Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International and Multicultural Education (IME)

College/School

School of Education

Department/Program

International and Multicultural Education (IME)

First Advisor

Dr. David Donahue

Abstract

This field project, Connecting Through Context: A Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resource for K–12 School Counselors, explores the intersection of decolonial theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, and school-based mental health practices. Rooted in both personal and academic experiences, the project addresses the significant gap in culturally responsive mental health resources for immigrant and refugee students, with a personal emphasis on those from Southeast Asian backgrounds. With nearly 27% of the U.S. student population being immigrants, traditional Western mental health models, centered on talk therapy and medication, often fall short in effectively supporting culturally diverse students. Through a literature review grounded in the works of scholars such as Anibal Quijano and Gloria Ladson-Billings, this project demonstrates how decolonial frameworks and culturally relevant pedagogy can be used to develop more inclusive and effective mental health support within schools. The resulting curriculum takes the form of an interactive website designed as a practical, evolving resource for K–12 school counselors. The site provides historical and cultural context, insights into cultural beliefs around mental health, and community-driven resources, beginning with Thai culture and aiming to expand globally. Ultimately, this project encourages school counselors to practice cultural humility, build meaningful context around each student’s background, and co-create inclusive, safe spaces that affirm and celebrate students’ cultural identities. By shifting from a deficit model to one of empowerment and collaboration, Connecting Through Context offers a transformative approach to student mental health and well-being in multicultural educational settings.

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