Many people have pushed the topic of mental health awareness to the forefront of their minds. People and groups across the United States are raising awareness, reducing stigma, and letting those in need know that they are not alone in their struggles. 

At the same time, this does not mean that people who need mental health care have access to the necessary care and support.

BIPOC, the acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experience mental health issues at similar rates as white people. However, they are less likely to receive the treatment they need.

Factors such as systemic racism and discrimination, cultural stigma around mental illness, language barriers, a lack of health insurance, mistrust of mental health care providers, and a lack of cultural competency on the part of mental health care providers result in glaring disparities when seeking necessary support. 

Also, it is important to note the distinct challenges faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC. The term, Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC), has emerged to acknowledge the shared experiences of systemic oppression, discrimination, and marginalization that significantly impact a person’s mental health.

We spoke with Woomendy Jean, MA about the stigma surrounding mental health care in BIPOC communities, the challenges faced by BIPOC communities in accessing mental health services, and the growing need for therapy in BIPOC communities.

Woomendy is Haitian and her various experiences include working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She understands and respects diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values, and fosters inclusivity within her therapeutic approach.

If you’re seeking online therapy for BIPOC in Massachusetts and want to learn more about working with Woomendy online, check out our feature article, “Re-writing Your Story With Woomendy Jean MA.”

Barriers to BIPOC Mental Health Care

Certain institutional and cultural barriers can pose a challenge to meeting the needs of marginalized groups. By highlighting some of these disparities, we can challenge stigma and advocate for equitable access to mental health resources:

1. Racism and Discrimination 

Racism causes trauma, resulting in serious mental health conditions that need to be addressed with proper treatment. 

Obvious forms of trauma such as homelessness, incarceration, and exposure to violence as a result of systematic racism are not the only risk factors for developing serious mental health conditions. 

Perpetual experiences of racism such as acts of discrimination or racial profiling can also result in racial trauma, leading to physical conditions like high-blood pressure and heart disease, and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorder (SUD).

2. Stigma Against Mental Health

Research from Mental Health America shows that factors may contribute to stigma (negative or discriminatory attitudes) about mental health within the following groups: 

• Black/African American communities may view the pursuit of mental health care as an indication of spiritual or ethical frailty. Some may think that if their ancestors survived slavery and previous generations survived segregation, then they should be able to combat their mental health struggles on their own. 
• Communities of Indigenous descent may fear being seen as weak if they are experiencing mental health struggles. Due to close familial and community bonds, they may fear that seeking outside support would bring shame to their families and communities. 
• Communities of Latino / Hispanic descent may fear discussing mental health concerns with others due to their private nature. Due to their faith, some individuals might think that mental health issues stem from demonic influences or immoral actions.
• Communities of Asian American / Pacific Islander descent may believe that they need to live up to expectations of achievement, and that taking time to address mental health challenges would delay their success. For some, sharing their mental health challenges with an outsider might also be considered betrayal of familial and communal bonds. 
• Communities of multiracial descent may experience stigma from multiple ethnic groups. They may experience alienation from communities that hold different beliefs around mental health struggles.
• Communities of Arab and Middle Eastern descent may fear being labeled as someone who struggles with their mental health, as it might ostracize them from their loved ones. They also might experience damnation by religious beliefs that mental health challenges are a form of spiritual punishment

3. Lack of Insurance

Racial disparities in accessing healthcare make it difficult for many people in the BIPOC community to seek therapy and other health treatment. 

Research shows that compared to 7.2 percent of white Americans who are uninsured:

• Hispanic and Native American and Alaskan Native (AIAN) people are uninsured at 19 percent and 21.2 percent respectively.
• Those identifying as Black and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) are uninsured at 10.9 percent and 10.8 percent respectively.

4. Lack of Diversity in Mental Health Care Setting

Distrust due to lack of diversity in the mental health care setting is one of the main reasons why many BIPOC and other minority groups do not seek therapy. Many people prefer to work with a mental health care provider of a particular race, culture, or identity, as they may feel they can trust their provider on a deeper level. 

When 84% of psychologists in the U.S. identify as white, the lack of racial representation can cause barriers to BIPOC and other minority groups when seeking support.

5. Cultural Differences

Difference in language and cultural beliefs can make a tremendous difference in the quality of care provided. While providers don’t necessarily need to identify with a client’s racial or cultural background, it can be frustrating for clients to have to constantly explain or correct a provider when using mental health terms that aren’t part of their cultural background. Textbook psychological terms don’t represent the diverse experiences of people and won’t translate well with all backgrounds. Therefore, representation and competence are necessary in therapy. 

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Therapy with Woomendy Jean, MA

Woomendy Jean, MA is Haitian and says that growing up in a culture where mental health conditions are stigmatized, which presents barriers to care, inspired her to take action in the field. 

“I left Haiti when I was 16, and two years later I started working with my first therapist. Mental health wasn’t a topic for discussion back home but I knew that if I wanted to become a therapist, I needed to go to therapy myself,” says Woomendy. 

Her first therapist was an older-aged Irish woman. 

“On the surface, she was the furthest person from relating to my lived experiences as a Black, Haitian woman, but she took a very individualized and ethical approach to counseling,” says Woomendy.

“She didn’t assume that she knew what I’d been through, and she didn’t approach me as a Black woman who needed special treatment and care. She was curious, open, and compassionate with me.”

Since obtaining her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and earning a certification program in Trauma, Woomendy has provided a nonjudgmental and empathetic space for individuals of all ages from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to reach a place of understanding, healing, and growth.

Client-Centered Approach:

Woomendy believes that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits all approach to counseling.

“In some cultures it may be considered normal to hear voices after a loved one has passed away. But when a client tells a therapist that they’re hearing voices, the therapist may wrongly assume this to be a defective coping mechanism or sign of mental illness. It’s my responsibility to operate with a lens of equity,” says Woomendy. 

“That means putting away the textbook and getting to know the whole person sitting across from me.”

Healing Intergenerational Trauma:

Woomendy understands that traumatic events, overwhelming stress, and various systems we live within, including our society/culture, environment, bodies, families, and institutions, may interfere with our ability to meet life’s challenges alone. 

Certified in trauma counseling, Woomendy believes that connecting with and healing intergenerational trauma can significantly impact individuals, families, and communities. 

She may offer narrative therapy, an approach which focuses on exploring and re-writing peoples’ stories about themselves and their experiences. 

“Narrative therapy gives clients an opportunity to externalize their story and bring new meaning to their lives,” says Woomendy.

Finding a Solution for Everyone

Woomendy focuses on solutions, believing everyone has the strength and ability to overcome challenges in their lives. She will safely support clients, work through feelings, improve their relationships, and meet their mental health needs and life goals.

Start Working with a BIPOC Therapist in Massachusetts Today:

Woomendy acknowledges and actively addresses the disparities in access to mental health care within BIPOC communities. She strives to create a space that is welcoming and understanding for everyone. She believes that people should be able to heal and reach their full potential without fear of judgment, regardless of their background. 

To start working with Woomendy online, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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