ABSTRACT
The growth of the South Asian population in the US points to the likelihood that the demand for mental health services will increase, and clinicians will be called upon to provide culturally sensitive treatment. While the cultural differences between South Asian American individuals is already vast, this chapter takes up the challenge to explore an even deeper level of distinction, that of multi-racial, multi-heritage, and diaspora identities. It explores the variations of South Asian identity that have been shaped by multicultural, multi-heritage, and diaspora communities. The chapter details a case study of Lakshmi to explore and focus on Indo-Caribbean South Asian American identities and experiences. It then explores the impact of coloniality for South Asian multicultural, multi-heritage, and diaspora individuals currently living in the US Traditionally, multi-racial relationships have been restricted under the guise of eugenic principles of racial purity.
