How to Find a Culturally Sensitive Therapist

Karla Andrade
Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 15

By Lila Asfour, with insights from Amy L. Le Reve Renderos, MA, LMFT, LPCC

How Do I Find a Therapist Who Understands My Culture?

It’s a question many people silently carry—and one that deserves a real, compassionate answer. Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially for people from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds. One of the main reasons many stop after just one session is because they don’t feel seen. When a therapist doesn’t understand your culture, values, or lived experience, it creates a disconnect. Without that foundational understanding, it becomes much harder to open up—and even harder to truly heal.

“We don’t fit in a box. Cultures are different. Values are different. If therapy doesn’t reflect that, it won’t work.”— Amy L. Le Reve Renderos, MA, LMFT, LPCC.

Why Cultural Fit in Therapy Matters?

A culturally sensitive therapist doesn’t just “get it”—they help you feel emotionally safe, validate your worldview, and create space for your full identity, including your faith, family, and traditions. When therapy reflects your real life, it can foster a deeper sense of belonging, build confidence, and bring clarity to your personal journey.

“Sometimes people just need a therapist to tell them — you’re good. You’re not behind. You belong here.”— Amy Renderos

Where to Start Your Search

Not sure where to begin? These directories center inclusion, identity, and lived experience:

Inclusive Therapists
Therapy Den
Open Path Collective – affordable sliding scale
Latinx Therapy
Therapy for Black Girls
South Asian Therapists

No Insurance? You Still Have Options

Therapy should be accessible to everyone. If cost is a concern, try:

Open Path – sessions from $40–70
University counseling clinics – with supervised grad students
Community mental health centers – sliding scale
📞 Call 211 – free helpline to find services near you

How to Know If It’s a Good Fit

Most therapists offer a free consult. During that time, ask:

“Have you worked with clients from my cultural background?”
“Do you bring faith, family, or cultural values into therapy?”
“Have you supported clients facing racial stress, immigration trauma, or identity issues?”

“If it doesn’t feel right — it’s okay to keep looking.”— Amy Renderos

Before You Start

It’s normal to feel nervous. Your first session is often about history, goals, and comfort. You don’t need to share everything on day one.

A good therapist gives you space.

Want Extra Support?

You don’t have to do this alone. These spaces offer connection and healing too:

Libraries & YMCAs – check for local support groups
LGBTQ+ Centers – affirming peer support
Postpartum Support International – for new parents
Search online:“Muslim women’s support group”“LGBTQ therapy group near me”“BIPOC mental health group in [your city]”

Final Thoughts

Culturally responsive therapy isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. You deserve a therapist who sees you, respects you, and helps you thrive.

Try a few sessions. Ask hard questions. Advocate for your identity.

“You’re not behind. You belong here.”— Amy L. Le Reve Renderos, MA, LMFT, LPCC

About the Contributor

Amy L. Le Reve Renderos,

MA, LMFT 115492, LPCC 7798, TPMF1108

Psychotherapist | She/Her/Hers

📍 Based in California

📧 amy@seaglasstherapy.care

🌐 www.seaglassreflectionstherapy.com📞 (949) 298-7247

References

Sue S, Cheng JKY, Saad CS, Chu JP. The Case for Cultural Competency in Psychotherapeutic Interventions. Annu Rev Psychol. 2012;63:525-548.
American Psychological Association. Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/multicultural-guidelines. Published 2017. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Snowden LR. Barriers to Effective Mental Health Services for African Americans. Ment Health Serv Res. 2001;3(4):181-187.
Shim RS, Compton MT. Addressing the Social Determinants of Mental Health: If Not Now, When? Psychiatr Serv. 2018;69(8):844–846.
Inclusive Therapists. https://www.inclusivetherapists.com. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Therapy Den. https://www.therapyden.com. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. https://www.openpathcollective.org. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Latinx Therapy. https://latinxtherapy.com. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Therapy for Black Girls. https://therapyforblackgirls.com. Accessed July 4, 2025.
South Asian Therapists. https://southasiantherapists.org. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Postpartum Support International. https://www.postpartum.net. Accessed July 4, 2025.
United Way Worldwide. 211 network. https://www.211.org. Accessed July 4, 2025.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org. Accessed July 4, 2025.
Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org. Accessed July 4, 2025.