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Mental Health

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Serving Community Needs

Mental health literacy and awareness has increasingly become a topic of concern for the communities we serve. Through our mental health programs and initiatives, our mission is to enhance individual and community level capacity to identify mental health issues early on, increase awareness about available resources and sources of support and most importantly, reduce stigma around mental illness.

Our Mental Health First Aid Training initiative has trained over 1,600 teachers, parents, students and faith leaders in mental health first aid and we hope to continue meeting the growing demand for this educational program. By training community leaders, educators and activists, we are able to provide a foundation and infrastructure for communities to be able to identify and respond to mental health crises, trauma and substance abuse issues. The ultimate vision of AMHP’s mental health program is to create environments that prevent mental health crises from occurring by integrating our faith’s teachings into our daily practices and interactions with one another and provide opportunities for building mental health resiliency.

mh illness

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based certification program, which introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and addictions, and builds understanding of their impact. Similar to how CPR training helps a layperson assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA teaches non-mental health professionals how to give first aid to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and/or who are in the early stages of a mental health disorder.

Train faith and community leaders in Mental Health First Aid

Host webinars and awareness building campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health

Respond to the mental health needs of our communities as they arise

Increase awareness about mental health resources available and other sources of support

States We've Trained in  

At American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), we are committed to expanding our reach and impact across the nation. We have successfully conducted training programs in various states, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to advance public health, social justice, and civic engagement.
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • Greater New Orleans
  • Chicago 
  • Texas
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Boston
  • SoCal

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) We've done 

Through these initiatives, AMHP has empowered healthcare professionals across the United States to better serve their communities, promote social justice, and engage in civic activities. Join us in our mission to create a healthier, more equitable society.

Hosted over 65 Mental Health First Aid Training events in over 30 states

Certified over 2,100 community members in Mental Health First Aid

Invited by the White House to attend mental health events and Presidential addresses

Collaborated with Muslim Youth of North America and Naseeha to host mental health awareness webinars for youths ages 12-18

Coordinated numerous mental health literacy webinars featuring mental health experts and leaders

Hosted the first-ever National Interfaith Anti-Bullying Summit at George Washington University; Publication of the research

Organized a series of Mental health Webinars in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

"Really gives you the skills you need to identify - and ultimately help - someone in need. Because you never know when these kinds of skills might be useful..."
Former First Lady
Michelle Obama Certified in MHFA

Mental Health Resources

Back to School Mental Health Checklist

As the school year kicks off, it’s more important than ever to support mental wellness alongside academic success. This checklist is a practical, easy-to-use resource for:

✅ Students – to build healthy routines, manage stress, and stay emotionally resilient
✅ Parents & Caregivers – to support their children’s mental health and recognize early warning signs
✅ Communities – to foster a culture of awareness and well-being

This checklist is designed to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and empower everyone to prioritize mental health from Day 1.

📝 Download the checklist now and start the school year strong — mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Khutbah Guide: Mental Health

View the guide reviewed by imams and compiled by our Mental Health experts here.

Election Stress Toolkit

View the toolkit compiled by our Mental Health experts here.

Naseeha

7 days a week we answer calls from around the world from Muslim and non-muslims. Naseeha Mental Health has been a great bridge for individuals who are going through life’s challenges. Where hope is lost, Naseeha is found. We provide a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need. We provide workshops to youth across North America, web therapy sessions, and offer texting mental health support 5 days a week.

https://naseeha.org/

Khalil Center

Khalil Center is a psychological and spiritual community wellness center advancing the professional practice of psychology rooted in Islamic principles. An initiative designed to address the widespread prevalence of social, psychological, familial, relational and spiritual issues of Muslim communities.

Khalil Center’s approach emphasizes: psychological reconstruction, behavioral reformation and spiritual elevation. Khalil Center utilizes faith-based approaches rooted in Islamic theological concepts while integrating the science of psychology towards addressing psychological, spiritual and communal health.

https://khalilcenter.com/

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741 741 

https://www.crisistextline.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

https://www.nami.org/Home

Muslim Mental Health Organizations

American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP)

The Family & Youth Institute (FYI)

ICNA Relief

Institute for Muslim Mental Health

Islamic Social Services Association

Khalil Center

Michigan State University’s Muslim Mental Health Consortium

Muslim Wellness Foundation

Stanford Univ School of Medicine’s Muslims & Mental Health Lab

Stones to Bridges

Maristan

Mental Health Provider Directories

https://www.islamicpsychology.org/database

https://seemamentalhealth.com/find-a-therapist/

https://muslimmentalhealth.com/directory/

https://therapyformuslims.com

https://khalilcenter.com/contact/

https://www.ruhcare.com/directory

Regional Directories

1) Bay Area California: 
http://www.bayareamuslimtherapists.org/

2) Southern California: 
www.socalmuslimtherapists.org

3) DC-Metro Area (DC, Virginia, Maryland): 
http://muslimcounselors.org

4) DFW Texas: 
https://www.mapsdfw.org/

5) Michigan: 
https://www.thefyi.org/michigan-muslim-mental-health-directory/

Religious Based Bullying: Research Paper

Religious-Based Bullying: Insights on Research and Evidence-Based Best Practices from the National Interfaith Anti-Bullying Summit

https://www.ispu.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ISPU-AMHP-Religious-Based-Bullying.pdf?x46312

Recommended Videos

The Power of Listening:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2zLCCRT-nE&ab_channel=MeganDevine

Empathy vs Sympathy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&ab_channel=RSA

Kevin Hines Story:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/18/health/suicide-prevention-champions-for-change-gupta/index.html 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loiGNZTfu6g&t=671s&ab_channel=MelissaNorris

Start Your Recovery: Substance Abuse

Start Your Recovery is a groundbreaking website developed by bringing together experts in substance use disorder treatment from leading nonprofit, academic, and government institutions. They have a comprehensive directory of support resources:

  • Find local treatment options vetted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Filter to find personalized support options
  • Find support groups and other important non-clinical resources

https://startyourrecovery.org/

Muslim Mental Health

The Institute for Muslim Mental Health is committed to optimizing the Muslim community’s emotional health and well being by mobilizing a network of mental health professionals to ensure all American Muslims have access to high-quality resources.

https://muslimmentalhealth.com/

How the Training Works

AMHP facilitates virtual and in-person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for individuals age 18 or older interested in learning more about mental health and well-being. Our in-person and virtual delivery options include a self-paced course, followed by 5-6 hours of Instructor-led training delivered virtually through MHFA Connect, the National Council for Mental Well-Being’s learning management system. Mental Health First Aid Certification Training Sessions typically have 30-50 participants and are taught by 1 certified instructor.

Who Should Attend MHFA Training

Individuals Living with Mental Illness

Parents or Family Members

Religious
Leaders

Law
Enforcement

Medical
Providers

Teachers

Activists, Community Leaders, Students over 18 years & Youth Directors

MHFA Testimonials

"The AMHP Mental Health First Aid training is a great tool to learn actionable steps that could potentially save someone’s life. I am grateful to have learned more about mental health and now feel better equipt if I were to find myself in a crisis situation."
Binta K DialloArts & Culture Manager, Inner-City Muslim Action Network
"Mental Health First Aid Training with AMHP allowed me to learn how to act quickly, if I choose to, in emergency situations regarding the mental health of others. My favorite part about the course is the proactive planning for self-care of the first aider."
Bilal Qureshi
"I just completed the certification course in Mental Health First Aid. It was an incredibly valuable experience to learn how to assess, approach, assist, listen, and educate someone who might be experiencing a mental health challenge. If we are all prepared in this way, and willing to have conversations about mental health, everyone benefits. The course is led by knowledgeable and compassionate instructors who will ensure that you leave the course well-armed with knowledge. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health."
Zahra Suratwala
"I was inspired to take this course because of a personal experience of knowing someone who recently passed away by suicide. The course is tremendously helpful in learning about Mental Health First Aid and more importantly to recognize when a person is in crisis and how to implement the training from the course to help. I personally have also benefited in understanding how I can take better care of my mental health. The course is taught by educated, trained professionals who share their knowledge and compassion of mental health."
Lubaina Raj
"MHFA was able to give me a practical and thorough training that I will be able to use in any circumstance that calls for mental health help. With this certification, I feel much more confident talking about a topic that is stigmatized and uncomfortable for many. I encourage everyone to complete this training, as you may need it much more than you think!"
Suha Quraishi
"Mental Health First Aid is so important and something everyone should be certified in. I have family members who are currently experiencing mental Illness, I want to be able to help them the proper way. This class has taught me various ways to assist them by using a positive approach. There are so many people within our community struggling, I want to be able to help reduce the mental health stigma."
Sanaa Mohiuddin
"Sabeen and Yasmin were rays of sunshine on a Saturday afternoon. They taught this delicate subject matter with so much expertise and passion that the six hours we spent in the training seemed too short. I have come out of this experience, having learned about topics that are very relevant to our time and space, I have understood what my role is as a Youth Mental Health First Aider."
Zeenat GanatraIslamic Foundation School, Islamic Studies Instructor
"I have enjoyed the class very much. I'm confident that I would be able to help more youth with mental health challenges while using the ALGEE or the 5-step action plan. I have more understanding of when or how to help the youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations. It is vital for the emotional wellbeing of our children. Thank you for the opportunity."
Najma JamaTeacher, Michigan Islamic Academy
"Thank you for the opportunity to become certified in Mental Health First Aid! It was an amazing session, and I enjoyed talking with you. You kept all of us very engaged, and made it worthwhile waking up at such an early time on a Saturday. I would not change anything about the session, and I felt that it was great and especially liked that it was a small group of people. It was easier to engage in conversation that way. Thank you once again"
Sidra MansoorProject Taqwa, Chicago, IL, November, 2020
"I am pleased to write about my experience. It was really an interactive class with our trainer who helped us along the way Sr. Abeda Khanam . I have always had immense interest in mental health and this training really help build my interest to support mentally challenged people more. I am really thankful for American Muslim Health Professionals for providing us with the opportunity and SR. Asma Hyderi for requesting this training and giving us a chance to participate"
Tasneem Abbas
"The course content was appropriate and Abeda Khanum is an excellent teacher. Her teaching style kept everyone engaged till the last minute and we learned a lot. the breakroom discussions were really helpful as well. Would recommend this course to everyone."
Seema Naheed
"Honestly, this professional development was the best one I have attended in 20+ years as a teacher. I feel fortunate. Such an important topic that must be put front and center in our school and society. We will start educating our youth so they can expand greater awareness, understanding, and respect toward acknowledging that mental health is equally important as physical health. I will make sure to put into practice the ALGEE steps much more now with the hope to help a student (or adult) make their way to a better day and healing within themselves."
Lorri Adriano-AminAnatomy & Physiology
"As a community leader I felt it was so important to bring this mental health training to the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and our community. I really did not think I needed to take it. Having taken it, I can say the content was clearly worth the time even on a busy Sunday and Dr. Omar Shareef and Yasmin Irfani were outstanding professionals! Highly recommend it to your community volunteers, staff and leaders"
Shakila T AhmadEmeritus Board Chair, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
"Thank you very much Yasmin and Omer, and all the organizers for a very useful, instructive afternoon, interspersed with humor and. a lot of caring. Enjoyed making new acquaintances in the breakout rooms. may Allah be pleased with you and all of us and our families."
Samsiah
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