Therapy is Almost Like Dating: Navigating Mental Health in Immigrant Communities

Thank You to Our Sponsor
A special thank you to our My City My Health Presenting Sponsor, UnityPoint Health. To learn more about UnityPoint, visit www.unitypoint.org.

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we sit down with Kenya Caledon Ceron, a passionate advocate for immigrant rights and mental health services. Kenya shares her powerful personal story of overcoming childhood trauma, receiving a PTSD diagnosis, and navigating the unique barriers that immigrants face in accessing mental health care. She discusses the intersection of cultural competency, religion, and mental health, and the importance of systemic change to serve immigrant communities in Iowa better.

Join us as we explore Kenya’s journey from trauma to advocacy, her legislative work to protect immigrant rights, and her advice for those struggling to find the right mental health support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, immigration, and social justice.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Introduction
  Brooklyn Lowry welcomes listeners to The Healthy Project Podcast and introduces the guest, Kenya Caledon Ceron.
• 02:00 - Kenya’s Immigration Journey
  Kenya shares her experience migrating to the U.S. at 11 years old and how it impacted her mental health.
• 06:00 - The PTSD Diagnosis
  Discussing the significance of receiving a PTSD diagnosis and how it helped Kenya understand her experiences.
• 10:30 - Barriers to Therapy
  The cultural, religious, and linguistic challenges that immigrants face in accessing mental health care.
• 15:00 - The Importance of Cultural Competency
  Kenya highlights the need for healthcare providers to understand the cultural context of their immigrant patients.
• 20:00 - Advocacy and Legislative Work
  Kenya explains her involvement in Iowa’s legislative process to protect immigrant communities and promote mental health services.
• 24:00 - Mentorship and Policy Education
  How Kenya became knowledgeable about state policies and her advice for others interested in advocacy.
• 28:00 - Current Projects and Future Goals
  Kenya shares what she’s currently working on and her hopes for the future of immigrant rights and mental health.
• 30:00 - Closing Remarks
  Brooklyn thanks Kenya for her insights and encourages listeners to get involved in advocacy.

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What is The Healthy Project Podcast?

The Healthy Project Podcast is your go-to source for thought-provoking conversations on health equity, public health, and social determinants of health. Hosted by Corey Dion Lewis, each episode explores the intersection of community health, policy, and innovation, offering insights from experts and changemakers who are leading the charge in creating healthier, more equitable communities. Whether you're a healthcare professional, public health advocate, or simply passionate about making a difference, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to drive meaningful change. Join us on the journey to build a healthier, more just world—one conversation at a time.