About UMH
Because true healing happens when we treat the whole person.
Mind. Body. Spirit. Community.
At Ummah Mental Health (UMH), we believe that mental well-being is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to reducing suicide and addiction rates by bridging the gap between individuals in need and mental health care that is both culturally responsive and grounded in evidence-informed practices.
Through compassionate support, education, and collaboration, we empower individuals to heal and flourish in mind, body, and spirit. We work to break stigma, provide access to free or affordable care, and strengthen communities by fostering open conversations around mental health.
Our Mission
Ummah Mental Health (UMH) is dedicated to transforming access to mental health care by connecting individuals with culturally competent, spiritually aligned, and evidence-informed services. We foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and empower communities through education, peer support, and collaborative, community-driven solutions. As part of our mission, we also inspire providers to give back through pro bono and low-cost care—extending the spirit of compassion into action.
Our Vision
A world where every individual has access to compassionate, culturally grounded, and evidence-informed mental health care—empowering them to flourish in mind, body, and spirit.
Board of Directors
Umar Latif, MD, DFAPA
Founder | Ummah Mental Health
Dr. Umar Latif is board-certified in General Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. With over 20 years of experience, he has led both direct clinical care and the development of national programs to expand access and improve mental health outcomes. In addition to his clinical work, he serves on the boards of two national nonprofits, actively advocating for mental health through leadership and community initiatives.
Dr. Latif founded UMH with the belief that knowledge and experience gained are most meaningful when shared in service to others—building care systems that are both clinically effective and community-centered. UMH exists to break down barriers of stigma and foster a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength. In doing so, he hopes to build a foundation for lasting impact—one that continues to serve and strengthen the community for years to come.
Shadiah Salem, MBA, LPC, NCC
Founding Board Member | UMH
Shadiah Salem comes with over 18 years of experience that includes getting an MBA and serving on corporate teams that accomplished things like purchasing nuclear fuel from international sources, re-organizing companies and departments across the United States, computer program automation, and making changes through technology.
Today Ms. Salem focuses on making change through reflection, healing, and growth. Ms. Salem got her second master's in counseling and has broad and in-depth training in helping people from all walks of life. Her focus is helping to heal through self-discovery, exploration, reflection, and building self-awareness. Ms. Salem believes in the good in each person, their personal ability to feel better, and in the importance of maintaining healthy relationships.
Ms. Salem has spent over 30 years volunteering for nonprofit organizations that support the needs of our communities. UMH is a natural extension of everything Ms. Salem believes in: working creatively and collaboratively to help lift our Ummah.
Kashif Asdi, PhD
Founding Board Member | UMH
Kashif Asdi, PhD, a visionary academic leader with over two decades of experience, believes education is a powerful tool for empowerment, particularly in mental health. Drawing from early work on UNICEF and UNESCO health education projects in rural areas, he understands the transformative impact of accessible knowledge. As a dedicated advocate, he has volunteered to develop outcomes-based curricula for youth, fostering meaningful engagement. Dr. Asdi is passionate about breaking down barriers and alienation through education, emphasizing that there is always a path forward.
At UMH, his goal is to design impactful content that empowers individuals and communities, fostering understanding, connection, and proactive mental well-being. He aims to ensure that no one feels lost, and that solutions are always within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Description UMH does NOT provide emergency mental health services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or seek immediate professional help.We also do not provice clinical care. Our organization provides resources for you to connect with care.
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‘Ummah’ broadly means a community united by shared values, purpose, and mutual care - reflecting our belief that addressing mental health challenges requires collective support. While the term is Arabic in origin, we embrace its universal meaning of community care and mutual support. Our name reflects both our cultural competency expertise and our commitment to building inclusive mental health communities where everyone belongs.
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There are several ways to support UMH:
Donate to help sustain and expand our initiatives.
Volunteer your time or expertise as a mental health professional, community advocate, or peer supporter.
Share our mission by raising awareness about mental health challenges in your community.
Invite us to your next community event.
Build partnerships to leverage existing work and help amplify it’s impact and outcomes
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While we are building our resources, including an online directory (coming soon), the most effective way to refer to someone right now is to explore our Mental Health Resources Mental Health Section and reach out directly to them.
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UMH addresses critical gaps in the mental health system by connecting individuals with culturally competent care that recognizes the whole person - including cultural context and spiritual dimensions when relevant to treatment. Our approach is distinguished by:
Digital-first accessibility: Leveraging telemedicine to overcome geographic and mobility barriers to mental health care
Cultural competency as a clinical approach: Addressing documented barriers to mental health treatment engagement and effectiveness
Collaborative amplification: Creating national standards and networks that connect existing resources rather than duplicating efforts
Whole-person care coordination: Recognizing that effective mental health care often requires addressing spiritual dimensions for many individuals
Through these approaches, we expand the mental health ecosystem by reaching populations that might otherwise not seek help while maintaining professional healthcare standards.
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No. Clients referred through UMH receive evidence-based mental health care from independently licensed psychiatrists and therapists. The incorporation of spirituality or Islamic psychology is optional and included only if requested by the client. Similarly, clinicians provide treatment based on their professional training and licensure, individualizing care based on client’s expressed needs.
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UMH is committed to helping anyone seeking mental health support, regardless of faith, gender, race, or background. All our resources, education materials, and provider directory are available to everyone.
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Absolutely! As a mental health organization, we recognize that effective care requires diverse perspectives and expertise. We actively welcome professionals and volunteers from all backgrounds who share our commitment to improving mental health outcomes through culturally responsive approaches. Your professional expertise and passion for mental health are what matter most.
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UMH will be sustained through generous donations and federal, state and local grants. We rely on strong community support and collaborative partnerships to drive our mission and expand our impact.
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UMH does not directly provide financial aid but helps individuals connect with low-cost or affordable clinical care options through our network of independent licensed professionals.