Welcome to The Muses Program for Minoritized Youth

Who are minoritized youth?

Minoritized youth are young individuals who belong to groups that are socially, politically, or economically marginalized due to systemic power imbalances. The term "minoritized" emphasizes that their marginalization is not an inherent characteristic of their identity but is imposed through societal structures and processes. These youth may experience exclusion, inequity, or discrimination based on aspects such as race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and/or economic status.

What is minority stress?

Minority stress refers to the unique, chronic stressors experienced by individuals who belong to stigmatized or marginalized social groups. These stressors arise from external events, such as discrimination, prejudice, and social rejection, as well as internal processes, such as the anticipation of discrimination, concealment of identity, and internalized stigma.

Your super power!

Minoritized youth develop unique mechanisms of resilience, which help them navigate and challenge systemic barriers while cultivating strength. Youth can build community that offers affirmation, solidarity, and a sense of belonging: a safe space for expression, mentorship, and resource-sharing, empowering youth to navigate systemic barriers together. This combination of community and resilience underscores their capacity to thrive despite adversity.

The Muses Program provides a place for minoritized youth to be their authentic selves. Created for young people who experience psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety due to discrimination, our team partners with youth and their families in the healing process.

Named for the Muses from mythology, who were known for being unstoppable inspirations born with innate abilities to change people and encourage a better society, The Muses Program assists minoritized youth in finding their inner calm in the storm that can occur due to discrimination and minority stress. Headed by UCSF faculty and staff who identify as minoritized, Muses not only provides mental healthcare that minoritized youth often do not have access to, but also tools to navigate a world filled with bias.

Our Model

Our multi-purpose psychiatric program uses a combination of individual psychotherapy, medication support (as necessary), and group therapy tailored specifically to each youth and their unique needs to help them find their internal power. The program also utilizes a strengths-based model of highlighting the facets of a youth’s identity as essential and beautiful. Just as importantly, the clinic centers families and children as experts, with the staff and healthcare workers providing support and guidance that works with the family and honors their experiences.

We look forward to collaborating with you.