MLK Jr. Day: Resources for BIPOC Mental Health Providers

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. Dr. King advocated for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent activism. His work played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and fostering social change in the United States. MLK Jr. Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice, promoting unity, and inspiring individuals to contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Despite the progress made in the fight for civil rights, there persist significant disparities for BIPOC individuals in the mental health world. Barriers to access, cultural stigma, and systemic inequalities contribute to limited availability of culturally competent mental health care. BIPOC communities often face challenges in receiving appropriate and responsive treatment, exacerbating mental health disparities. 


Not only do disparities exist in accessing care for BIPOC mental health, but barriers to becoming providers exist for BIPOC individuals. In the mental health field, 73% of providers are white and 74% of providers are female, displaying the major lack of representation in the field. The lack of BIPOC providers in the field can be explained for a variety of reasons, such as educational requirements to enter the field (Master’s degrees are expensive!), lack of representation leading to lack of engagement, and stigma around discussing mental health in many communities. 


Wondering what resources are out there to support BIPOC therapists? The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Keep reading books, podcasts, and organizations to help support the amazing work of BIPOC mental health clinicians.


Books for BIPOC Mental Health Providers:


1. “The Color of Mind: Why the Origins of the Achievement Gap Matter for Justice" by Derrick Darby and John L. Rury: This book explores the impact of systemic issues on mental health and education, especially for BIPOC individuals.


2. “My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem: Resmaa Menakem explores the ways racialized trauma manifests in the body and offers a path toward healing.


3. "The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing" by Anneliese A. Singh: This handbook provides practical activities for individuals and communities to engage in racial healing.


4. "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing" by Joy DeGruy: Joy DeGruy examines the impact of historical trauma on the mental health of Black individuals and communities.


5. "Counseling People of African Ancestry" by Thomas A. Parham and Adisa Ajamu: A comprehensive guide for mental health professionals working with individuals of African ancestry.


6. "Decolonizing Mental Health: Intersectionality, Indigeneity, and Healing" by Julie K. Kohlhart and Fiona C. Black: This book explores the intersection of mental health, indigeneity, and decolonization.


7. "Culturally Responsive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Assessment, Practice, and Supervision" by Gayle Y. Iwamasa and Pamela A. Hays: A practical guide for mental health providers on culturally responsive cognitive-behavioral therapy.


8. "The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness" by Rhonda V. Magee: Rhonda Magee explores the intersection of mindfulness, racial justice, and personal transformation.



Podcasts for BIPOC Mental Health Providers:

1. Therapy for Black Girls Podcast (https://therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast/): Dr. Joy Harden Bradford discusses mental health topics relevant to Black women and the Black community.


2. The Breakdown with Dr. Earl (https://www.drkarlondrame.com/podcast): Dr. Karlon Drame explores mental health topics and provides insights into navigating the challenges faced by the Black community.


3. Latinx Therapy Podcast (https://latinxtherapy.com/podcast/): Adriana Alejandre hosts discussions on mental health and wellness within the Latinx community.


4. Between Sessions Podcast (https://www.melissadivaris.com/between-sessions-podcast): Melissa Divaris Thompson and Eliza Boquin discuss mental health topics, including those relevant to BIPOC communities.


5. South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN) Podcast (https://samhin.org/podcast/): SAMHIN focuses on mental health topics specific to the South Asian community.


6. Decolonize Therapy Podcast (https://www.decolonizetherapy.com/podcast): Psychotherapist Myra Duran explores decolonization and mental health.


7. Radical Therapist Podcast](https://radicaltherapist.com/podcast): Dr. Chris Hoff hosts conversations on radical and critical approaches to therapy, including those relevant to social justice and BIPOC mental health.


8. The QTPoC Mental Health Podcast](https://www.qtpocmentalhealth.com/podcast): Matthew and Dante discuss mental health topics within the Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) community.


9. Black Mental Health Matters Podcast (https://www.therapyforblackmen.org/podcast/): A podcast addressing mental health issues within the Black community.


10. Asian Mental Health Collective Podcast (https://www.asianmhc.org/podcast): This podcast explores mental health topics with a focus on the Asian community.



Organizations for BIPOC Mental Health Providers:


1. Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi): is dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of the Black community and supporting Black psychologists.


2. National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA): focuses on advancing psychological research, training, and services relevant to the Latinx population.


3. Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA): advocates for the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities and professionals.


4. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN): provides a directory of therapists of color with a focus on queer and trans individuals.


5. Therapy for Black Men: a directory connecting Black men with culturally competent therapists.


6. National Latinx/o Psychological Student Association (NLPSA): supports Latinx students pursuing psychology degrees and promotes mental health advocacy.


7. Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA): works to develop, promote, and sponsor trusted mental health services within the Black community.


8. National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA): advocates for the mental health and well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.


We hope this post shared some resources to support BIPOC mental health providers! 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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