** bismillah ar-rahman ar-raheem **

MMHN is a support group/ discussion forum for professionals and students of the mental health fields (social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, etc.).

It is for individuals who fear Allah and have a sincere intention to not only keep from straying from the Straight Path, but to also use their knowledge and effort to benefit and build the Islamic Ummah. Non-Muslims who have a primary research/clinical interest in Muslims are welcome.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION MAY INCLUDE:

--- intellectual, emotional, psychological, and spiritual strengths and concerns in Muslim communities
--- secular theories and how they relate to Islamic constructs and cultural issues
--- solutions provided by the Qur'an and sunna for psychological ailments
--- personal challenges and successes relating to clients and advice seeking; case presentations
--- collaboration on research projects and publications
--- announcements on conferences and career opportunities

ON-GOING GROUP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

--- Databases of Islamic mental health references (articles, books, links, etc.)
--- Full-text articles on culturally-sensitive treatment
--- Research sadaqah project

5 MOST RECENT DISCUSSION TOPICS WERE:

1. unconditional love
2. answering tough questions #1- why polygamy?
3. jinns/shayateens
4. anything haram in dialectical behavior therapy?
5. gay Muslims, homosexuality, and Islam


This list is open to persons from around the world regardless of theoretical orientation or training. Working in the mental health fields can be mentally and emotionally strenuous, especially as Muslim colleagues may be difficult to find. MMH thus serves as a supportive resource.

Jazakum Allah Khairan, and may Allah bless this list and its members and allow for us to exchange knowledge and support that will benefit ourselves and the communities around us.