Why Do Minority Groups Avoid Therapy? 4 Reasons Why
Why do minority groups avoid therapy? It’s a question that mental health professionals, advocates, and community members continue to explore—and the answers are layered. Despite the growing awareness around mental wellness, individuals from minority backgrounds often face unique cultural, social, and systemic barriers that make finding and accepting counseling much more difficult.
In this blog, we’ll break down four key reasons why therapy can feel out of reach for many—and what we can do to bridge the gap.
1. Physical Problems Get More Attention Than Mental Health Problems
It’s very common for people in minority groups to seek help from medical doctor before thinking of a mental health provider. That’s because many emotional struggles first show up in the body.
Unexplained headaches, stomach pain, or chest tightness might not be medical at all—but symptoms of emotional distress. This is known as psychosomatic pain. Anxiety attacks, for example, often lead people to the emergency room, convinced they’re having a heart attack. When traditional physical treatments don’t work, the underlying issue is often emotional or psychological.
Unfortunately, without culturally informed education on mental health, people may continue to seek physical remedies for mental wounds.
2. Feeling Ashamed to Get Help
In many minority households, therapy is still seen as something for people who are “crazy” or severely disturbed. As a Latina counselor, I’ve seen both sides of this coin—family members who proudly share that I’m a therapist… yet would never consider counseling for themselves.
For older generations especially, emotional challenges are handled privately. The cultural mindset often says: “You don’t air your dirty laundry” or “Just be strong and it will pass.” This stigma runs deep and discourages people from asking for the help they need.
3. Hard to Find A Mental Health Therapist You Can Relate To
Relatability matters. Many clients feel more comfortable with a therapist who looks like them, speaks their language, or understands their cultural background. Unfortunately, there’s still a shortage of therapists from diverse backgrounds.
Let’s say an older Mexican man prefers to speak Spanish and wants someone who shares his generational and cultural experience. Depending on where he lives, that could be difficult to find. The mismatch in language, culture, or lived experience can create another barrier to seeking support.
4. Don’t Know Where to Start
Finally, some people simply don’t know where to start. They don’t know what kind of help they need, who to ask, or what therapy really involves. The process feels foreign—especially for someone who’s never seen therapy modeled in their family or community.
Even as a mental health professional myself, I’ve faced challenges finding the right therapist. So I can only imagine how confusing it must feel for someone unfamiliar with the mental health landscape. Without clear direction or culturally accessible information, avoidance becomes the default.
How We Can Help Bridge the Gap
Talk About Mental Health in Everyday Places
Mental health doesn’t have to be a scary or private topic. We can start talking about it in places people already trust—like churches, schools, or community events. When we have honest conversations about stress, emotions, or therapy, it helps others feel like it’s okay to ask for help too. The more we talk, the less scary it feels.
Find Therapists Who Understand Your Culture
It’s easier to open up when your therapist understands your background. That’s why it’s important to have more therapists who speak your language or know your culture. We can also support programs that help more people of color become counselors, so everyone has a better chance of finding someone they can relate to.
¿Está buscando una consejera que hable español? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle!
Recent Comments