We are hurting. Let's talk. 

As with any community, a segment of American Muslims suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, as well as serious mental illness. However, American Muslims are less likely to seek help. For instance, many Muslims are not comfortable seeking professional care, especially from non-Muslims. The Institute for Muslim Mental Health connects American Muslims, their families, leaders, and even their doctors, to resources to help them navigate the U.S. mental health system.

The political and social climate has taken a toll on children, youth, and families. Many Muslims who are struggling with bullying at school, alcohol or substance abuse, domestic violence, marital conflict, and/or spiritual crises do not know where to go to for help.  Bombarded with images in the media to everyday worries-our state of mental health is at an alarming downfall. The Institute of Muslim Mental Health has been an active resource to help us with this. 

Food for Thought

Think about the last khutbah or Islamic lecture you attended that spoke about the importance of mental health. Think really hard. How many come to mind? That's what the Institute of Muslim Mental Health seeks to improve in our communities. We want to remove the unfortunate stigma attached to mental health by improving and expanding services available. But we need your help.

Our Story

For the last 10 years, The Institute of Muslim Mental Health (IMMH) has been advocating for mental health among Muslims. We have made it our mission to improve educational and professional resources pertaining to Muslim mental health care. We started off small, but we ultimately became an authority for all things mental health, including the relationship between Islam, spirituality, and mental health. We disseminate new research; train American mental health professionals, Islamic chaplains, and imams; and host community education work shops. Among our greatest accomplishments is the Muslim Mental Health Conference held annually, in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), and attended by people worldwide. 

We address topics that are uncomfortable to most, such as: substance abuse, addiction, sexual abuse, trauma, domestic violence and refugee health. Professionals, scholars, community leaders, and students from all over participate and engage in dynamic workshops that provides the necessary tools for professionals to bring back to their communities. We also provide imams and Islamic chaplains with educational workshops and seminars on how to counsel, recognize mental illness, and coordinate care. Our mission is not just to equip those in leadership, but to also increase interest in the field among students and professionals alike. 

"Seems like you are already established. So why do you need funds?"

Easy: Expansion, Enrichment, Education. 

We seek to use the funds we raise to develop webinars and provide workshops around the nation. We want to improve the professional network around the country and advocate for students in the field to learn more about innovative practices and approaches to the topic. We need to educate our religious leadership on how they can improve mental health in their congregation. 

The Institute of Muslim Mental Health is Michigan based, and with MSU's generous support, we've historically held our annual conference there. For 2018 for the first time EVER the conference will be held outside of Michigan in Washington D.C. In addition to the annual conference, The Institute of Muslim Mental Health, with support from MSU, publishes the premier academic journal in the field called The Journal of Muslim Mental Health. The Journal is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed, open access, academic journal and publishes articles exploring social, cultural, medical, theological, historical, and psychological factors affecting the mental health of Muslims in the United States and globally. 

Furthermore, we host the Directory of Muslim Mental Health Professional Directory. The clinical directory is a free service for the community to find local professionals to help address their emotional and behavioral needs. We are honored to be able to address the mental health challenges and needs of the Muslim community. 

This is important. How do I help?

Donations are important-but awareness is key. As much as we want to raise funds we want to let the Muslim community know that resources are available to help and assist those impacted by mental health issues. 

Sadly, mental health and other 'taboo' issues get stigmatized and aren't talked about. Raising awareness as well as providing educational programming is key. Your donation will help this endeavor by providing funding for us to create workshops around the country on Muslim mental health. We also want to give imams the tools they need to help a Muslim brother or sister who is impacted by mental health issues. 

Help us help those in need. Help us help those that don't have a picture of what afflicts them. Help us help the silent victims. 

May Allah (SWT) reward your efforts. Ameen.