Our experiences of the world are unique and informed by race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. A person’s identity influences not only how they see the world but also how they are viewed and treated by others. Often, those racial and ethnic biases impact not only people’s mental health but also the quality of care they receive. Understanding the complex relationship between racial and ethnic bias and mental health is critical to ensuring you get the most out of therapy.
Differences in Life Experience
There’s a natural amount of mental health “wear and tear” that comes with being a minority who is part of a larger community. How often have you had to deal with people whose opinions are informed by assumptions, stereotypes, and prejudice? Consider the toll that comes with managing those misconceptions. Minorities are at higher risk for chronic stress and anxiety. They also have to battle discrimination and bias on a daily basis. Doing so is exhausting for even the most patient individuals.
In addition, racial and ethnic bias makes it more difficult for many to seek help. In some cases, they may come from a background that stigmatizes mental health care. More likely, they may find it hard to trust a therapist whose background differs from their own.
Differences in Care
Unfortunately, racial and ethnic bias often result in meaningful differences in the quality of care. This is especially true when it comes to mental health. Therapists who are unaware of their biases may misdiagnose their clients. Minorities may also find it more difficult to access mental health services sensitive to their lived experience. Some providers may be more likely to turn them away, while others may struggle to provide services due to a lack of cultural competency.
Key questions to consider regarding quality of care include:
Is my therapist curious about my cultural background, or do they avoid it?
Does my therapist frequently make assumptions based on race or ethnicity?
How does my therapist respond when I broach that subject?
Are racial or culturally grounded concerns minimized?
Most importantly, ask yourself if you feel heard when topics related to your racial or ethnic identity come up in therapy. Implicit and unconscious racial or ethnic bias poses a serious challenge for many therapists. If you believe racial or ethnic bias may impact the quality of care you receive, it’s important to voice those concerns.
Searching for Support
Our racial and ethnic background has a major impact on our lived experience. Those same biases can also interfere with progress in therapy. As a result, it’s important to organize your thoughts around those subjects when you start searching for support. Especially if you feel your background is relevant to your struggles, ensure you’re centering that experience during your search.
Here are some questions you can ask potential providers:
Have you ever worked with clients from other racial or ethnic backgrounds?
How do you navigate your own biases when working with clients?
What kind of impact do you see race having on mental health?
Are there times when you struggle to maintain objectivity when working with other cultures?
You may also want to ask about whether or not your provider has ever received any formal training or ongoing education related to racial or ethnic bias. There’s a huge difference between respecting those differences in lived experience and minimizing them.
Schedule an Appointment
Are you struggling to find a therapist who can engage with you on sensitive topics related to racial or ethnic background? Do you feel as if the mental health challenges you’re facing have been impacted by the way others see you? As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know what it’s like to face discrimination and prejudice, and the complex relationship between racial and ethnic background and mental health. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation about LGBTQIA+ therapy. I’d love to hear about the challenges you’re facing and make a plan to address them together.
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