The idea for CARE started in late 2010 in Santa Monica California when a group of friends--all clinical psychologists--had a discussion over lunch about cultural competency in the field of mental health. The group discussed our increasingly multicultural world, and the complexities we each face as we move through the world at our own, unique intersection of multiple layers of identity. While the field of psychology has done its best to “get with the times," there is still much room for evolution. From there, Drs. Ghassemy, Khani, and Kuntze started meeting in January 2011, with the intention of creating an all-inclusive organization.
CARE received 501(c)(3) status in April of the same year. The founders then started reaching out to local schools to provide workshops about multiculturalism and ancillary education about multiple layers of identity. In September 2011, Tommy Kuntze and Drew Marshall joined the team to create a logo for CARE and overall vision of the visual design of the organization. (After all, this is a Los Angeles-based organization, so we know the importance of looking good.) Soon thereafter (early-mid 2012), the team was joined by Sahar Dorani and Lani Chin, and shortly thereafter others seeking to improve mental health education and contribute to the evolving dialog about multiculturalism and mental health (read more about our staff here).
Through current education and advocacy work, CARE continues to build toward its ultimate goal of opening the doors to a donation-based long-term counseling center for Los Angeles youth. CARE is a young organization and continues to grow and expand toward this dream weekly. Below, we’ve included a bit about the people who make CARE the organization that it is today. If you’d like to join our team, contact us to learn about ways you can help!
