Volunteering, Healing, and Making a Difference

AANHPI Heritage Month recognizes the vital contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the United States, while also shedding light on the mental health challenges these communities face. As part of our commitment to raising awareness and advancing mental health equity, we proudly recognize AANHPI mental health advocates– including those within our volunteer community. Our volunteer Crisis Counselors are true changemakers who inspire us through their dedication, empathy, and meaningful impact. They lead by example through consistently showing up for our texters and championing mental health within their communities. This month we’re celebrating our 2025 AANHPI Changemaker: Justin Singh Courtney. Learn more about his journey below.

Q: What inspired you to volunteer? How has this focus shaped the way you engage with your community and drive change? 

A: I felt very helpless and defeated when observing the suffering of the people in my country and community– I knew I had to do something. Instead of getting lost in my mind and stressing out about the big picture issues, I decided that supporting those suffering on an individual level felt a lot more doable and tangible. This decision shifted my career goals and ultimately led to me becoming a family therapist instead of a public servant. Never been happier.

Q: Share a recent story of success that illustrates the impact of your work in mental health, showcasing the difference you’ve made in someone’s life.

A: I recently got trained in Dr. Grand’s Brainspotting (BSP) method of trauma therapy. The impact on the lives of my Children’s Long-term Support Program (CLTS) has been unbelievable since I began implementing the BSP interventions in session. I trust in the interventions so much that I often use them on myself for my own healing and growth.

Q: What advice would you give volunteers looking to make a difference in improving mental health access and awareness within their communities?

A: Be aware of your communities’ collective unconscious and superegos. The collective unconscious is the shared unconscious of the world or group, and the superego is the morals and shoulds that a given CLTS is encouraged to adopt based on their context. The collective unconscious and superegos of each community and culture will vary. The more you understand the collective unconscious and superegos that a given CLTS lives as a part of, the more you will see the CLTS, and the more you can help the client see themselves.

A warm and sincere thank you to Justin, and all of our dedicated volunteer Crisis Counselors, for their tireless commitment to supporting our texters through their mental health struggles and ensuring that no text for help goes unanswered.

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Help us continue to provide support to the AANHPI community this month, and every month. Remember– if you ever need support, we are here for you. Text CONNECT to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor– free, confidential, 24/7. Or, if you are interested in making a lasting impact on the lives of others, consider joining our community of changemakers and become a volunteer!