July Is BIPOC Mental Health Month: Why It Still Matters
In 2008, the U.S. Congress declared July as BIPOC Mental Health Month (originally National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month) to honor Bebe Moore Campbell, a trailblazing author, advocate, and mental health champion who fought to improve access to care for Black communities and other communities of color.
Seventeen years later, the mental health crisis in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities persists—and many of the systemic barriers she spoke out against remain unchanged.
Why Do We Need a BIPOC Mental Health Month?
Despite progress in awareness, the disparities in mental health care between white individuals and people of color are still stark.
According to data from the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, BIPOC communities consistently report higher rates of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. However:
Only 37% of Black adults receive mental health treatment.
Just 35% of Hispanic/Latinx adults access care.
These numbers highlight a glaring gap in mental health equity.
What Prevents BIPOC Communities from Seeking Mental Health Care?
Mental health disparities aren’t just about access, they’re about experience. Here are some of the barriers that prevent people from marginalized backgrounds from getting the support they deserve:
Medical racism and invalidation: Many BIPOC individuals report not feeling heard or believed by healthcare providers. For example, Black women face maternal mortality rates nearly 3x higher than white women often because their symptoms are dismissed.
Generational and cultural stigma: In many communities, seeking therapy is still seen as a weakness or taboo, which stops people from asking for help when they need it most.
Financial barriers: With ongoing budget cuts to mental health services, therapy can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those without insurance or public benefits like Medicaid or Medicare.
What Candor Therapy Network Is Doing to Improve Mental Health Equity
At Candor Therapy Network, we believe mental health care should be accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent.
Here's how we’re working to close the gap:
Free mental health masterclasses: We regularly offer no-cost online masterclasses on important mental health topics. All classes are recorded and shared on social media, so anyone can access tools and insights from a licensed therapist.
Virtual and in-person therapy: We offer virtual counseling services across Virginia and are now expanding to in-person therapy in Richmond, VA.
Affordable options: We accept all major insurance providers and are working to accept Medicaid and Medicare. We also offer a sliding scale fee structure for uninsured clients or those facing financial hardship.
Ongoing cultural competence training: Every Candor clinician completes annual continuing education focused on cultural responsiveness and anti-racist therapy practices.
Policy advocacy: We advocate at the national level through organizations like NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and ACA (American Counseling Association) to support legislation that improves access to care for all communities.
How You Can Help
You don’t need to be a therapist to be part of the solution. Here’s what you can do:
Start the conversation
Talking openly about mental health reduces stigma. When we normalize therapy, we encourage others—especially in BIPOC communities—to seek support.
Advocate for change
Call or email your local and national representatives. Push for policies that increase mental health funding, expand Medicaid, and support culturally competent care.
BIPOC Mental Health Month is not just a time to acknowledge disparities—it’s a call to action. Together, we can create a more equitable mental health system where every voice is heard and every person has access to healing.