastors and individuals. Lighthouse is specifically gospel centered informed by the Christian faith.
Barnabas & Co. - B&C
Barnabas & Co. offers retreats and one-on-one support specifically for Asian American ministry leaders. They come alongside Asian American Christian leaders in order to encourage, strengthen, and care for their souls. They work with people who serve in local churches, global ministry leaders, and parachurch and non-profit leaders.
Oak Health Foundation - OHF
The Oak Health Foundation is an organization committed to holistic care for mental health. They seek to integrate mental, physical, and spiritual health in order to give people the adequate care they need. The Oak Health Foundation offers psychotherapy, outpatient psychiatric services, and spiritual guidance to those who need it.
Center for Asian American Christianity - CAAC
The Center for Asian American Christianity is an organization housed within Princeton Theological Seminary that provides theological and mental health resources for Asian American Christians. They focus on four main areas: race, mental health, discipleship, and leadership. CAAC does this by hosting lectures and webinars, hosting a magazine and podcast, and providing communities that navigate these issues with one another.
All Seasons Counseling and Spiritual Direction - ASC
All Seasons offers counseling services as well as spiritual direction to those who might need it. They focus on helping people to heal emotionally, grow spiritually and attain wholeness. They offer contemplative retreats with a prayer labyrinth housed that the St. Andrews Retreat house in Union, WA.
A Note from AACC
Please note that the mental health resources listed on this webpage are for informational purposes. While we aim to provide helpful information, we want to clarify that we are not responsible for the services or advice from the resources listed. We encourage users to use their judgment and discretion when utilizing these resources.