Vision
The vision of the program is to address the mental health challenges faced by the Ethiopian Israeli community by training Ethiopian-origin professionals as clinical and emotional therapists. The goal is to provide culturally and linguistically accessible therapy, reduce barriers, build trust, enhance social integration, and foster well-being within the community. This initiative aims to create sustainable solutions to long-standing disparities in mental health care access and outcomes.
Activity
The main activity of the program is to promote social mobility and equity for the Ethiopian Israeli community by providing culturally adapted mental health services. The project focuses on training Ethiopian Israeli social workers who hold master’s degrees to become licensed therapists specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. These professionals are uniquely positioned to address the mental health challenges faced by the community, such as trauma, cultural assimilation difficulties, and barriers to accessing mainstream services.
Participants enroll in a two-year program that combines certified training in clinical therapy with specialized cultural orientation sessions. These sessions equip participants with an understanding of Ethiopian cultural perspectives on health and mental health, ensuring that they can offer care tailored to the community’s unique needs. Trainees receive guidance from experts in Ethiopian culture and mental health, fostering trust and effective communication with their future clients.
Graduates will work in public sector settings for at least two years post-graduation. Students will volunteer to support Ethiopian families during their studies. Students will participate in specialized sessions to enhance understanding of Ethiopian mental health perspectives.
By addressing mental health disparities, reducing hospitalization rates, and fostering trust in mental health care, the program significantly enhances the community’s well-being.