Mental Health Care Resources

52 Mental Health Resources for Disabled People, POC, LGBTQ Folks, and More (Teen Vogue, Araya Baker)

A list of directories and search tools meant to help those looking for therapists who are themselves part of a marginalized group.

Below you can find a list of directories, many of which have compiled the names of therapists from specific minoritized backgrounds. Given the underrepresentation discussed above, there are more resources listed for some groups than others. And for some communities, organizations that specialize in working with said community are listed, not an actual directory of therapists. Rest assured, I combed through numerous pages of search results for each community listed, but not a lot turned up for some. That’s expected, unfortunately. Please feel free to share this resource with others who may need it, and check back periodically for updates with personal listings of therapists from my social networks. For more culturally relevant information on how to navigate the mental health system and tips on how find a therapist, you can check out “Therapists for Women of Color and Queer People: How to Find One”, in Teen Vogue. You can also follow me on Twitter @Fight4TheYouth or visit my website at arayabaker.org. I hope that this guide helps answer the many questions that I’ve received over the last 24 hours; but, if not, don’t hesitate to reach out.

44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country (Self, Zahra Barnes)

Includes search databases as well as more general online content in the mental health/self-care sphere.

Teletherapy can feel foreign, even if you’ve been seeing your therapist for years, but especially if you’re starting with someone new right now. There are some ways to make the whole process go a little more smoothly, like writing down the things you’d like to cover in your sessions beforehand. Here are more tips for having good teletherapy appointments.

Even if you’re very used to therapy, the devastating and destabilizing events we’re living through can make it feel like therapy suddenly isn’t working, you’re not sure what to talk about, you have no clue if it’s effective, or any other number of situations that can make it hard to feel like you’re getting the most out of therapy right now. That’s normal. Here, you’ll find tips for sorting through those feelings and figuring out how to get as much mental and emotional restoration from therapy as possible.

BIPOC Mental Health Resources (The Mental Health Coalition)

Resources leaning toward community organizations and educational collectives.

Because of longstanding systemic injustice, there are many barriers that limit access to high-quality, culturally-informed mental health care for BIPOC communities. This means that it is crucial to highlight the spaces that do exist that address racism-based stress and trauma, while affirming the countless strengths of BIPOC communities.

We know the work is far from over in creating culturally informed, quality mental health care for all, and The Mental Health Coalition is dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of BIPOC communities. Use these resources for yourself, or share them with a friend or loved one. We can all make a difference in our communities by talking about and learning about mental health.

Taraji P. Henson’s Foundation Offers Free Virtual Therapy for Underserved Communities (Color Lines, Shani Saxon)

While the service was launched during lockdown, it continues to operate in 2021.

Now, as the world is ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, BLHF is extending a hand to those underserved communities that might not know where to turn as they struggle to cope. “COVID-19 has had a profound and unprecedented impact on all of our daily lives,” BLHF said on its site. “Social distancing, unemployment, sudden loss, are all drastic changes that can bring, what feels like, unbearable stress and anxiety into anyone’s life.” 

Starting on April 15, those in need of emotional support can register here for “up to 5 free therapy sessions with culturally competent clinicians in our Resource Guide,” according to an emailed statement from BLHF. As Henson says, “No one should have to suffer in silence.”

Asian Mental Health Collective

Resources and events for members of the Asian diaspora seeking mental health support.

Trans in the South: A Directory of Trans-Affirming Health & Legal Service Providers (Campaign for Southern Equality)

Database of providers in southern US states that includes lists of services available from each professional.

Trans in the South: A Directory of Trans-Affirming Health & Legal Service Providers, is a directory of more than 400 Southern health service providers who are trans-affirming.

You’ll find lists of trans-friendly mental health providers, primary care physicians, HIV care specialists, attorneys, endocrinologists, and more across 13 Southern states. In addition to a virtual, searchable directory, we’ve also compiled resources to assist with funding medical transition and helpful information about insurance coverage.

Online Transgender Support Groups (Very Well Mind, Elizabeth Bosky PhD)

Five online groups ranging from health care navigation to mental health support.

Transgender support groups offer people a chance to connect and discuss similar life experiences and challenges. Sometimes, when you are a member of a minority group, it can be helpful to talk to people who will understand those parts of your life without needing an explanation.

Transgender support groups can be a great place to find people who understand you and make you feel less alone. They can serve as resources in a time of crisis or just a place to find a sympathetic ear if you’re having a bad day.