Options For Seeking Therapy in Minorities
People of color may hesitate to seek therapy due to a variety of reasons; among the major obstacles include discrimination in the healthcare industry, an absence of culturally sensitive providers and stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Despite these difficulties, there are ways for minorities to access therapy more easily and conveniently. There are therapists who specialize in working with members of underrepresented communities – and if you’re searching for one online, there are plenty of resources to choose from.
Open Path Collective: This site connects users with therapists in their area who offer low-cost services (starting at $30/session). You can filter results based on ethnicity preferences so you find someone who looks and sounds like you.
BetterHelp: This site provides a telehealth platform with over 20,000 licensed therapists available for online appointments. It’s free to use and you can search therapists by location or ethnicity preferences.
Black Women’s Therapy Directory: This resource assists black women in finding therapists who can meet their needs and offer treatment in their communities. It has a national directory of nearly 150 therapists and 30 coaches, as well as a podcast, blog, and “sister circle” community for support.
Therapy for Black Girls: This platform strives to make therapy more accessible for black girls by offering resources such as symptoms identification, finding a provider, and understanding stigma. It also features a provider directory, “sister circle,” podcast hosted by a licensed psychologist, and more.
Therapists of Color: When seeking medical assistance, many minorities often fear they won’t receive adequate attention from a therapist who looks and speaks like them. This is particularly true for African Americans who have historically suffered due to racial prejudice and bias within the healthcare system.
When seeking therapy, it’s essential to communicate your preferences to your therapist at the start of each session. Doing this helps them better understand your individual needs and makes the session more meaningful for both of you.
You may also ask your therapist for referrals until you find the ideal match. If you have insurance, they should be able to suggest someone they have worked with and feel confident recommending.
There are also social media groups like Buy Black Lou and Therapy for Black Men on Facebook that can connect you with therapists who specialize in working with minority populations. You may also ask trusted friends for recommendations.
An understanding of unconscious bias that can exist in their practice is paramount for achieving the best outcomes for Black patients. Therapists who can recognize and address this bias create a more open atmosphere where patients feel safe discussing their thoughts and feelings with them.
