IMMHA is for ALL Muslims- all sects, all ethnicities, all sexualities, all genders, all abilities, all nationalities, all identities.

We aim to provide nuance and context and background to issues impacting the Muslim community through a liberatory and intersectional lens.

IMMHA acknowledges the unique intersectionality of the Muslim identity and recognizes that not all Muslims are alike. IMMHA recognized a gap in the Muslim mental health field and sought to fill this space through embracing and affirming of all folks who identify as Muslim and who are seeking community.

Therapists have varying degrees based on the state that they reside in as well as their schooling.

https://www.bayareamuslimtherapists.org/faq.html

• Therapy is different than other healthcare services. Therapy is a vulnerable journey, and you can ask questions before you commit to a therapist. For example:

  • What does a typical session look like in your practice?

  • How would you describe your therapeutic style?

  • Do you have experience working with intersectionality and marginalization?

  • What is your approach to topics your clients bring up that you have little or no experience with? 

  • What are my confidentiality rights?

  • The topic of Palestine/politics is important to me. Is this something you are aligned with? What is your stance on Palestine?

Finding a therapist that “gets you” is hard enough. Because this is a vulnerable journey, it is important to understand where your provider stands when it comes to issues central to your identity and to your values. Some folks feel comfortable asking directly (e.g. “I am curious what your political stance is on X topic”). Others might wish to find a therapist database that has already curated a directory of therapists who are transparent about their politics, identities and values (see our Directories page for some resources!). Another way to find a provider that is affirming of your values is to ask a trusted friend or colleague for a referral. No matter how you find your provider, it is your right to feel safe in your relationships.

IMMHA defines "Muslim" broadly, encompassing individuals of various racial and ethnic backgrounds who practice Islam, were raised in Muslim families, identify culturally as Muslim, have converted to Islam, or belong to non-Sunni sects like Shia or Sufi.  When we refer to a “therapist”. We are referring to those in the helping profession, particularly those who assume the role of licensed provider thereby instilling power and authority, including social workers and psychologists. We also acknowledge that mental health healers can assume many different names and titles and that some therapists choose not to pursue licensure. IMMHA prioritizes enhancing access to mental health information for the Muslim community to empower informed decisions about care. We emphasize the importance of clarity regarding the terms "spiritual," "religious," and "Islamic" when discussing Muslim mental health providers, as these terms are often used without adequate context, potentially leaving individuals unclear about the nature of the therapeutic relationship.

Islamic therapist

Islamic therapists, also referred to as "religious" or "faith-based" therapists, integrate religious beliefs with clinical practice, providing support for clients during uncertain times. IMMHA encourages clients seeking this type of therapy to inquire about their therapist's qualifications, such as certifications in spiritual counseling and participation in consultation groups. It's crucial for therapists to recognize when personal beliefs may conflict with a client's needs and to refer them to another provider if necessary. Trust in the therapeutic relationship is essential, but not all communities can afford to assume that their provider will set aside personal judgments, particularly in a context of power dynamics. Mental health practitioner licensing and regulation boards, such as The American Psychological Association, adopt various ethic codes which emphasize the importance of practicing within one’s area of competency. In other words, mental health professionals should not engage in spiritual care unless they are adequately trained and competent.

A therapist who is also Muslim 

A Muslim therapist is a trained mental health professional who also identifies as Muslim, offering cultural and religious familiarity that can be comforting for clients from the Muslim community. While these providers may have knowledge of the tenets of Islam (perhaps because they themselves were raised within a Muslim household or have received formal Islamic training) they are not guaranteed to be trained in Islamic scholarship.  A therapist who is also Muslim does not necessarily mean that this provider incorporates Islamic principles into their therapeutic approach. 

*Each individual is responsible for verifying a potential provider’s credentials, determining therapeutic fit and other factors that might impact a decision to choose a therapist. The information on this page is not a form of treatment or recommendation.