But the result is that people of color hide their mental health challenges, which only worsen as they’re left unaddressed. Minority populations are more likely than Whites to suffer chronic mental health disorders with worse symptoms.

If you’re a person of color reading this, you probably already know these rings true. Even when it is foreign to your cultural beliefs, going for therapy may be what you need at this point in your life, to solve the deep emotional turmoil you’ve been battling for long.

Below are specific ways therapy can benefit Communities of color.

4 Benefits of Therapy to People of Color:

Breaking the stigma

One of the foremost ways therapy can benefit people of color is that it helps break the barrier and stigma surrounding mental health.

As more people of color begin to openly go for therapy and there are more providers of color, many more will be encouraged to go. It’s like breaking the ice. There will be less shame as more people begin to accept therapy. 

It opens the way for culturally competent care

You see, every minority community has unique psychological issues stemming from their culture, family values, and daily experience as a POC living in the US. These issues don’t usually come up when dealing with mental health within the White population, so hardly anyone takes note. A gap is therefore created, hindering the quality of care a POC may receive from a regular therapist. 

When more people of color get involved in therapy, it fuels the need to create culturally competent care to address the subtle nuances within their communities.

It honors their unique identities

Minority populations in the United States all have their unique identities and experiences. Therapy for communities of color is designed to create a safe space where each person can expose their vulnerability without being judged. And this feeling of safety is supported by platforms like Loop Health that allow clients to be matched with a therapist of their own cultural background. 

It’s all about acknowledging that these people have some unique needs and tailoring the therapeutic experience for them according to their values.

Validation through emotional connection

Phrases like “You have to be tough,” and “Other people have it harder than you,” are poor coping mechanisms that have made many people feel bad for having negative emotions.

But while most people of color would rather mask their deep emotional struggles with a stoic facade, therapy helps to validate those feelings. It affirms that those feelings and thoughts are neither shameful nor a sign of weakness but are worthy of attention. Therapy validates that other people have such emotions too, and you’re not the worst person in the world for feeling that way.

We all need attention—as humans, we crave to connect with others, to share our problems openly, to be understood. This social connection can be key to battling depression and other mental health challenges.

Therapy creates a space where you can feel understood, where you can release the emotions you have bottled in, where you can truly begin to heal through catharsis.

How to find a therapist of color near you

We understand the mental health disparity within communities of color and we created Loop Health to bridge that gap. Loop Health is an online platform that matches clients with licensed mental health practitioners of their own ethnic backgrounds. Find a therapist of color by visiting Loop Health today.

Understandably, we can put this down to the fact that the White population (75.5%) is far greater than other communities (19.1% Hispanic, 13.6% Black, 6.3% Asian). This, of course, is why they are called the minority.

But the fact that there are much fewer therapists of color compared to Whites can influence how willing patients of color are to receive treatment. For a patient of color searching for a provider, chances are whoever they’ll stumble upon will not be of their race. This can make them more reluctant to seek help.

White adults (16.6%) are more likely to seek mental health services than Black (8.6%), Hispanic (7.3%), and Asian (4.9) adults. 

But did you know that the rate of depression among Black and Hispanic populations is often equal to and even sometimes higher than among Whites? The impact of depression on their lives is also usually more severe compared to Whites. This is according to a CDC survey.

Apparently, many non-White Americans are dealing with mental health challenges in silence. Question is, why? 

Thankfully, there are now online platforms like Loop Health designed to connect these underrepresented minorities with mental health practitioners within their communities. By creating a platform targeted at people of color, it’s easier for patients to get access to a provider they believe will be able to understand their unique challenges and provide the support they need.

If you’re a provider of color or patient, leveraging such a platform can be just what you need to change your life… Or touch someone else’s.

That said, let’s face it; aside from our skin colors, we are all humans of equal rights. So, why should the campaign for mental health among people of color be a topic of discussion at all? Why do we need to focus on providing mental health for minorities? Is it that they cannot get the same help from White providers?

1.    Cultural/ethnic nuances

Did you know that some cultures have cultural stigma around mental health? In some Asian countries, mental health issues can be viewed as a sign of weakness and a threat to family reputation. A provider has to understand these cultural nuances to be able to engage with and provide empathetic support to such patients who summon the courage to seek help.

2.    Distrust

Let’s face it, the historical injustices and discriminatory practices have contributed to a longstanding distrust. Consequently, individuals may be hesitant to show themselves in their most vulnerable state to providers who do not share their cultural background.

3.    Implicit bias

There are unconscious biases that people hold regarding other ethnic groups. This can put a strain on patient-provider interactions, which may lead to misunderstanding and lack of empathy. The result? Patients quit therapy and just try to deal with their issues themselves.

4.    Socio-economic gap

It’s true that minority communities in the US often face more socioeconomic challenges. Some have also experienced systemic discrimination. These factors can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, increasing their need for mental health support. But as you now know, they’re less likely to seek help. But they need it.

Get Help Now

Maybe everything here resonates with you. Perhaps you’ve given up seeking mental health support because of your negative experience with providers who do not understand you. 

But your mental health issues are not getting any better. We want you to know you there’s help waiting. It’s not too late.

Now, you can get direct access to the right mental health practitioner who will understand and provide the help you need. With platforms like Loop Health, mental health care for minorities has never been more accessible.

Find a therapist now and begin your journey to a better quality of life.

Did you know that minority populations in the United States are more likely than Whites to experience chronic mental health disorders with more severe symptoms? Yet, white adults (16.6%) seek mental health services more frequentlythan Black (8.6%), Hispanic (7.3%), and Asian (4.9%) adults. That means many people of color are battling with mental health issues but are not receiving the care they need. This is often due to difficulty locating a therapist of the same cultural background, the stigma around mental disorders in some minority communities, or even financial constraints. 

We created Loop Health to bridge that gap. We understand that just like everyone else, people of color need to have more access to mental health services that can enhance their overall quality of life and well-being. And for these individuals to be more willing to seek help, they want to be able to easily locate therapists of their unique cultural backgrounds, people who understand them. Loop Health makes all of that possible. 

Whether you are Asian, Black, or Hispanic, Loop Health matches you with a licensed therapist from your culture who is experienced in dealing with the unique issues you are facing.

But beyond that, we also recognize that wholesome living involves not only mental health care but prioritizing your physical health as well. We created Loop Health to enable people of color to access free self-care resources on fitness, diet, stress management, and more, alongside mental health experts from the same cultural backgrounds. Everything is tailored for minority communities.

At Loop Health, our aim is to build a culturally competent online therapy platform that understands, respects and celebrates our clients’ unique backgrounds.

Why Companies Like Loop Health are Essential to the Communities They Serve

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Among Minority Communities

Stigma of mental health is a common theme among many minority communities in the US. Sadly, it started so long ago and has been passed from generation to generation that it has become ingrained in these cultures. 

For example, the root of mental health stigma among black people can be traced back to the times of slavery. It was believed that these enslaved people were naturally not open to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. 

“From those historic misconceptions, we learned to ignore mental illness or call it other terms, like ‘stress’ and ‘being tired,'”, said Christine M. Crawford, MD, MPH, a black psychiatrist.

When depression is described with such terms, it causes people to underestimate its far-reaching impact.

Such beliefs have been passed on to the extent modern black people now consider psychiatric disorders as a personal weakness, something embarrassing. 63% of Black people believe that a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness.

Even Martin Luther King Jr. refused psychiatric treatment, although he reportedly suffered from severe depression.

Also, many Asian cultures place a high value on public image. So, individuals may not acknowledge their mental health challenges as it may bring shame to their family and reputation.

But platforms like Loop Health are changing this narrative. We are creating awareness among these minority populations to help them realize they can talk to therapists who understand this stigma but still went ahead to study psychiatry in order to help members of their community who are averse to showing vulnerability.

Easy Access to Someone Just Like You

When you are in an environment with diverse ethnicities, won’t you feel so much better when you find someone from the same background to whom you can tell your personal issues? Someone who identifies with you and your unique challenges. Such a person will be attuned to the nuances of your daily life, your cultural disposition towards mental health, and the social pressures you face as a person of color living in the US.

It’s natural. A depressed Asian will find it easier to talk with an Asian therapist than one of another culture. The same applies to Blacks and Hispanics. It’s more like keeping it within the family. We understand these nuances and have created Loop Health to address that.

Wholesome Care for the Total Individual

We often focus so much on mental health care that we fail to address some underlying problems that may be nullifying our efforts. Things like diet and our level of activity can influence our mood and overall well-being. 

For example, did you know that consumption of ultra-processed foods can put you at risk of depression? Caffeine can also worsen ADHD symptoms. On the other hand, simple activities like yoga and regular exercises may be all you need to manage stress, combat your mental health issues, and feel happier overall. In short, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

At Loop Health, we understand this, so we provide access to not only therapists but also dietitians and fitness coaches. You will also find free resources and tools to help you on your journey towards a higher quality of life. No matter where you are in your journey, platforms like Loop Health allow you to satisfy your physical and mental wellness needs all in one place.

Eliminating Subtle Bias and Mistrust

Youths of color with mental health issues are more likely to be sent to the juvenile justice system than to mental health care services. There’s obviously a subtle bias when dealing with ethnic minorities, and we don’t see it going away soon. Moreover, some people of color are hesitant to seek treatment for fear of being misdiagnosed because the psychiatrist holds a cultural stereotype, causing them to evaluate the patient’s situation subjectively rather than objectively. In fact, black men with symptoms of mood disorders or PTSD are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia.

To alleviate such concerns, we require more than just the availability of providers; providers have to be skillful enough to address and mitigate the misgivings of the minority communities they serve.

Platforms like Loop Health acknowledge that. So, we don’t offer just any provider: our licensed specialists understand the concerns, bias, and mistrust that exist between psychiatrists and patients of color. Our aim is to provide a comfortable space where minority communities can receive culturally competent care devoid of judgment and ethnic bias.

Mental Health Issues Based on Cultural Nuances

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared racism a serious threat to public health that potentially increases the risk of poor health outcomes among people of color. Although racism isn’t as evident as it once was, we can’t deny that there are still subtle, systemic prejudices today. Such traumatic experiences can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression among victims.

Now, it is unlikely for such victims to consider seeking mental health care from a therapist who belongs to the perpetrator’s ethnic group, fearing a lack of understanding or empathy. 

Moreover, different ethnicities have varying cultures. As we have seen, culture can influence perceptions surrounding mental health. A therapist may be unable to acknowledge and validate the cultural beliefs of a patient from another ethnic group. This kind of situation may cause friction between the provider and client, with the client quitting therapy prematurely.

This is another reason platforms like Loop Health are essential to the communities they serve. By matching clients with providers within their own communities, the issue of cultural friction can finally be eliminated. And people in minority communities will be more open to mental health care when they see more providers of their race. This level of culturally competent care is something that simply improving the capacity of white mental health clinicians may be unable to solve.

The Bottom Line

As we can see, Loop Health and services like it are changing the narrative for mental health among ethnic minorities in the US. From culturally competent professionals to culturally sensitive content, we put all the resources you need for all-round wellness at your fingertips. 

And for licensed wellness professionals of color, Loop Health offers an avenue to reach more clients, people who need you the most.

Join now.

The Importance of Balance

Balance is not just a condition; it’s a continuous process of harmonization between our physical, emotional, and mental states. In communities of color, the pursuit of this equilibrium is uniquely challenged by systemic inequalities, cultural stigmas, and historical traumas. Yet, it’s within our power to reclaim our well-being, transforming our approach to mental health by weaving self-care into the fabric of our daily lives.

Culturally Rooted Self-Care

Self-care is a concept as old as time, deeply ingrained in the traditions and practices of our ancestors. It’s a personal and communal act of healing, nurtured by the wisdom passed down through generations. In reviving these practices, whether it’s through traditional healing rituals, storytelling, dancing, or communal gatherings, we connect with our roots and with each other, finding solace and strength in shared experiences.

Simple Steps to Restore Balance

1. Acknowledge Your Needs: Recognizing and validating your feelings is the first step toward healing. It’s okay to not be okay. Give yourself permission to seek support and to prioritize your well-being.

2. Connect with Community: Isolation can amplify stress and anxiety. Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and a safe space to express your feelings.

3. Incorporate Mindful Practices: Mindfulness can take many forms, from meditation and yoga to simply taking a moment to breathe and listen to your thoughts. These practices can help center your mind, reducing stress and promoting peace.

4. Nourish Your Body and Soul: Good nutrition, exercise, and sleep are fundamental to our well-being. But remember, nourishment also comes from doing things that bring you joy and contentment.

5. Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to ask for help. Mental health professionals can provide the tools and support needed to navigate the complexities of life, offering strategies to restore balance.

Loop Health: Your Partner in the Journey

At Loop Health, we’re committed to being a part of your journey to balance and well-being. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities of color and strive to offer accessible, culturally sensitive mental health support. Together, we can breakdown stigmas and build a future where mental health is prioritized, and self-care is a daily practice.

As we strive toward restoring balance, let’s remember that every step taken is a step toward healing. Embracing self-care is not just an act of individual wellness, but a radical move towards cultural transformation, empowering our communities to thrive in harmony and health.

Your journey is important. Your well-being is cherished. With Loop Health, you’re never alone in the quest for balance.

In solidarity and support,

The Loop Health Team