Finding the right therapist can be daunting for anyone. Individuals want to find someone they can trust and who puts them at ease. They may also want to work with a therapist who has experience with the same things they are going through. For black women, the search can often feel even more challenging. The desire for a therapist who is not only professionally competent but also culturally competent and relatable is crucial for some individuals and their specific goals for therapy. Open Mind Health explores the unique challenges black women face in finding a mental health therapist with whom they can connect, establish rapport, and feel safe.
Understanding the Need for Cultural Competence
Cultural competence in therapy is not just about understanding differences in one’s background. It's about acknowledging the impact of systemic racism, historical trauma, and the unique stressors that minority populations face and how that affects their mental health. Multicultural/diversity competence”—also phrased as “cultural competence in therapy” or “multicultural counseling competence”—refers to a therapist's awareness of cultural and diversity issues and that person's understanding and knowledge of themselves and others. To effectively work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, mental health professionals must develop a deep sense of cultural awareness that empowers them to understand the different cultural factors contributing to a patient's mental health, integrating this understanding into their therapeutic approach, making their patient feel understood and respected.
For some black women, having a therapist who understands the intersectionality of their identities—race, gender, and often socioeconomic status and how those intersections affect their mental health is vital. This understanding can foster a safe and trusting environment where they can freely discuss their experiences without the need to educate their therapist on primary cultural contexts.
The Challenges in Finding a Relatable Therapist
1. Lack of Diversity in the Field: The mental health field still lacks sufficient diverse therapists. As of 2021, only 5% of psychologists were black. This underrepresentation makes it difficult for black women to find mental health professionals who share similar backgrounds or who they feel can genuinely understand their lived experiences.
2. Cultural Misunderstandings: Therapists who lack experience in cultural competency may inadvertently minimize or misunderstand the issues black women face. This can lead to feelings of alienation and frustration, making the therapeutic process less effective.
3. Stigma: Mental health stigma can deter black women from seeking therapy. One study showed that 63% of black people don't "believe in" mental illness, dismissing it as a weakness or something on which white people spend their time and money. Many black people are ashamed of having a mental illness and worry that they may be judged or discriminated against.
4. Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic disparities can make treatment options less available. In 2020, 10.4% of black adults in the U.S. had no health insurance. The black community, like other communities of color, is more likely to experience socioeconomic disparities such as exclusion from health, educational, social, and economic resources. These disparities may contribute to worse mental health outcomes. The physical location of individuals can also be an impediment but fortunately options like telehealth make that problem easier to solve.
5. Mistrust: Stories of racial bias in healthcare have led to mistrust by many in the black community. It is well documented that blacks experience more illness, worse outcomes, and premature death compared to their white counterparts. In addition to disparities such as income, housing, and education, inherent racial bias in the healthcare system also contributes to negative health outcomes. We all tend to gravitate toward people with the same life experiences. And right now, there isn't an adequate representation of black mental health professionals.
Strategies for Finding a Relatable Therapist
Despite these challenges, there are methods for finding relatable and culturally competent therapists and often it starts with research and educating yourself about options that are available.
1. Utilize Online Directories: Websites like Therapy for Black Girls, Association of Black Psychologists, and Black Female Therapists offer directories of mental health professionals who specialize in working with Black women and other underrepresented groups. These directories often provide detailed information about the therapists, including their areas of expertise, approaches, and cultural competence, making it easier to find a suitable therapist.
2. Personal recommendations: Referrals from friends, family, or community groups can be invaluable. Hearing about positive experiences from trusted sources can make it easier to find a therapist that will be able to provide the necessary support and guidance.
3. Interview Potential Therapists: It's important to remember that the initial consultation is a two-way interview. This is your opportunity to ask potential therapists about their experience with cultural competence, their understanding of systemic racism, and how they have supported other women of color. It's also a chance to assess whether you feel comfortable and understood by the therapist, which is crucial for any successful relationship.
4. Explore Community Resources: Many communities have mental health organizations or clinics that specifically cater to the needs of black individuals. These organizations can often provide referrals to trusted therapists. Individuals can often find referrals from religious organizations within their communities.
5. Leverage social media: Social media platforms can be an excellent resource for finding therapists who are vocal about their commitment to serving black women. Many professionals use social media to share their insights, values, and approaches therapeutic approaches, which can help you get a sense of their personality and whether they might be a good fit for you. You can also use social media to ask for recommendations from your network, further expanding your options.
Conclusion
The search for a relatable mental health professional can be intimidating. However, by utilizing available resources, seeking personal recommendations, and prioritizing therapists who understand their lived experiences, black women can find the support they need to navigate life's challenges. The journey may be tough, but the reward of finding a culturally competent therapist who truly understands and supports you is invaluable, offering hope and encouragement along the way.