As a person of color, navigating the mental health care system can feel daunting, especially when it comes to finding a therapist who truly understands your unique experiences and cultural background.

At New Leaf Counseling and Wellness, we know how important it is to find a therapist who “gets” you and can provide culturally responsive care that meets your specific needs.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you through the process of finding the right therapist for you.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Preferences

The first step in finding the right therapist is getting clear on what you’re looking for. Take some time to reflect on your specific needs and preferences, such as:

• The issues or challenges you want to work on in therapy (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, etc.)
• Any preferences for your therapist’s background (e.g. gender, age, race/ethnicity, language spoken, etc.)
• The type of therapy approach you’re interested in (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, psychodynamic therapy, etc.)

It can be helpful to write down your thoughts and priorities, so you have a clear picture of what you’re looking for. Remember, there’s no wrong answer here – it’s all about what feels right for you.

Step 2: Gather Referrals from Trusted Sources

One of the best ways to find a therapist who is a good fit for you is through personal referrals from people you trust. Consider reaching out to:

• Friends, family members, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with therapy, especially those with similar backgrounds or experiences to you
• Your primary care doctor, OB/GYN, or other healthcare providers who may have recommendations for therapists they trust
• Community organizations, support groups, or online forums that serve people of color and may have resources or referrals available, such as the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network or Therapy for Black Girls

Hearing firsthand experiences and recommendations can give you valuable insights into what to expect from different therapists and help you feel more confident in your decision.

Step 3: Research Potential Therapists Online

In addition to personal referrals, it’s important to do your own research on potential therapists to ensure they have the qualifications, experience, and approach that align with your needs. Most therapists have an online presence that can give you a wealth of information, including:

• Their educational background, professional credentials, and licenses
• Areas of specialization and expertise, especially in working with people of color or specific cultural groups
• Therapy modalities and approaches used, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or culturally-adapted interventions
• Any additional training or certifications in cultural competency, diversity, or social justice issues

Be sure to check out their website, psychology today profile, and social media presence to get a more complete picture of who they are and how they work. You can also use online directories like the American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator or Inclusive Therapists to find therapists who specialize in working with people of color.

Step 4: Schedule a Consultation Call

Once you’ve identified a few potential therapists, reach out to schedule a brief consultation call. Most therapists offer a free 15-20 minute phone consultation to help you determine if they’re a good fit for your needs. During the call, be sure to:

• Ask any questions you have about their experience, approach, and availability
• Share a bit about your background and the issues you’re hoping to work on in therapy
• Get a sense of their communication style, personality, and bedside manner
• Discuss any concerns you have about therapy or the therapeutic process, especially as it relates to your cultural background or experiences

Remember, this is your opportunity to get to know the therapist and see if you feel comfortable opening up to them. If anything doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to keep looking until you find someone who feels like a good match.

You can schedule a call with us here

Step 5: Trust Your Intuition

Ultimately, the most important factor in finding the right therapist is your own intuition and comfort level. As you go through the process of researching and connecting with potential therapists, pay attention to how you feel:

• Do you feel seen, heard, and understood by this therapist?
• Do you feel like they have a genuine understanding and respect for your cultural background and experiences?
• Do you sense a feeling of trust, safety, and rapport developing between you?
• Do you feel like they are someone you could open up to and be vulnerable with over time?

Trusting your gut is key when it comes to finding the right therapist. If something doesn’t feel quite right, honor that feeling and keep looking until you find someone who feels like a good fit for you.

You Deserve Quality Care That Meets Your Needs

We understand how challenging it can be to find a therapist who truly understands your unique experiences and cultural background as a person of color. We see you, and we want you to know that you deserve access to quality mental health care that meets your specific needs.

We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful as you embark on your therapy journey. Remember, finding the right therapist is a process, and it may take some time and effort to find the right match. But don’t give up – your mental health and well-being are worth it.

If you have any questions or would like support in finding the right therapist for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At New Leaf Counseling and Wellness, we are committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors your unique identities and experiences, and we are here for you every step of the way.