Culturally Competent Therapy for BIPOC Clients

As people from all walks of life continue to seek effective care, it’s imperative that clinicians are adequately prepared to meet their needs. Serving a diverse populace requires understanding the unique challenges faced by affected individuals. For BIPOC—an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color—communities, this especially rings true.

Despite having higher than average rates of mental health issues, BIPOC individuals seek therapy at a lower rate than their white peers. Systemic disadvantages also contribute to increased mental health challenges—including rising rates of suicide and higher rates of depression and anxiety. Coupling this with an inconsistent ratio of available BIPOC providers to clients, it can be difficult for many to find the right patient-provider fit. However, clinicians shouldn’t shy away from any differences.

Furthermore, providers can better address these obstacles by reducing financial barriers to entry. Getting credentialed with major payers is a great first step in making your care more widely available. Alma is dedicated to supporting clinicians who serve BIPOC clients by facilitating expedited credentialing and handling all of the paperwork—from eligibility checks to claims submissions.

There are various ways to make your practice more accessible to those seeking aligned care. To learn more, we’ve crafted an eBook that provides information and practical insights for working with diverse populaces, increasing cultural competency, and committing to continuous learning. Whether you’re growing a practice or just starting out, all clinicians can foster therapeutic environments that are free of stigma and bias.