Culturally Competent Therapy for Persian Americans

Supporting the Persian American Community: Culturally Competent Mental Health Care

For many Persian Americans, navigating life in the U.S. presents unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being. Balancing cultural traditions with American values, managing family expectations, and coping with the lingering effects of immigration and generational trauma can feel overwhelming. At Orange County Health Psychologists, our Persian American and Farsi-speaking providers deeply understand these experiences and are here to offer compassionate, culturally attuned support. Whether you’re facing identity struggles, family pressures, or simply seeking someone who understands your background, we provide a safe and supportive space to help you thrive.

The Challenges of Acculturation

Adjusting to a new cultural environment while maintaining your Persian heritage can be a delicate balancing act. Many Persian Americans find themselves straddling two worlds, holding onto family traditions while also adapting to American societal norms. This challenge is often most pronounced for children and young adults who may feel torn between their Iranian roots and their American upbringing.

“Generational conflict is the most common complaint amongst immigrant Iranian families who experience assimilation. Many families struggle with different levels of acculturation in the family and a Persian American therapist who knows the challenges they face can make a real difference.”

— Sepideh Fatemi, LMFT, OC Health Psychologists

Family expectations can also clash with personal aspirations, leading to internal conflict. Traditional gender roles may place high expectations on daughters to care for their parents as they age, while American values emphasize independence and self-direction. Similarly, Persian cultural norms often discourage seeking therapy, with mental health struggles dismissed as something to endure rather than address. These deeply ingrained beliefs can make it difficult to seek help, even when it’s needed most.

At Orange County Health Psychologists, our Persian American therapists understand these cultural complexities. We provide a supportive space where you can explore your identity, navigate generational expectations, and work through the emotional toll of balancing multiple cultural influences. With culturally competent therapy, you can find the tools to build confidence and embrace both sides of your heritage in a way that feels authentic to you.

Intergenerational Trauma: Understanding the Past to Heal the Present

For many Persian Americans, family history is shaped by displacement, political upheaval, and the struggles of immigration. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq War forced many families to flee their homeland, leaving behind everything they knew. While survival became the priority, the emotional weight of these experiences did not disappear. Instead, trauma is often passed down through generations in the form of high expectations, anxiety, and unspoken fears.

“Intergenerational trauma is more prevalent among Persian American refugee families, which mostly includes religious & political minorities, that were forced to migrate or flee their country after the Islamic revolution & war. The traumatic experiences related to their migration may lead to psychological and emotional distress that can be transmitted from parents to their children. A Persian American therapist who is aware of these challenges can be more compassionate & helpful.”

— Azita Agahi, PsyD, OC Health Psychologists

Children of Iranian immigrants may grow up with parents who, shaped by past hardships, place immense pressure on them to succeed and create security. This can lead to feelings of emotional distance, stress, or even guilt for not living up to perceived expectations. Many Persian American families also avoid discussing painful past experiences, leaving younger generations to navigate their own challenges without understanding the full emotional context of their family’s history.

Culturally competent therapy can help break this cycle. We provide a space to explore family dynamics, understand inherited patterns of stress, and develop healthier ways to navigate expectations. By acknowledging the past and working through these deeply rooted emotions, individuals can move forward with a greater sense of clarity, connection, and self-compassion.

The Impact of Islamophobia on Iranian Americans

“Islamophobia can profoundly impact Persian Americans, leading to discrimination, social exclusion, and identity conflict. Islamophobia significantly impacts Persian Americans, particularly those who are visibly Muslim or have names associated with Islamic heritage may experience prejudice in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, contributing to stress, internalized stigma, and emotional distress. For younger individuals, these experiences can disrupt identity formation and psychological well-being. Culturally competent mental health support is crucial in mitigating these effects and fostering resilience.”

— Amin Salek, PsyD, OC Health Psychologists 

For many Iranian immigrants, arriving in the United States means entering a society where their religion shifts from the majority to the minority, a transition that can be both disorienting and isolating. Islamophobia remains a pervasive issue in America, disproportionately affecting those who visibly identify with Islam. This prejudice can lead to social exclusion, bullying, and discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

A young Iranian American girl who wears a hijab to school, for example, may encounter ridicule, exclusion, or even verbal and physical harassment. This experience can profoundly impact her self-esteem, identity development, and mental health. Many Iranian American children and teenagers struggle with the tension between their cultural and religious heritage and the desire to assimilate into American society. The fear of standing out or facing hostility can lead some to distance themselves from their cultural roots, resulting in identity confusion and emotional distress.

While conducting research for this blog post we spoke with an Iranian American woman who recounted 9/11. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, she was an Iranian American first grader who was singled out by a teacher and asked to stand in front of the class to explain “why they did it.” This moment of forced accountability, imposed upon a child too young to comprehend the complexities of global events, illustrates the profound misunderstandings and prejudices that Iranian Americans often face. Experiences like this can create feelings of shame, alienation, and a deep struggle with identity, reinforcing the need for culturally competent therapy that acknowledges these challenges and helps individuals process them in a healthy way.

In such cases, having access to a Persian American therapist who understands the complexities of being a religious and ethnic minority in the U.S. is crucial. A culturally competent therapist can help individuals process their experiences of discrimination while fostering resilience and a strong sense of identity. Mental health professionals can play an essential role in helping Iranian Americans navigate their dual identities by affirming their experiences and equipping them with coping strategies to combat internalized stigma.

Finding Support at Orange County Health Psychologists

Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward personal growth and healing. At OC Health Psychologists, we recognize the unique cultural and emotional experiences of Persian Americans and are committed to providing therapy that respects and understands your background. Whether you are struggling with acculturation, intergenerational trauma, family pressures, or cultural identity, our Persian American and Farsi-speaking therapists are here to support you.

We invite you to connect with our experienced therapists, Dr. Azita Agahi, Sepideh Fatemi, or Dr. Amin Salek, who are dedicated to helping you navigate your challenges with compassion and expertise. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.