In our increasingly diverse society, the necessity of multiculturally competent agencies cannot be stressed enough. At Cincinnati Center for DBT, we take pride in our commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of every individual, regardless of their background. We have even incorporated multicultural team agreements (commitments) into our weekly meetings to increase our awareness of these issues and decrease our implicit biases. This blog highlights mental health within the African American community and tips for getting connected to therapy, as well as our commitment as an agency to providing multiculturally competent care.
According to recent statistics, Black individuals are just as likely to experience mental health issues around the same rate as other ethnicities, yet only “25% of Black people seek mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of white people” (McLean Hospital, 2024). This is often attributed to the barriers that hinder their access to mental health care, such as stigma, racism, cultural mistrust, and socioeconomic factors. Often, individuals may be concerned that their provider is not culturally competent enough to understand and empathize with their concerns.
Here are some suggestions on questions to ask to assist in clarifying these concerns:
- What is your experience treating clients who share my [insert your racial/ethnic/cultural identity] identity/background?
- What is your experience incorporating a racial equity/anti-racist lens in your treatment?
- How would you describe your knowledge of safety risks and considerations related to my [insert your racial/ethnic/cultural identity] identity/background?
- What is your/your practice’s position on the mental health impact of navigating oppression, racism and racial violence?
- How do you feel treating someone of my [insert your racial/ethnic/cultural identity] identity/background?
- What types of efforts are you making to provide effective care to culturally diverse clients?
In my personal experience, I find it helpful when clients ask these types of questions to make sure we are a “good fit” for one another. Most often, an open dialogue with a therapist about these concerns can lead you to gain the information you will need to decide whether a therapist is able to step into your shoes, so to speak, and has effective competency to meet your needs.
Navigating difficulties in seeking therapy can be difficult for anyone, Black individuals face some different challenges than others. At Cincinnati Center for DBT, we recognize and validate these concerns. We understand that the hesitations in seeking therapy are rooted in various historical, individual, and sociological factors, and we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for every individual. We see ourselves as a community of therapists treating a community of individual clients and strive to create a strong therapeutic alliance.
Mental wellness is a journey, and we are honored to walk beside you every step of the way.
As a quick reminder, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is regarded as a highly effective, nonjudgmental, evidenced-based approach to addressing emotional and behavioral challenges faced by various populations in therapy, primarily those with extreme emotional dysregulation. DBT is a form of therapy that works to balance acceptance and change to assist clients in creating a Life Worth Living.
In my opinion, I see a dialectical behavioral therapy approach being beneficial for Black individuals, as it emphasizes validating individuals’ experiences and emotions without judgment. DBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve interpersonal relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with flexibility. DBT therapists are expected to commit to being nonjudgmental and collaborating directly with the client to work on behaviors that are getting in the way of their life worth living goals.
To those who may be hesitant to embark on their therapeutic journey, I want to reiterate that we work our best to understand the unique worries you may face. Our commitment at Cincinnati Center for DBT to cultural competence extends beyond mere acknowledgment – we actively incorporate it into our therapeutic practices.
We are here to support you in finding a life that you experience as worth living. Our culturally competent therapists are dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment.
About the Author
Alyssa Eichhorn (she/her), M.A., LPCC-S, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who specializes in dialectical behavior therapy. Alyssa works with all ages in a radically genuine and nonjudgmental setting to help individuals identify more effective and balanced behaviors to create a life worth living. Alyssa provides a directive and warm approach with her clients to facilitate solutions, growth, and change where they want it. Click here to learn more about Alyssa and her therapeutic approach.
Sources:
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
https://idontmind.com/journal/how-to-find-a-therapist-that-understands-your-identity
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/black-mental-health
https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health