Mental Health Clinic
Social Services Department
Depression. Family Conflict. Substance Abuse. Domestic Violence. The MAS BKSI Social Services Department that oversees our Mental Health Clinic was born out of a need to address these very critical issues facing our community, specifically youth. Led by licensed family and marriage counselors, the Social Services Department provides accessible mental and emotional support to our youth community through this clinic.
OFFICE HOURS
Feel free to speak to our therapists on a walk-in basis every Saturday from 1PM-3PM!
Therapy Services
One of the blessings that Allah has given us to deal with our mental health, and emotional and social challenges, are mental health experts, therapists, and counselors. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for Muslims in our community to find therapists who share a similar faith, ethnic, or gender background as themselves. Furthermore, if they do find them, there may be financial difficulty affording such services due to economic status, lack of insurance, or immigration status. That’s why MYC has built a referral and sponsorship system by which our Social Services Department will do its best to help connect you with a Muslim therapist or other preferences for a therapist (cultural background, insurance, etc.). If for any reason you cannot afford the therapist of your choosing, MYC will help cover the cost and assist you in accessing secure long-term, affordable therapy services. Fill out the referral form here if you are in need of such services.
Mental Health Mondays
Every Monday, our Social Services team, managed by licensed therapists, facilitates a virtual hour mental health support group to discuss a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, family conflict, and coping with the stress of everyday work life. Join us every Monday for an hour-long conversation at 7PM, here!
Mental Health Pop-ups
The stigma around mental health and therapy in our community runs deep. So instead of simply asking those in need to come to us for mental health services, our signature Mental Health Pop-Ups bring mental health awareness and services directly to the community. You may see a pop-up outside a weekly halaqah, a youth event, or after Jumuah. The pop-ups are managed by licensed therapists and include critical resources, interactive games, freebies, and most importantly, the opportunity to have 15-minute free and confidential consultations where we can help connect you to longer-term therapy services or any other mental health resources. You can visit our Mental Health Pop-Ups on the last Friday of every month at MYC!
IG Lives With Therapists
To further de-stigmatize the topics of mental health, our social services department, led by licensed therapists, facilitates virtual discussions through Instagram Live takeovers with therapists, MAS staff, community members, and other experts in the field. As our Instagram page boasts thousands of youth followers and continues to grow, engaging in crucial discussions about delicate mental health issues holds the promise of reaching expansive and diverse Muslim communities both locally and beyond.
Mental Health Fair
Join the Social Services Department's annual gathering, a vital platform for organizations and professionals to connect with our community. Our fair fosters conversations about mental health within the Muslim community, offering resources and discussions with professionals on promoting wellness and resilience. Meet substance use counselors, psychiatrists, domestic violence organizations, mental health counselors, school counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Forge connections with experts and community leaders as we work to dismantle stigmas and cultivate empathy and understanding. Save the date for our Annual Mental Health Fair – because your mental health matters. For participation or sponsorship, email bksi.socialservices@masnewyork.org.
Special Needs Accommodations
MAS Youth Center is proud to announce that we are now MUHSEN-certified, reflecting our commitment to serving our special needs community and their families. We have hosted several events focused on inclusivity, including khutbahs centered on special needs, and recurring special needs accommodations at our Eid Fairs, such as a quiet room and fast passes to rides for those with special needs. Our center is fully accessible with entry to the building, bathrooms, and elevator access to all floors. We work closely with MUHSEN and are continually expanding our accessibility services to better serve our community. For more information, please contact us at bksi.socialservices@masnewyork.org or MUHSEN at newyork@muhsen.org.
Substance Abuse Prevention And Intervention
We fully recognize the substance use crisis in our community. That’s why our department is leading the effort in resourcing our community with preventive measures and programming to support those struggling with addiction. Our Social Services Department has connected with various Muslim-based substance use organizations and professionals, created a substance use resource list with clinics and rehabs, and is currently working to incorporate more prevention programs for our youth, such as support groups and Narcan trainings.
Domestic Violence Prevention And Intervention
A long-hidden and unspoken topic, domestic violence is a real problem in our community. That’s why our Social Services Department curates and shares domestic violence prevention resources to our community through our Friday congregations, youth programs, and community events. As a department led by licensed therapists, we can work with families and individuals facing domestic violence to help connect them to organizations both Muslim and non-Muslim based for short-term and long-term services. Check out our domestic violence resource list.
Resource Center
Here are a list of resources for those going through various social challenges.