July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This month acknowledges that Black and Indigenous communities have historically faced several forms of oppression—including slavery, colonization, and genocide—which continue to impact them today. As a result, there are numerous barriers that may prevent BIPOC individuals from accessing adequate mental health services.

BIPOC communities often encounter systemic obstacles that limit access to mental health care. These include living in areas with mental health provider shortages, lacking reliable transportation, or working jobs that don’t allow time off for appointments. Insurance disparities further complicate access, as many individuals are uninsured or underinsured. Additionally, mental health concerns in these communities are more likely to be criminalized than met with compassionate clinical care, reinforcing cycles of mistrust and trauma.

Cultural beliefs and community norms can also discourage open conversations about mental health. In many BIPOC cultures, mental illness may be viewed as a personal weakness or moral failing, leading to stigma and shame. Religious or spiritual interpretations of mental health symptoms may influence how individuals perceive their needs and whether they seek help. Moreover, the fear of being misunderstood or judged—by both providers and community members—can make it even harder to reach out for support.

The underrepresentation of BIPOC professionals in the mental health field creates additional challenges. Many clients struggle to find providers who share or understand their lived experiences. Furthermore, many clinicians are not trained in cultural humility or responsiveness, which can lead to misdiagnosis, harmful assumptions, or disengagement from therapy. Implicit bias and Eurocentric treatment models often alienate clients, reducing the effectiveness of care.

Psychological barriers—such as internalized racism, low self-worth, or the normalization of trauma—can also prevent BIPOC individuals from recognizing their own need for support. Chronic exposure to systemic injustice and stress may become so normalized that emotional distress feels like “just the way life is.” Additionally, the fear of not being believed or having their pain minimized can make it emotionally risky to seek help.

Finally, racism and discrimination—both overt and subtle—are persistent sources of stress for many BIPOC individuals. Microaggressions, racial profiling, and systemic exclusion create a climate of hypervigilance and fear that can deeply affect mental health. These experiences are often invalidated by systems of care that lack cultural competency. When healthcare institutions reflect or perpetuate racism, it reinforces mistrust and discourages individuals from pursuing or continuing care.

At AM Counseling and Consulting, we are proud to have a team of 20+ mental health practitioners and staff from diverse backgrounds who speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and English. We are committed to providing an inclusive and affirming environment for individuals of all races, cultures, and identities. Our mission is to dismantle barriers to mental health care and offer accessible, high-quality services to BIPOC communities.

We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy using a range of evidence-based treatment modalities. Our services are available in person and via telehealth, and we accept a wide variety of insurance plans. For those experiencing financial hardship, we also offer low-cost and, in some cases, free mental health services to those who qualify.