Why Do Minority Groups Avoid Therapy? 4 Reasons Why

Why Do Minority Groups Avoid Therapy? 4 Reasons Why

Jul 9, 2025

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!

 

Can EMDR Really Help You Heal from Trauma?

Can EMDR Really Help You Heal from Trauma?

Jun 24, 2025

WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC

You might not realize it, but trauma could be showing up in your life in quiet, persistent ways—anxiety that won’t go away, irritability you can’t explain, or a constant sense of being on edge. Can EMDR Really Help You Heal from Trauma? We’ll explore how those symptoms might be more than just stress—and what healing can actually look like.

You might not realize it, but trauma could be showing up in your life in quiet, persistent ways—anxiety that won’t go away, irritability you can’t explain, or a constant sense of being on edge. Maybe you’ve learned to power through it, telling yourself it’s just stress or that you should be over it by now. But what if those symptoms are actually signs of unresolved trauma?

Many people don’t recognize how past experiences still shape their present. That lingering heaviness, disconnection, or fear—it’s not in your head, and it’s not your fault. The good news? Healing is possible.

In this post, you’ll discover what PTSD really looks like, learn about EMDR—a research-backed therapy that doesn’t require retelling every painful detail—and explore how it might be the path to freedom you didn’t know you needed.

What You Didn’t Know About PTSD (But Need To)

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, isn’t limited to soldiers or combat survivors. It affects people who’ve experienced or witnessed any type of trauma. This might include abuse, neglect, loss, violence, car accidents, medical trauma, or overwhelming stress.  

PTSD symptoms may include:

  • Nightmares or flashbacks
  • Avoiding reminders of the event
  • Hypervigilance or feeling unsafe
  • Emotional numbness or disconnection
  • Mood swings or irritability

These responses aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs that your brain is trying to protect you. The problem is, trauma can cause those protective systems to stay “on” long after the danger is gone. That’s where EMDR can help.

Can a Therapy Without Talking Really Heal Trauma?

If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, you don’t have to keep holding it. You don’t have to keep wondering if things will ever feel better—or if this is just how life has to be. Healing is possible, and support is available and it’s not something you have to face on your own.

At La Luz Counseling, an EMDR-trained therapist can provide a compassionate space to explore what’s been holding you back and walk with you toward healing. If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it’s right for you, we’d love to talk. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about EMDR and see if it’s the right fit for your healing journey.

 

3 Reasons Why Some Therapists Don’t Accept Your Insurance

3 Reasons Why Some Therapists Don’t Accept Your Insurance

Jun 18, 2025

One of the first questions our front office hears when someone reaches out is:
“Do you take insurance?”…And our answer? No, we don’t.

That might sound surprising—maybe even disappointing at first. But have you ever stopped to wonder why some therapists don’t accept your insurance? This blog will review 3 reasons you don’t want your therapist to accept your insurance.

Believe it or not, insurance companies have a lot more control over your therapeutic experience than you may realize. Here are three major reasons why we’ve chosen to keep them out of the therapy room—and why that might actually be a better decision for you.

1. You’re Required to Be Diagnosed—Immediately

Most people don’t realize that insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis after the very first session—100% of the time.

That means even after just one meeting, your therapist must assign a formal diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. While that might not seem like a big deal for someone who has long-term mental health struggles, it’s not that simple for everyone.

For example, many of our clients come to us with symptoms related to trauma. Trauma doesn’t always show up in obvious ways—it can look like depression, anxiety, anger, sleep issues, or mood swings. One session isn’t always enough to distinguish between, say, major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress. We believe in getting the diagnosis right, and that often requires more time and a deeper understanding of your full story.

When insurance dictates that a diagnosis be made right away, it can put unnecessary pressure on both client and therapist to rush a process that should be thoughtful and individualized.

2. Kids Can Be Labeled for Life

Now imagine that same pressure—only with a child.

We work with many children and teens who are simply going through life transitions: starting school, adjusting to changes at home, or learning to cope with big feelings. Sometimes, what they’re feeling doesn’t require a clinical diagnosis—it just needs time, support, and guidance.

But when insurance is involved, even a 5-year-old might receive a diagnosis like Generalized Anxiety Disorder just to justify treatment coverage. That label goes into their medical record and could follow them long after they’ve grown out of the struggle. We don’t take that lightly.

Mental health isn’t always a lifelong condition—especially in children. Sometimes, it’s just a moment in time. And we believe that moment deserves care without unnecessary labels.

3. Insurance Can Disrupt or Control Your Progress

When you use insurance, your care is subject to coverage limitations, billing errors, and approval processes. It’s not uncommon for claims to be denied over the smallest technical mistake—leaving you stuck with a bill or an interrupted therapy schedule.

Worse, when someone loses insurance or changes providers, therapy may have to stop altogether. Imagine finally gaining momentum in your healing, only to lose access to your therapist because your plan changed.

When therapists don’t accept insurance, none of that happens.
There’s no need to switch therapists if your coverage changes.
There’s no waiting on approvals.
And you and your therapist can decide together how often you meet, how long you meet, and what direction your sessions take—without a third party getting in the way.

Final Thoughts: Empowering You to Make the Best Choice

At the end of the day, your mental health care should feel safe, consistent, and personal. So the next time you hear that a therapist doesn’t accept your insurance consider wisely your next move. Whether you choose a therapist who accepts insurance or not, the most important thing is that you’re making an informed decision—knowing exactly what to expect.

For us, not accepting insurance is one way we protect your privacy, prioritize accurate care, and ensure nothing gets in the way of your progress. If that sounds like the kind of experience you want, we’d be honored to support your journey.

3 Ways to Handle Summer Stress of Kids at Home

3 Ways to Handle Summer Stress of Kids at Home

May 20, 2025

WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC Handling summer stress of kids at home can feel like a tall order—because while summer can be fun, it can also be stressful, especially when the kids are home all day. The days are longer, the routine changes, and sometimes it feels like everything is happening all at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But what if summer didn’t have to be so stressful? What if you could enjoy the season more and find simple ways to make things feel less overwhelming  and more manageable?

Create a Simple Daily Flow

Kids like knowing what to expect. That doesn’t mean you need a strict schedule. But having a basic flow to the day can help everyone feel more relaxed and prepared for what the day will bring. Here’s an easy example:

  • Start the Day: Breakfast, getting dressed, and a few chores.
  • Creative Time: Late mornings for drawing, reading, or building things.
  • Quiet Time: After lunch, everyone can take a break. Read, nap, or do something quiet.
  • Evening Slow Down: Go for a walk, play a game, or read before bed.

This kind of rhythm helps your family stay balanced while still leaving room for fun.

TIP: Having a consistent wake-up time and a bedtime helps us establish a healthy routine and ensures that kids are continuing to get the sleep they need.  

Be Realistic With Yourself

Handling Summer Stress of Kids at Home starts with letting go of the pressure to be your child’s personal summer camp every day. It’s okay if not every moment is exciting. In fact, a little boredom can help kids learn to entertain themselves and be creative. Instead of looking for something to do when your kid tells you they are bored, encourage them to problem-solve ways they can entertain themselves. You might be surprised at what they find! 

Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing. 

Don’t Forget About You

Whether you are working during the summer or staying at home with your kids, summer can be a tough balancing act. But your needs matter, too. It can be easy to forget our own routines when the kids are off.  Keeping your routine and finding small, practical ways to give yourself a better quality of life is key. 

  • Start your day with 10 minutes of quiet before everyone wakes up—even if it’s just sipping coffee alone.
  • Build in one “no multitasking” break during your day: take a walk, step outside, or enjoy lunch away from your screen.
  • If possible, coordinate care shifts with a partner, trusted friend, or family member so you each get time to rest. 

You don’t need hours of free time to feel like yourself again. Small, steady moments of rest can help you stay grounded, patient, and connected through the summer chaos.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Summer is a new season—full of change, movement, and opportunities to slow down. Let this be a time to reflect on what matters most and embrace the beauty of this season, even when it’s messy or loud. 

Take a few minutes to think about this:

  • What do I want my kids to remember about this summer?
  • What can I let go of to feel less stressed?
  • How can I add a little joy to our everyday routine?

Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing. “

Why Regular Attendance in Therapy Matters

Why Regular Attendance in Therapy Matters

May 12, 2025

WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S You’ve made the brave decision to start therapy—now what? Beginning counseling is an incredible first step, but the next most important part is staying committed. Why regular attendance in therapy matters comes down to one key thing: following through with your therapist’s recommended frequency in order to build real, lasting change.

Just like building strength at the gym or learning a new skill, therapy works best with regular and focused effort. Here’s why showing up regularly matters, and how it helps you get the most out of your journey toward healing and growth.

Think of Therapy Like Training for the Mind

Imagine working with a personal trainer. In the beginning, they’ll likely want to see you more frequently to help you build momentum. Once you’re progressing, those visits may taper off. Therapy works the same way.

Most therapists recommend weekly sessions when you start out. This allows you to build trust, process what brought you in, and begin developing tools to support your goals.

Regular Attendance in Therapy Matters

The frequency your therapist suggests isn’t random—it’s part of a structured plan to help you move forward effectively. Whether it’s once a week, biweekly, or monthly, the cadence supports your emotional and mental health progress. Skipping sessions too often can interrupt that progress and make it harder to maintain the breakthroughs you’re working toward.

Yes, There’s Homework in Therapy—And It’s Worth It

Just like you wouldn’t only brush your teeth the day you see your dentist, therapy requires effort outside of sessions too. Counselors often encourage clients to practice skills or complete reflective exercises between appointments. These aren’t busywork—they’re small, intentional steps that help you apply what you’ve learned to your daily life.

Therapy Is for You—and You’re Worth the Commitment

We get it—life is busy. Therapy requires your time, energy, and often financial investment. But here’s the truth: change won’t just happen because you’re showing up to sessions. It happens when you decide to actively participate in your healing process.

You’re the one in the counseling chair, and only you can create the change you’re looking for. Why regular attendance in therapy matters becomes especially clear when you realize that true progress depends on what you do both during and between your sessions.

You May Be the First to Notice the Wins

Progress in therapy can be subtle at first—calmer reactions, more self-awareness, better boundaries. Like getting into shape, you’re often the first one to notice the changes before others do. That’s okay. Counseling isn’t for them—it’s for you.

Even if others doubt your ability to stick with it, remember why you started. You deserve the chance to reach your goals—and therapy, done consistently, is a powerful way to get there.

You’ve Got This

Therapy isn’t about perfection—it’s about regular attendance, doing the work, and giving yourself the gift of growth. Regular attendance, at the pace your therapist recommends, is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

Stay with it. You’re worth the time.

When Culture and Counseling Cross

When Culture and Counseling Cross

Apr 29, 2025

WRITTEN BY SARAH RIVERA, LPC April is National Counseling Awareness Month and National Minority Health Month—a perfect time to remind ourselves that sometimes when culture and counseling cross it can be tough. But it’s also a time for us to talk about how counseling through a cultural lens can be helpful too, especially for people who often feel unseen, overlooked, or left out.

At La Luz Counseling, we know that minority communities have often grown up with certain expectations or beliefs. Many times, talking about emotions wasn’t normal—or it may have even been discouraged. Maybe you were told to keep things quiet or to deal with them behind closed doors.

In other situations, you may have been told to “just pray about it” or to leave it in God’s hands. While some of this advice may come from a place of love or faith, it can still feel lonely to handle everything on your own.

When Culture and Counseling Cross

In many families, counseling feels strange—or even wrong. Culturally, some people believe that asking for help means you’re weak or broken. But that’s not true.

If you are resistant to therapy, it often helps to consider how you were raised or what your culture is made up of. In many communities, strength is measured by how much you can carry silently. Sharing emotions may be seen as a burden to others, or even as a sign of failure. But that mindset often comes from generations who had to survive with limited resources, where staying quiet was a way to stay safe.

Still, hiding pain doesn’t make it go away—it only makes it harder to carry. Just because something is familiar, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And just because something is cultural, doesn’t mean it can’t grow or change.

Faith and Counseling

We love that faith is important. At La Luz Counseling, we believe faith is a core part of daily life. Many of our clients lean on prayer and trust God when life gets hard. Prayer is powerful—but so is Jesus.

He works in many ways and through many people. He never meant for us to face life alone. He gave us community so that we can find encouragement and support from one another.

You can go to church and go to therapy. You can talk to God and still talk to a counselor. You can believe in Jesus and still believe in therapy too.

We believe—strongly—that faith, culture, and counseling matter, and they can come together in a way that brings deep healing and hope.

Why Culturally, Counseling Can be Hard

For many people—especially in minority communities—starting counseling can feel difficult. There are many reasons for this:

  • Money – Therapy can feel too expensive, especially if you need to go regularly. We understand that. That’s why we offer reduced-rate sessions and can help connect you with local agencies that offer free or low-cost services.
  • Access – Sometimes you just don’t know where to start. But when you ask, there are people ready to point you in the right direction.
  • Trust – Let’s be honest: opening up to a total stranger is hard. But if you can trust the process and begin to trust the person, healing can begin. When trust is built and you stick with counseling, your progress becomes real and visible.
  • Representation – It helps to see yourself in your therapist. No, your counselor doesn’t have to know exactly what it’s like to be you—but it can help if they understand or respect your cultural background. If race, culture, or ethnicity is important to you when choosing a therapist, that’s OK. You deserve to feel seen and heard.

You Are Allowed to Start Counseling

This month—and every month moving forward—let’s remind ourselves that when culture and counseling cross it can be a wonderful thing. They do belong in the same room.

You are allowed to ask for help.
You are allowed to get support.
You are allowed to begin your healing journey.

We’re here when you’re ready to start. Yes, your faith and culture matter, and so do you.

To read more about how mental health and cultural identity intersect, especially within the Latino community, check out our blog on Hispanic Heritage Month and Mental Health.