Chisme is Life: Why Pursue Careers in Mental Health
·1 hr 15 min·5 clips
Yasmin recalls her mom's plan for if ICE detained them, a fear that shaped her childhood.
The episode features an interview with Yasmin Landa, a first-generation PhD student in clinical psychology at UC Berkeley. She begins by describing her background: born in Yakima, Washington to immigrant parents from rural Mexico, who moved for better opportunities. Yasmin recounts the isolation her family faced and the childhood fear of her parents being detained by ICE, which shaped her awareness of difference. She reflects on her educational path, including initial uncertainty, rejection from graduate programs, and eventual acceptance to UC Berkeley with mentor support. Yasmin details her research, which involves culturally adapting mental health interventions, leveraging digital tools like apps, and incorporating community input. She discusses the loneliness of being one of few Latinx students in her program and the ongoing barriers she faces. The host shares personal stories about mentorship and cultural stigma, such as parents viewing therapy as 'for crazy people'. Yasmin emphasizes the importance of educating families and bridging gaps in mental health access. The conversation touches on broader themes like immigration, community support, and the role of institutions in serving diverse populations.
