Shining a Light on BIPOC Mental Health

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, which promotes mental health awareness in all communities and among all races and cultures.   

Individuals of color are uniquely affected by mental health concerns due to institutional and systemic racism, biases, and microaggressions. The Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center reports that Black female high schoolers are 60% more likely than non-Hispanic white females to attempt suicide. Black youth are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and less likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders.  

In addition, one study showed that Black youth were significantly more commonly diagnosed with conduct disorder than white youth.   

"Our Youth and Adult Counseling program serves families in need in Travis County, with a large percentage of BIPOC families. Among the Spanish-speaking population, there is great cultural variation given the numerous countries of origin. Because of this, our approach is very individualized and often complex with factors such as trauma related to having come from detention shelters," Jennifer said. 

Lifeworks is an organization that provides low or no-cost therapy, family counseling, and basic needs support such as help with groceries and utilities. The resources they offer help support BIPOC youth so they may have as many chances to thrive as their white peers.   

Jennifer Wagner, Lifeworks’ Director of Youth and Adult Counseling, said, "Our Youth and Adult Counseling program serves families in need in Travis County, with a large percentage of BIPOC families. Among the Spanish-speaking population, there is great cultural variation given the numerous countries of origin. Because of this, our approach is very individualized and often complex with factors such as trauma related to having come from detention shelters.” 

LeShawn Arbuckle, Division Director of Counseling Services at Lifeworks, added, “Many clients desire to work with providers who resemble them or who they can relate to. With that in mind, we attempt to hire diverse staff to meet the needs of our clients.” 

Through an increased understanding of the challenges BIPOC youth face, more support can become available.  

Resource: Learn more about this topic at Mood and Anxiety Center here. 

If you want to learn more about Lifeworks, please visit here.