BIPOC Mental Health Care: Support Rooted in Culture, Community and Lived Experience

Across Washington State, organizations serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color provide mental health care rooted in culture, community and lived experience. This month, we’re shining a light on just a few Washington organizations that center mental health care on cultural connection and understanding.  

Connect with Care

The Therapy Fund Foundation (TFF) is a nonprofit providing mental health care to Black community members. Its programs include free therapy, healing circles, Preserving Black Families, which focuses on sustaining and strengthening family relationships, and Youth H.E.A.L., which supports healing and violence prevention for Black youth. TFF also supports equitable pay for clinicians and offers tuition and book assistance to students pursuing psychology degrees. 

Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS)  is a social justice organization promoting the health and well-being of Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other communities in King County.  Through its behavioral health and wellness programs, ACRS serve adults and youth with therapy, medication, counseling and case management. ACRS also offers wellness services that include Western and Eastern medicine, like primary care and acupuncture. 
 
Native & Strong Lifeline is a partnership between the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) focused on raising awareness, providing education and sharing resources to prevent suicide and strengthen tribal communities. Native & Strong also offers support for Native youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ and veteran community members. Help seekers can reach the Native & Strong Lifeline by dialing 988 and selecting option 4 any time, day or night. The lifeline is available to all Native people in Washington State.  
 
Sea Mar Community Health Centers serve 13 counties in Washington State. Sea Mar’s behavioral health department provides culturally competent mental health and substance use services from therapists, counselors, psychiatric providers and other professionals. diverse communities, specializing in care for Latinos. Many staff speak more than one language, providing a care environment that is inclusive and accessible.  

Thoughtful Support from Crisis Connections 

When you need to talk, text or chat, we’re here to listen and support you—on the best days and during hard times. Our helplines are staffed by people from many backgrounds who understand the importance of support and referrals that reflect each help seeker’s needs and experiences. 

We offer live interpretation in more than 155 languages and are available 24/7 for mental health emergencies. You can also find basic needs resources and peer support through our website. 

Learn more about Bebe Moore Campbell, the origins of BIPOC Mental Health Month and additional mental health resources through The Mental Health Coalition’s Reclaim Your Roots guide.