Raíces Sagradas began in 2008 as an experiment . . .

To determine whether we could change access to mental health services for uninsured Spanish-speaking immigrants.

Our History.

Understanding our organization’s history is fundamental to fully grasping our work's transformative nature.

Raíces Sagradas (“Sacred Roots”) was formerly known as Holy Rosary Mental Health in 2008. Now incorporated as a 501(c)3, Raíces maintains its presence in church spaces despite not being a religious institution nor requiring any religious affiliation to access our services.

In many Hispanic cultures, mental health conditions are viewed as taboo and shameful. Before turning to a mental health professional, community members often seek support from faith leaders. For many who seek treatment with us, they must integrate their spirituality into their treatment. Combining this cultural knowledge with psychological expertise is the basis for our origins in a church setting and the continuation of our collaboration with churches and other community organizations to reduce the stigma felt by Raíces clients.

Our Team.

Raíces Sagradas cherishes a diverse and committed team that reflects and profoundly respects the community it serves. Our leadership and staff are as diverse as our community: a Latina Executive Director, 75% Hispanic clinicians, and a Board composition of 90% Hispanic members. With varied backgrounds and experiences, this team allows us to connect deeply within the community, fostering trust and active participation in our mental health care initiatives.

Services.

Raíces Sagradas provides direct, culturally sensitive professional psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Spanish and English. We also do psychological evaluations necessary for immigration legal processes.

In addition to clinical services, we train community members on the basics of trauma, depression, and anxiety. This training enables us to integrate current and helpful information and referrals into church and community offerings.

Corporate Responsibility

Raíces Sagradas's team dedicates to providing essential mental health services and psychological evaluations to uninsured immigrants from the Spanish-speaking community in the Twin Cities. We recognize the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population and strive to ensure their well-being by offering culturally sensitive, accessible, and compassionate mental health support.

  1. Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Services: Cultural background and language are significant in mental health care. Our team of bilingual and culturally competent mental health professionals provides tailored services that respect and honor Spanish-speaking immigrants' diverse backgrounds and experiences. We create safe and inclusive spaces where individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered in their journey toward mental wellness.

  2. Accessibility for the Uninsured: We are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care for uninsured Spanish-speaking immigrants in the Twin Cities. Recognizing their financial challenges, we offer free services, ensuring that cost is not a deterrent to accessing essential services. By providing accessible options, we aim to prioritize the mental well-being of individuals who might otherwise not have access to quality care.

  3. Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations: Understanding the importance of accurate assessments, we offer comprehensive psychological evaluations to aid in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and support for Spanish-speaking immigrants. We conduct evaluations by qualified professionals who utilize culturally sensitive assessment tools and consider the unique cultural, linguistic, and contextual factors that may impact mental health. We strive for accuracy, compassion, and cultural relevance in our evaluations.

  4. Community Partnerships and Outreach: We actively collaborate with community organizations, immigrant support networks, and healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to mental health support. By fostering partnerships, we strengthen the collective capacity to address the mental health needs of uninsured Spanish-speaking immigrants in the Twin Cities. We engage in community outreach efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness within the immigrant community.

  5. Advocacy for Mental Health Resources: We advocate for improved access to mental health resources and affordable healthcare for uninsured Spanish-speaking immigrants to enhance their well-being and ensure equitable support. 

  6. Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by this population. Through advocacy efforts, we strive to influence policy changes prioritizing mental health equity and ensuring all individuals have access to the care they deserve.

At Raíces Sagradas, we are committed to providing mental health services and psychological evaluations tailored to uninsured Spanish-speaking immigrants in the Twin Cities. Our focus on cultural sensitivity, affordability, and community collaboration sets us apart in our dedication to supporting the mental well-being of this underserved population.

Together, we can create a community where mental health care is accessible and inclusive, empowering individuals on their journey to healing and resilience.

Health Equity.

We ensure historically marginalized groups receive compassionate and culturally sensitive mental health support through tailored services rooted in cultural understanding and a leadership team that mirrors the community. By offering our work for free and in our clients’ native language, we are actively eliminating the financial, language, and cultural barriers contributing to health disparities.

We strive to bridge the gap between the existing mental health challenges and the solutions needed.

Long-Term Vision.

Become a prime model for culturally responsive mental health care in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, especially for populations experiencing inequities and disparities.

The vision includes breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, dismantling language barriers, removing financial strain, addressing root causes of mental health concerns, establishing a safe and supportive environment, providing free-of-judgment service, and fostering individual self-sufficiency for lasting community well-being.