As a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color), it can be difficult to find culturally competent care that fits both your mental and physical health needs and understands exceptions and steps that might need to be taken to make you feel more culturally comfortable.
Unfortunately, far too many health professionals don’t take ethnic backgrounds into consideration.
While some might argue that’s due to a promotion of equality, equality only really occurs when everyone receives the same level of care and comfort.
If you’ve struggled to find culturally competent care, there are things you can do to make it easier. With a few tips, you can find a professional that meets your needs, emotionally.
Work With a BIPOC Professional
One of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable with your care is to make an appointment with a BIPOC professional.
For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety (especially racial anxiety), it might be difficult to open up to someone who isn’t a person of color. You might feel they don’t have the same level of understanding.
Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone who has a similar background or shared experiences to make a difference.
Seek Diverse Facilities
Even if you don’t directly receive care from a BIPOC, going to a place that promotes diversity will make a big difference.
Ideally, it would be nice to have a health professionals office with a diverse palette of people; representation is essential to help BIPOC feel comfortable in almost any mental or physical health setting.
Ask Your Community
If you’re not sure where to get started when it comes to finding culturally competent care, ask your community.
Reach out to friends and family. Ask them about their experiences with care, no matter what type you’re looking for. The people closest to you will be honest about their experiences, whether they’ve been good or bad. Plus, it’s often easier to see someone new if they have a recommendation from someone you trust.
Even if you don’t want to ask those closest to you, consider looking at online support groups. Or, check out reviews of different care facilities in your area. You’re likely to find people who have either had very positive or very negative experiences, and you can make your own decisions based on your research.
Check With Your Insurance
If you have health insurance, you can call the company at any time to ask for a list of providers in your area that fit your cultural background. They have a lot of resources at their fingertips and should be able to direct you to a few places that will meet your needs.
You can also contact providers directly to ask about their backgrounds and determine how diverse they are. Remember, you have the right to “shop around” when it comes to care providers.
Many providers offer initial consultations. Going to several will give you the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether someone feels like the right fit.
Being a BIPOC in today’s society can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming. While there are thousands of care providers across the country who are extremely skilled, finding someone who meets your cultural needs isn’t always easy.
If you’re looking for a diverse practice or want more information before making an appointment, feel free to Contact Us with any questions you might have. Your comfort is always a top priority.