AAPI Mental Health Resources

It has been a trying few years for our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) neighbors. The pandemic not only escalated a rise in Asian hate, but it also exacerbated mental health struggles. Leaders like myself became painfully aware of the lack of resources available to AAPI communities – from keeping our seniors safe to providing emotional support that could help people in crisis.

I’m happy to report that $6.5 million I championed from the 2022-23 California budget is a step closer to enhancing culturally competent mental health services available on the west side. I thank San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan for bringing this need to my attention. With this state investment, Richmond Area Multi-Services Inc. (RAMS) was able to purchase the building at 601 Clement St. We appropriately broke ground on the property on Oct. 10, which is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues and what more can be done to increase access to care.

While the project’s groundbreaking enables the renovations to proceed, it symbolizes much more. When the renovations are finished, the nonprofit’s new hub will raise the bar on mental health care for our area. A centralized location mean RAMS can offer outpatient counseling services, a wellness center and training for psychology professionals in one spot.

For 50 years, they have been a valuable partner in offering mental health care that focused on clients, community and culture. Their expertise is in AAPI clients, who often have unique needs and face barriers to getting emotional support. Last year, RAMS helped 12,500 clients and reached more than 20,000 with prevention and education services in more than 30 languages. It’s time this successful provider had a place they can call their own, so they can serve our residents for generations to come.

Since state investment in AAPI communities has been lacking for several years, one of my priorities during my years as Assembly budget chair was to increase state funding for services and programs that are geared toward Asians, especially when it came to counseling. This is important to me because AAPI individuals have the lowest rate of seeking mental health care of any racial or ethnic group. In fact, it’s less than 50%, according to a study by UCLA last year. A separate examination of 2022 statistics by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health found suicide to be the leading cause of death among Asians, ages 15 to 24. This is heartbreaking.

Researchers primarily cite the stigma associated with needing mental health care and how it’s wrongly construed as a weakness. Secondly, they found that talking openly about sadness, disappointment or depression is rarely encouraged in Asian families. That’s why we need local organizations, like RAMS. Their efforts are helping to change these concepts and opening doors for AAPIs to get the support they need. In addition, having workers who understand cultures, speak the same language as their clients, and experience similar struggles are essential to improving health outcomes.

I expect demand for mental health services and programs for AAPI communities will grow, as seeking help becomes more acceptable. RAMS will be ready to meet the moment. The Clement Street location is expected to open next spring. In the meantime, its other offices are open, ready to provide help. Just take the first step and ask. Visit its website, RamsInc.org, to find a location or phone number for the support you need.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City as well as part of South San Francisco.