New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health Inc.

The New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health care services for Asian American communities in the New York metropolitan area.

Mission

The organization's mission is to address the unmet mental health care needs and service disparities within the Asian American population. This is achieved through advocacy, community service, professional development, and collaborative efforts with government and local service providers[1][2].

History

Founded in 1990 under the leadership of Dr. James Chou and a group of dedicated volunteer mental health providers, the organization received its Certificate of Incorporation under Section 402, 503(c) of the New York State Not-For-Profit Corporate Laws. Over the years, NYCAAMH has hosted monthly membership meetings across various NYC agencies to foster networking, collaboration, and resource sharing among professionals. It has also organized conferences to raise awareness of emerging mental health issues affecting Asian American communities[3].

Advocacy Highlights

In the 1990s, the Coalition was instrumental in lobbying efforts that led to the establishment of Asian inpatient units at several city and state hospitals. In the 2000s, it testified at local and state hearings to emphasize the need for culturally competent mental health care and suicide prevention within the Asian community. More recently, NYCAAMH has supported Asian immigrants impacted by anti-immigrant policies and hate crimes by providing workshops and resources to help mental health providers better serve this population[2].

Community Engagement

NYCAAMH plays a significant role in community wellness by advocating for improved health services and increasing the visibility of underserved Asian American communities. It calls upon professionals to collaborate in promoting mental health through various means, including advocacy, community service, and professional development. The organization also addresses collective trauma resulting from racism and xenophobia by encouraging community healing, empowerment, and solidarity[4].

Governance and Team

The organization is led by a board of officers, including professionals such as Irene Chung, Anna Liu, and Kenneth Lam. These leaders bring diverse expertise in social work, healthcare, and community empowerment to the Coalition. NYCAAMH also includes a Professional Development Group focused on enhancing culturally relevant skills for working with Asian American communities[3].