The Founding of Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS): A Conversation with Theresa Fujiwara (Ep. 39)
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Summary:
On this episode, we interview Theresa Fujiwara, co-founder of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS). We discuss the grassroots origins of ACRS and its pivotal role in providing culturally responsive mental health care to the Asian Pacific Islander community, filling a void left by national institutions. We then talk about the organization’s approach, which blends Eastern and Western medicine, and the significance of community engagement in healing from trauma. The episode also explores the challenges of addressing stigma, language barriers, and diverse needs in mental health care while emphasizing the importance of integrated support and the role of community-based solutions.
Timestamped Overview:
- 05:46 Learning about Japanese American incarceration, becoming an activist
- 12:45 International Community Health Services, International Examiner, and ACRS celebrate 50 years.
- 19:20 Holistic approach to mental health treatments.
- 23:23 Ensuring trust, support, and interpretation for clients.
- 26:21 Difficulty creating a pipeline for mental health workers.
- 28:33 Communities organize around church, club, and assistance.
- 31:58 Gathering should have a purpose and healing.
