Representation matters: Culturally affirming mental health care offers transformative potential for Black communities.

Written by Victor Molina

Given the structural inequalities that disproportionately impact Black communities, the importance of culturally specific mental health professionals cannot be overstated.

People of color report having difficulty finding mental health professionals in their communities, as nearly 90% of Minnesota’s current mental health professionals are white. This lack of workforce diversity does not result in a positive mental health experience for members of the Black community who encounter culturally uninformed and unresponsive practices when seeking healing. This often happens.

“I didn’t realize how hard it was for me until I saw a Black therapist,” said the Black mother, who has a background in social work, has been in therapy for a long time, and has worked with several Black therapists. April Bryant, who is also a caregiver for a loved one, explained. People living with mental illness.

Having a Black therapist made therapy more constructive for her by sharing her experiences in the mirror. Her new therapist’s understanding and sensitivity accelerated her healing.

“What used to happen in the past in about three sessions could be completed in one session.” She emphasizes the importance of mental health professional representation. “You’re going through it, so it’s great to be able to sit with someone who looks like you.”

Culturally specific therapists offer a variety of techniques and are more likely to offer a decolonized approach to health and support. Terrence Thigpen, a licensed social worker (LSW) and Black mental health expert at Reviving Roots Therapy & Wellness in Minneapolis, sheds light on the importance of culturally affirming practices and approaches in mental health. , utter a word.

He encourages individuals to approach the therapeutic process as they would any other meaningful relationship.

As an analogy to describe this relationship, Thigpen says, “I sit in the passenger seat while riding the car of life. If they want to take me down a certain path, I give them the car. It lets you control it and, as a passenger, makes you aware of what you might observe during the journey.”

Thigpen acknowledges and affirms that clients are the experts in their own experiences and helps them develop coping skills tailored to their unique circumstances. Bryant describes this as “reality versus a proposed treatment plan” and challenges social norms. In addition, Bryant says, “It’s important to meet professionals of color who we can refer young people and families to.” They may not seek them out themselves, but they will take my word for it. ”

As someone who has benefited from therapy and described it as “life-changing,” Bryant encourages his loved ones to seek mental health services.

The past few years have seen positive changes in Congress. These include more than $3 million annually to the Cultural Minority Infrastructure Grant Program (CEMIG) to support culturally specific mental health organizations, funding for BIPOC mental health professionals to become supervisors, and funding in underserved areas. Includes funding for loan forgiveness for all working mental health professionals. Continuing education requirements to become culturally knowledgeable and responsive, and a culturally competent mental health task force to develop recommendations for system change. Establishment and ensuring diverse membership on all licensing committees.

But “we must continue to advocate for policies that create a culturally diverse workforce to meet the needs of all Minnesotans,” said Sue Abu, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Minnesota. Derholden explained. “We have made progress, but there is still work to be done.”

Like anyone else, if you are from the Black community and are experiencing mental health issues, you need to receive quality care as soon as symptoms are recognized. It is equally important that that care is provided by culturally knowledgeable and responsive professionals.

Ideally, Black mental health professionals should lead these efforts. But with a chronic lack of workforce diversity, mental health advocates agree there aren’t enough people.

This February, NAMI Minnesota will reflect on Black history, share mental health information and resources, including BIPOC-focused support groups, and elevate voices from the Black community to help decision makers influence current policies. Establishing Black History Month by reforming the system to focus more on equity.

NAMI Minnesota also offers BIPOC-focused classes and has a list of culturally knowledgeable and responsive mental health providers in Minnesota. For more information, please visit namimn.org.

Editor’s note: Victor Molina is NAMI Minnesota’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator.