After CA mass shootings, here's where to find AAPI mental health services in King, Pierce counties

Over the weekend, an attack on a dance studio during Lunar New Year celebrations claimed 11 lives in the predominantly Asian American suburb of Monterey Park, California.

On Monday in Half Moon Bay, California, a shooter killed seven people at two separate locations — a plant nursery and farming business.

Some Asian Americans say the grief and fear they’re feeling is particularly acute because the violence comes after years of surging anti-Asian hate crimes, including a shooting in Atlanta in 2021 that left eight dead.

The trauma of these acts of violence is being felt nationwide, including in Seattle, where Lunar New Year events were also kicked off this weekend.

Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with Carrie Zhang, founder of The Asian Mental Health Project, an organization focused on educating and empowering Asian communities in seeking mental health care.

"I'm hoping folks allow themselves the permission to take a step back and step into themselves, and understand that it is OK to want healing and mental health support and need help at this time," Zhang said.

Lunar New Year is a time for family and friends to reconnect and be together. But in the wake of the shootings, people may be feeling conflicted about gathering in large groups.

"I think what's important to folks is understanding that there is no obligation to gather in person with everything going on. And you can still mourn, grieve, and be with community, outside of being in person," Zhang said.

There are other ways to connect with community during this time too, like virtual gatherings or support groups.

The Asian Mental Health Project hosts weekly wellness sessions on Wednesday via Zoom.

In King and Pierce County, available mental health resources include:

• Asian Counseling and Referral Service
• MultiCare Asian Counseling Services
• International Community Health Services
• The National Alliance of Mental Illness Seattle