Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector connects 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.

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 in a postsecondary education institution (e.g., a 2-year or 4-year college or university, trade or technical school, or vocational program). Note: If you are enrolled in a 4-year college or university, you must be an undergraduate student to participate.
• Be in California during sessions
  • Availabilities are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, priorities are given to students residing in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Marin, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Yolo.
• 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

Students 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. We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about the program or eligibility!

Ready to Get Connected?

Fill out this screening questionnaire! On a first-come, first-served basis, applicants will be notified of their eligibility and move through the next steps to start their telehealth (online) sessions with a therapist. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Apply Here

What Does the Process Look Like?

Filling out the screening questionnaire initiates the MHC process:

First, fill out the prospective client questionnaire¹. If you are eligible to receive services through the MHC, you will be asked to complete the client intake questionnaire² and a pre-evaluation survey³. You must submit all three questionnaires before we can match you. Once we receive all questionnaires, you will get a chance to get to know your prospective therapist through a 15-minute consultation call and decide if you would like to work together. If you both agree with the match, you’ve been successfully connected with a therapist! If you and the therapist are not the right fit, we will try again to match you.

¹The prospective client questionnaire gathers information we need to review your eligibility for services through the MHC.

²The client intake questionnaire is a confidential online survey that lets us know your wellness needs. We use your responses to connect you with a prospective therapist.

²The pre-evaluation survey helps our team understand the impact of our mental health services.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The MHC process can vary depending on the availability of prospective therapists and the time it takes for us to receive the forms. After you respond to all the questionnaires, you will receive a notification, usually within 2 business days, regarding a 15-minute consultation call with your prospective therapist!

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.

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 Manager, Nicol, at [email protected].

Terms and Conditions

Read the Terms and Conditions for the MHC program.

Meet the Team

Click here to meet the volunteer therapists who are part of our MHC program.

Additional Mental Health Resources

Visit our Mental Health Resources for Undocumented People resource page.

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 [email protected] for more information about this service.