Connecting with South Asian communities is at the heart of MHISA’s mission. We create accessible, culturally informed programs that raise mental health awareness, identify community-specific needs, and share evidence-based tools and resources. Through local outreach, we aim to bridge social gaps and empower families with practical, relevant knowledge.
Join us in this work. Whether by donating, following us on social media, or sharing our content with your circles—your support helps us reach more families and spark more healing conversations.
At MHISA, our research uncovers the overlooked realities of South Asian mental health. We investigate the cultural and systemic factors shaping mental health care access, utilization, and symptom expression—particularly among South Asian youth. These insights inform the development of targeted, evidence-based resources that meet our communities where support is most needed.
Our work doesn’t stop at findings. By building culturally attuned research frameworks, we’re also laying the groundwork for future scholars and institutions to better study and serve South Asian populations.
At MHISA, we believe that research and education are amplified when they lead to action. That’s why we turn knowledge into intervention, developing culturally responsive tools grounded in both community experiences and rigorous research.
From empowering students to identify mental health warning signs, to building an algorithm that connects individuals with personalized support, to launching the nation’s largest South Asian mental health provider database, our interventions are designed to close real-world gaps and increase access.
Curious to explore what we’re building? Click below.
With outreach, MHISA aims to conduct workshop sessions consisting of 10 “projects” at Religious & Community Centers with the goal of fostering open and healthy conversations surrounding mental health within their peers, families, and community. These workshops are molded to integrate faith-based perspectives to promote acceptance and understanding of mental health realities. Each session emphasizes individual engagement, discussion, and personal reflection.
Participants each receive a workbook with the curriculum for all 10 projects included. At each workshop a participant attends, they will progress through the items in the project that they are on. Sessions are conducted in the format of a curriculum based support group. A combination of techniques prioritizing interactive activities and action items are at the forefront of the curriculum to encourage individual engagement and action in a “think, pair, share” format. Community support leaders lead sessions along with a mental health professional to assist in guiding healthy conversation.
If your community would be interested in hosting our curriculum, please contact us using the SACEO Workshop Request form.
