Dear Black & Brown Communities: Therapy Is for Us Too
By: Alejandra Davis, LCSWA
We often hear about how culture shapes who we are. But how often do we talk about how it shapes our mental health? For generations, Black and Brown people have carried the weight of racism, trauma, migration, poverty, and systemic injustice. That kind of emotional labor doesn’t just disappear — it builds over time and across generations. So how are we healing from all of this?
There's a stigma in our community around mental health. We’re often told:
“Pray about it.”
“Keep it to yourself.”
“Be strong and push through.”
And when someone does reach out for help, we are made to feel like we are breaking some unspoken rule and treated like we are airing the family's dirty laundry. Mental health isn’t something we’ve been taught to prioritize. Physical health? Sure. But emotional wellness? That’s often buried. We're used to saying, "I’ll get over it," or "It’s not that deep." But what we don’t realize is that by burying our pain, we’re not making it disappear — we’re just carrying it in silence.
But what happens if you seek help?
Let’s be real — people around you might say things like:
“You’re weak.”
“Don’t tell others our business.”
But here’s the truth, seeking help is not a weakness. It’s courage. Therapy gives you the power to process pain, confront trauma, heal from what hurt you and live a lighter and freer life. Choosing therapy means choosing yourself. And that is powerful.
One major barrier for Black and Brown communities is the lack of representation in the mental health field. Many therapists don’t reflect our lived experiences. They may not understand the cultural weight we carry, the way racism and inequality show up in our everyday lives and the generational silence around emotional pain. Cultural competence isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Finding a therapist who understands your culture, language, and upbringing can be a complete game-changer. Thankfully, organizations like Charlotte Black Therapy are changing the landscape. They offer therapists from Black and Brown backgrounds who:
Understand the fear of starting therapy
Respect cultural differences
Acknowledge systemic injustice
Create safe, supportive spaces for healing
Let’s normalize mental health conversations in our families and communities.
Here are three ways to start:
Talk about it – Share your story, check in with a friend, or open up to a trusted person.
Learn about it – Listen to podcasts, attend community workshops, or read up on mental health.
Advocate for it – Push for access to affordable, culturally responsive care in your area.
Therapy and healing is for you. If no one has told you lately, your experiences are valid, your story matters, and you don’t have to carry it alone. So, take that step. Find someone you can talk to, and begin the journey toward a healthier, lighter version of yourself.
