Our Story

History

2007

AAMHA was established in 2007 by Drs. Emma Oshagan, Levon Jernazian, Raffi Tashjian, and Charles Pilavian with the goal of being strong advocates of mental health and the desire to advance mental health knowledge and practice in the Armenian community.

2009

In 2009 the organization earned its nonprofit status and has since been active in charitable giving, particularly to organizations in Armenia to support mental health initiatives and services.

2020

During the 44-day Artsakh War, AAMHA created a special team called AAMHA Volunteers comprised of clinicians who provided support and consultation to mental health service providers in Armenia treating refugees and veterans.

2021

AAMHA holds an annual conference, bringing together researchers and clinicians from the United States, Armenia, and elsewhere in the world to share ideas, research, and innovations in the field of mental health related to the Armenian community.

Goals

  • Empower Armenian community through mental health advocacy
  • Collaborate with Armenian professionals around the world to advance scholarship and practical application of knowledge in the field of mental health
  • Improve mental health services for Armenian community
  • Provide support to Armenian mental health professionals in the United States, Armenia, and around the world
  • Promote the respect of cultural differences and the impact of culture on individual worldview

How we meet our goals

  • Develop educational programming about mental health for Armenian community
  • Raise awareness about available mental health resources for Armenian community
  • Provide professional development, continuing education, and other educational programming for mental health professionals
  • Provide opportunities for networking, consultation, professional discussion, referrals, and support for mental health professionals of Armenian descent interested in Armenian issues
  • Support the growth and professional development of students in mental health fields
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals in Armenia to promote training of counselors and therapists, as well as support the continued growth and development of the field of psychology and related services