After recent immigration enforcement operations have left communities grappling with fear and uncertainty, Boyle Heights Beat conducted a community survey to better understand what residents needed most right now. The message was clear: mental health support.
To meet that need, Boyle Heights Beat, as part of the Los Angeles Local News Initiative, hosted a special panel event: “From Fear to Care: Navigating Mental Health Amid ICE Raids.”
Watch the panel discussion in English or Spanish.
The conversation brought together trauma-informed therapists and cultural healers to unpack the emotional and psychological toll of ICE raids on individuals and families.
The resources below were shared by our panelists and are meant to connect people with free or low-cost mental health care.
Immigrants Rising Mental Health Connector
Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising works to support immigrants across the U.S. to pursue education, careers and build a brighter future for themselves and their community. The organization’s Mental Health Connector provides psychological support to undocumented students in California, empowering them to heal and achieve their personal goals.
Website: https://immigrantsrising.org/mental-health-connector/
Latinx Therapy
Latinx Therapy is a U.S.-based directory for Latinx therapists in private practice. In response to immigration enforcement raids, the platform is offering free and reduced-cost therapy to those affected. To request this option, select “Sliding Scale” when searching the Latinx Therapy directory.
Website: https://latinxtherapy.com/free-therapy-for-those-affected-by-ice-raids/
Quiero Más Comunidad
Quiero Más Comunidad is an online community connecting those looking to share life experiences and feelings to combat loneliness. Those who participate are encouraged to actively listen, give and receive advice as needed.
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/quieromas_comunidad/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, offering a variety of free resources from support lines and groups to educational programs and information guides relating to mental health conditions and treatment options.
Website: http://nami.org/
Xangari Institute
The Xangari Institute is an organization working to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health services throughout California. The institute offers a range of resources designed to support your well-being, rooted in ancestral wisdom.
Website: https://www.xangari.com/
Crisis Text Line
A support line if you’re ever in need of free bilingual crisis intervention, support or referrals.
How to access: Text “LT” to 741741.
UCLA Immigrant Justice California Health Resource Guide
Created by the UCLA Dream Resource Center and Labor Center, this resource guide connects immigrant and refugee communities—including undocumented and uninsured individuals—with low-cost, culturally competent health, mental health, and domestic violence services in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego.
Website: https://labor.ucla.edu/immigrant-justice-california-health-resource-guide/
Compás Con Paz Círculo
A monthly sharing circle in Compton for men looking to connect over equity and healing.
How to join: Contact Paul Ceron at pceron77@gmail.com
StrengthUnited
StrengthUnited is an organization at California State University, Northridge that supports families, prevents sexual and domestic violence and provides healing support for survivors of crime and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The organization offers multiple prevention and intervention services, from 24-hour hotlines to trained therapists.
Website: https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/strength-united
Panelists who contributed to this guide:
- Adriana Alejandre, a trauma therapist and founder of Latinx Therapy, a directory connecting Latinx therapists with those in search of culturally-oriented therapy services.
- Dr. Yanira Hernandez, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Pa’lante Therapy, which provides trauma-informed and non-colonial healing in English and Spanish.
- Guillermo Ruiz Hernandez (Tata G), a P’urhépecha elder and founder of the Xangari Institute, a healing space rooted in Indigenous knowledge for BIPOC communities.
