Honoring Diverse Voices in Mental Health
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of culturally responsive mental health care.
At Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching, this commitment is at the heart of our work. We believe every person deserves compassionate care that honors who they are — their cultural background, faith, and family story. While we celebrate diversity every day, this month offers an important opportunity to reflect on why inclusive, culturally attuned therapy matters so deeply.
History & Legacy: The Vision of Bebe Moore Campbell
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to honor author, advocate, and NAMI-Inglewood co-founder Bebe Moore Campbell (1950–2006). After witnessing systemic barriers while supporting her own daughter, Campbell became a national voice for mental health equity. She fought to create spaces where communities of color could seek help without shame.
Her legacy continues through NAMI programs like Sharing Hope for Black communities, Compartiendo Esperanza for Latinx families, and Chai & Chat for South Asian communities — all designed to spark conversation, reduce stigma, and expand access to care.
Why Culturally-Responsive Care Matters
Healing is not just individual — it’s communal. When traditionally silenced voices are heard, healing transforms individuals, families, and entire communities.
For many people, feeling understood is the first step toward healing. A therapist who recognizes the influence of culture, faith, and family dynamics can help clients feel safer, reduce feelings of isolation, and build trust more quickly. This kind of care also helps address stigma, which still keeps many people from seeking mental health support.
At Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching, culturally responsive care means meeting clients where they are — honoring their stories, exploring the impact of cultural identity, and creating a space where all parts of who they are feel welcome.
Meet Our Therapists Who Specialize in Culturally‑Responsive Care
Dora Valencia, LCSW – Specializing in Latinx Mental Health & Immigration Evaluations
Dora provides bilingual therapy that is deeply attuned to Latinx cultural values and the unique challenges many clients face, including systemic barriers and generational stressors. Drawing from her own immigration journey, she offers immigration evaluation services with a heartfelt commitment to honoring each person’s story and providing compassionate, thorough care.
Furthermore, her trauma-informed approach was recently featured in national news, highlighting the impact of her culturally responsive evaluations for clients navigating the legal system. Read the full story here >
Sairah Abbasi, LCSW – Specializing in South Asian & Muslim Mental Health
Guiding clients through the interplay of cultural identity, family dynamics, and faith, Sairah creates a respectful space to explore intergenerational and internalized expectations.
Hannah Pasternak, LCSW – Specializing in Jewish Mental Health & Identity
Specializing in intergenerational trauma, family systems, and culture-informed healing, Hannah supports Jewish clients with an understanding of how cultural heritage shapes mental well-being.
Honoring Your Story
At Lisa Eaton Therapy & Coaching, we believe that mental health care is most powerful when it honors the whole person — your culture, your history, and your lived experience. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion in mental health, but for us, this commitment extends far beyond July.
Whether you’re seeking a therapist who understands your cultural background, navigating complex family or faith dynamics, or simply looking for a safe and supportive space to heal, you are welcome here.
Reach out to our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com to connect with a therapist who understands your unique needs. You can also visit our Get Started page to learn more about beginning therapy with us.
