BIPOC Mental Health
We recognize that BIPOC employees have unique needs often related to racialized trauma and stress. Many have encountered systemic barriers and challenges locating culturally responsive mental health treatment. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment. Our counselors are sensitive to the experiences of BIPOC faculty and staff and trained in a variety of clinical interventions. If you would like consultation or support, please reach out to us.
Resources
Websites
LatinxTherapy.com National directory is for Latinx Therapists in private practice.
BIPOC Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) This link lists resources for the following identity groups: Black/African American, Native/Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities.
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) hosts virtually healing events and conversations on topics related to Black emotional and mental health, toolkits to support wellness.
NAMI’s page for Black/African American individuals
NAMI These pages have information about mental health along the following identity & cultural dimensions: Asian American Native Hawai’ian Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities
South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network serves South Asians (individuals with ancestry from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) by providing educational resources, a blog, and a provider directory.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) promotes the mental health and well being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through trainings, resources for services in all 50 states, and national advocacy
The National American Indian and Alaska Native (MHTTC) provides academic programming, webinars, and resources to ensure that American Indian and Alaska Natives have access to high-quality, evidence-based and experience-based, culturally appropriate behavioral health services and recovery supports.
Massachusetts Based Resources
The Social Impact Center (SIC) hosts free weekly trauma, support, and mindfulness groups virtually with the support of Roxbury Presbyterian Church.
Boston based PureSpark’s founder, Nieisha Deed, promotes mental wellness in the Black community through events and programs. You can follow Pure Spark on Instagram.
Deconstructing Stigma Changing Attitudes About Mental Health is an initiative from McLean Hospital. The Boston chapter of the NAACP is partnering with the Deconstructing Stigma campaign to address the challenges around mental health awareness, stigma, and access to care for Black Americans.
NAMI Latinx Support and Advocacy Network (SAN) is part of NAMI Greater Boston. They provide monthly, free support groups in Spanish for families, friends, and caregivers of individuals with a mental health condition on the second Thursday of the month.
DeeDee’s Cry provides resources and education on the importance of mental health and wellness within communities of color and creates a space where conversations begin to lift the stigma of mental health within communities of color. Also on Facebook.
Apps
Insight Timer meditation app https://insighttimer.com/ is a free app that could be used to build healthy habits and create a wellbeing routine.
The Headspace app’s language can be set to Spanish, Portuguese, French or German. (Available at no cost to BU employees). Headspace offers identity specific meditations. Within the app, you can find Collections under the Explore tab; look for Cultivating Black Joy and Navigating Injustice. Single meditations include Honoring Our Experience and Grief & Injustice. Headspace has purchased the Shine App and in late fall 2022 will be moving some of its content to the Headspace app.
Mindfulness
Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. Daily Free mindfulness practices. https://www.chacmc.org/connect
- CHACMC encourages BIPOC community members to join a Live Online program each Friday from 6pm to 7:30pm Eastern Time with the Heartwood BIPOC Mindfulness Community. This is a weekly space held by people of color, for all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) looking for politicized trauma-informed mindfulness teachings and community. Beginner-friendly mindfulness instruction is offered each week.
- Guided Practice offered in Español & Português, Please see the main calendar to locate these practices
The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion-Circles of Practice– Public Offering – live, online, and completely free. CMSC offers these Circles of Practice to increase awareness of self-compassion and share the practice of self-compassion globally. LGBTQIAP2S+ and BIPOC circles offered.
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Let the artwork in the Visual Arts Gallery inspire deep reflection and mindfulness. Explore the NMAAHC collection and the practice of meditation in these short-guided meditations.