ACS offers mental health services by and for refugees to help our clients build strong interpersonal connections and foster the neccesary skills to cope with day to day stressors and the lingering effects of trauma. Our programming combines group support and one-on-one counseling with classes and activities like yoga, hiking, photography, soccer club, and more.

Mental health facilitators are available to offer support and connect community members with mental health providers, life skills classes, secondary education, and financial literacy courses. We value community guided programming, and welcome prospective program participants to reach out to us with any questions about or recommendations for programming they would like to see take place.

Mental Health Programs for Adults

Women's Mental Health

The Women’s mental health circle has been active since 2022 and is the prototype which our other mental health programs are based upon. Starting with a chai and chat where facilitators and participants co-strategized and shared their needs and wants, we went on to host our first 10 week program - a series of yoga classes with psychoeducation incorporated - in early 2023. Since then, we’ve held class series on a variety of topics, including embroidery, garment construction, hiking, photography, and swimming. In 2024 and 2025 we have begun offering English language classes that incorporate daily life skills into the curriculum, such as our English for New Drivers class series.

"I learned to take time
for myself when I feel overwhelmed. The group helped me feel less alone."‍

Women's Mental Health Participant

"I still get stressed, but now I know better ways to manage it."

Women's Mental Health Participant

A group of women are seated for a yoga class.

A group of Afghan women seated on the floor, some of them are examining textiles or paper sewing patterns.

A group of women participate in a dressmaking class.

Two women are watching an instructor review the English Alphabet on a whiteboard.

Men's Mental Health

Men’s mental health started in May of 2023 with a soccer club held at 9th Street Soccer and Coffee, and a Card Club held at our office. Other programs have included volleyball, chess club, and swimming classes.

"I am deeply grateful for the ACS men's program. For every newcomer, it is truly a beacon of hope during a time of loneliness. During my first month here, I felt isolated—but through ACS, I found connection, friendship, and joy among fellow Afghans."‍

Men's Mental Health Participant

A group of men are engaged in a chess tournament. There are multiple pairs of players seated.

Men play soccer on an indoor soccer field.

Men seated in a circle on a toshak play a game of cards.

A group of men and boys pose for a group photo in front of a volleyball net.

Men's Mental Health

Our youth mental health program started with staff and volunteers coordinating activities for the children who would come along with their parents during our weekend mental health programs! It's since developed into a resource for parents and kids aged 3 - 24 years old, including our popular Dari and Pashto language tutoring, soccer dodgeball, and cricket games, a cosmetics skills series, and even a self defense class!