Mental health AND psychosocial support
Instilling Wellness from the Inside Out
“I didn’t really know what it meant to be a survivor before coming to TASSC. Here, I first understood how significant the psychological scars [of torture] are, and how powerful I am as a survivor. TASSC broke down the loneliness and the silence I was confined in.”
Important Notice to TASSC Clients
Dear Valued TASSC Community,
Our clinical and psychological evaluation services are temporarily paused, and we are not accepting new referrals currently.
We appreciate your understanding during this transitional period. Your well-being is our priority, and we remain committed to supporting you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. For more information, please contact info@tassc.org. Or call (703) 720-9264.
Program Overview
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program is a key competent to TASSC's holistic model of care. The trauma of torture and the process of acculturation in the United States greatly impact survivors' physical and mental health. After arriving in the United States, survivors may experience depression, anxiety, sleeping problems and fearfulness. They may lose trust in themselves and in others, making it difficult to establish new relationships. They need supportive programming to process their trauma and navigate a new country.
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program is staffed by licensed therapists. Working from a culturally and trauma-informed, as well as strengths-based approach, the therapists employ culturally responsive healing techniques and trauma-informed interventions to help survivors cope with multiple losses and traumas in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. TASSC's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program offers on-site and telehealth individual and group therapy in the State of Maryland, utilizing psychodynamic, somatic, and trauma-focused psychotherapy. TASSC’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program also offers supportive group activities which foster social connections, help to build new relationships and reduce isolation.
An extensive network of highly specialized, trauma-focused mental health providers works in partnership with TASSC to provide additional mental health services, such as on-site psychiatric care, substance use counseling, intensive outpatient therapy, and medication management. Referrals to additional mental health services and coordination of care are conducted by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program Manager.
At TASSC, we celebrate the diverse experiences each participant brings in a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for survivors to identify and build upon the inner strengths and wisdom inherent to each of them. We talk; we listen; we laugh; we cry; we build community; and, we support survivors in their journey from surviving to thriving.
For additional questions, concerns, or ideas, about the program, please contact:
info@tassc.org
Please note: In case of a life-threatening crisis or mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
You can also call, text, or chat 988 if you have:
Thoughts of suicide
Depression or anxiety
Problems with drugs and alcohol
Additional Services
Medical and Psychological Forensic Evaluations
Medical and psychological forensic evaluations are significant supporting documents for many survivors seeking asylum. We coordinate evaluations as requested by survivors' lawyers, at no charge, through internal staff and a network of highly specialized community professionals.
TASSC’s clinicians and partners have specialized training and experience in recognizing, evaluating, and documenting the trauma of persecution, discrimination, detention, and fear of return - issues that are central to applications for asylum. The evaluations submitted by the clinical and medical evaluators are significant in corroborating the client’s persecution and are important factors in evaluating asylum claims.
TASSC does not provide 24/7 mental health crisis support service.
If you are a loved one is in need of immediate support, please go to the nearest ER or contact 988.
The following emergency mental health service providers operate in our area:
Washington, D.C.:
Community Response Team (CRT): a 24-7 direct service that can support with emotional, psychiatric, and substance use vulnerabilities.
Phone: 202-673-6495
NAMI DC Helpline: 24/7 mental health service support.
Phone: 202-673-9319
Silver Spring
The Crisis Center: provides free crisis services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone: 240-777-4000
In-person services: 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850.
Health and Wellness Support Groups
In addition to individual services, we offer opportunities for healing and community building in group settings.
Life Skills is a monthly activity session that provides survivors with opportunities for cultural orientation to engage with common American socio-cultural activities and situations in a safe environment. Past examples have included presentations and discussions on the following topics:
What to expect when visiting a doctor’s office.
What to expect if you are pulled over while driving.
How to apply for a library card.
How to navigate the DC metro and metro access/bus system.
Safe Skills is a weekly therapeutic group for survivors to learn expressive techniques and practice healthy coping skills. We include:
Meditation and mindfulness practices,
Movement therapy,
Activities focusing on topics and skills associated with emotional safety for trauma survivors.
Community of Healing is a monthly lunch and activity that encourages social connections and artistic expression to support survivors as they recover and build community in the United States
Parenting from Abroad: Coming soon.
These group activities are essential for stress management and community building for both long-time TASSC members and newcomers.