Mental Health Connector For Students in California

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented students in California with psychological support, allowing them to access their strengths and resiliency to focus on their personal goals and healing journey.

About the Mental Health Connector

The Mental Health Connector (MHC) program was established in 2018 by our Clinical Director, Dr. Loren Krane. The MHC connects licensed and supervised pre-licensed therapists with undocumented individuals in need of mental health services. Our experienced and culturally responsive therapists volunteer to provide free and completely confidential services, tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Therapists receive ongoing peer consultation and training to better understand the unique experiences of undocumented people.

Note: This is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, text HOME to 741741 or call 1-800-273-8255. Both services are free and available 24/7.

Provide Mental Health Support

We have seen a tremendous increase in undocumented people searching for affordable and culturally responsive mental health services. If you are a licensed mental health professional interested in volunteering your services, please fill out this simple questionnaire so we can learn more about you and your interest in the program.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about providing mental health support through MHC, please check out our MHC Therapist FAQ. You can also email our clinical director, Dr. Loren Krane, at loren@immigrantsrising.org for more information about this service.

Receive Mental Health Support

Is This Service For You?

To qualify for services through the MHC, individuals generally need to meet the following criteria:

Have an undocumented status
- Click here for more information on how Immigrants Rising defines “undocumented.”
Be enrolled at a California higher education institution
- This includes any of the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges (CCC) campuses, and private colleges and universities located in California.
Be in California during sessions
Have a tool for online sessions (phone, laptop, etc.)
Be between the ages of 18 and 45
Have difficulties accessing affordable or culturally sensitive therapists
Feel comfortable conversing in English

Clients will receive approximately 28 telehealth (online) sessions as part of the program’s commitment to providing accessible mental health support. While these are the standard guidelines, the MHC may accommodate those who fall outside this criteria upon request and availability of volunteer therapists.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about receiving mental health support through MHC, please check out our MHC Client FAQ. If your question is not answered there, please contact our Mental Health Senior Manager, Mayra Barragan-O’Brien, at mbarraganobrien@immigrantsrising.org.

Ready to sign up?

Fill out this screening questionnaire!

Need Additional Mental Health Resources?

Visit our Mental Health Resources for Undocumented People resource page.

Note: The MHC does not offer neuropsychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, or psychiatric services. Because of the limitations of the MHC, it is unable to serve individuals who need higher levels of care, such as dual diagnosis/substance-related and addictive disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, feeding and eating disorders, or active suicidal/homicidal ideation (unless the available therapists specifically request to provide such services). If the individual is struggling with any of these, Immigrants Rising will provide appropriate referrals, as it is best practice for those who need higher levels of care to receive a wraparound service approach.