BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting BIPOC Mental Health Providers

 Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, TPS Virtual Assistant



As of 2008, July was named Bebe Moore Campbell’s BIPOC Mental Health Month (formerly Minority Mental Health Month). Bebe Moore Campbell's BIPOC Mental Health Month has its origins in the tireless advocacy and dedication of the late Bebe Moore Campbell, an esteemed American author, advocate, and mental health champion. Campbell recognized the critical need for addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities, including BIPOC individuals. In 2008, she co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s (NAMI) Inglewood chapter. Bebe Moore Campbell National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month to shed light on these disparities and promote culturally competent mental health care. 

This annual observance, held in July, serves as a platform to raise awareness, provide education, and foster dialogue surrounding mental health within diverse communities. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, Bebe Moore Campbell paved the way for a greater understanding of the intersection between mental health and ethnicity, leaving a lasting impact on the recognition and advocacy for the mental health needs of minority populations.

In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, how can you as a mental health provider support BIPOC mental health curators and clinicians? The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Check out three ways to support BIPOC mental health providers this July.

Show Your Support with Dollars 
Mental health clinicians can only do what they do if they’re funded - we all need to eat, after all! Check out some of these BIPOC-led mental health organizations you can support with your time or your money this July: 

  1. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN): A network that connects queer and trans therapists of color to provide culturally competent mental health support
  2. Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA): An organization dedicated to advancing the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, education, and advocacy.
  3. The Steve Fund: A nonprofit focused on promoting mental health support and resilience among young people of color, with a particular emphasis on college students.
  4. Latinx Therapy: A platform that seeks to destigmatize mental health within the Latinx community and connects individuals with culturally responsive therapists.
  5. Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi): An organization committed to addressing mental health disparities within Black communities and promoting the psychological well-being of Black individuals.
  6. National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA): An association dedicated to improving the mental health and substance abuse services for Latino communities through advocacy, education, and policy initiatives.
  7. South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN): A network that focuses on promoting mental health awareness, providing resources, and reducing stigma within South Asian communities.
  8. National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA): An organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and advocating for accessible and culturally affirming care.
  9. National Black Women's Health Project: A project that aims to address the mental health needs of Black women through education, research, and advocacy.
  10. National Latino Psychological Association (NLPA): An association that seeks to advance psychological research, practice, and education to address mental health disparities experienced by Latino individuals.
  11. National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH): A council that works to improve mental health services and wellness programs for urban Native American and Alaska Native communities.
  12. Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI): An institute that conducts research, training, and community engagement to promote mental health and wellness among Indigenous populations.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many more organizations working towards mental health support and advocacy for BIPOC communities.

Amplify BIPOC Voices in the Mental Health Field

Another way to show support for BIPOC mental health providers is to advocate for their representation and inclusion within professional organizations, conferences, and educational institutions. Encourage the organizations you are involved with to invite BIPOC mental health professionals as speakers, trainers, or consultants. Promote diversity and equity by recommending BIPOC providers for leadership positions or committee memberships. By actively advocating for their visibility and participation, you help create spaces that value and uplift their contributions, fostering a more inclusive and representative mental health landscape.

Show BIPOC Social Media Creators Love

There are a plethora of BIPOC mental health curators on social media whose livelihood is supported by likes, shares, and followers. Check out these BIPOC mental health creators on social media:

  1. @decolonizingtherapy (Instagram): A platform that challenges and decolonizes traditional therapy practices, providing insights on mental health within marginalized communities.
  2. @melaninandmentalhealth (Instagram): A resource that connects individuals with BIPOC therapists and raises awareness about mental health in communities of color.
  3. @thelovelandfoundation (Instagram): The official Instagram account of The Loveland Foundation, focusing on providing resources, inspiration, and support for the mental health of Black women and girls.
  4. @latinxtherapy (Instagram): A space dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing therapy within the Latinx community.
  5. @therapyforblackgirls (Instagram): A community that provides mental health support, resources, and a directory of therapists for Black women.
  6. @ethnicmindfulness (Instagram): An account that combines mindfulness and mental health practices with a focus on culturally diverse perspectives and experiences.
  7. @browngirltherapy (Instagram): A platform that emphasizes the importance of mental health for South Asian and other BIPOC communities and offers resources and support.
  8. @theconsciouskid (Instagram): An account focused on racial and social justice, including mental health resources and educational content for parents, caregivers, and educators.
  9. @nqttcn (Instagram): The official Instagram account of the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, providing mental health resources and amplifying the voices of queer and trans therapists of color.
  10. @aapapsych (Twitter): The official Twitter account of the Asian American Psychological Association, sharing research, events, and mental health resources for Asian American communities.
  11. @BlkMentalHealth (Twitter): A platform dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting mental health support for the Black community.
  12. @NAAPIMHA (Twitter): The official Twitter account of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, sharing news, information, and resources related to AAPI mental health.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other BIPOC mental health social media accounts that provide valuable resources, support, and education.

Today and every day, we thank BIPOC providers we work with for the healing work they do. At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!


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