Roadblocks to BIPOC mental health care. If you belong to the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community and suffer from poor mental health, you’re not alone. In the United States, there are over 15 million BIPOC people that report struggling with mental health issues. Sadly, there are more roadblocks to BIPOC mental health care than others.
1. It’s Seen as a Stigma
Very often people in the BIPOC community stop themselves from getting the help they need because there is a cultural or social stigma within their group. As an example, in some BIPOC communities, seeking treatment is a sign that you are “crazy” and in other cases “weak.”
2. A Lack of Access to the Right Treatment
Oftentimes, people within the BIPOC community do not speak English. Unless you live in a large, urban area where other languages may be spoken by practicing clinicians, it can be challenging finding a provider who will speak your language.
And, according to the American Psychological Association, 86% of psychologists in the U.S. are White. This means it can be challenging to find a provider who understands your culture and background and the specific challenges you face.
If you cannot find a provider in your area that is of the same race, it is recommended that you ask prospective mental health providers about their training and background to get a sense of whether you’d feel comfortable working with them or not. You can ask things like:
- Have they had any cultural competence training?
- Do they have experience treating people from your specific cultural background?
- Do they respect and include BIOPC clients’ values and cultural beliefs into the treatment plan?
3. A Lack of Available Resources
People within the BIPOC community often have a lack of access to proper resources where they can even learn about mental health and what they may be experiencing. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) is a great resource to take advantage of and to share with other members of your community.
If you are encountering roadblocks to BIPOC mental health care, such as depression, PTSD or anxiety and would like to explore treatment options, reach out. We have BIPOC counselors on staff as well as counselors that have had cultural competence training. All of our counselors make it a point to incorporate BIPOC clients’ values and culture into their treatment.
RESOURCES: