Finding the right therapist to address mental health issues in the Latinx/Latine community can be challenging due to stigma, barriers, and cultural factors, leading to prolonged suffering and potential disability.
Please know that you are not alone. Mental health resources are available when you are ready to seek help. Here are some helpful tips to help navigate mental healthcare and find a therapist who is right for you.
Reasons to Seek Therapy
You might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, frustration, or disconnection. Whether you have specific goals like setting boundaries with family members, gaining confidence in the decision-making process, navigating higher education as a first-generation student, or embracing your authenticity, these are all aspects you can discuss with your therapist.
Here are a few reasons why someone may seek therapy:
Anxiety
Cultural identity
Depression
Relationship issues
Intergenerational trauma
Grief and loss
A mental health condition you have or think you might have
Do you feel lost and uncertain about what to focus on in therapy? Don't worry, you are not alone. Sometimes, all we need is someone to talk to. With the help of a therapist, you can identify goals and work together to achieve your goals.
Understand Your Health Benefits
Check with your healthcare insurance provider to see what mental health services are available and covered under your policy. Once you have an idea of what's covered, you can determine a budget for your mental health care. This will help you narrow your search to therapists within your financial means.
Another option is paying out of pocket for services. Some therapists will work with you to help make therapy financially accessible. Don't be afraid to ask therapists if they offer a sliding scale fee for their services!
Types of Therapy
Mental health therapists train in different types of therapy, called treatment modalities. There is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy. With the help of a therapist, you can pick the modality that works best for you.
Here is a list of a few modalities to consider:
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
Gestalt Therapy
Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Narrative Therapy
Search for a Therapist
Your community is a helpful resource to find a therapist. Check-in with your family, friends, or medical provider for recommendations.
In addition, directories such as LatinxTherapy, Therapy for Latinx, Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, etc. are useful resources that can help you find a therapist that meets your specific needs. You can filter your search by specialties, location, language, gender, ethnicity, identity, types of therapy (listed above), type of sessions (e.g., individual, couples, family, group), therapy format (in person, video, etc.) and the type of insurance accepted.
Here are considerations when searching for a therapist:
Are you seeking a therapist fluent in Spanish to facilitate open communication without language barriers?
Are you looking for a therapist who comprehends your cultural background, including terms like "ataque de nervios"?
Consult and Schedule an Appointment
Create a list of 3-5 potential therapists you are interested in and request a consultation. Therapists may offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you figure out if they are the right fit for you.
Remember these are helpful tips meant to empower you to navigate your mental healthcare. Please feel free to apply these tips based on your needs and preferences.
Wishing you all the best on your mental health journey towards healing, growth, and authenticity.
About the Author:
Inrijaimelina (Inri) Constancio is a bilingual Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#128634), supervised by Stephanie Goldsmith, PhD (PSY #26766). Inri is passionate about making mental healthcare accessible to marginalized communities such as Latina/o/x/e. Inri provides a safe space for children, adolescents, and young adults to address and process issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Contact: InrijaimelinaConstancioMS@gmail.com