As-salamu alaykum,

The Muslim Mental Health Initiative (MMHI) at UC Berkeley is the product of years of collaboration, discussions, and brainstorming between Muslim student leaders and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). MMHI was designed to address the multiple barriers that Muslim students (many also students of color) faced in seeking mental healthcare from CAPS, namely, unreasonably long waiting times, lack of diversity among counselors, and a limited number of meetings permitted per year. Through MMHI, therapists are available on a drop-in basis from Maristan, a local Bay Area Muslim mental health organization, for students and provide a space for them to express their struggles to a professional who would not only provide comfort in the moment, but will also connect them to resources that the student may need in the future. 

Beyond their Islamic identities, MMHI’s therapists are trained and practice just like any other therapist, with the exception that meetings are unlimited, free, and anonymous. MMHI also offers phone appointments so that our therapists are available to all students, on and off campus. MMHI provides a platform through which UC Berkeley students can discuss how best to confront and erase the stigma of mental health in our communities on campus and in our personal lives. Throughout the academic year, we host events in collaboration with off-campus public health-oriented advocacy organizations as a way to encourage dialogue around mental health and how to practice acceptance, inclusivity, and care for ourselves and communities in a way that upholds UC Berkeley's principles of community.

Sincerely,

The 2023-2024 Cal MMHI Team

Cal MMHI 2024 Spring Consultations Availability:

• Tephiny: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-7 pm in-person, Saturdays 12-2 pm virtual

• Tasmeer: Tuesdays 11 am -1 pm virtual, Wednesdays 1-6 pm in-person