Breaking the Silence: Supporting BIPOC Teens on Their Mental Health Journey
July marks BIPOC Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness around the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. For teens navigating this world, those challenges can be amplified by cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and a lack of representation in the mental health field.
At Thrive Well, we believe mental health care should feel accessible, safe, and affirming, especially for teens from marginalized communities. This month (and always), we’re breaking the silence and making space for the stories, struggles, and strengths of BIPOC youth.
Why It’s Harder for BIPOC Teens to Speak Up
Mental health stigma shows up in many ways — and for BIPOC teens, it’s often tangled in generational messages like:
“We don’t talk about that.”
“You just need to be strong.”
“Therapy is for other people.”
These messages, paired with real systemic barriers, like underrepresentation of BIPOC therapists, language and cultural gaps, or lack of access to care, can make it hard for teens to speak up even when they’re struggling.
Add to that the daily pressures of racism, identity-based stress, and navigating predominantly white institutions, and it becomes clear: our teens need us to show up differently.
How You Can Support the BIPOC Teens in Your Life
Here’s how we can start breaking the silence and build trust, connection, and healing:
Talk about mental health openly
Start the conversation before there's a crisis. Normalize therapy, rest, and emotional honesty. When adults model openness, teens are more likely to open up, too.
Validate their experience
Don’t minimize or dismiss their pain. Instead of “It’s not that bad,” try “That sounds really hard. I’m here.” Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful things you can offer.
Connect them with culturally competent support
Representation matters. BIPOC teens benefit from seeing themselves reflected in their therapists and mental health resources. If you’re looking for referrals, we can help.
Learn alongside them
Explore books, podcasts, and content by BIPOC mental health advocates together. It’s okay not to have all the answers — showing your willingness to learn builds trust.
Remind them they are not alone
Healing happens in community. Let the teens in your life know that it’s okay to ask for help — and that support is out there.
Our clinicians at Thrive Well are committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for teens of all backgrounds, and we’re especially proud to support BIPOC youth on their mental health journeys. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, identity, grief, or just growing up in a complicated world, we’re here.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or teen looking for support, reach out. Together, we can break the silence and build something better.