In the wake of the Trump administration’s ongoing ICE raids, a wave of pervasive fear has engulfed the undocumented community in California, especially among students. Recognizing the severe mental health toll this has taken, efforts are underway to provide much – needed support.
Therapists across the state are stepping up to offer a lifeline. The group Immigrants Rising has initiated a crucial program, providing free online counseling to undocumented students in California between the ages of 18 and 45. Mayra Barragan – O’Brien, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the mental health senior manager with the nonprofit Immigrants Rising, elaborated on the challenges these students face.
“They struggle with the fear of family separation, with anxiety, financial struggles, relationship struggles, discrimination,” she said. “And so these mental health providers help them find ways to cope with those stressors.”
This program has been a beacon of hope since its inception during the first Trump administration. To date, it has provided approximately 24,000 hours of therapy to nearly 800 undocumented immigrant students. The counseling service aims to connect students with empathetic and understanding therapists.
All counselors involved are licensed therapists who either have lived experience within the undocumented community or have extensive work experience with it. As Barragan – O’Brien put it, “They will be connected with a therapist who understands their experience, who will not judge, who will meet them where they are, who are culturally sensitive.”
Most of the therapy sessions are conducted in English. However, recognizing the diverse linguistic needs of the community, some therapists also speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Tagalog. People interested in availing this service can learn more online at ImmigrantsRising.web. The deadline to apply is August 11.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants has not only led to family separations and fear but has also had a profound impact on the mental well – being of those affected. In addition to the ICE raids in California, similar actions across the country have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and distress.
For example, in some Midwestern states, undocumented workers in the agricultural sector have been targeted, causing many to fear for their jobs and families.
This has led to increased stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression among the affected individuals.
The availability of free online therapy in California is a significant step towards addressing the mental health crisis within the undocumented student community. It offers a safe space for them to express their fears, concerns, and emotions, and equips them with coping mechanisms to navigate these challenging times.
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