Mental Health Resources for Minority Older Adults

For mental health emergencies, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a free, 24-hour hotline, at 1-800-273-8255 or text “NAMI” to 741741.

 

Unfortunately, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity are still barriers for many seniors attempting to access quality care, especially mental and behavioral health resources. Even more unfortunate is the fact that many people are unaware that these barriers exist or do not know where and how to access necessary behavioral health resources.

In an attempt to spread awareness of these issues, July is designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), this observation is dedicated to raising awareness of the unique mental health challenges facing racial and ethnic minorities and connecting people to potentially life-saving resources.

However, awareness of these resources shouldn’t be limited to one month a year. Elders deserve to know about and have access to culturally sensitive care year-round.

Mental Health Resource List for Minority Seniors

We recognize that the intersection of age and minority status places minority seniors at greater risk of developing mental health issues and creates unique barriers to accessing healthcare and behavioral health services. To help ease this burden, we have compiled a list of mental health resources made specifically for racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or religious minority older adult populations.

For African American and Black Older Adults

Black older adults in the United States face worse mental health outcomes than their White peers, according to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Barriers to accessing proper behavioral health resources include limited availability of nearby services, financial constraints, and systemic barriers like professional bias against racial minorities. 

Part of the solution to improving mental health outcomes for Black seniors, experts believe, includes improving the quality of all healthcare services for Black Americans, removing systemic obstacles for racial minorities in the United States legal, financial, and judicial systems, and improving awareness of Black-specific mental health issues and how to address them among mental health professionals, which includes increasing the number of Black mental health professionals.

The following resources can help African American and Black seniors in the United States access mental health care.

• African-American Mental Health Providers
  • This directory is full of multidisciplinary psychotherapists who are licensed, registered, and/or certified to work in the State of California.
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
  • This resource gives an overview of many of the barriers facing Black people attempting to access behavioral health care in the United States, as well as provides plenty of ways to connect Black people with appropriate mental health care.
• Dr. Candice Nicole
  • Dr. Candice Nicole is an assistant professor and award-winning counseling psychologist who specializes in racial trauma and sexual health. Some of her free resources include a guided online meditation, “Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma.”
• Oregon Health & Science University (OHSA)’s Avel Gordly Center for Healing
  • This Portland-based practice is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care and treatment for Black communities.
• Therapy for Black Men
  • This organization lists mental health professionals who are dedicated to providing top-notch care to Black men. Other resources from this organization include financial assistance and a directory of other resources curated for Black men.

For Jewish Seniors

As a religious and ethnic minority, the need for proper access to mental health services for Jewish Americans remains high. The following Jewish organizations can help Jewish seniors (and other age groups) access culturally sensitive mental health care.

• Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA)
  • This New York-based organization recognizes the unique mental health needs of older adults, which is why they offer senior-specific mental health services, such as an outpatient geriatric mental health center in the Bronx and other senior-focused programs.
• Jewish Family Services
  • This St. Louis-based organization recognizes that mental health is just as important to maintain as physical health is. That is why they offer a variety of behavioral health services like counseling and psychiatry.

For Asian American & Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian Seniors

Finding culturally sensitive behavioral health services for “Asian American, and Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians” can be difficult, because this term is so incredibly broad and encompasses a wide range of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Fortunately, the following resources can direct people toward more culturally sensitive services, including those available in a variety of languages.

• Asian American Psychological Association
  • This association offers an entire list of readily accessible resources and publications concerning the psychological health of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
• Diverse Elders Coalition
  • This coalition of various organizations advocates for the rights of minority seniors in the United States. Among their resources include thought pieces on their blog, such as this one regarding the mental health of Vietnam-era older adults. Besides giving an overview of the subject, it also lists ways to help.
• Mental Health America Hawai‘i 2018 Directory
  • This directory is full of various mental and behavioral health services available to people living in the State of Hawaii.
• Papa Ola Lokahi
  • This Hawaii-based organization seeks to improve the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians. Their advocacy and accessible programs and resources make this organization a great place for Native Hawaiians to find the help they need.

For Hispanic/Latino Older Adults

The Hispanic population is one of the most rapidly growing racial and ethnic groups in the United States. However, obstacles still remain for Hispanic/Latino seniors attempting to access proper care, including language barriers.

The following resources may be able to assist Hispanic/Latino individuals trying to get the services they need.

• American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry
  • This network of mental health workers has a particular focus on delivering quality care to Latinx populations. Part of their services include helping people find a culturally sensitive behavioral health expert in their area.
• Therapy for Latinx
  • This organization helps Latinx individuals access the help they need, from self-help books to seminars to screening to trained professionals. Even better, its website is available in several languages.

For LGBTQ Seniors

The intersection of race, sexuality/gender identity, and age can make accessing appropriate services daunting. That said, there are organizations in the United States that recognize the unique mental health needs of older LGBTQ adults of color, including the following.

• Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
  • SAGE is all about improving the lives of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Plus) older adults, an often-overlooked group when people discuss LGBTQ groups. SAGE offers plenty of free resources, including a National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline available at 877-360-LGBT(5428) in English and Spanish (with other translations available).
• National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
  • NQTTCN is a network of therapists that have experience providing care specifically for LGBTQ people of color.

For American Indian & Alaska Native Elders

It can be difficult for Indigenous elders to access mental health care that is considerate of their unique cultural backgrounds. Fortunately, the following organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples residing inside the United States and/or Indian reservations, including offering mental health resources.

• National Indian Council on Aging
  • The National Indian Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to assess, promote, and address the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native elders. 
• One Sky Center | The American Indian/Alaska Native National Resource Center for Health, Education and Research
  • One Sky Center is the organization dedicated to connecting Native people to culturally appropriate mental health resources and providing technical assistance and training services to improve communities’ mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

For Arab American, Middle Eastern American & Muslim Seniors

While more data is still needed to paint a more holistic picture of the mental health status of Arab Americans, Middle Eastern Americans, and Muslim Americans, current research shows that certain obstacles in the United States, including anti-Arab sentiments, can increase the odds of negative mental health outcomes for these groups. These findings show that their need for culturally appropriate care is as strong as ever.

The following resources may be able to help these seniors access mental and behavioral health services.

• Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS)
  • With bilingual, multicultural staff members, ACCESS provides holistic, integrated care to people in southeast Michigan, particularly as it relates to Arab American and immigrant populations.
• iAMERICA Behavioral and Mental Health Services
  • iAMERICA is a nonprofit organization that serves communities with culturally sensitive, person-centric care and evidence-based practices. They have staff members fluent in languages such as Arabic and Chaldean, among many others.
• Institute for Muslim Mental Health
  • This group is all about “promoting Muslim Americans’ mental health  through research, resource development, training & advocacy.” Their resources include professional conferences, mentorship programs, a therapist directory, and more.

For Professionals, Caregivers & Loved Ones

Professionals, caregivers, and loved ones can always improve their approach to mental health care and support, especially their care for minority seniors. The following resources are designed to help two groups of people: (1) untrained individuals, like friends and family, who are attempting to help their struggling loved ones, and (2) physical and behavioral health professionals and caregivers who want to improve the quality of the services they provide to minority seniors.

• American Psychological Association (APA), “African American Older Adults and Race-Related Stress: How Aging and Health-Care Providers Can Help”
  • The APA offers this detailed report to both describe the unique stressors African American seniors face as well as providing ways healthcare providers can help.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health”
  • It’s hard to know just what to say to a loved one who is struggling. For these cases, NAMI offers this helpful guide to help people better navigate tough mental health conversations with struggling friends and family members.
• National Council on Aging (NCOA), “Behavioral Health for Professionals”
  • Seniors are less likely to access mental health services than other age groups, which means behavioral health specialists have to make sure they are doing their part to reach isolated seniors in their community. NCOA’s behavioral health resources for professionals can help.
• National Institute on Aging, “Depression and Older Adults” 
  • This resource gives a broad overview of depression in seniors, from causes to treatments to further resources.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS: The State of the Behavioral Health Workforce”
  • This brief provides “a broad-based overview of workforce issues to consider when addressing the needs of older adults living with [serious mental illness].”

 

Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only. The content contained herein cannot be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. This resource list is not exhaustive.