Minneapolis – The Asian American Psychological Association joins with the rest of the nation in mourning the tragic loss of the members at the Sikh Temple, Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In particular, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims, families and friends of those who have suffered a personal loss. As psychologists and counselors, we understand the complexities of this incident and the manifold needs and emotions that are now pulling at us as individuals, as a community, and as a nation.
First and foremost among these, are the needs of those individuals who have been directly affected by this tragedy. The Division on South Asian Americans (DoSAA), part of the AAPA strives to be a driving force in a community action among South Asian mental health providers and those interested in South Asian mental health. If you are experiencing distress in reaction to this event or have questions about mental health and wellness in response to trauma and crisis, please do not hesitate to call us at either dosaainfo@gmail.com or aapainquiries@gmail.com for information, support, and referral for services.
DoSAA has compiled a list of mental health resources in the Wisconsin community:
- Milwaukee Behavioral Health Crisis Services
- Mental Health America of Wisconsin
- mhawisconsin.org
- WI Coalition of Asian Indian Organizations
Other national resources include Counselors Helping (South) Asian/Indians (CHAI.) CHAI is dedicated to providing outreach, referral and educational services to the South Asian community on issues related to mental health and wellness, for more assistance contact 443-615-1355. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) also has a National Helpline available at 1-800-950-NAMI.
Please feel free to contact either the AAPA or DoSAA team for more assistance and support.
As we learn more facts about this incident, we also wish to acknowledge at this time that the Sikh community in the US has had to endure a unique vulnerability in the years since 9/11, as anti-Muslim sentiments have often been directed against members of a community who have often been mistaken for Muslim. As an association dedicated to the psychological well-being of Asian Americans, we take a special interest in how such sentiments affect Sikh Americans as we care about the enormous psychological burden that all groups, both non-Muslims and Muslims, must bear when prejudice is directed at them.
Statement by President Obama on the Shooting in Wisconsin:
Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family”
The Asian American Psychological Association is the primary, national organization dedicated to the advancement of the psychological well-being of Asian Americans
For PDF version click here.
Dr. Meifen Wei, PhD is the co-recipient of the 2009 AAPA Early Career Award. Dr. Wei is an Associate Professor at Iowa State University. Dr. Wei is the most frequently published author in Journal of Counseling Psychology in a decade and 4th in two decades. In addition, such a publication record would have been exceptional even for veteran professors, but Dr. Wei just began her academic position in 2002. Dr. Wei contributes to the welfare of Asian Americans on two fronts: focusing on acculturative stress and minority stress among Asian Americans and elucidating the process of coping with discrimination on Asian Americans. Dr. Wei has been a distinguished exemplar of a Scientist-Practitioner. Her practice spans 8 years of counseling Taiwanese students in Taiwan and 3 years of specialty service to Asian Americans in USA. She has served as a member in the Editorial Board of Journal of Counseling Psychology, The Counseling Psychologist, and Chinese Journal of Guidance and Counseling (an Asian international journal). -Dr. Ruth Chao, Nominator