SCIRC logoSCIRCSouthern California Immigrant & Refugee Center

About SCIRC

Connecting social services, behavioral health and community care.

We support immigrants, refugees and families as they navigate social, economic, cultural and emotional challenges, with compassionate and culturally responsive assistance.

Supporting the whole person

Social well-being and mental health go hand in hand. Housing instability, financial hardship, language barriers, unemployment, family difficulties and immigration-related stress can all affect a person’s well-being.

Through personalized case management, resource navigation and community assistance, SCIRC helps people address immediate needs and connect with appropriate behavioral health providers.

With the individual’s consent, our team can coordinate with healthcare providers to support continuity of care.

Our commitment

We are committed to compassionate, confidential, culturally responsive and person-centered assistance for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

No one should have to navigate complex social and behavioral health systems alone.

Explore our services

Our team

Meet the people who support our community.

Media Younus, social services and case management professional

Media Younus

Social Services & Case Management

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, San Diego State University · More than seven years of social services experience

Media is dedicated to helping people strengthen their well-being, build stability and access the resources they need for healthier, more independent lives.

Her experience includes work as a Social Work Assistant at an adult health center and as a Case Manager at Palm Mental Health Clinic. She has helped people facing mental health challenges and other social barriers connect with healthcare, transportation, housing assistance, public benefits, community programs and educational opportunities.

Media’s approach is grounded in respect, empathy and confidentiality. She recognizes each person’s strengths and circumstances while helping them find meaningful support.

Samira Yalda, case manager and social services professional

Samira Yalda

Case Manager | Social Services & Community Resource Specialist

16+ years of experience · Fluent in English, Arabic, Aramaic and Turkish

Samira is a dedicated case manager with more than 16 years of experience in social services, mental health support, interpretation and community assistance. She has worked with intergovernmental and international organizations, supporting people and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

She earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Mosul in Iraq. Her experience includes helping people navigate social service systems, access community resources and overcome language and cultural barriers, as well as case management, service coordination, mental health support and immigration-related administrative paperwork assistance.

Samira’s consecutive and simultaneous interpretation experience helps clients understand available services, communicate their needs and make informed decisions. She is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful and culturally sensitive environment.

Immigration support: Her assistance with immigration-related paperwork is limited to legally permitted administrative help. Legal advice and representation are provided only by authorized professionals.

Shadi Haddad, social worker and psychotherapist

Shadi Haddad, MSW, ASCW

Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Program Coordinator

Social work and community support experience since 2000 · Practicing in San Diego since 2008

Shadi is an experienced social worker, psychotherapist and program coordinator. His work has included supporting orphaned children, managing mental health programs, strengthening elderly care and supporting nonprofit initiatives, including work with SOS Children’s Villages.

He holds a master’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University and specializes in cultural dynamics, adults and older adults. His training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He currently works as a psychotherapist at Palm Mental Health.

Professional scope: Shadi is described as licensed-eligible with California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences. Therapy services are provided within the professional’s authorized scope.

Sharmineh Vakili, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Sharmineh Vakili

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist · AMFT 143406

Services in English and Farsi

Sharmineh supports individuals, families and couples with culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Her areas of focus include stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, immigrant and refugee experiences, and support for military families.

Her specialized training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, couples therapy and grief counseling. She combines evidence-based approaches with empathy, respect and care for each person’s background and experiences.

Professional scope: Sharmineh is identified as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Care is provided within her supervised and authorized scope of practice.

Vian Asmaro, Associate Clinical Social Worker

Vian Asmaro, ACSW

Associate Mental Health Therapist · ACSW 104499

MSW, San Diego State University · English, Arabic and Aramaic

Vian has 12 years of experience supporting individuals and families through emotional and psychological challenges. Her approach draws on cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, person-centered and trauma-informed therapies.

She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, grief and life transitions, and collaborates with them on goals shaped by their values and strengths.

Professional scope: Vian is identified as an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Services are provided within her authorized and supervised scope of practice.