Mental health experts are equipped to guide individuals with an array of psychological and emotional distress sources, from clinical mental health disorders to lifestyle transformations and daily stressors, partnership dilemmas, and other concerns. But, there's a clear distinction in their therapy approach, their characteristics, and the life occurrences that shape their support. The choice to consult a therapist is an intensely personal decision, more so for individuals from the Black community due to unique needs and factors influencing their choices.

For many in the Black community, discovering a therapist who's not only skilled and experienced but is also well-acquainted with issues associated with racism and social injustice is challenging, notes Jennifer Mullan, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Decolonizing Therapy.

The harmful mental health impact of racial trauma and discrimination that many Black Americans undergo has been extensively explored. Regular exposure to systemic and daily racism could translate into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-associated symptoms such as constant vigilance, paranoia, withdrawn conduct, and depression, several studies have indicated.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial and social disquiet after George Floyd's murder in 2020 were global occurrences that uniquely impacted members of the Black community, further unveiling existing emotional and mental scars.

Additionally, Black Americans grapple with their mental health more than others. Black adults are more likely to report persistent emotional distress symptoms, such as depression and hopelessness, according to 2022 data from the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Furthermore, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that non-Hispanic white Americans receive mental health care services at higher rates than Black Americans.

On top of this, there is a glaring lack of diversity among mental health professionals, making many Black individuals hesitant to seek help due to fears of being misunderstood due to their racial identities. While diverse ethnic groups represent 32.6% of the U.S. population, only 2% of American psychiatrists and 4% of psychologists are Black.

As the search continues for culturally competent therapists, some factors to consider include the therapist's credentials, if they can prescribe medication, their specialty in different therapeutic techniques, and mental and emotional health areas. Other considerations include locating a convenient therapist and the cost implications.

If the need arises to find a Black therapist, Kristin Howard recommends investigating their background, services, and areas of expertise, which are likely available in an online bio, and requesting on-screening calls.

Finding a suitable therapist might seem daunting initially. However, available resources such as the Association of Black Psychologists Directory, Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, the Black Mental Health Alliance, Inclusive Therapists, National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, and National Alliance on Mental Illness can assist in the search.