By Ana Alok, BS, MA (in progress)
Have you ever wondered how different minority groups may be impacted when it comes to mental health? The month of July is observed as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which offers the opportunity to understand this better. Let’s discuss the unique challenges and issues surrounding the psychological health of minority groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, individuals with disabilities, and more.
Understanding Disparities in Seeking Help
According to Key Health Data Collection Statistics (2021), Black (39%), Hispanic (36%), and Asian (25%) adults were less likely than White (52%) adults to receive mental health services. It is essential to understand why there is a significant disparity in seeking help among different communities and the exceptional challenges minority groups face, which may differ from those of the general population. Some of the reasons why seeking help can be hard for minority groups include:
- Lack of access to resources and quality mental health services
- Cultural stigmas and biases around seeking help
- Lack of representation within the mental health community
- Institutional discrimination and lack of culturally competent therapy
These issues go beyond what other individuals might face while seeking therapy. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to become more culturally competent to effectively help clients from diverse backgrounds and identities. Here are some crucial steps that mental health professionals can take:
4 Steps Towards Culturally Competent Mental Health Care
- Diversity in Mental Health Professionals: Encouraging greater diversity within the mental health workforce can increase trust and understanding between practitioners and minority clients. Representation matters, as individuals are more likely to seek help when they can relate to their mental health care providers.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about minority mental health issues is essential in dismantling stigmas and encouraging open conversations. Educational programs and workshops that address cultural sensitivity and mental health can help reduce prejudice and foster empathy.
- Community-Based Initiatives: Collaborating with community organizations and providing resources can create a safe space for individuals to seek mental health services and help them feel supported and cared for. Some resources for minority mental health include:
- Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA)
- National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA)
- Asian Mental Health Collective (AMHC)
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ crisis helpline)
- Culturally Tailored Interventions: Mental health treatments should consider cultural norms, practices, and beliefs to align with the values of the minority clients. This can include incorporating traditional healing methods, involving family and community members, and integrating cultural symbols and rituals.
Embracing a More Inclusive Society
Embracing the importance of minority mental health is crucial in building a more inclusive and equitable society. Clinicians at The Center of Mindfulness & CBT are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion through continuous training and education. Recognizing the significance of understanding and addressing the distinct needs of our clients, our clinicians engage in ongoing professional development and training to stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in the realm of diversity and inclusion in mental health care.
By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by minority communities, we can work towards breaking down barriers to mental health care and promoting a nurturing environment for all.
Interested in mindfulness? Ana is co-leading Lunchtime Introduction to Mindfulness, a 6-week online course for adults and mature teens. It consists of 6 weekly classes beginning Friday, September 1st, 2023 from 12-12:50pm. To find out more, please click here.
