Welcome to CIMH
The flowers used in this image were chosen to represent just a small number of the cultures served by CIMH: Tulips (Afghanistan), Jasmine (Syria), Dahlias (Mexico), and Orchids (several Central and South American countries).
Who we are
In response to the anti-immigrant social-political climate, the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health (CIMH) was created in 2016 by community activists, educators, immigrants, and practitioners.
From its inception, CIMH has been a coalition-building effort, working to build the collective capacity within Illinois to promote the well-being and mental health needs of all immigrants and refugees directly impacted by evolving immigration policies and practices.
We are grounded in an understanding of the structural and systemic factors that contribute to long-standing educational, economic, and health disparities.
CIMH envisions fair, equal, linguistically, and culturally accessible mental health services free from stigma and fear for all refugees and immigrants, regardless of status.
CIMH launches a new logo to mark our 8 years of steadfast commitment to immigrant and refugee mental health and our communities.
Our new logo embodies our continued mission to “hold” our global communities with hands that encompass the growing movement of people across the world. Additionally, the upward facing profile is symbolic of our decisive and strategic focus and hope for the future.
Why we do this work
The mental health and immigrant and refugee experiences are deeply intertwined. The level of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that most immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing at the moment is unprecedented and leads to isolation, division, and despair.
CIMH believes that access to mental health care is a public health issue and a human right riddled with inequities and limited resources.
Immigrant and refugee families are often economically, socially, and emotionally vulnerable within an antagonistic social environment, exacerbating psychological distress.
When our communities are not well, we will not thrive and can not win. When our communities are well, the possibilities for what we can achieve are endless.
What we do
CIMH takes a healing-centered approach that understands the intersecting structural and systemic factors that have historically contributed to long-standing educational, economic, and health disparities. As a result, we operate from a social justice framework and through our work aim to build:
1) collective capacity in our communities for how we care for ourselves and others;
2) community connections and power that allow us to embody healing-centered wellness and be a powerful force for our communities; and
3) access to vital resources and knowledge that position us to fight, care for, and stand with all immigrants and refugees.
Impact*
786
Of CIMH members
*Data as of 9/23/2025.
715
People participated in CIMH’s convenings
2,243
Number of people attended CIMH trainings and/or presentations
$658,500
Received in grant funding
Urgent Resources for Our Communities
During this time of heightened uncertainty and risk, it is more important than ever that families have immediate access to trusted resources and support. We’ve gathered key tools to help you stay informed, know your rights, and connect with community protection networks:
