The Institute of Muslim Mental Health provides education and development for mental health professionals in the Muslim community. Now, more than ever, our communities deserve practitioners and researchers focused our needs. This involved increasing mental health access, research, and community education. 

Our broad vision is the long-term mental health and well-being of Muslim communities supported through preventative interventions and education which is accessible, evidence-based, and culturally responsive. In 2025, we are especially focused on supporting collective mental wellness and the liberation of our communities through programming. This programming focuses on consistent mental health education, meet ups, and the mentorship of mental health professionals in our community.

The Institute of Muslim Mental Health (IMMH) is requesting support for the following programs specific to Muslim mental health professional development and research including the following:

• Mentor/mentee training
• Mentorship match program
• Mental Health Expert Series (topics include: depression, family challenges, domestic violence survival, managing anxiety, trauma-informed care, child development, refugee mental health, spirituality and resilience, and much more)
• Journal of Muslim Mental Health (publishing up to date research)
• Skill development for mental health professionals (how to write an op-ed, speaking engagements, blog writing, and enhancement of qualitative and quantitative research skills)
• Dissemination of relevant Muslim mental health research to the community

In the past we had check boxes for programs for people to support:

• Meet the Expert
• Journal of Muslim Mental Health
• Blog
• Student Scholarships

There are many misconceptions about mental health in the Muslim community, nationally and abroad. Islam offers a spiritual sanctuary for Muslims to live a peaceful life by using their inner strengths and having a strong relationship with the ultimate power. Islam acknowledges the importance of spiritual status as an interior power that can be exercised to have a calm mind, healthy consciousness, and positive thoughts. However, conversations around mental health access are heavily stigmatized in the Muslim community, and sociocultural prejudices are unjustly applied to Muslim communities. Without a focus on mental health wellness and community education, it is difficult to counteract shame, embarrassment, and fear among community members who may be in need of professional and community support. Many in the Muslim community also carry the misconception that mental health is associated with being “not religious enough,” which belittles the faith of those in need of professional health and places Muslims in a state of spiritual crisis as well.

Sitting with each other intentionally, to improve our wellness, is part of our tradition as Muslims. It is time to reclaim this as a community. 

This is why we are committed to better understanding the needs and delivering information to the community of mental health professionals as well as the general public.