Rihla Community Services provides culturally grounded mental health support, coaching, and life services to Afghan refugees and the broader Muslim community in San Diego.
"Rihla" is the Arabic word for journey. Established in 2021, Rihla Community Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health and life services center rooted in Islamic spiritual teachings and informed by evidence-based clinical practices.
We serve Afghan refugees experiencing resettlement in San Diego County, with services open to the entire Muslim community. Our approach is holistic — treating each person as a whole: mind, body, and spirit.
Service delivery is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), delivered in a culturally safe and linguistically accessible environment.
Service is grounded in Islamic spiritual teachings, creating a space where community members feel seen, respected, and understood.
We apply CBT, motivational interviewing, and CAM frameworks to ensure outcomes are measurable, effective, and trauma-informed.
Recognizing cultural barriers to traditional therapy, we emphasize future-focused coaching and skills development that resonates with refugees seeking stability.
Our staff includes refugees themselves — two team members immigrated to America as refugees — creating authentic trust with those we serve.
Individual and family counseling sessions addressing trauma, self-identity, goal-setting, and healthy coping strategies for refugees navigating a new culture.
Future-focused coaching on personal growth, conflict resolution, time management, and resilience — delivered in a way that respects community values.
Support groups and workshops for children, youth, and mothers addressing school acclimation, bullying prevention, cultural identity, and parenting in a new country.
Community workshops on parenting skills, cultural adaptation, stress and trauma management, nutrition, and building healthy relationships.
Culturally affirming events in partnership with community organizations, combining workshops, resource distribution, and celebration of Islamic traditions.
Premarital educational classes and a confidential matchmaking service connecting Muslim singles with the goal of marriage, guided by respect and Islamic values.
Born in Palestine, raised in Saudi Arabia, and a San Diego resident for 26 years. Holds a Bachelor's in Chemistry, a Master's in Leadership Studies, and a Certificate in Coaching from the University of San Diego. Currently a PhD candidate focused on social justice and equity in education.
A mother of five who immigrated from Afghanistan to Pakistan and then to the United States — navigating refugee life twice. Her decades of parenting experience and deep cultural understanding make her coaching invaluable to refugee families and youth.
Arrived in the US in 2021 as a special immigrant visa holder. Previously worked with NGOs and schools in Afghanistan. Deeply familiar with the challenges Afghan refugees face in securing employment and building new lives.
Date: Sat Jun 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Location: Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD)
Whether you're seeking services, looking to partner with us, or interested in supporting our mission — we welcome your message. All inquiries are handled with care and confidentiality.