After 25+ years of leading Survivors of Torture, International, I have shared with our board and staff of my plans to retire. I will guide the organization until September 30, 2022, my official retirement date.  I am confident SURVIVORS is in a strong and robust position for the next executive director (yet to be identified) to creatively shape the growth that lies ahead.  

SURVIVORS will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year having been formally established February 27, 1997.  In this milestone year, we have chosen the theme “Moving Through the Journey:  25 Years of Healing.”  It will be a time to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments we have had to fulfill SURVIVORS’ mission.  I am genuinely proud of the positive impact we have had on the lives of thousands of torture survivors and their families who have greatly benefited from our diverse, yet tailored, services and also of the weaving of torture treatment into the fabric of the community of San Diego and beyond. 

I am grateful to my co-founders, Bill Radatz and George Falk, as well as our board leadership, staff, mental health providers, pro bono physicians and other volunteers, university interns, community partners, immigration attorneys, donors, supporters and so many more who believe in the power of healing the wounds of torture and in creating a welcoming community for all to truly belong.  I am also incredibly grateful to the resilient torture survivors themselves who I have had the privilege to learn from. Lastly, I am very grateful to my family who have been supportive throughout these 25 years while on this incredible journey.

The 25th anniversary is the time to not only look back but even more importantly to also look forward and dream of what more will be accomplished in the next 25 years.  You will receive additional information about this transformative year as plans develop and take shape. 

We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or immigration status.

SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.

To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.

Pro-Bono volunteer physicians perform medical evaluations for clients’ asylum cases. Physicians write medical affidavits for attorneys to present in court, documenting that there is physical evidence of torture. Medical evaluations are always done in person, either at SURVIVORS’ office or a secondary location. Interpreters are provided for this service. Applicant’s medical licenses must be up to date.

Contractors accept clients for individual, couples or family therapy on a case-by-case basis. You choose your availability and create your own schedule. Therapy sessions may occur in your office setting in the community, Survivors’ office space, in-home, or via telemedicine. SURVIVORS provides compensation for your work. We will also provide professional interpreters to work with you.

You are not alone. We’re here to help. We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status.

SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.

To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.

PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses. 

PSYCHOTHERAPY

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

PSYCHIATRY

SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.

PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION

SURVIVORS facilitates professional, trauma-informed interpretation so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.

HEALING CLUB

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

AYSLUM SUPPORT

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

ASYLUM SUPPORT

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses. 

PSYCHIATRY

SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.

HEALING CLUB

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

INTERPRETERS

SURVIVORS partners with professional, trauma-informed interpreters so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.