Finding culturally responsive care

NAMI describes cultural humility as recognizing that culture plays a large role in a person’s health, and that it can affect how well a provider understands their patient. A provider with humility asks instead of assuming.

Mental Health America notes that therapists may talk about cultural sensitivity, cultural humility or cultural competence. These are all similar ideas related to being culturally responsive.

Mental Health America says care can look different for everyone and you don’t need to choose just one option. It can include therapists, doctors, healers, faith leaders, community members, doulas and loved ones, especially when combined with culturally responsive care.

Many people find it easier to open up with someone who can relate to their background. Culture-specific directories make this easier (see “Where to search”).

Look for someone who talks openly about race and culture, has worked with people like you, and is willing to learn. Your sense that they “get it” is what matters most.

Mental Health America suggests thinking about your language, faith, culture, immigration concerns and whether you want traditional or Western-trained helpers.

• Inclusive Therapists: a directory focused on marginalized communities
• Mental Health Match: matching by what matters to you
• Open Path Collective: reduced-fee therapists (see “Making it affordable”)
• Psychology Today: filter by race, ethnicity, language and insurance

• Association of Black Psychologists: “Find a Black Mental Health Professional”
• Melanin & Mental Health: Black and Latinx/Hispanic clinicians
• Therapy for Black Girls: searchable by location, specialty and insurance
• Therapy for Black Men: searchable by state, specialty and insurance

• Latinx Therapy: a national directory, plus workshops and resources
• Melanin & Mental Health: Black and Latinx/Hispanic clinicians
• Therapy for Latinx: therapists who are Latinx or understand the community, with a Spanish site

The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network keeps a directory of practitioners for queer and trans people of color.

• Asian American & Pacific Islander mental health (sibling guide), and Communities & identities for Asian-focused directories
• Middle Eastern & North African mental health (sibling guide)
• Native & Indigenous communities, including Indian Health Service care

• “Describe your experience with clients from my community.”
• “What training have you had in racial equity or cultural responsiveness?”
• “Can you share an example of how you’ve helped someone with race-based stress?”

• “What’s your view on how racism affects mental health?”
• “How would you like me to tell you if you say something that feels like a microaggression?”
• “How do you see our different backgrounds affecting our work together?”

• “How do you include faith or spirituality, if I want that?”
• “Can family be part of my care if I choose?”
• “How do you respect traditional or cultural healing I already use?”
• “Can we work in my language, or with a trained interpreter?”

• “Do you take my insurance? If not, do you offer a sliding scale or payment plan?”
• “How do you keep my information private?”
• “How soon could I start, and how often would we meet?”

Mental Health America suggests checking your insurer’s website or calling the number on the back of your card to see which mental health care is covered.

All Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) plans must cover mental health services, including counseling and psychotherapy. Medicaid is the largest payer for mental health services in the U.S., so if you might qualify, it’s worth checking.

Mental Health America suggests asking every provider whether they offer a sliding scale rate, a payment plan or free (pro bono) sessions.

HRSA-funded health centers serve people of all ages, with or without insurance, and charge on a sliding scale based on what you can pay. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Open Path Collective is a nonprofit that connects people in financial need with reduced-fee therapy across the U.S., after a one-time membership fee. It’s meant for people without insurance, or whose insurance doesn’t cover mental health well.

The Loveland Therapy Fund helps Black women and nonbinary people pay for 4 to 12 sessions. The sign-up form opens every few months. Black Men Heal offers limited free therapy opportunities for Black men.

Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Federal guidance describes EAPs as free, confidential assessments, short-term counseling and referrals. If you’re a student, ask your school or college what counseling it offers.

FindTreatment.gov lists mental health services by location. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) gives free, confidential referrals 24/7 in English and Spanish.

NAMI suggests telling the office your preferred language when you schedule, so they can book an interpreter. If language is getting in the way, ask about longer or more frequent sessions.

Mental Health America lists faith-centered therapists and faith leaders among the options to consider. A good therapist will respect your beliefs even if they don’t share them.

Mental Health America warns that a therapist might wrongly label close family relationships as “enmeshed” or “codependent” when they are normal in your culture. You can say what family means to you, and ask for family to be included if you want.

Mental Health America names traditional, non-Western healing as something you can look for a provider to be familiar with. Tell your provider about everything you use.

If you like your therapist, you might say, “When you said that, it felt racially insensitive.” Mental Health America says a good therapist will apologize, not make excuses, and work on understanding your identity. This can even make your relationship stronger.

Talk it over with a trusted friend or family member while you decide. Having more than one source of support is always helpful.

Mental Health America reminds you that therapy is for you. If you decide to switch, try to do it quickly so you don’t go long without support. Don’t let one bad experience stop you from looking again.