5 Mental Health Resources for Intersectional BIPOC Communities
by Emilia Benton
February 7, 2024
One great thing about caring for your mental health? The act is increasingly losing its stigma and gaining acceptance throughout different communities.
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This type of self-care journey is not without its obstacles, however. While finding the right therapist can be challenging for anyone, it can be especially difficult for marginalized groups, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. These folks often face the added challenge of finding resources that are inclusive, with care that extends to their specific needs: For some, this might mean meeting with an expert who looks like them, has faced similar experiences and/or is equipped with specialized knowledge to address a specific situation.
Fortunately, there are resources specifically catered toward marginalized groups that can help individuals be heard and feel seen. Below, five organizations that are helping to make care more inclusive.
Lavender Book is an app specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community who also happen to be people of color. Created by a partnership between the National Black Justice Coalition and Out in Tech, it’s a resource for finding public places and businesses where American Sign Language is spoken, wheelchair access is pervasive and gender-neutral bathrooms are available.
Seeking professional mental health care is something that is still stigmatized among many Latinx families. Therapy for Latinx is a database of therapists who have worked closely with Latinx communities and/or are Latinx themselves.
The site was founded after creator Brandie Carlos lost a friend to suicide and struggled to find mental health resources. The site, which also provides relevant news and information for the community, is also available in Spanish.
Inclusive Therapists is a resource that matches individuals from all backgrounds with counselors or therapists, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. The database considers both financial and emotional needs and can match users with professionals equipped to handle discussions of things like microaggressions and prejudice via identity-affirming and culturally responsive care.
Research shows patients of color often have a harder time getting their medical concerns taken seriously by health care providers, which in turn leads to worse health care outcomes. It makes sense that seeing someone with a similar background may be reassuring. The National Medical Association is an organization that represents both African American physicians and their patients, and it is a trusted resource individuals can use to start their search.