Embracing BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

As we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize and amplify the voices of our diverse staff. This month is dedicated to highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and promoting practices that support their well-being.

We reached out to some of our amazing team members to understand how they embrace BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. Here’s what they had to say:

Camila Soriano, LP-MHC, Therapist:

“I embrace BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month as a person of color by practicing cultural humility in several ways. I attempt to engage with communities and attend events, workshops, and seminars organized by BIPOC communities. I listen actively and engage later, in reflective practices to consider how my own areas of privilege and oppression are playing a role in impacting how I move through the world, how I interact with others, and how I conceptualize my clients. I have made a lifelong commitment to ongoing education and have placed a personal goal of attending at least two events a year that centralize and focus on the discussion of BIPOC mental health (examples of topics include historical and generational trauma, systemic racism, and culturally specific therapeutic approaches). Additionally, I engage with literature and research by BIPOC authors and theories in BIPOC mental health, as this is also part of engaging with the community themselves, and it is an active way in which we can, as individuals and clinicians decentralize typical Western approaches that centralize White, heteronormative, pathology-driven perspectives. I want to bring these topics to supervision or group consultation to identify further and explore biases and receive feedback and resources to make appropriate changes. Lastly, I ensure that I initiate these conversations with my clients and allow them safe spaces to have their stories witnessed and validated.”

Rose Ramraj, LMSW, Therapist:

“As an Indo-Caribbean woman and therapist, embracing BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month involves both personal and professional commitment. I prioritize understanding the unique cultural and historical factors impacting BIPOC mental health, ensuring my practice is culturally competent and empathetic. By integrating my heritage into my work as a therapist, I provide relatable and effective care to my clients. I advocate for systemic change, educate my community about mental health, and foster open dialogues to break down stigmas. This dual approach allows me to support and empower others while promoting a more inclusive and understanding mental health landscape. My goal is to create a supportive and inclusive space where every individual's mental health is prioritized and respected.”

As we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize and amplify the voices of our diverse staff. Their experiences and insights are invaluable in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. By listening to and learning from their stories, we can better understand the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities and work together to promote mental well-being for all. Let's continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.