Counseling Program

The counseling program is a safe space for youth to share their feelings and help support their well-being through one-on-one counseling session. Our wellness counselors are AAPI immigrants who has a deep understanding of cultural background, stigmas around mental health in our community, and is also trained in art therapy.

This is a 3 month program with 12 weekly, 50 minutes sessions. Please see flyer as reference.

These services are FREE of charge, either in-person at MARU Office or virtually. Please contact our health educators if you’re interested.

Here is what some of our previous clients have said about their experience:

  • "I feel happier...have positive thoughts about life…"

  • "Feel more responsible and mature in the way I think about my career, life, and next steps in the future…"

  • "Changed for the good… [learned] skills and practices to help train my brain muscles to go through the world more happy…"

  • "Felt more positive...talking about my problems made me feel less stressful and now I have more motivation to do the things I want…"

  • "Better in telling people about my mental health and knowing what it is and explaining it and realizing that I’m not just weird, [that] there’s something wrong with me…"

  • "I grew more. I’m more confrontational to myself about my problems. I feel things are different now. Over the course of our counseling, I had lost friendships. I realized I had to lose them because they were bad for me. And it’s ok to feel what I’m feeling now [and] giving myself the time to grieve…"

  • "Definitely happier...feel better about myself and learned to take care of myself. Before, when I had a problem, I wouldn’t take a break. Now, I know how to navigate a problem and know what to do…"

  • "Better at recognizing my emotions... don’t feel so guilty about having these emotions…"

Currently we are working with the following schools to implement on-site counseling

  • Alameda Science and Technology Institute

  • Amador Valley High School

  • California Crosspoint Academy

  • Castro Valley High School

  • Irvington High

We are currently at full capacity to offer on-site counseling on schools for 2025-2026 school year.

We will update here when we are available.

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Youth Empowerment Program