People with diverse backgrounds and identities often have difficulty accessing mental healthcare. This is due to systemic barriers like institutional racism and discrimination.
Culturally competent care honors and affirms each aspect of a person’s background and identity. But, unfortunately, this form of support can be difficult to find.
If you’re a member of a minority group and are having trouble finding a therapist, know that you’re not alone. Connecting with your community, practicing self-care, and exploring teletherapy can help you feel supported.
Minority mental health refers to the unique needs, stressors, and barriers to care faced by diverse communities. Access to mental health support is an ongoing nationwide issue. But it disproportionately impacts underserved groups.
Factors like cultural stigma, systemic racism, and a lack of awareness have negatively affected mental health in these communities for a very long time. And systemic injustice continues to harm those who need the most support. But by raising awareness and advocating for inclusivity, you can help ensure that everyone has access to life-changing care.
The state of mental health in minority communities
The U.S. is becoming increasingly diverse. By 2044, it’s estimated that over half of Americans will belong to a minority group. Despite shifting demographics, minority communities continue to experience mental health disparities.
A 2024 report found that 56% of white adults with a mental health condition in the U.S. received treatment. In comparison, Hispanic (40%), Black (38%), and Asian (36%) adults were less likely to receive mental healthcare.
Here’s more of what we know about the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities:
Depression is reported less often in Black and Hispanic communities than in white communities. But when it does happen, it often lasts longer because many people don’t get the help they need.
People who identify as two or more races are the most likely to experience a mental health concern.
Native Americans/Alaskan Natives have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder than any other ethnic or racial group.
Minority groups are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. About 50% to 75% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health condition.
Research shows that generational trauma can affect minority mental health. For example, the effects of racism can be passed down through generations and may increase the risk of depression.
Having an intersectional identity (like identifying as BIPOC or LGBTQ+) may lead to poorer mental health. This is due to increased discrimination.
Racial and ethnic minorities with untreated mental health concerns are more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and/or experience incarceration.
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What’s in the way of mental health equity
Many systemic barriers stand in the way of health equity. Here are a few:
Access to affordable healthcare: People can’t access the services they need often due to being uninsured or underinsured.
Cultural stigma: Some groups maintain cultural beliefs that make it harder to ask for help.
Lack of access to culturally competent care: It’s difficult to find care that reflects and respects all aspects of a person’s identity.
Language limitations: There’s often limited access to providers who speak the same language or share the same background.
Mistrust in the healthcare system: Many people don’t reach out for support due to historic discrimination and racism.
Despite these persistent challenges, efforts are underway to close the mental healthcare gap for minority communities. For example, July is now officially designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S.
This awareness is important to increase representation, but more is needed to address these disparities. From mental health educational materials being made available in different languages to encouraging diversity within the mental health field, we have a long way to go in ensuring that people from all backgrounds have access to the care they need.
Accessible mental healthcare for minority groups
If you’re looking for a culturally competent or identity-affirming provider, here are a few tips to help you start your search:
Talk to your community. Someone from your community may be able to recommend a provider who shares your identity or understands your culture on a personal level.
Check online resources. If you’re unable to access culturally competent care in your community, teletherapy can be a great option. Technology can allow you to expand your search and find the right provider for your needs.
Consider a support group. Being surrounded by people with similar backgrounds can be a healing experience. There are many support groups for people of diverse identities that you can attend either in person or online.
Vet potential providers. When you contact a potential therapist, know that you can ask questions. You can inquire about their experience treating people like yourself or how they approach supporting people from minority groups.
Practice self-care. If you’re having a hard time finding a culturally competent therapist, know that it's not your fault. The barriers you’re facing are entrenched and systemic. This isn’t something one person can solve. So, try to cultivate self-compassion and make time for self-care. Participating in healthy activities you enjoy can give you strength throughout this process.
I wish more people knew it’s OK to ask questions and speak up when care doesn’t feel right. You deserve a therapist who respects your identity and lived experience. And it’s not too much to expect that.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Members of minority groups face unique barriers to mental healthcare. Factors like systemic racism, insufficient insurance coverage, and a lack of access to culturally competent providers can make it harder to seek help. Historically, minority groups have been underserved by the medical and mental health communities. While this is slowly improving, many of these challenges persist today.
So if you’re a member of a diverse group and you’ve had trouble finding mental healthcare, know that you’re not alone. Talking to someone in your community you trust, using teletherapy, and vetting potential providers can help you find the culturally competent care you deserve.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
