Ayudate organization works to offer mental health resources for Hispanic community
- Ayudate, founded by Alicia Sewald-Cisneros, is a non-profit organization that provides low-cost, Spanish-language mental health services through telehealth, aiming to increase accessibility for the Hispanic community in Pennsylvania, particularly for those facing cultural, linguistic, and financial barriers.
- Driven by the mission of inclusivity, Ayudate offers a virtual community of bilingual therapists and a range of affordable services such as individual, couples, and family therapy, along with various educational resources, allowing individuals to access care regardless of insurance status, legal status, or other socio-economic factors.
- Ayudate's initiatives have significantly impacted the Hispanic community, with testimonials highlighting the positive changes users have experienced in their mental well-being, and the organization's continuous reliance on community support and donations to sustain and expand its outreach and resources.
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In a city where diversity is a cornerstone, a new initiative has emerged to address a critical need in the Hispanic community: accessible mental health services. Ayudate, a non-profit organization founded by Alicia Sewald-Cisneros, is dedicated to providing low-cost, Spanish-language mental health resources via telehealth. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between the underserved Hispanic population and the mental health services they need.
The Vision Behind Ayudate
Alicia Sewald-Cisneros, the founder of Ayudate, has always been passionate about psychology and helping others. Growing up in Venezuela, she came to the U.S. with a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic barriers that can prevent people from seeking mental health care. Her own experiences as an immigrant, combined with her years of working with Spanish-speaking children, have driven her mission to create a platform where culturally and linguistically competent therapists can offer their services virtually and at a reduced cost.
The Mission in Action
Ayudate's mission is clear: to increase accessibility of mental health resources in Spanish to the underserved Hispanic population of Pennsylvania. The organization operates on the principle of inclusivity, offering services to those without health insurance or with insufficient coverage, without any limitations based on legal status, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, gender identity, or ethnicity.
Virtual Community
Ayudate has established a virtual community of bilingual therapists who work together to empower the Hispanic community. This virtual platform allows individuals to access mental health services from anywhere in Pennsylvania, making it more convenient and accessible for those who may face geographical barriers.
Affordable Services
The organization offers a range of affordable services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and wellness online resources. For just $50 a year, members can access Spanish-language mental health resources via telehealth. This includes short courses and behavioral education groups, as well as podcasts and readings designed to support overall mental well-being.
The Impact
The Hispanic population in Pittsburgh is significant, with over 10,000 individuals. However, a substantial portion of this population—about one-third—needs mental health services at some point in their lifetime. More than 3,000 individuals in Pittsburgh alone are in need of these services. Ayudate is working to bridge this gap by connecting Spanish-speaking individuals with culturally competent therapists who can provide the support they need.
Testimonials from Users
Ayudate's services have already made a profound impact on many lives. One user, Leonardo, expressed his gratitude for teletherapy, saying it allowed him to "speak from the heart and find internal peace." Another user, Grisell, noted that her therapist made her feel "at home" during virtual sessions, which were "of great help when I needed it." Luz shared that the therapy sessions provided a "practical guide to change an internal dialogue which was toxic," replacing it with a friendly and healthy internal dialogue.
The Founding Story
Alicia Sewald-Cisneros’ journey to founding Ayudate began several years ago when she worked with unaccompanied Spanish-speaking children who had crossed the border to be with family members in the U.S. This work opened parts of her heart that were previously closed. As she continued her path to private practice, she realized that the Spanish-speaking people who needed therapy were many, and she was not alone. The need for bilingual therapists to collaborate and support the mental health of the Hispanic community became clear. Sewald-Cisneros’ own history as an immigrant, combined with so many she had met, prompted her to research the resources available in the area, revealing a real and unmet need. This led her to create Ayudate, which began taking shape after being chosen as one of the 10 finalists in BNY Mellon’s 2022 UpPrize competition in Pittsburgh.
Board of Directors
Ayudate has assembled a board of directors with extensive experience in social work and mental health care. Elizabeth Stephenson, a retired social worker with over 40 years of experience, has worked with at-risk children and their families. She has developed and implemented strength-based trauma-informed programs aimed at providing opportunities for children and families to develop strong, healthy relationships within their families and community. James Shamlin, a dedicated psychotherapist and owner of Cranberry Psychological Center, focuses on facilitating well-being, enhancing personal growth, and creating stronger interpersonal relationships for his clients. He has experience serving on boards for various non-profits, including the Butler County Humane Society, and has created annual events to support local businesses in supporting non-profits.
How You Can Help
Ayudate relies on donations and support to continue its mission. By donating, individuals can help provide access to Spanish mental health services for those in need. Additionally, spreading the word about Ayudate's services can help connect more people with the resources they require. For those interested in joining the community or accessing its services, Ayudate encourages registration and participation in its online resources and therapy sessions.
Conclusion
Ayudate’s innovative approach to mental health services has brought hope to the Hispanic community in Pittsburgh. By providing affordable, culturally sensitive care via telehealth, Ayudate is bridging a significant gap in mental health accessibility. Alicia Sewald-Cisneros’ vision and dedication have inspired a team of bilingual therapists to collaborate towards the betterment of the community. As Ayudate continues to grow and expand its services, it remains committed to its core values of inclusivity, collaboration, professionalism, and confidentiality. For more information about how you can get involved or access these vital services, visit the Ayudate website.
References: https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/ayudate-inc https://www.ayudate.net https://www.ayudate.net/about https://www.ayudate.net/donate
