For Providers

The purpose of Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Asian Behavioral Health Program is to help providers identify the signs and symptoms associated with Anti-Asian Racism & Violence.

Education initiatives will follow the guidance of the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Project TEACH, which has a component on coping with Anti-Asian Racism & Violence. The education will include how to screen, how to provide brief counseling, and how to refer survivors.

Primary care physicians shall provide screening for adjustment, anxiety & depression symptoms associated with Anti-Asian Racism & Violence.

Signs and Symptoms to Screen For

These signs and symptoms include:

Depression

  1. Depressed mood and/or lack of interest: one or both must be present
  2. Sleep disturbances – either insomnia or hypersomnia
  3. Changes in appetite or weight – weight gain or weight loss
  4. Poor concentration
  5. Fatigue
  6. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  7. Psychomotor retardation or agitation
  8. Thoughts of suicide or death

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  1. Trauma: Direct exposure or witnessing a trauma, or learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma
  2. Re-experiencing: Persistently re-experiencing unwanted upsetting memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional & physical distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
  3. Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, including trauma-related thoughts or feelings and external reminders
  4. Negativity: Negative thoughts or feelings and affect, decreased interest in activities, and feeling isolated
  5. Poor recall: Inability to recall key features of the trauma
  6. Self-blame: Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
  7. Increased arousal and reactivity: Irritability or aggression, risky or destructive behavior, hypervigilance, heightened startle reaction

Next Steps: Counseling and Referrals

  • Mild symptoms: The PCP shall provide brief counseling and follow-up.
  • Moderate or severe symptoms: Referrals will be made to Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Asian Behavioral Health Program by calling 718-206-7135.

It is our goal to facilitate and increase access to mental health and wellness care for members of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities who have experienced racially related traumatic experiences, discrimination, or violence.

Provider Resources

Directions to Our Hospital