Finding a Black or culturally aware therapist

Code-switching, “the talk” with your kids, being the only one at work, church life, family expectations. A therapist who already understands these things lets you go straight to what matters.

Mental Health America notes that a therapist who is not anti-racist may doubt or minimise your experiences of racism. That can feel like being hurt all over again. You deserve someone who takes it seriously.

NAMI notes that Black people may describe physical aches when talking about depression, and that a provider who isn’t culturally aware can miss what is going on. NAMI also says bias can lead to misdiagnosis.

Black-focused directories (next section) are the fastest way to search. Online therapy can widen your choices to anyone licensed in your state.

Mental Health America suggests looking for therapists who talk openly about race, list experience with communities of color, and are willing to learn. Their answers to your questions will tell you a lot.

You might want someone who knows Caribbean or African family life, speaks your language, shares your faith, or affirms you as LGBTQ+. Mental Health America and the Human Rights Campaign suggest naming every identity that matters to you.

The AAKOMA Project focuses on the mental health of youth and young adults of color and their caregivers. It offers virtual therapy, toolkits, videos and research on young people’s mental health.

The Association of Black Psychologists has worked for Black mental health since 1968. Its members can be listed in its professional directory, which NAMI lists as a way to find a Black mental health professional.

BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) keeps a Black Virtual Wellness Directory. BEAM also trains community members, including barbers, in peer support and runs healing circles.

Actor Taraji P. Henson started this foundation in 2018, naming it after her father, a Vietnam veteran whose mental health struggles went unsupported. Its Let’s Talk! resource guide lists mental health providers and other wellness practitioners.

This directory lets you filter by in-person or online, insurance, language, age range, the issues you want help with and the clinician’s race or ethnicity.

The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network keeps a directory of practitioners for queer and trans people of color, grounded in healing justice.

Therapy for Black Girls is an online space for the mental wellness of Black women and girls. It has a therapist directory and a podcast with expert conversations.

NAMI lists Therapy for Black Men as a directory of therapists and coaches, searchable by state, specialty and insurance.

Mental Health America suggests checking that a therapist is licensed in your state, which also applies to online therapy.

Ask to join a waitlist, and ask the therapist if they can recommend a colleague. Friends and family can also share names and experiences you won’t find online.

Looking for care when you already feel low is hard. A friend, partner or family member can help you make calls or send emails. NAMI also suggests asking your primary care provider for names.

• “Have you treated other Black people, or had training in Black mental health?”
• “Can you describe your experience supporting survivors of racism?”
• “How would you like me to tell you if something you say in session feels racially insensitive?”

• “How do you see our cultural backgrounds affecting how we talk?”
• “Have you worked with Caribbean, African or Afro-Latino families?”
• “How would you include my family, if I want that?”

• “How do you include a client’s faith in therapy?”
• “Are you comfortable if I talk about prayer or God?”

• They admit what they don’t know
• They don’t avoid race or say they “don’t see color”
• They give specific examples
• They talk about doing their own learning
• You feel calmer, not smaller, after the call

HealthCare.gov explains that Marketplace plans must cover mental health services. Medicaid is a large payer of mental health care in the U.S.

The Loveland Foundation’s Therapy Fund helps Black women and nonbinary people in the U.S. pay for 4 to 12 sessions. The sign-up form opens every few months, with a waitlist when it is closed.

Black Men Heal offers a limited number of free therapy sessions to men of color, matched with a provider of color. Places are limited and there may be a wait.

Open Path Collective connects people with therapists who offer reduced fees. Many private therapists also offer a sliding scale if you ask.

Health centers funded by HRSA offer care on a sliding fee scale, whether or not you have insurance. Many offer mental health services.

Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential short-term counseling. Colleges often have counseling centers too.

NAMI notes that community and faith organizations may keep lists of local providers. A faith leader can pray with you and help you find a therapist too.

Mental Health America notes that some people worry that struggling means their faith is not strong enough. Faith can be a valuable part of healing, alongside professional support.

You can ask a therapist how they include faith. Some share your faith, and some don’t but will respect it. Both can work well.

Health programs have shared mental health information through Black churches and barbershops because they are trusted places.

Ideas for your faith home

• Add a wellness moment to a ministry meeting
• Invite a Black counselor to speak
• Keep helpline cards by the welcome table
• Start a support group or prayer-and-wellness circle

Mental Health America notes many people were taught not to share family problems. Talking with a professional can teach skills that help the whole family.

Mental Health America calls the idea that mental illness is a “white people problem” a myth. Many Black public figures have spoken openly about how therapy helped them.

Ways to say it

• “I’m seeing someone to help me handle stress.”
• “It’s like a coach for my mind.”
• “I’m doing this so I can show up better for all of us.”

When one person gets help and talks about it, others often feel safer to do the same. Mental Health America notes that being vulnerable and accepting help takes a great deal of strength.

The AAKOMA Project focuses on young people of color and their caregivers, with virtual therapy and toolkits. Ask a pediatrician or school counselor for names too.

If you like your therapist otherwise, you can name the comment and how it felt. Mental Health America says a good therapist apologises without excuses, commits to doing better and works to understand you. That talk can even make the relationship stronger.

Mental Health America says you don’t owe your therapist anything. If you can’t open up, it may be time to find someone new. Move quickly if your mental health is at risk, and don’t let one bad experience stop you from trying again.