Anyone can struggle with their mental health, but statistics show marginalized communities can be affected differently. It’s important to spread awareness about the unique challenges, stereotypes, cultural differences and societal pressures that we all encounter and create opportunities to surround ourselves with community who can listen, relate and understand. Mental health effects us all. If you or someone you know would benefit from support, you’re not alone.
Here are some resources for various communities:
African-American
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation - this site focuses on stigma/self-stigma reduction and building trust between African-Americans and the mental health field. This site also offers a resource guide with a directory of mental health providers and programs.
Therapy for Black Girls - this site offers an online space encouraging mental wellness for African-American women. This site also has a referral tool to help find therapists in your area.
Therapy for Black Men - this site is primarily a therapist directory for African-American men seeking therapy. This site also provides various resources and stories for African-American men to read and relate to.
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) - this site is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of the African-American community. This site also has graphics, videos, and articles dedicated to mental health in the African-American community.
Latin/Hispanic
Therapy for Latinx - this site has national mental health resources for the LatinX community.
National Alliance for Mental Illness - this site has information on the identity and culture of the Latin/Hispanic community and how that statistically impacts their mental health.
Latinx Therapy - this site helps the Latin/Hispanic community find therapists and/or life coaches in their local area.
Asian American/Pacific Islander
Asians for Mental Health Directory - this site is a directory of Asian/Pacific Islander therapists by state.
South Asian Therapists - this site provides resources specifically for those of South Asian descent.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association - this site promotes the mental health and well being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. This site also offers training, webinars, and resources as well.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Hotline - this site provides a free and confidential hotline, available 24/7 for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists - this site offers many resources for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing mental health troubles.
Trans Equality - this site offers resources specifically for transgender individuals, including information on how to access healthcare.
Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line - the Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans and Service members in crisis with qualified, caring responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
War Vet Call Center - this site gives a number for Veterans to call to talk about their military experience or other concerns during their transition from military to civilian life.
Real Warriors - this site offers resources for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries specifically.
National Helplines:
Mental Health America: The organization's website includes an explanation of what Minority Mental Health Awareness is, the history of how July came to be the month dedicated to bringing awareness to the circumstance, and general statistics regarding different minority groups. Community Care and Peer Support programs are also available to those in need.
Office of Minority Health (OMH): An all-encompassing organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of minority populations throughout the U.S. In addition to a library of data and information, OMH focuses on promoting policies, programs and practices to support and spread health equity and eliminate disparities among demographics.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides advocacy, education and public awareness so that all individuals affected by mental illness can build better lives. As part of the journey to self-care, the website outlines a wide range of information about cultural barriers, how to seek help and outlines organizations that specialize in supporting AAPI, Black, LatinX, Indigenous, LGBTQ+ community members, as well as people with disabilities.
Mental Health Resources: This site provides links to a variety of mental health resources for underrepresented communities. The list includes organizations and nonprofit programs in addition to therapy initiatives all across the country.
9-8-8: The first three-digit emergency line for mental health emergencies and suicidal thoughts. 9-8-8 is easy to remember and connects Americans dealing with mental health emergencies and suicidal ideations with over 200 crisis centers, nationwide.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Whether you have Kaiser, United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Shield or something else, healthcare providers have a variety of resources and support programs available to you all year long, and many are provided free of cost!
No matter your background or life experiences, it is essential to prioritize your mental wellness. If you or someone you know would benefit from any of these resources, please utilize them as needed. Remember, you are not alone.
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