One of the biggest barriers to accessing mental health services? For many Americans, it’s stigma.

Discrimination from family, friends and coworkers can prevent individuals from improving their quality of life and getting the help they need.

For Muslims in the United States, social and public stigma are often amplified. Outside of the Muslim community, some may view those seeking mental health services as a threat. Inside the community, some may ask, “Why don’t you just pray?”

It’s a complex issue, and one that Ahmet Tanhan, who earned his PhD from UNCG’s Department of Counseling and Educational Development this May, spent the past three years investigating.

Read the rest of Ahmet’s story on the UNCG homepage.