In 2025, CBCAC launched the Mental Health Education & Equity Program to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen intergenerational resilience within the Asian American community.

From 2023 to 2024, CBCAC partnered with Fiona Sun, then a doctoral student in Clinical/Community Psychology at DePaul University, to study the mental health of Chinese American youth in Chicago. The findings highlighted both the unmet mental health needs of youth and the critical role that community-based organizations play in filling the gap of the support.

We recognize that longstanding barriers, such as stigma, cost, and limited access to culturally responsive and linguistically accessible care, continue to impact our community. In response, this program seeks to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to navigate cross-generational mental health challenges associated with migration and life in the United States, while fostering resilience, solidarity, and collective care.

Since its launch in October 2025, the program has offered free, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically accessible mental health education through workshop series for youth, parents, and seniors. We also host an annual summit that brings the Asian American community together to advance mental health equity.

Roots & Resilience: Youth Mental Health Education Workshop Series

The Roots & Resilience series is a 4–8 week program designed for Asian American high school students navigating key developmental challenges, including identity exploration, academic pressure, relationships, family communication, and the impact of social media and AI.

Facilitated by mental health professionals, the program creates a safe and supportive space for students to reflect on their experiences, build self-awareness, and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health. Participants also learn practical stress management and social-emotional skills.

Past participants have reported:

Increased understanding of themselves and others
A stronger sense of belonging within the Asian American community
Improved coping and emotional regulation skills

Language: English

This 4–5 week workshop series engages older adults in exploring the role of mental health in overall wellbeing. Through culturally responsive approaches, participants learn about topics such as self-compassion, mindfulness, and recognizing signs of mental health concerns.

The program fosters a warm, supportive environment where seniors can share experiences, build connections, and support one another in leading more meaningful, joyful, and healthy lives.

Past participants have reported:

Greater awareness of their mental health needs
Adoption of helpful mindfulness practices
Increased satisfaction with their social lives

Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese

迎春養心: Seniors Mental Health Education Workshop Series

The Asian American Youth Mental Health Summit is an annual event that brings together AAPI youth, caregivers, mental health professionals, and youth workers for a day of dialogue, learning, and community-building.

The inaugural summit, held in March 2026 at the Field Museum, welcomed over 150 participants and featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, interactive activities, and social-emotional learning opportunities.

The summit creates a space for the community to collectively explore mental health topics, share resources, and reimagine narratives around mental health—both within and beyond the AAPI community.