Mental Health Stigma in the South Asian Community
Episode 214
January 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
In this episode, we speak with therapist Saba Suleman about the deeply rooted mental health stigma within the South Asian community. Saba shares her personal journey from growing up in Pakistan to becoming a therapist in the U.S., shedding light on the cultural expectations, silence, and fear of judgment that often prevent individuals from seeking support.
The conversation explores the reliance on spiritual healing, the lack of acceptance around mental health struggles, and how these barriers impact individuals and families. Saba also discusses signs of progress—including the role of social media in shifting conversations—and why culturally responsive care, such as therapy offered in native languages, is essential to helping people feel seen, understood, and supported.
MEET THE GUEST
Saba Suleman, MSc., LCPC
Saba Suleman is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving individuals, couples, and families in Illinois through LifeStance Health. With over a decade of experience, she provides compassionate and evidence-based care to adults and seniors navigating life’s challenges. Saba specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering tailored interventions to support clients in managing symptoms and building resilience. Whether working one-on-one or within group therapy, she fosters a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
In addition to her broad expertise, Saba has a strong passion for helping individuals struggling with midlife transitions, reproductive challenges, and gender identity concerns. She understands the complexities of these experiences and provides an empathetic, affirming approach to help clients navigate personal identity, life changes, and emotional well-being. Using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies, she empowers individuals to cultivate self-acceptance and emotional stability. Saba also has extensive experience working with first responders, military personnel, and the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these populations. She integrates a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that clients feel understood and supported.
As a therapist, she believes in a collaborative approach, helping clients develop practical skills for managing stress, relationships, and personal challenges. Saba offers therapy in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Saba completed clinical coursework toward her Master's degree at Northeastern Illinois University in addition to earning her Master's degree at University of Karachi, Pakistan. Outside of her professional work, Saba enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies and TV shows. She also cherishes time with her son, especially reading and playing together.
In addition to her broad expertise, Saba has a strong passion for helping individuals struggling with midlife transitions, reproductive challenges, and gender identity concerns. She understands the complexities of these experiences and provides an empathetic, affirming approach to help clients navigate personal identity, life changes, and emotional well-being. Using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies, she empowers individuals to cultivate self-acceptance and emotional stability. Saba also has extensive experience working with first responders, military personnel, and the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these populations. She integrates a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that clients feel understood and supported.
As a therapist, she believes in a collaborative approach, helping clients develop practical skills for managing stress, relationships, and personal challenges. Saba offers therapy in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Saba completed clinical coursework toward her Master's degree at Northeastern Illinois University in addition to earning her Master's degree at University of Karachi, Pakistan. Outside of her professional work, Saba enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies and TV shows. She also cherishes time with her son, especially reading and playing together.
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