A Mental Health Moment
By Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, LPCC
The Truth Contributor
Being a therapist is a rewarding but often challenging profession that requires compassion, patience and a deep understanding of the human experience. For Black therapists, the journey is uniquely shaped by both their professional training and the cultural context in which they grew up with experiencing their own lived experiences.
So, have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a therapist, specifically a Black therapist? We will explore what it is like to be a therapist in the Black community, highlighting the importance of cultural competence, self-awareness and the evolving role of mental health care in an underserved population with much stigma.
One of the key elements in the work of a Black therapist is cultural competence. Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures different from one’s own. For Black therapists, this often means using their own lived experiences to better connect with clients, particularly those from similar backgrounds. However, cultural competence goes beyond race; it involves understanding the full spectrum of a person’s identity, including their socioeconomic background, gender, and life experiences.
Research shows that Black clients often feel more comfortable seeking therapy when they see therapists who share their cultural or racial background. According to the American Psychological Association, ethnic minorities are less likely to seek therapy, partially due to concerns about racial bias in treatment. Black therapists, therefore, play a crucial role in providing accessible and culturally resonant care. A study published in Psychology Today notes that “representation in the therapeutic space is important for validating experiences of racism and discrimination and for fostering trust between the therapist and client” (Fleming, 2022).
For Black therapists, the work extends beyond clinical skills. Many face the challenge of balancing their professional identity with their personal experience as Black individuals in a predominantly white and female field. The lack of diversity in the mental health profession can sometimes make it difficult for therapists of color to find mentors or colleagues who understand their unique challenges. Moreover, Black therapists often face the pressure of being seen as the representative of the Black experience. This can add an emotional toll, especially when clients expect a therapist to understand their struggles with racial discrimination without needing to explain it.
Despite these challenges, many Black therapists find strength in their ability to relate to their clients on a deeper level, using their lived experiences to foster a sense of shared understanding. As Dr. Jessica Pryce, a clinical psychologist, shares in The Atlantic, “When I’m working with a client who’s Black, there’s a particular knowing that we share, even if our stories are different” (Pryce, 2021).
The Black community has historically faced significant mental health challenges, stemming from the intersection of systemic racism, poverty, and trauma. Black therapists not only address personal mental health issues but also engage with the larger social and political factors that affect their clients’ well-being. The stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities, often rooted in cultural and historical factors, makes therapy an even more critical service. By fostering open and non-judgmental spaces, Black therapists can break down these barriers and help reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
The rise of culturally specific mental health initiatives, such as therapy groups that center on Black identity or Black empowerment, has been instrumental in normalizing the conversation about mental health in these communities. Black therapists are often at the forefront of these efforts, helping clients to navigate issues such as intergenerational trauma, identity, and the emotional toll of racism.
Being a Black therapist means embracing both the professional challenges of providing therapeutic care and the personal significance of offering support to a community in need. The work is both a calling and a responsibility—one that requires resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to the healing and well-being of individuals and communities. As more Black therapists enter the field, hopefully, more Black male therapist they continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of mental health care, advocating for culturally competent practices, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the support they deserve.
References
Fleming, L. (2022). Why Representation Matters in Therapy. Psychology Today. Retrieved from psychologytoday.com
Pryce, J. (2021). The Struggles and Rewards of Being a Black Therapist. The Atlantic. Retrieved from theatlantic.com
Bernadette Graham is a Licensed Professional Psychotherapist in private practice. She also provides educational workshops on matters of grief, death and dying and everything mental health. She is a sought out phenomenal international speaker (Bookings speaking, presenting or workshops you may email graham.bernadette@gmail.com)
Bernadette has been an advocate within the Mental Health field for over 20 years. A sliding fee schedule is offered if you do not have health insurance or having financial hardship. You may contact her for appointments in office or telehealth or complete an intake at the following:
+1 (786) 755-1863
intake+Bernadette25063@growtherapy.com
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bernadette-joy-graham-toledo-oh/415500
Maumee location in office – 419 866-8232
Bancroft St. location Toledo – 419 578 2525 or 419 409 4929