Black history is filled with so much beauty, and so much trauma. We are resilient. And we have so many more things to overcome.
Sometimes, when you’re processing your own story, it’s helpful to work with someone who is familiar with the bigger forces in our world. These forces also impact us individually. It’s helpful to work with someone who gets that.
That’s one reason why Black people are starting to search for more Black therapists and other therapists of color.
As a Black therapist, I work with and treat people from lots of backgrounds. Different ages, races, genders, religions, life stages, abilities, and symptoms are welcome in my office.
You don’t always have to see someone of the same race or background to have a great therapeutic experience.
But if there are some things you don’t want to explain, going to a therapist who has been educating themselves in culturally competent care can streamline some things about the process. Feeling that you and your therapist are a great match makes opening up easier. For you, having a therapist that looks like you or shares some things in common with you could help you connect more easily.
So here are 4 ways you can cut down your work and find a therapist who meets you where you’re at and understands how you got there.
Inform your insurance company that the demographics of your therapist matters to you.
Demographics are just personal characteristics of a person. When you call that number on the back of your insurance card, you can let them know that you’re looking for someone who meets your needs with the issues they work with as well as their personal characteristics. This will let them make recommendations that meet more of your preferences. This will also make them accountable to make sure they give contracts to all kinds of professionals.
Use a directory.
There are a few directories that actively support and recruit therapists who are from, and who serve, marginalized communities. Here are a few that support Black people well, but there are specialized directories out there for many communities.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
Use a matching service
A matching service gathers some information about you, then presents you options that meet your needs. These services take your background into account, but they also ask you more detailed questions, like how much talking you want to do versus how much talking do you want your therapist to do.
Ask a friend for a referral.
If you know someone who is going to therapy, and you’re open to going to therapy, they will most likely be happy to talk about their experience with you. Keep an open mind and heart, as they open up about finding their therapist. If you can tell that they like their therapist, ask them for the therapist’s information. That therapist might also be a good option for you. Of course, since you’re already here, the best way to get started in my office is by sending me a message. But as always, if I’m not the right therapist for you, I’m happy to be part of helping you find the person that is.
A quick disclaimer: You might find my info on some of these websites listed in this post. As I think the work they do is valuable, I participate with some of their services. However, I have never been paid to recommend these resources, this blog is not sponsored, and these are not affiliate links. They are shared as a free resource as part of a personal commitment to expand access to everyone who needs therapy.