Culturally informed and sensitive mental health care is essential for specific groups. BIPOC mental health services can, and should, look different from those offered to white Americans. Black mental health awareness often starts by understanding that making the decision to get treatment can be very difficult. Black Americans may have an understandable distrust of health care systems, particularly given historical events such as the Tuskegee Experiments and the treatment of Henrietta Lacks.
Only 4% of psychologists are Black, which can make it difficult for African Americans to find culturally informed care. While sharing an ethnicity is not specifically necessary to deliver the right care, starting from a shared cultural perspective can be helpful to patients who don’t need to explain instances of racism and provide context to everything they might feel. The National Mental Health Hotline offers minority groups culturally sensitive care options and helps find options that are anti-racist and informed about the unique struggles of BIPOC groups.
The History and Statistics of BIPOC Mental Health
Did you know only 37.1% of Black Americans receive mental health care each year? When compared to the nearly 52% of white Americans who have access, there’s a clear problem. Challenges involved in seeking care may stem from several sources.
- Racism. Microaggressions, police brutality, verbal and physical confrontations and many other day-to-day interactions can all be attributed to racism. Racism is a system of oppression that still exists today, hidden in policies, structures, practices and norms that affect Black people who are still judged first by their appearance.
- Cultural stigma. Black mental health awareness isn’t at the forefront of the BIPOC community, and many people still equate mental illness with personal failings and misname symptoms as tiredness or stress.
- Trauma. Traumas resulting in higher-than-average rates of PTSD are likely due in part to media representations of police brutality, ongoing discussions surrounding race relations and intergenerational trauma that’s a genetic remnant of the results of slavery. This may cause members of the BIPOC community to feel uncertain about seeking help.
- Lack of Black health care providers. Only 2% of psychiatrists in the United States are Black. Because most patients prefer a mental health care professional from a shared background, this can make it difficult for members of the BIPOC community to find appropriate care.
To help overcome some of these hurdles, we’ve compiled a list of resources that may help you find local mental health professionals who are educated about the struggles and culture of various Peoples of Color.
BIPOC Mental Health Resources
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a grassroots organization that brings volunteer advocates and counselors together to help those in need. Whether you’re in crisis right now or need help understanding more about the signs of suicide and how to help a loved one, there’s someone available 24-7.
Call or Text: 998 - National Mental Health Hotline
The National Mental Health Hotline is always available if you or a loved one is in crisis or needs help navigating how to get mental health help. Trained counselors offer referral services and can help you find culturally informed care in your area or virtually, whichever is more convenient for you. Services are available 24/7/365, and all calls are anonymous.
(866) 903-3787 - AAKOMA Project
The AAKOMA Project works to ensure that BIPOC youth, teens and new adults have the tools and services needed to take care of their mental health. It works toward empowering individuals and changing existing systems to provide more culturally aware and authentic services. Find a culturally sensitive care provider through its network. - Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
BEAM is a community of mental health providers, advocates, teachers and members who all come together to promote the importance of mental health care for Black Americans of all ages. Use the Black Virtual Wellness Directory to find someone who shares a similar cultural background and experiences in all areas of wellness, from a therapist to a yoga instructor, or call the BlackLine to get more information about mental health services without involving police forces.
(800) 604-5841 - The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF)
BLHF strives to overcome the stigma attached to needing mental health care in the Black community. It helps connect you to free culturally informed therapy sessions and offers ongoing virtual support groups to better your understanding of mental health and wellness. BLHF is a growing community that works to support all underserved Black communities, helping them deal with mental health issues head-on.
(213) 222-6327 - Eustress
Eustress helps raise awareness about the importance of identifying both good and bad stressors, along with learning the tools to better handle stressful times. Learn mental health management and coping mechanisms designed to help you live a better, more focused life, regardless of your mental health challenges. These programs are aimed at Black youth, with special attention given to young men.
(704) 325-6290 - Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists is a service that’s all about connecting you with mental health providers who get you. They understand you and the challenges you face. When searching for a mental health provider, you give the site details about yourself and it plays matchmaker. There are options to search for low- and no-cost services, along with specific types of culturally informed treatment. Search by gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other filters.
Find Black Services Through the National Mental Health Hotline
If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges, call the National Mental Health Hotline. We’re here 24-7 to take your call and provide an empathetic ear. We listen without judgment, answer your questions and help you find long-term help and services.