Since its establishment in 1973, the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) has been a cornerstone for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), immigrant, and refugee communities in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Seattle, ACRS offers a wide array of culturally competent, multilingual services designed to promote social justice, health equity, and community empowerment.
Core Services Offered by ACRS
1. Behavioral Health & Wellness
ACRS provides comprehensive mental health counseling that integrates both Eastern and Western approaches. Services include individual and family therapy, outpatient counseling, intensive day treatment, and co-occurring disorders treatment. These programs are tailored to address the unique social, emotional, and behavioral needs of AAPI children, youth, and their families.
2. Substance Use Disorder Services
The organization offers state-certified substance use disorder treatment programs for both adults and youth. Services encompass assessments, individual and group counseling, support groups, and case management. These programs aim to help individuals abstain from substance use, improve their overall health, and enhance their quality of life.
3. Child & Youth Development
ACRS runs various in-school and after-school programs for middle and high school students, focusing on identity development, healthy relationships, cultural heritage education, and academic support. Additionally, they offer systems navigation workshops for parents and guardians to better support their children’s development.
4. Employment & Training Services
To assist immigrants and refugees in achieving economic stability, ACRS provides employment and training services, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job search assistance, and vocational training. These services are designed to help clients overcome barriers to employment and integrate successfully into the workforce.
5. Citizenship & Immigration Assistance
ACRS offers legal immigration services, such as assistance with adjustment of status, family-based petitions, and representation before immigration courts. They also provide citizenship classes and help clients navigate the naturalization process, ensuring access to accurate information and resources.
6. Aging Services for Older Adults
The organization supports elderly and disabled clients through programs that promote independent living, such as case management, congregate meals, and emergency feeding services. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for older adults within the community. citeturn0search6
Community Engagement and Advocacy
ACRS is deeply committed to civic engagement and advocacy. Through initiatives like “Democracy in Action,” they encourage community members to participate in the democratic process, providing education on voting rights and facilitating voter registration. Their advocacy efforts focus on addressing systemic inequities and promoting policies that benefit underserved communities.
Multilingual and Multicultural Approach
Understanding the importance of language and cultural competence, ACRS employs a diverse staff fluent in over 40 languages and dialects, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Khmer, and Russian. This multilingual capacity ensures that clients receive services in their preferred language, fostering trust and effective communication.
Contact Information
- Address: 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98144
- Phone: (206) 695-7600
- Email: info@acrs.org
- Website: acrs.org
Asian Counseling and Referral Service stands as a vital resource for AANHPI, immigrant, and refugee communities in Seattle and beyond. Through its comprehensive, culturally tailored programs, ACRS addresses the multifaceted needs of its clients, promoting well-being, empowerment, and social justice. Whether seeking mental health support, legal assistance, or community engagement opportunities, individuals can rely on ACRS for compassionate and competent care.