BIPOC Mental Health Resources: Representation, Culturally Competent Health Care, And Online Therapy

An individual's mental health can be shaped by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, and social factors. Therefore, the needs of each individual may differ. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), healthcare environments that respect their personal identity, culture, and lived experience can be crucial parts of their healing. As mental health becomes a more important topic, so does the need for culturally competent clinics, committed to understanding a diverse range of needs. With culturally competent care, individuals can receive effective mental healthcare. 

Culturally competent care can benefit BIPOC communities

Find a culturally competent therapist

Why is culturally competent care important?

Culturally competent care refers to each mental health professional’s ability to understand, acknowledge, and respond to people from diverse backgrounds. Especially in BIPOC communities, individuals may deal with racial trauma, systemic racism, and stigma surrounding seeking mental health. However, culturally competent mental health care can build safety and trust, two important factors for effective mental health treatment. 

Promoting mental health awareness in BIPOC communities can be one way to reduce disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and overall care. With education and awareness, communities can work together to create culturally competent care and focused mental health resources, addressing racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges during healthcare interventions. 

How representation empowers Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 

A diverse healthcare team may be better equipped to handle diverse populations of individuals, addressing language barriers, offering culturally sensitive care, and fostering improved patient-client relationships. Some clients may prefer racially different providers, while others may feel more understood by those of the same race. Therefore, a diverse healthcare team can meet everyone's needs by ensuring all people are represented in some way. 

Why representation builds trust

Some clients prefer healthcare providers of the same race because culturally competent clinicians may share lived experiences, understand their cultural nuances, and identify unspoken concerns. This connection may encourage BIPOC individuals to actively seek mental health support without fear of judgment. 

Healthcare barriers for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

BIPOC individuals often face barriers to care due to systemic inequities, economic disparities, and a general mistrust of the healthcare system. 

Specific barriers to care and therapy for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Below are some of the most common barriers those who identify as BIPOC may face: 

• Economic barriers: Poverty, a high cost of health insurance, limited access to affordable care, a lack of access to culturally competent modalities due to the cost of services 
• Lack of culturally competent care: The underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in healthcare settings can contribute to healthcare disparities
• Mistrust of the healthcare system: Due to historical mistreatment, individuals may be reluctant to seek support from healthcare providers.
• Systemic inequities: Racism and discrimination in healthcare settings may lead to disparities in care.
• Language barriers and education: Limited mental wellness education and language differences can create misunderstandings and jeopardize the therapeutic process.

These barriers may prevent the diagnosis, care, and treatment of certain mental health conditions, leading to worse outcomes and symptoms. 

What are culturally competent mental health resources?

Culturally competent mental health resources are services that are adapted to meet a specific individual's needs. These resources focus on honoring their cultural identity, personal values, and lived experiences. Culturally competent mental health services may, for example, provide care in a client's first language or adapt therapy interventions to someone's religious needs. In addition, a provider may work the client alongside their spiritual beliefs or help them perform cultural practices that aid in their recovery or mental health. 

Examples of culturally competent mental health resources and therapists

Below are some ways culturally competent mental health resources may be used: 

• Cultural competence training: Developing cultural awareness among staff members and equipping them to care for diverse mental health needs can improve competence. 
• Interpreter services: Ensuring clients are comfortable in healthcare settings and have a clear understanding of each step can reduce barriers to treatment.
• Family involvement: Since family support can improve treatment outcomes, healthcare services can try to get them involved when possible and with consent of the client. 
• Mental health awareness campaigns: Addressing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek healthcare guidance can reduce stigma. 

Community-based programs for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Community-based tools and programs that challenge systemic inequity, address health disparities, and foster culturally competent care play a role in fostering mental well-being across BIPOC communities. For example, the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) addresses critical issues in the Black community, Community Land Trusts (CLTs) preserve affordable housing for BIPOC members, and mentorship programs provide educational opportunities for BIPOC individuals in school.

Collective action in BIPOC communities

Local mental health resources can offer familiar, culturally sensitive settings where individuals come together to work through mental health challenges, build trust, and foster change. Community-led support groups, education centers, and emotional health care services create spaces for meaningful connection. In doing so, BIPOC individuals can not only address personal mental health needs but also begin advocating for equity across their neighborhoods, schools, and broader care systems.

How the right therapist can help

As BIPOC individuals and communities work to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and address health disparities, finding culturally competent care may be the next step. The right provider can offer a safe environment, shared understanding, treatment tailored to cultural context, and cultural competence throughout the care process.

Questions to ask a therapist in therapy 

When trying to identify a respectful, compassionate, and culturally competent therapist, the below questions may be helpful:

• Can you share examples of how you’ve adapted therapy to suit people from diverse cultural backgrounds?
• Are you familiar with mental health challenges specific to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color?
• Do you have any formal training or are you pursuing education on cultural competency?

Online therapy for BIPOC communities

For BIPOC individuals, barriers such as the cost of care, limited access to culturally competent clinicians, and lingering stigma can make it challenging to seek mental health support. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer flexible, affordable, and convenient options. Individuals can schedule sessions from the comfort of their home or community, and access a wide network of therapists. Clients can also switch providers, until they find one that understands their background, values, and personal needs.

Online therapy is being used today to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. These conditions can impact people of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and background. Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for BIPOC individuals. For BIPOC individuals, therapy, support groups, and community programs may be offered online, each with a focus on fostering well-being and developing positive coping mechanisms.