Culture shapes how we see the world, how we express emotions, and how we seek help. For many people of color, therapy has not always felt like a safe or welcoming space. Experiences of racism, discrimination, and generational trauma often go unspoken or misunderstood in traditional therapy settings.
Culturally responsive care matters because it honors the whole person — your identity, your values, your lived experiences, and your community. It means working with a therapist who understands that culture influences every part of healing, from how you define strength to how you express pain.
When therapists practice cultural competence, they:
Recognize how systemic racism and social injustice impact mental health.
Understand the unique pressures people of color may carry, such as code-switching, tokenism, or generational expectations.
Create safe spaces where clients do not have to educate their provider about their identity.
Adapt therapeutic approaches to respect cultural and spiritual practices.
Culturally responsive therapy isn't about treating everyone the same — it's about meeting each person where they are, with empathy, understanding, and respect.
How to Find a Provider Who Understands Your Background
Finding a therapist who "gets it" can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help guide your search:
Start with representation
Look for clinicians who share your cultural or racial background, or who specifically list cultural competence or multicultural therapy as part of their training and experience.
Ask questions before you commit
During your consultation or first session, you can ask questions to assess cultural responsiveness.
"How do you approach cultural identity in therapy?"
"What experience do you have working with clients of color?"
"How do you handle conversations about race, identity, or discrimination?"
A culturally responsive therapist will welcome these questions and answer openly.
Pay attention to how you feel
Notice if you feel heard, respected, and understood. You should never feel dismissed or minimized when talking about culture, family, or identity.
Use community resources
Directories like Collective of Color Omaha were created to make this process easier. Here, you can find clinicians of color across specialties who are committed to culturally competent care.
Representation Heals
When you see yourself reflected in your care, something powerful happens — you feel safe enough to be honest, to be vulnerable, and to grow.
Culturally responsive therapy affirms that your story, your culture, and your experiences are valid. It is not just about treatment; it is about belonging.
Ready to find a culturally responsive therapist?
Browse our directory of clinicians of color who are committed to culturally competent care.
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