Across generations, BIPOC communities have continually demonstrated extraordinary resilience, creativity, and mutual care, drawing on shared cultural wisdom and collective healing traditions to survive and thrive even in the face of systemic oppression. Now more than ever, the importance of culturally-attuned mental health treatment is needed, as the ugly face of White Supremacy becomes increasingly foregrounded in American society, with policies increasingly enacted that threaten the rights and limit the freedom of BIPOC people, our children, and families. There has been an emboldening of those espousing hatred and violence, once only acceptable on the margins of society. You are no doubt aware of how this increases the psychological burdens already carried by those of us who are BIPOC, tests our resilience and challenges us to come together to resist. Now more than ever, the importance of culturally-attuned mental health treatment that understands you and does not pathologize normal reactions and adaptations to ongoing threat is of paramount importance.
At Bryant West Psychology, we work towards being attuned to social and cultural issues that impact the lives of those who are BIPOC. This is a central value and commitment. Those of our practitioners who carry that commitment most strongly indicate that on their profile headers, but all of us are aware and attuned to the impacts of race, religion, ethnicity, class, and immigration status impact our psyches, and how mental health treatment must take these factors into account. We are also trained to deal with microaggressions that might occur within the treatment setting - and are open to being called “in” or out - so that we can do better in our journey to heal from forces, such as racism and White Supremacy that have divided and deeply affected (infected) all of our psyches.
We are here in person in Midtown West and online (throughout New York State, with some clinicians in New Jersey and other states, indicated on our profiles) to be with you at every step, from the initial consultation to the day you no longer need our help - and beyond that, even if just in spirit. We invite you to view our Psychotherapists – Psychiatrists – Assessment Specialists to find a clinician who resonates with you and reach out to them directly by phone or email. Or, if you need assistance in this process, please use our Contact Form to reach out to our Clinical Director, Stephen Schneider, Ph.D., who will be happy to help you find the right fit given your needs and preferences.
Understanding Is Vital for a Successful Therapeutic Relationship
The connection between you and your therapist is instrumental to meaningful support and your healing journey. While there is no definitive evidence that working with clinicians who share your race, gender or cultural background always results in better outcomes, you may find that similarities between you and your therapist create a more comfortable therapeutic environment for you.
A BIPOC-attuned and/or African-American/Latinx/Asian clinician in New York City brings personal insights and professional expertise to navigating issues such as:
- Macroaggressions and Microaggressions
- Code-Switching Fatigue
- Racial Trauma
- Challenges to Competency
- The Burden of Having to Represent
- Pressures to be Exceptional
- Internalized Racism
- Systemic Racism
- Online Harassment and Toxic Messages
- Politically-Based Scapegoating and Discriminatory Regulations
- Among Many Others
Tips for Finding the Right BIPOC Therapist for You
When you're considering a BIPOC therapist near you for mental health support, the following tips can help you find the right person for your care journey.
Research and Review Clinician Profiles
Psychotherapists vary in their specialties, so researching and reviewing a clinician's profile empowers you to make an informed choice. Consider factors like:
- Specific areas of expertise and experience working with concerns similar to yours
- Cultural background and languages spoken
- Professional credentials and training
- Therapeutic reach, including whether telehealth services are available and where
Above all, remember that the most important goal is to find a therapist who listens, respects, and understands you.
Ask Relevant Questions
Once you've narrowed down potential clinicians that seem like a good fit for your needs, ask the following questions to help further guide your choice:
- Have you treated others like me or received cultural competency training for mental health for Black people, Indigenous populations, and people of color?
- How do you see our cultural background influencing our communication and my treatment?
- Do you use a different approach in your treatment when working with patients from different cultural backgrounds?
- What is your current understanding of differences in health outcomes for BIPOC patients?
Choose Bryant West Psychology for Inclusive Care
Choosing a BIPOC Mental Health Professional (or one who is anti-Racist or BIPOC affirming) can profoundly enhance your experience. Our team of culturally attuned and/or Black/Latinx/Asian clinicians in New York brings together lived experience with professional expertise. Shared values and firsthand experience can help create an environment where you feel safe and empowered to heal, grow and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Again, we invite you to view our Psychotherapists – Psychiatrists – Assessment Specialists to find a clinician who resonates with you and reach out to them directly by phone or email, or book an appointment from their profile page. Or, if you need assistance in this process, please use our
Contact Form to reach out to our Clinical Director, Stephen Schneider, Ph.D., who will be happy to help you find the right fit given your needs and preferences.