How to Find a Therapist Who Understands Your Cultural Background
- For Your Inner G
- Jul 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Did you know that 62% of Black adults, 60% of Hispanic adults, and 64% of Asian adults with mental illness do not receive mental health services? One of the primary reasons reported are the mental health stigma and the challenges experienced when seeking care. In other words, people living in minority communities are afraid to get treatment due to the fear of being judged, seen as weak, or denied care.
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How to Find A Culturally Competent Therapist
Finding a therapist who understands your cultural background is super important for effective mental health treatment. Here are some steps to help you find the right fit:
Research and Directories: Start by exploring directories that specialize in listing culturally competent therapists. Websites like Therapy for Black Girls, LatinX Therapy, and the Asian Mental Health Collective are great resources for finding therapists who understand your cultural context.
Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to your community, friends, or family for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead you to trusted therapists who have successfully helped others with similar backgrounds.
Interview Potential Therapists: When interviewing potential therapists, ask questions to see if they’re the right fit. Here are some questions you might consider:
What experience do you have working with people from my cultural background?
How do you incorporate cultural understanding into your practice?
Can you describe your approach to therapy and how it might align with my needs?
What are your thoughts on incorporating family and community into the therapy process?
How do you handle situations where cultural misunderstandings might arise?
What kind of issues have you helped people like me with in the past?
How do you stay informed about cultural issues and their impact on mental health?
Consider Teletherapy: Teletherapy can expand your options, allowing you to connect with culturally competent therapists outside your immediate area. Many therapists offer virtual sessions, making it easier to find the right match. Teletherapy can be especially appealing for those aged 16-24, who are often comfortable with digital communication and appreciate the convenience and privacy it offers. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and dedicated teletherapy apps make it easy to have therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home.
Check Credentials and Reviews: Ensure the therapist is licensed and check online reviews or testimonials. Look for feedback from clients who share your cultural background to gauge the therapist’s effectiveness.
Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As a mindfulness coach, I am available to help you develop techniques to manage stress, build resilience, and improve your overall well-being.
How Mindfulness Can Help
If you’re searching for help online rather than seeking therapy, mindfulness can be a powerful tool. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling, can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional regulation. These practices encourage you to be present in the moment and can provide a sense of calm and clarity amidst the chaos of daily life. Additionally, mindfulness can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings, which is the first step toward making positive changes. If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness coaching services, click here.
Grab Your Mindfulness Journal: Mental Fitness Logs
Enhance your mental wellness journey with our specially designed Mindfulness Journals, perfect for tracking your progress and reflecting on your mental fitness workouts. These journals are crafted to support your mindfulness practice and provide a structured way to stay committed to your mental health goals. #MentalFitnessLogs #MindfulnessJournals
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Amirah B. Abdullah, DrPH
Founder of For Your Inner G | Writer + Wellness Educator
Dr. Amirah is a mindset and emotional wellness guide helping ambitious souls shift perspective, deepen self-awareness, and heal with intention. Through her blog, A Gym for the Mind, she shares poetic reflections, grounded strategies, and soulful truths to support your personal growth journey.
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