Sakeena is an effort to improve access to mental health providers for women in the community. Mental health illness, including depression and anxiety, as well as stress-causing circumstances, including marital and family discord, creates a major setback in reaching ones full potential. Sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge you need a therapist or psychologist, but even when you do, a myriad of questions linger. Will they be culturally sensitive? Will they charge an arm and a leg? Will talking really help you?
Square One hopes to bring forth access to culturally sensitive, professionally trained therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to women in the community. The goals of the Sakeena program include:
- Community talks on various mental health issues, given by experts in the field
- Maintaining a list of professional, culturally sensitive mental health professionals
- Providing financial assistance to women in need for the first four sessions with a mental health professional
- Providing grants to Muslim women who are well versed in the Islamic academic tradition who are also pursuing advanced degrees in psychology and psychiatry
- Providing ongoing training programs for mental health professionals in dealing with issues affecting Muslim within the context of an Islamic world-view
Join the Square One mailing list to keep informed about the launch of Sakeena in mid-2012!
