Muslims living in the West continue to face numerous challenges when it comes to the development and maintenance of their Islamic identity, practice of their religious obligations, and pursuit of their personal, educational and professional goals. In addition to balancing these aspects of life, Muslims must navigate life in a secular and non-Muslim society, which continuously exerts its influence on their way of thinking, decision-making, and overall wellbeing. These factors are critical in determining a Muslim’s place in society and their ability to contribute as citizens and interact with others. Moreover, the struggles faced by Muslims span across every ethnicity, language group, culture and age group. This is particularly true of mental health, which needs to be addressed from an Islamic perspective, not only in providing appropriate guidance and treatment, but also dispelling misconceptions.

In addition, one life-stage represents a unique and ongoing challenge in the fostering of Muslim character, confidence and resilience. The urgency of addressing the Islamic development of our youth and their psychological wellbeing should prompt us to find suitable intersections amongst religion, education and mental/emotional health. Moreover, there is a dire need for professional resources that are authentic and trustworthy, and simultaneously address the religious and psychological questions of Muslims, especially those related to daily living, which can cause dissonance or deficits in their ability to function.         

It is the mission of PSYCHED4U to provide education, guidance and resources to address the developmental, psychological and mental health needs of Muslims in North America. This includes identification of the most critical mental and emotional health factors that impact the lives of Muslims, as well as developing an appropriate approach to dealing with the present issues and providing suitable solutions for the short and long term.