For the last year and a half ordinary people, especially people of color, have been heroic in coping with family dynamics, socio-economic issues, educational demands, political upheavals, confinement, and the list goes on. The need exists for mental health professionals who can walk a mile or two with people of color who are continuously impacted by systematic racism and have reservations about emptying their souls to therapists who are white and have no cultural sensitivity or training in ethnic sensibility of the lives of African, Latinx, Asian Americans. People of color may wish to seek mental health counseling for their children who have witnessed or experienced violence in proximity to their schools or neighborhoods. Young people of color rarely have the availability of counselors sent to predominantly white schools when violence occurs. The stigma of weakness in seeking psychological therapy is fading, because people need help beyond themselves to cope with the new normal that is forming.
There is a story about a man who found himself moving to the second floor and the roof because flood waters filled his home. Rescuers came by boat and helicopter to take him to safety on higher ground. The man refused their assistance and said confidently that he was praying and knew that God would surely rescue him. The man drowned. When he got to heaven, he immediately asked God the reason that no divine rescue had occurred in answer to his fervent prayers. With love, grace and patience, God responded, “Who do you think sent the boat and the helicopter?”
Floods of catastrophe mark the last nineteen months and continue. There are, mental health professionals of color who may be able to assist adults and children. On the Reflection page, there is a listing of possible sources to mental health professionals who may benefit persons of color. It is not exhaustive, but it is a healthful beginning. Haven’t you heard the marvelous news? God often works through people.
Reflections/ Resources
InnoPsych: Home
https://www.innopsych.com/
All therapists on the site are people of color (about 450).
Black Men Heal
https://blackmenheal.org/
Offers up to 8 free online counseling sessions
Asian Mental Health Collective
https://www.asianmhc.org/
Therapy for Black Girls
https://therapyforblackgirls.com
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
https://www.beam.community/
Latinx Therapy
https://Latinxtherapy.com
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D. Min., AC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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