Inclusion & Mental Health
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) supports inclusion in mental health. CaPS strives to promote and support inclusion and justice within CaPS and the CMU community. Our goal is to construct mechanisms that foster and empower individual, collective and systemic accountability within CaPS, in the context of equity and social justice.
Read our statement below.
Inclusion & Mental Health Statement
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) recognizes that the fields of psychiatry, psychology, social work, and counseling have historically caused harm to individuals and communities. At CaPS, we are committed to addressing these challenges in our clinical work by engaging in practices that prioritize respect, dignity, and the well-being of all individuals. We firmly believe that therapeutic practice should create the conditions for personal growth and healing, while removing barriers to flourishing. We acknowledge the importance of examining our biases and striving for improvement in our approach to care.
Our commitment to providing support extends beyond clinical practice and into our interactions with colleagues, campus partners, and the broader community. We are aware of the challenges many students face in their daily lives and the emotional toll they may carry. We are here to support you in navigating these challenges, offering comfort and assistance as needed. To our students especially, CaPS is here to support you.
CaPS understands that statements of support are only a part of the process. We are dedicated to being active participants in meaningful progress, not simply offering words of solidarity. We are committed to providing care to all students who are impacted by adversity and hardship. We are also committed to facilitating conversations within our Tartan community that promote awareness and create an environment where every individual feels safe and supported
Identity-Based Resources
While the resources provided below are identity-based, we recognize that the intersectionality of identity is nuanced and multidimensional, and that you will find yourself represented in more than one category.
Finding a Culturally Responsive Therapist
Ideally, therapy is a place where one can feel safe and understood. Working with a culturally responsive counselor can be truly beneficial and healing.
Many therapists have received some form of cultural competency education in their training and educational journeys but it is often limited in scope and practice. A culturally sensitive therapist pays attention to the client’s and their own identities, social and cultural backgrounds, and past and current socio-political events to guide the treatment and relationship.
How to Start Your Search
- Research professional organizations and memberships that can provide referrals to qualified culturally responsive therapists in your area. The Psychology Today website allows you to select specific filters to identify a therapist that fits your needs.
- Check out therapists' websites and/or social media. Consider how they talk about their approach to therapy and whether they speak to issues of social justice and inclusivity within their work.
- Most importantly, ask questions. While this might feel uncomfortable given the professional nature of the relationship, you must feel comfortable with your therapist. If the therapist is unwilling or unable to answer your questions, we suggested that you consider discontinuing meeting with this individual.
Questions to Consider Asking a Therapist
This is not an exhaustive list of questions that a culturally sensitive therapist should be able to address with their clients, it is a good place to start.
- How would you describe your experience treating clients who share my [insert your racial/cultural identity here i.e.“Indigenous”] identity?
- What is your/your practice’s experience incorporating a racial equity/anti-racist lens into your treatment?
- How would you describe your knowledge of safety risks and considerations related to my [insert your racial/cultural identity here i.e. “Black”] identity?
- What training/evidence-based treatment do you/your practice have for issues that may arise related to [insert your racial/cultural identity, i.e. “Asian”] health and wellness?
- Can you share with me your/your practice’s training/evidence-based treatment for issues that may arise from trauma related to [insert “anti” and your racial/cultural identity, i.e. “anti-Black”] oppression, racism and/or racial violence?
- What kind of resources/training do you/your practice have available to remain up-to-date with [insert your racial/cultural identity, i.e. “Asian”] issues both locally and nationally so that I can avoid having to educate my provider?
- What is your/your practice’s position on the mental health impact of navigating oppression, racism and racial violence?
- What is your/your practice’s position on the impact of generational trauma as it relates to racism/racial violence?
- How would you describe your knowledge of stereotypes and/or common misconceptions of my [insert your racial/cultural identity, i.e. “Latinx”] identity — things that you might say in a session that could result in trauma/microaggression?
Questions Using an Intercultural Lens
Intersectionality, as coined by scholar and writer Kimberlé Crenshaw, is a lens through which we seek to understand how multiple forms of oppression/inequality may combine to create unique obstacles and trauma.
- How do you define intersectionality and how do you plan to utilize an intersectional lens in my treatment?
- How can you help me navigate trauma related to the oppression I have and continue to face related to my [insert your QTBIPOC identity, i.e. “Black trans woman”] identity—understanding there are multiple systems of oppression impacting my mental health concurrently?
- What is your/your practice’s position on the mental health impact of navigating multiple systems of oppression?
- What is your racial/ethnic and cultural background? How does that impact your work as a therapist?
- What is your experience when it comes to working with ________ (i.e. specific racial/ethnic backgrounds, immigrant populations, LGBTQIA, etc.)?
- How do you work with clients who have experienced racism, discrimination, or immigration-related concerns?
- What does it mean to you to provide culturally competent care? What training have you had on this topic?
- What is your comfort level when it comes to talking about topics such as white privilege, racism, discrimination or systemic oppression?