The Islamic Center of Detroit is addressing mental health disparities in the Muslim American community through its free clinic, My Mental Wellness.
Established in 2018, the faith-based nonprofit clinic has grown from one staff member to five, including a clinical psychologist, social worker, and counselor. The clinic serves about 60 clients monthly, offering services in Arabic and English.
Danish Hasan, the clinic’s director, emphasizes the importance of accessibility. “Sometimes when people reach out, they’re in a crisis situation, so we don’t want them to have to wait weeks or months to be seen,” he said.
Studies show Muslim Americans have higher rates of mental illness and suicide compared to other religious groups. The clinic aims to combat stigma and provide culturally sensitive care.
Services include individual therapy, support groups, and workshops. Sarah Masad, a clinical psychologist, created a therapy group for high school girls to address challenges at school and home.
The Islamic Center also partners with other organizations to offer health screenings and special needs services.
Hasan envisions expanding services while maintaining the core mission of providing faith-based, accessible therapy for metro Detroit residents.
See “Free mental health clinic at Islamic Center of Detroit continues to grow” (July 7, 2024)
