The Intercultural Counseling Connection is a referral network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing culturally responsive counseling and therapeutic services for asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants in the greater Baltimore area. With a focus on survivors of torture and conflict-related trauma who are uninsured and ineligible for Federal benefits, this organization aims to bridge the gap in mental health support for these vulnerable populations. The mission of the Intercultural Counseling Connection is to establish a network that connects trauma-affected individuals with mental health professionals who are trained in culturally-responsive care.

Additionally, the organization serves as a source of support and growth for participating therapists. In the greater Baltimore/Washington D. C.

The Intercultural Counseling Connection addresses this need by providing language-appropriate counseling, free of charge, for asylum seekers and other forced migrants. The organization achieves this through its network of dedicated volunteer therapists who offer pro bono services. By offering trauma-informed mental health services, the Intercultural Counseling Connection aims to enhance the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants.

These services help individuals navigate the challenges of acculturation and the complex process of applying for legal status, while also addressing the emotional and psychological effects of pre-arrival trauma. The Connection actively seeks mental health professionals from various fields to join their network, including licensed social workers, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners. These providers play a crucial role in offering culturally responsive and strength-based therapeutic care to refugee clients.

The Connection also offers training workshops to enhance providers' skills in working with survivors of conflict-related trauma and torture. The Intercultural Counseling Connection collaborates with various organizations and community-based partners to broaden its reach and impact. The organization is grateful for the support of these partners, who provide space for counseling sessions and activities.

This project is made possible through the support of funders, including the Open Society Institute-Baltimore Community Fellowship Grant, the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, and many others. Their contributions enable the Intercultural Counseling Connection to continue delivering vital mental health services to trauma-affected forced migrants who lack access to Federal benefits