
Iโll be real with youโgrowing up, finding culturally competent therapists wasnโt something we talked about. But as I got olderโjuggling work, raising kids, showing up for familyโI realized that I was carrying more than I ever admitted. And it started to show up: stress, irritability, sleepless nights, even physical stuff like back pain and headaches.
Thatโs when I knew I needed to talk to someone. But not just anyoneโI needed someone who understood where I came from, what I carried, and how my story shaped me.
For many Black and Latino men like me, therapy can feel like a foreign language. But finding someone who understands your background, values, and lived experience is not just helpfulโitโs essential.
Weโve got history. Weโve got culture. Weโve got trauma. And we deserve mental health care that respects all of that.
Where I Started Looking
Let me tell youโit makes a big difference to talk to someone who gets it. Here are a few directories that helped me find a therapist who looked like me, sounded like me, and didnโt need everything explained from scratch:
- Therapy for Black Men โ This was a game-changer. Itโs full of therapists who specialize in working with Black men of all ages.
- Inclusive Therapists โ Covers a wide range of cultural, gender, and disability identities. I appreciated the honest bios.
- Latinx Therapy โ If youโre looking for Spanish-speaking or culturally bilingual therapists, this is a great place to start
What I liked is that these sites didnโt just throw names at me. They told me who these folks were and what they cared about. That helped me feel like I wasnโt alone.
Itโs Okay to Ask Questions
At first, I thought it was disrespectful to question the therapistโlike I was doubting their knowledge. But this is your health, your mind. Ask away. I asked:
- Have you worked with men from my background?
- How do you handle conversations about racism, masculinity, or faith?
- Do you bring in cultural values when helping someone set goals?
And Iโll tell youโif the answers feel flat or uncomfortable, thatโs your sign. Keep it moving.
Affording It Without Going Broke
Money matters. Weโve got responsibilities. But mental health should still be on the list.
- Open Path Collective is a solid optionโ$30 to $60 sessions.
- Some colleges offer discounted therapy through student clinics.
- A lot of therapists will work with you if you ask for sliding scale rates.
Your peace of mind is worth budgeting for.
Youโll Know When Itโs Right
The first session might feel weird. Thatโs normal. But if the person listens without judgment, asks good questions, and helps you feel seenโitโs worth going back.
If not? No shame in trying someone else. This is about you.
Final Thought: Brothers, we werenโt raised to talk about mental health. But that doesnโt mean we donโt need it. Life hits hard sometimesโespecially when youโre carrying generations of pressure on your back.
Find someone who sees you for who you are. Who understands the culture, the struggle, the strength. Because talking doesnโt make you weak. It makes you real.
And you deserve to feel whole.
Take care of your mind. Youโve earned that.
Also Read: Eating Well on a Budget: Healthy Food Tips for Black and Latino Families
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- Victor Mejia