Bridging Cultures, Healing Together: ARISE Wellness Workshops Uplift East Asian Communities

Twice a month, a unique healing space comes to life in South Alameda County, where acupuncture, health education, and open dialogue converge to nurture the mental and emotional well-being of East Asian communities. This is the heart of the ARISE: Asian Wellness Project, a joint initiative powered by Bay Area Community Health in partnership with Alameda County Behavioral Health and other community organizations.

Designed as a Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) program, ARISE offers free wellness services that blend traditional Chinese medicine and Western psychological counseling. These culturally responsive workshops have become a lifeline for many, serving more than 500 residents in just six months, with each session welcoming about 40–50 participants.

What sets ARISE apart is its integrative, holistic model – one that thoughtfully acknowledges the unique mental health stigma within East Asian communities.

“Asian patients tend to avoid talking about mental health issues,” says Eric Yuan, who leads this initiative from the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and brings over 20 years of experience in psychological counseling. “I suggest using a medical approach to make it easier for them to accept… hence the idea to incorporate Chinese medicine.”

Through this approach, participants are welcomed into a wellness space that feels familiar and safe – where they can receive acupuncture and learn Qigong, all while gaining tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. Health lectures, psychological counseling, and guided discussions help attendees connect the dots between mind and body in ways that deeply resonate across generations.

“By combining the strengths of both [Eastern and Western] approaches, we can deal with the body, soul, and mind,” adds Dr. Zettie D. Page, III MD, Ph.D., MBA, MSW, MS, one of the leading wellness providers. “We can explore the reasons why someone doesn’t feel good – why they are overstressed or have a sense of anger. These feelings often have consequences, such as poor digestion or disrupted sleep. Through workshops like these, we include the entire family and not just the person experiencing the symptoms.”

Previously, SkyLink TV featured the ARISE workshop in a video segment, offering an inside look at how this integrative model is transforming lives. The segment includes interviews with residents and providers, capturing heartfelt stories of relief, resilience, and a renewed connection to wellness.

Watch the full feature to learn more about the impact of this program and hear directly from community members and leaders.

At a time when nearly 1 in 5 people experience mental health challenges, the ARISE: Asian Wellness Project stands as a testament to what’s possible when cultural understanding, community care, and innovation come together.

To learn more about ARISE or attend an upcoming workshop, visit: Behavioral Health at BACH — Bay Area Community Health