People of color experience stress, sadness, and other mental health challenges just like anyone else. But they often face more barriers when trying to get help. These barriers can make it harder for BIPOC individuals to feel better or heal. In addition to barriers, racism and discrimination can make mental health worse and make people avoid getting help.

Barriers to Mental Health Care

Many people of color face unique challenges when trying to get help for their mental health. These barriers can make it harder for them to get the care they need and deserve.

One big issue is access and utilization. Research shows that BIPOC individuals often use mental health services less than white individuals. This isn’t because they don’t need help, but because they may feel ashamed or embarrassed about asking for support. This feeling is called stigma. Some people may also mistrust health care providers because of past experiences where they weren’t treated fairly or understood.

Another challenge is the stress caused by racism and discrimination. People may face unfair treatment because of their race, skin color, gender identity, or sexual identity. Being treated unfairly repeatedly can lead to feeling very stressed, sad, or even depressed. It can also cause self-stigma, where a person starts to believe negative things about themselves, even though none of it is their fault.

There are also structural and provider barriers. For many, mental health clinics are located far away from where they live. Without good transportation options, it becomes difficult to get there. Even when people can find a clinic, there may be long waiting lists for appointments. Some health care providers also don’t fully understand or respect a person’s background, culture, or identity, making it harder for BIPOC individuals to feel comfortable and safe during therapy.

Finally, family and community influences can play a role. In some families, there’s a belief that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness. Others may feel that asking for help brings shame to the family or that personal problems should stay private. These attitudes, even when meant to protect loved ones, can make it harder for someone to get the support they need.

By understanding all these barriers, we can take steps to make mental health care more welcoming, understanding, and available for everyone.

Kansas City-Based Resources

• Color Collective Kansas City
• Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center
• Swope Health Services
• KU Medical Center for African American Health

National Resources

• Mental Health America- BIPOC Mental Health
• Inclusive Therapists
• Therapy for Black Girls
• National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network

Remember, you are not alone! Your mental health matters. Help and support are out there—in Kansas City and across the country. Let’s work together to break stigma and make mental health care safe and welcoming for all BIPOC communities. Check out the Johns Hopkins BIPOC Mental Health Resource Guide for more resources.

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