Mental Health Resources For BIPOC Communities
By Abigail Hollie, with contributions from George Rehmet and Sharon Mosley
Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, yet many BIPOC individuals experience distinct threats to their mental health. Compared to their white counterparts, Black American adults are more likely to experience “feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness” (Mental Health America, 2021), whereas Hispanic/Latinx individuals are less likely to receive mental health treatment (NAMI, 2021). Furthermore, Indigenous peoples in the US have reported higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than any other racial group (Leblanc, 2021), and Asian Americans are at risk of increased experiences of discrimination and lower self-esteem in response to it (Salgado-Negret, 2021).
Despite these challenges, there are many mental health resources available for BIPOC individuals. From podcasts and social media accounts to therapy services designed specifically for people of color, these resources provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to seek help and find community. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of mental health resources for BIPOC communities. We hope that this list will help individuals find the support they need to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
THERAPIST DIRECTORIES
Mental Health Resources for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) by the Massachusetts General Hospital
Melanin and Mental Health (for Black and Latinx therapists and patients)
SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES
@blackgirlscanheal_ (Instagram)
Founded by mental health counselor JaQuasia: “We unapologetically help Black women heal and step into their authentic selves”
@thefittalk (Instagram and Twitter)
Founded by Sharon Mosley, licensed mental health counselor and ACE health coach: “Inspiring others to Think Fit, Talk Fit, and Be Fit”
@nalgonapositivitypride (Instagram)
Founded and run by Gloria Lucas: “Non-conventional eating disorder awareness organization” for BIPOC people
@dr.marielbuque / @dr.marielbuque_enespanol (Instagram)
Trauma psychologist and Columbia University professor who focuses on intergenerational trauma for BIPOC people. Author of Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
@corazoncounseling (Instagram)
Run by licensed clinical social worker and certified perinatal mental health provider Emilia Ortega-Jara, who combines indigenous wellness practices with psychotherapy: “Grief tending, Rites of Passage, Nature Retreats, Ecotherapy, Maternal Mental Health, Guidance for Therapists & Healers”
PODCASTS
Hosted by Dinée Dorame: “Exploring the intersection between running, culture, land and community through long-form conversations with runners of all backgrounds”
“Two brown chicks changing the face of therapy on both sides of the couch”
“Start your mornings off right with a mini meditation retreat to feel better, get more done, and live this life confidently, energetically, and abundantly. Each day I'll share quick and easy access doors to help you find Peace in chaos, Love in fear, Silence in noise, and Light in darkness. You’ll start recognizing the GoOD in everything, including yourself”
Hosted by Vanessa Tsang Shiliwala: “Thrive Spice is a podcast centered on the Asian American mental health experience while navigating career, family, identity and social empowerment”
A continually growing list of podcasts by BIPOC content creators, all centered around running
RUNNING ORGANIZATIONS
Pinoy Runners or email pinoyrunnersusa@yahoo.com
AAPI-Centered Running Groups (provided by New York Road Runners)
National Black Marathoners Association
BOOKS
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker
You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience by Tarana Burke
The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez LMFT
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Gift Of Grief: A Practical Guide On Grief And Loss By Dr. Ajita M. Robinson
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Yoga classes and training
“Yoga & wellness training to revolutionize Native health—healing Indigenous communities one breath at a time”
Friendship House “The mission of Friendship House is to promote healing and wellness in the Native American community by providing high quality substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services while integrating cultural and spiritual traditions”
The Loveland Foundation a therapy fund for Black Women and Girls
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective “nonprofit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office and online mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to clients in need”
“Exercise for Mental Health” by Ashish Sharma, Vishal Madaan, and Frederick D. Petty
“Mental Health Guide for Runners” provided by RRCA
“Runner Safety Tips” provided by RRCA
“The Mental Health Benefits of Running” by Jonathan Thompson, provided by Brooks
“The Stigma Surrounding AAPI Mental Health” by Tanaya Kollipara
“Gaps in Mental Health Care for Asian and Pacific Islander People and Other People of Color” by Samantha Artiga and Nirmita Panchal
“Mental Health Facts for AAPI” provided by the American Psychiatric Association
Three Types of Stigma: Public, Internalized, and Stigma-by-Association provided by BCcampus Open Education
“BIPOC Addiction Resources” provided by Defining Wellness, reviewed by Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis
REFERENCES
Mental Health America. (2021). Black and African American communities and mental health. https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2021). Hispanic/Latinx. https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Hispanic-Latinx
Leblanc, D., (2021). Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Fact Sheet. https://www.rtor.org/bipoc-mental-health-equity-fact-sheet/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9pGjBhB-EiwAa5jl3MLPeITjtVdw_qPM_gSBUN-lp9v6CJOVzLVKmdcoQ8buCfhaFsrbmBoCPLcQAvD_BwE
Salgado-Negret, A., Harms, K. E., & Borer, E. T. (2021). Long-term monitoring reveals persistent and context-dependent effects of an invasive plant on soil microbial communities. Journal of Ecology, 109(3), 1238-1250. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.13570.
