Anxiety therapy for BIPOC acknowledges the deep impact of racism and systemic oppression on the psychological health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  Racial trauma can manifest as chronic anxiety, stress, depression and low self-esteem. Focusing on societal and cultural forces is important in helping BIPOC individuals manage anxiety and depression symptoms in ways that resonate with their lived realities. Any therapist working to support BIPOC mental health should be aware that our mental health system has inflicted violence and harm on BIPOC over centuries, and working on integrating decolonial and anti-oppressive practices.  Therapists who are not culturally competent may overlook the significance of discrimination and systemic oppression on BIPOC mental health or even overemphasize the role of the individual in their mental wellbeing.  This can ultimately be harming or retraumatizing.

Anxiety therapy for BIPOC addresses the stressors and impact of systemic racism, cultural identity, and intergenerational trauma on mental health. Anxiety therapy for BIPOC individuals provides a safe space to explore and understand the roots of anxiety, including the role of structural oppression, cultural stressors and family. A liberation-oriented therapy process can empower BIPOC clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve a greater sense of well-being despite the challenges posed by racial trauma and discrimination. 

Therapy, no matter the method, is unlikely to be successful if you do not feel comfortable with your therapist.  It’s important you trust your therapist and are comfortable opening up to them. As a BIPOC individual, this may be another barrier to seeking support.  It’s important to look for someone who is culturally competent, or understands the cultural context of your experiences.  Ideally, your therapist will want to work collaboratively with you and is open to feedback.They may not necessarily need to understand everything about your cultural identities to be a good fit, but they should be sensitive to issues about identity, race and systemic oppression and aware of their limitations in understanding your experience for therapy to be effective. 

Finding a culturally competent anxiety therapist in California who understands BIPOC experiences can make a big difference in your healing process. You can begin by asking your health insurance company for a directory of therapists who have experience working with diverse populations and specialize in BIPOC mental health.  You can also search some therapist directories like Inclusive Therapists or “therapist directories for BIPOC in your area”.  You should be able to filter listings by your needs and preferences.  Look for professionals who explicitly mention experience with racial trauma, cultural identity, and systemic oppression in their practice. Online directories, therapist referrals, and BIPOC community organizations can also be valuable resources in finding the right therapist for you.  You can also ask trusted providers like physicians, alternative medicine practitioners, or anyone in your community that you trust.  When you do reach out, be sure to ask potential therapists  about their experience and approach so you understand how they will approach working with you to make sure they are a good fit for what you are needing at this time.

Absolutely.  Online therapy can be very effective for BIPOC individuals.  Many people find online therapy reduces barriers to accessing high quality care because it’s so convenient. Working with a therapist online also provides a safe and convenient way to address anxiety while considering the unique stressors and challenges that BIPOC individuals face. Participating from the comfort of your own home not only eliminates travel time, travel expense and hassle, but the private setting also fosters safety which can allow you to express yourself openly.  

Seeing a therapist online also offers you the flexibility to choose from a larger pool of therapists who understand your unique cultural background and the factors that play a role in your anxiety, no matter where you are in California. Online therapy can be a wonderful option to help you find the right kind of support for you. 

You may benefit from anxiety therapy if you experience constant worry or stress and it is interfering with daily life. Some signs of this include feeling on edge much of the time, having trouble sleeping, finding it hard to relax or focus, finding it hard to engage in activities you once enjoyed or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or tension. Continual exposure to discrimination, microaggressions, and unequal treatment can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and depression for many BIPOC individuals.  And, facing relentless systemic barriers in education, employment, and healthcare can make it harder to access resources or opportunities and exacerbates anxiety and overwhelm. The pressure you are under to navigate and challenge these systems, often while balancing personal and professional responsibilities, can be overwhelming.  This heightened sense of stress can impact mental health, making support from therapy even more important.

Anxiety therapy with a therapist who has a social justice lens can help reduce intense feelings, manage stress and find strategies to help you navigate some of the challenges of experiencing discrimination, microaggressions and intergenerational trauma Every. Single. Day.

Seeking help is a sign of mental health and the first step toward healing and creating positive change in your own life.  It takes strength and courage to ask for support, especially when there is still stigma in many BIPOC communities. Getting started with therapy may feel daunting, but it’s often more straightforward and simpler than you think. Start by researching therapists who specialize in BIPOC mental health.  Be sure to take factors like their specialties, approach, and availability and fee into account when making your list.  Then, pick  2-3 professionals you think could be a good fit and contact them.  Most therapists offer free, brief initial consultations that will help you start to get to know one another, for you to get a sense of their style and figure out how comfortable you feel with them.  Once you find a therapist you’d like to work with, schedule a first session.  In the first few sessions, you will talk about what you are wanting support with and goals (and a plan) for your work together.  Then you’re off and running.  If you’d like to meet me, click here to schedule a free 15-min consultation.  I’m glad you’re here and am available to support you in improving your well-being.