Friday, 03 April 2026 12:00 AM
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2026 / In a therapy room in the Twin Cities, Dr. Ashwak Hassan listens as children describe fears that go beyond typical childhood worries. Some talk about uncertainty at home, others about feeling caught between cultures. For many, their concerns are shaped by experiences tied to migration, identity, and belonging.
Hassan, a Somali American therapist and founder of Hassan Counseling, has built her practice around supporting immigrant and refugee families, with a focus on culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
"Many of the families I work with are navigating multiple layers at once," Hassan said. "It's not just individual mental health-it's family systems, cultural expectations, and often experiences of displacement or uncertainty."
Based in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, Hassan's work reflects broader trends seen across immigrant communities. Mental health providers report increasing demand for services that take into account cultural context, language, and lived experience.
Hassan said children, in particular, are showing signs of stress that are often misunderstood.
"Sometimes what looks like behavior issues is actually anxiety," she said. "Children are absorbing what's happening around them-whether it's conversations at home, experiences at school, or broader social and political climates."
Her approach integrates traditional therapeutic models with culturally grounded practices, emphasizing family engagement, community connection, and reducing stigma around mental health.
In many immigrant communities, stigma remains a barrier to seeking care. Hassan works to bridge that gap by engaging families in ways that feel accessible and respectful of cultural values.
"We have to meet people where they are," she said. "That includes understanding how mental health is talked about-or not talked about-in different communities."
Beyond individual therapy, Hassan is also involved in community education, workshops, and outreach efforts to increase awareness and access to care. Her work highlights the growing recognition that mental health services must adapt to meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations.
As conversations around mental health continue to expand nationally, Hassan sees an opportunity for systems to evolve.
"There's a need to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches," she said. "Care has to be culturally responsive to be effective."
For families navigating the complexities of migration and identity, that approach can make a significant difference.
"Ultimately, it's about helping people feel seen, understood, and supported," Hassan said.
About Hassan Counseling
Hassan Counseling is a Minnesota-based mental health practice founded by Dr. Ashwak Hassan, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. The practice serves children, families, and immigrant and refugee communities, with an emphasis on reducing barriers to mental health access and supporting holistic, community-centered healing. Through therapy, workshops, and community engagement, Hassan Counseling is committed to promoting mental health equity and helping individuals and families thrive.
CONTACT:
Hassan Counseling and Family Services LLC
441 Old Hwy 8 NW Suite 200
New Brighton, MN 55112
[email protected]
612-987-5578
www.hassancounseling.org
SOURCE: Hassan Counseling