Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services (IMCES)

IMCES Presents: A Continuing Education Training for Psychologists, MSWs, MFTs, Nurses, Teachers, School Administrators, Attorneys, Law Enforcement, and Members of the Community Targeted School Violence - Presented by Dr. Efrain A. Beliz Jr., Ph.D.... Fee - $50 Date - May 6, 2015 Time Registration: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Presentation: 2:00pm - 5:15pm Location 3580 Wilshire Blvd. Twentieth Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 OR TBD

Join us in the movement toward Mental Health Reform!

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 8949 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Dear Academy,... I am writing to bring to your attention how stigma associated with mental illness effects our community and to inform you of an exciting statewide campaign addressing that issue that our organization is spearheading in Los Angeles. Every year, one in four Americans is living with mental illness. Many will not seek help because of fear; fear of stigma and discrimination, fear of the unknown and isolation. The Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services, Inc., (IMCES) is a local community clinic that provides direct services to the underserved ethnic population. We have over 100 professional staff, with diverse linguistic and cultural expertise to reach annually over thousands of underserved clients from different cultural backgrounds including Hispanic, African American, Asian, Persian, Armenian, and Russian. We are committed to providing the highest standard of practice to the most needy population in our community. Global Crises The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Global Human Rights Emergency. People with mental disabilities around the world face discrimination, violence and abuse in all aspects of their lives. The United Nations (UN) declared depression to be a global crisis. Depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In response to these crises, IMCES is at the forefront of local and international initiatives, research efforts, and advocacy to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. We ask the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to use their important, influential role to raise awareness about stigma associated with mental illness by wearing the green ribbon and encourage others to do so. Lime-green is the national color of mental health awareness symbolic of vigorous life and flourishing health, representing our efforts to overcome the stereotype, stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. Sincerely, Tara Pir, Ph.D. aka, Tahereh Pirhekayaty President and CEO