The mental health care system is under immense pressure to create more culturally-competent, anti-racist, and trauma-informed services for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). A recent study from the American Counseling Association (ACA) has found that counselors must confront their own biases and microaggressions to provide effective and culturally-responsive services for BIPOC clients.

The study found that counselors must work to understand the lived experiences of BIPOC clients in order to provide effective and culturally-responsive services. This includes recognizing and challenging their own internalized biases and microaggressions, understanding the history of racism and oppression in the United States, and engaging in therapeutic activities that honor and respect the culture and values of BIPOC clients. Furthermore, the study recommends that counselors engage in self-care practices to reduce burnout and increase self-awareness.

Counselors are encouraged to take action in creating a more culturally-responsive and anti-racist mental health care system for BIPOC clients. It is essential for counselors to understand the unique needs and experiences of these clients so that they can effectively provide the services they need.

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source: Phys.org