Cultural Compentency ***Trigger Warning***

It is so great to read that someone understands the importance of cultural compentency.

Recently, we had a panel discussion regarding what does mental health look like in minority communities. Thank you for getting Minoriity Mental Health Awareness Month on the calendar for the month of July. We discussed the trauma that the Black community has suffered from past to present. Direct violence, i.e., police brutality where people of color have been killed without reason, structural violence i.e., contaminated water, poor living conditions, learning disabilities that come from lead exposure, underpaid etc. These are a few problems that people of color face on a regular basis. Can you imagine a mother/father going to identify their child in the street that has been gunned down; over and over again, from one family to the next. How can this not affect your mental wellbeing? Grand Master Flash told us through his lyrics; “Don’t push me cause I’m close to the edge, I’m trying not to lose my head. It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how to keep from going under.“ 

What does it look like to walk into a clinic that does not have a therapist, psychiatrist, staff members etc. that look like you? In reality, the psychiatrist, therapist, and clinicians don’t understand people of color and they too have preconceived notions about people of color. Diverse communities that are made up of a number of ethnic backgrounds; there are no reasons why the clinics should not reflect their communities. Wow, this gives me goose bumps as we are in the 21st century. I suggest that we become proactive and make recommendations to the executive board of directors regarding hiring practices. We have to advocate for our love ones. Tax payors have a responsibility to monitor their mental health clinics. College students of color are yearning for careers in mental health; they deserve the same opportunities as any other ethnic group.

In summary; make sure that you meet your love ones treatment team. Recovery involves family, the consumer and the treatment team. This makes for a good start. Stay active and alert when it comes to your love ones treatment. Last but not least request to see a psychiatrist that you can identify with.