HEAL (Health, Education And Literacy) Program

The HEAL Program provides free, culturally appropriate mental health and wellness education and support services to refugees and other immigrant groups in San Diego, CA.

Peer Counseling Sessions

Receive emotional support, Learn more about services & resources, Share experiences dealing with challenges in the United States

Mental Health Literacy Workshops

Gain information on physical and mental health, Understand signs of mental health challenges, Learn activities to improve mental health and wellness

Wellness Groups

Meet with a group on a regular basis, Discuss health & wellness topics in depth, Learn how to stay healthy while maintaining cultural traditions

Connections to Other Community Resources

Including individual, family, and group therapy and psychiatric services with option for medication

Who can participate in services?

  • Individuals from any country with the following statuses: refugee, asylee, SIV holder, lawful permanent resident, and others*
  • Afghan or Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
  • Individuals from the above groups who are 6 years or older

*For specific eligibility information, please contact SURVIVORS directly.

Interested in participating?

Please complete SURVIVORS’ Confidential Referral Form to submit a HEAL referral:

For more information, contact our HEAL Staff: 

Abdullah Sarferaz (English, Dari, Pashto)

Email: [email protected] Tele: (619) 629 – 6395

Sidrah Albahsahli (English, Arabic)

Email: [email protected]; Tele: (619) 932 – 8704

Work with us
If you are talented and passionate about human rights then SURVIVORS wants to hear from you.

Work with us
If you are talented and passionate about
human rights then Survivors wants to hear
from you.

Survivors of Torture, International • PO Box 371104 San Diego CA 92137 • [email protected]619-278-2400
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9AM - 7PM

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.