Immigration Services Program

Moving to another country to start a new life can be intimidating. Our Immigration Services Program provides mental health support for immigrants and refugees, with therapists who are trained in cultural sensitivity and interpreters available for sessions.

Sessions are available in person at our Indianapolis office or via telehealth anywhere in Indiana.

Our therapists are empathetic and mindful of cultural differences. When you work with us, you can expect:

• An interpreter present in session to help your therapist understand your native language
• Therapists trained to be culturally sensitive and aware
• Regular goal reviews to make sure we are meeting you where you are
• Homework or practice between sessions, such as coping skills for difficult emotions
• Help finding a referral for medication management, through a provider you already know (like your PCP) or through Psychology Today

My parents immigrated from Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge and have been able to build a calmer life after escaping their own traumas. I am passionate about working with immigrants because most are sacrificing their entire lives in hopes of living a better one. I want to limit trauma and ease the transition for families as much as possible, both by offering mental health services and by making sure my team is culturally aware of and sensitive to the populations we serve. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and narrative therapy, and I am familiar with other modalities to find the right fit for each client.

I believe culture has a big impact on how we present ourselves to the world and how we navigate different spaces, and I want clients to feel they can speak freely. I joined the immigration services team to support clients as they transition into a new environment, discover who they are, and grow into who they are becoming. My approach is rooted in mindfulness, and I draw on CBT, DBT, somatic work, and art therapy. I speak Punjabi and Hindi.

Growing up in Mexico, I saw the gaps in mental health support and was determined to be a spark of change in how we talk about and approach mental health. I soon realized that many, if not all, minority groups go through similar generational struggles, hardships, and traumas. With immigration services, I naturally felt a sense of purpose in working with and prioritizing marginalized groups. I look forward to being part of the healing process and to understanding the world through someone else's eyes. My approach is person-centered and conversational. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), with a gentle somatic approach. I am fluent in Spanish and take pride in a multicultural approach.

Al crecer en México, fui consciente de las carencias en el apoyo a la salud mental y me propuse contribuir a generar un cambio en las conversaciones y en el enfoque que damos a este tema. Pronto comprendí que muchos grupos minoritarios, si no todos, han pasado dificultades, traumas y desafíos generacionales similares. En el ámbito de los servicios de inmigración, sentí de forma natural el propósito de trabajar con grupos marginados y darles prioridad; espero con ilusión formar parte del proceso de sanación y de la comprensión del mundo a través de la mirada de los demás. Mi enfoque terapéutico está centrado en la persona y se basa en el diálogo. Utilizo elementos de diversas modalidades, como la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT), la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC), la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (TDC), la Terapia Centrada en las Emociones (TCE) y la Terapia Centrada en Soluciones (TCS), integrando al mismo tiempo un enfoque somático ligero. Me enorgullezco de mantener una perspectiva multicultural.

As a marriage and family therapist, I approach therapy with context and systems in mind. I use CBT and DBT to help identify and understand thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors and to build coping skills. I use EFT to help clients understand their emotional patterns, and SFT and narrative therapy to externalize problems, focus on strength and hope, and find practical solutions. When appropriate and if clients are open to it, I also incorporate Christian faith and spirituality. This work is very real to me, and I want to help clients navigate all the moving parts of the immigration process, including ambiguous loss, acculturation, and generational gaps. I speak Burmese and Zomi (Tedim), and after nearly 10 years in the Philippines, I understand most conversational Tagalog.

Interested in joining the Immigration Services team? Perks include:

• Monthly group supervision and a supportive environment, with access to all Pillars therapists
• Career and organizational growth opportunities
• Flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities
• Free CEUs for ongoing professional development

Will an interpreter be available if my therapist does not speak my language?

Yes. Our interpreters have experience interpreting in therapy sessions, and all sessions remain HIPAA compliant.

What if my therapist isn't a good fit?

We encourage you to talk with your therapist first so they have a chance to adjust. If that doesn't work, we can pair you with another therapist who may be a better fit.

Can I meet virtually?

Yes. We see clients virtually or in person, as long as they are in Indiana. Our in-person office is at 5005 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237, in the same parking lot as The Burger Joint and Ritter's.

Will groups be available?

Groups will be available in the future.

Do you prescribe medication?

No, we do not prescribe medication. Your therapist can walk you through the steps to find a medication management provider.