2020 was quite an interesting year. It was the first time we experienced a pandemic. We had lockdowns, global unrest, economic upheaval, lockdowns, social distancing, mask wearing, hullabaloo about vaccines, virtual schooling, telecommuting, a presidential election…the list goes on and on.
Now that we have crossed over into a new year, maybe you find yourself feeling more anxious than usual. Maybe you toss and turn every night and you just can’t sleep. Or maybe 2020 was the year that brought chaos into your marriage. All that time spent working virtually and home schooling your kids has taken a toll on you.
You’re certainly NOT alone. Maybe it’s time to talk to a therapist. There is an erroneous belief that Black people and other people of color don’t go to therapy. But that certainly is NOT true.
You’ve thought about seeing a therapist, but you’re not sure where to go or who to call. Let’s face it, finding a mental health therapist in the Murrieta/Temecula area or in Riverside County for that matter, can be a BIG struggle.
You search ‘Black mental health therapist near me’ and you’re rewarded with 100 options. You look through the first 20, call 10, and you’re greeted by voicemail after voicemail. Your head begins to spin because you don’t even know who the right choice is. Some of the therapists ask you to schedule a consultation call, but you have no clue what that even means or what to say during said call. You know you want a Black therapist, but you’re not sure if that’s appropriate to think or ask for.
I’m here to simplify the process. As a Black therapist in Riverside County- who sees clients virtually throughout California, clients tell me all the time how hard it was to wade through all the options just to find me.
So here it goes- my step by step guide of how to find a Black therapist.
Think about what you need from a therapist
Before you make the first call, take a moment to ask yourself, “What do I need from my Black therapist?” This might be an odd question, but it’s important to note that every therapist cannot help you. You won’t automatically connect with every therapist you speak to- regardless of gender, ethnicity, location, cost, specialty, etc.
Do you want a therapist who engages in traditional talk therapy in which both of you engage in a series of interventions that include talking?
Do you want a therapist who digs into your past and uncovers past pain and trauma? Or do you prefer to stay present focused?
Are you particular about the therapist’s religious background and do you want that religion or spirituality included in the therapy process?
Do you want a therapist of a specific gender?
Do you want a therapist who is more formal, or one who is casual, laid back, humorous and always has a head wrap to match her shirt?
Are you looking for long term therapy or something more short term?
What specific issues are you looking for help with? Can the therapist treat those issues? For example: trauma, infidelity, substance use, anxiety, depression, insomnia, couples counseling. Many therapists do specialized work.
Ask your friends, family members or loved ones for a referral
One of the easiest ways to find a Black therapist is simply to ask those around you. Chances are you have friends and loved ones who are either currently in therapy, who have been in therapy before or who know someone who knows a Black therapist (I promise you that we exist).
If you have other Black friends or loved ones of color- go ahead and ask them. Ask them what makes that therapist a great therapist, what the therapist’s style is, and possibly, what issues the therapist treats. It’s always great to get an insider referral. By the way, it’s okay if you and your friends see the same therapist- as long as you and the therapist do not feel it’s a conflict of interest.
I can assure you that going to therapy is so much more common than you think. Because therapy happens in a confidential setting, we often think that we are the only ones who go to therapy. Let me fill you in on a little secret- even therapists go to therapy. We are in the business of helping others and also receiving help.
Do a Google search for ‘Black Therapist near me.’
Yup, sometimes it’s as easy as that. Good old Google is at your service when you need it. Due to the pandemic, so many more therapists have gone virtual, so you can easily see a therapist that might not be geographically near you, but is located in your state.
The way therapy licenses are regulated in the United States, we are licensed to practice therapy throughout our states. That means if you live in California, you can see any therapist within California, but you can’t see a therapist who is licensed in Georgia or Florida for example (except the therapist is licensed in multiple states).
When you do a Google search, I always suggest that you visit the therapist’s website, spend time reading the website, notice what the specialties are, and ask to schedule a free consultation call. Not all therapists offer this, but it never hurts to ask. Also search therapists in nearby cities, just to broaden your options. So, if you live in Riverside County, you can search ‘Black therapist in Los Angeles,’ ‘Black therapist in San Diego,’ or even ‘African American therapist near me.’
Use a Therapist or Mental Health Directory
If you don’t feel like asking your loved ones for a referral and Google seems too overwhelming, you’re in luck. There are quite a lot of therapist directories out there. Some are broad, and some are specific to therapists who serve communities of color, Latinx communities, Black clients or women.
Many of these directories have filters so that you can be very specific in your search. Here are a few therapist directories you could try.
Therapy for Black Girls: A directory specifically for Black women who are looking for a therapist.
Melanin and Mental Health: A directory serving Black and Latinx communities.
Clinicians of Color Directory: A directory serving communities of color.
Therapy Den: A directory helping to connect people to therapists.
Psychology Today: One of the largest mental health service directories. It’s very broad and you can find a psychiatrist on here too.
Schedule a Free Consult With The Therapists You Find
After you have scanned through the directories and glanced over the therapists’ websites, create a short list of therapists who stand out to you. The best therapist for you is the therapist who you have a great connection with AND who is skilled in helping you meet your goals. This is a good time to trust your gut.
Not every therapist offers free consultation calls, but you can always ask for one. During the consultation call you can ask about their style of therapy, what types of clients they typically work with, if therapy is short or long term, and get a general sense of the therapist’s vibe. What vibe am I talking about? You’ll feel it when you talk to a few therapists.
There you have it- a simple step by step guide to finding a Black therapist in your city or state.
If you are a successful Black woman in California, struggling with anxiety, insomnia or relationship problems, click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me.
I’d love to talk to you about your struggles and see if we are a great fit for one another, so you can finally get back on the right track. If you want to find out more about me, you can read up all about me here.