How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist Who Understands You

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you want someone who truly gets you. You don’t want to spend your sessions explaining why certain experiences hit differently or why cultural identity matters in your healing journey.

Have you ever left a session feeling like your therapist just didn’t see you—not really? You deserve a therapist who sees you—without you having to educate them first.

For Black and Brown people, working with a culturally competent therapist can make all the difference. It’s about finding a space where your identity, history, and emotions are honored without question.

This blog will help you navigate the process of finding a therapist who understands your lived experiences and supports your mental wellness journey.

What Is a Culturally Competent Therapist?

A culturally competent therapist is someone who respects, understands, and incorporates your cultural background into their therapeutic approach. They don’t just know about systemic racism or intergenerational trauma from textbooks—they acknowledge how these issues impact your daily life and mental well-being.

Here’s what culturally competent therapy looks like:

• Recognizing the effects of racism, discrimination, and oppression.

• Understanding your cultural values, traditions, and identity.

• Helping you navigate racial stress, microaggressions, and generational trauma.

A culturally competent therapist doesn’t ask you to leave your identity at the door—they welcome it into the healing process.

Why Representation Matters in Therapy

For many Black individuals, working with a therapist who shares their background can feel more relatable and affirming. Here’s why representation is so important in mental health care:

1. Shared Understanding

A therapist from your cultural background doesn’t require explanations about certain lived experiences. They already understand many of the complexities you face.

2. Addressing Racial Trauma

Racial trauma is real and deeply impacts mental health. A therapist who acknowledges systemic oppression can help you process these experiences without dismissing or minimizing them.

3. Building Trust

Trusting your therapist is key to effective treatment. When you know they honor and respect your identity, it’s easier to open up and do the deeper work.

Steps to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist

Finding the right therapist takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here’s how to start your search:

1. Use Therapist Directories for Black and Brown Individuals

Several online platforms are designed to connect Black individuals with culturally competent therapists, including:

• Therapy for Black Girls – A directory focused on helping Black women find therapists.

• Black Men Heal – Provides mental health resources specifically for Black men.

• Latinx Therapy Directory – Connects the Latinx community with bilingual and culturally affirming therapists across the U.S.

• Muslim Therapist Directory – Helps individuals find Muslim mental health professionals who understand Islamic values and cultural context.

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) – Focuses on LGBTQ+ individuals of color.

These platforms make it easier to find therapists who align with your cultural background.

2. Ask the Right Questions During Consultation Calls

Most therapists offer a free consultation before you commit. Use this opportunity to ask key questions, such as:

• “Do you have experience working with Black and Brown clients?”

• “How do you address issues like racism and cultural identity in therapy?”

• “What’s your approach to generational or racial trauma?”

A therapist who is truly culturally competent will answer these questions confidently and respectfully.

3. Look for Cultural Awareness Cues

Pay attention to how the therapist talks about culture and identity. Do they seem informed and open? If they dismiss or minimize cultural issues, they may not be the right fit.

4. Seek Referrals from Trusted Sources

Ask friends, family, or community organizations for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to therapists who are both trusted and skilled.

5. Check Credentials and Training

A culturally competent therapist should have training or certifications in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Look for therapists who continue their education in multicultural counseling.

What If You Can’t Find a Black or Brown Therapist?

While finding a Black or Brown therapist may be ideal for many, it’s not always possible. If that’s the case, look for therapists who:

• Prioritize cultural competence and anti-racist practices.

• Show a genuine willingness to learn about your experiences.

• Create a space where you feel heard, validated, and respected.

The right therapist is someone who makes you feel comfortable and supported—regardless of their race or background.

How Therapy Can Transform Your Life

The search for a culturally competent therapist might feel overwhelming, but the benefits of finding the right fit are worth it. Therapy can help you:

• Heal from Trauma – Address intergenerational pain and emotional wounds.

• Process Racial Stress – Cope with discrimination and navigate its impact on mental health.

• Improve Relationships – Learn how to set boundaries and communicate effectively.

Investing in your mental health is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Ready to Start Your Search?

You deserve a therapist who truly sees you. Whether you find a Black or Brown therapist or a culturally competent ally, the goal is the same: to create a space where you can heal, grow, and thrive. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.

Seeking therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward reclaiming your mental wellness.