Many BIPOC nurses can get overwhelmed by nursing duties and demands that can build up and become unmanageable over time. And with minority nurses facing a high level of burnout, recovery, and wellness strategies have never been more critical than now. Therapy can be a beneficial resource for nurses who need emotional care but don’t know where to turn. A therapist can point out where you’re stuck but not try to fix or solve problems for you.
Perhaps more importantly, they can provide a safe space for you to process complex feelings you didn’t know you had bottled up inside. The process of starting therapy can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming, but it’s possible with the proper support and resources.
When is a Good Time to Start Therapy?
There’s never a perfect time to begin therapy, but a key indicator can be when each day feels hard to get through, or there’s a particular issue that’s been affecting your well-being and daily functioning.
It’s also reassuring to know that seeking help from a professional is a valid approach. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults experiences mental illness each year. Anyone can experience a mental health issue, including people of color, who are more likely to need mental health care than Caucasians.
There are also societal and psychological barriers that can contribute to why people of color avoid therapy, including financial obstacles, physical access to a therapist, and cultural attitudes based on the idea that seeking mental health is a sign of weakness.
Although acknowledging these barriers can be disheartening, therapy can be beneficial in helping you get to know yourself and find joy in life again.
When you’re ready, consider these solutions to getting a therapist that’s right for you.
Consider Telehealth as a Low-cost Option
Therapy can be costly for the average person, especially for those without health insurance. One affordable option that’s also easy to access is telehealth.
An average telehealth visit can cost between $40 and $90. However, this depends on your specific healthcare provider and the method of access you use.
Telehealth is also accessible for anyone who doesn’t want to drive long distances to see a preferred provider. Through a laptop, computer, or tablet, you can connect to someone from the comfort of your home.
Tap Into Your Health Insurance Benefits
If you have insurance through your workplace, you may have free benefits that you are not aware of.
Some workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a work-based program that provides confidential assessments, counseling, and follow-up services for emotional or work-related problems. Ask your human resources department whether your place of work offers EAP because if so, you can be eligible for free counseling or wellness classes.
Your insurance company may offer additional benefits, such as a complimentary therapy session or another wellness solution, at no cost to you. Many insurance companies have an in-network list of therapists that are covered so that you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for an expensive session. You can access this list by checking into your online portal or calling an insurance representative for further assistance.
Take Advantage of Free Resources
Many resources exist online to guide you in accessing a therapist, especially for minority nurses who want a therapist who looks like them.
Mental health directories of color, such as Clinicians of Color or Inclusive Therapists, include Black, Hispanic, and other minority clinicians and are free to use.
You can also reach out to someone you know in your local community for a referral to a therapist. Referrals from someone you trust are one of the best ones to find a clinician who understands you. Hospitals, community centers, and places of worship often offer peer support groups or free counseling services.
Finding a culturally competent therapist doesn’t have to be hard most therapists are eager to help you through acceptance and understanding of your current situation. When you find a therapist who understands you, you can thrive in the life you deserve to live.
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