Multicultural Therapists in Seattle, WA

Photo of Anna Fasano, LMHC, ATRP
Anna Fasano
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, ATRP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
Whether you're grappling with distress related to loss, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, work dissatisfaction, existential and emotional disturbances, relational strain, or challenges in leading an authentic life, we can collaborate to address these issues with a strengths-based, multicultural conscious, and trauma-informed approach.
Currently a waitlist. Let's work together with compassion and creativity to align you with your goals. Collectively, we can illuminate deeper insights, shed light on behavioral patterns, tend to emotional wounds, and clarify aspects of your identity and values. I work with adult individuals, and adolescents. I hold extensive experience within the LGBTQ+ community, and specialize in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also provide support for those at the intersection of transition, individuals experiencing grief and loss, those healing from trauma, navigating chronic and terminal illness, and those overwhelmed by burnout
Whether you're grappling with distress related to loss, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, work dissatisfaction, existential and emotional disturbances, relational strain, or challenges in leading an authentic life, we can collaborate to address these issues with a strengths-based, multicultural conscious, and trauma-informed approach.
Currently a waitlist. Let's work together with compassion and creativity to align you with your goals. Collectively, we can illuminate deeper insights, shed light on behavioral patterns, tend to emotional wounds, and clarify aspects of your identity and values. I work with adult individuals, and adolescents. I hold extensive experience within the LGBTQ+ community, and specialize in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also provide support for those at the intersection of transition, individuals experiencing grief and loss, those healing from trauma, navigating chronic and terminal illness, and those overwhelmed by burnout
(425) 310-4066 View (425) 310-4066
Photo of Regina Y Yeh, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Regina Y Yeh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space, empathetic/active listening as a compassionate presence and witness to see you, hear you, and meet you where you are in your human condition. My hope is to inspire your inner compassionate healer to go through your current circumstance and increase sense of peace, meaning and purpose. As an Asian American woman, I have a personal understanding of how to successfully navigate multicultural systems, especially those of Eastern/Western combined backgrounds. A rich full life experience as a classical musician/artist before mid-life, helps inform my service with added empathetic capacity
I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space, empathetic/active listening as a compassionate presence and witness to see you, hear you, and meet you where you are in your human condition. My hope is to inspire your inner compassionate healer to go through your current circumstance and increase sense of peace, meaning and purpose. As an Asian American woman, I have a personal understanding of how to successfully navigate multicultural systems, especially those of Eastern/Western combined backgrounds. A rich full life experience as a classical musician/artist before mid-life, helps inform my service with added empathetic capacity
(206) 208-7114 View (206) 208-7114
Photo of Hina Syed, MHP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Hina Syed
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
My expertise includes adjusting to life transitions, exploring relational dynamics, navigating mixed/multicultural relationships and shining a light on the dark places inside to promote growth and self-awareness.
The quality of our relationships has a big impact on the quality of our lives, and that can feel overwhelming. These human connections, between romantic partners, friends, family members, and coworkers, have the power to transform our lives. Sometimes, we need help to manage transitions, move through cycles of connection and disconnection or conduct pulse checks with one another. I want to meet you where you are at and help you discover where you want to go as you live through your relationships and life changes. Together, we will work to strengthen relational intelligence, communication, connection and your motivation to change.
My expertise includes adjusting to life transitions, exploring relational dynamics, navigating mixed/multicultural relationships and shining a light on the dark places inside to promote growth and self-awareness.
The quality of our relationships has a big impact on the quality of our lives, and that can feel overwhelming. These human connections, between romantic partners, friends, family members, and coworkers, have the power to transform our lives. Sometimes, we need help to manage transitions, move through cycles of connection and disconnection or conduct pulse checks with one another. I want to meet you where you are at and help you discover where you want to go as you live through your relationships and life changes. Together, we will work to strengthen relational intelligence, communication, connection and your motivation to change.
(425) 517-0543 View (425) 517-0543
Photo of Andrew Zarate, MSW, RDN, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew Zarate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RDN, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Andrew (he/him/his). I’m here to work with you to improve the quality of your life using insight oriented talk therapy. I work with adults on issues ranging from, but not limited to, general stressors of life, interpersonal and relational issues, shame, multicultural issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and navigating life transitions. I also have experience in treating chronic mental health conditions such as anxiety, and depression.
Hi, I'm Andrew (he/him/his). I’m here to work with you to improve the quality of your life using insight oriented talk therapy. I work with adults on issues ranging from, but not limited to, general stressors of life, interpersonal and relational issues, shame, multicultural issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and navigating life transitions. I also have experience in treating chronic mental health conditions such as anxiety, and depression.
(206) 737-0650 View (206) 737-0650
Photo of Emily Flory, LMHC
Emily Flory
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I utilize a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), feminist theory, multicultural, and person-centered therapy.
Being a human can be a struggle even in the best of times. For many of us, now is not the best of times, making support for your mental health and well-being more important than ever. As your therapist, I hope to hold space and walk alongside you in whatever season of life you are experiencing. With warmth, humor, sincerity, and care, I strive to build a relationship with each of my clients that cultivates empowerment and deep compassion for self. I believe that change is possible for everyone and anyone when they have the right support.
I utilize a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), feminist theory, multicultural, and person-centered therapy.
Being a human can be a struggle even in the best of times. For many of us, now is not the best of times, making support for your mental health and well-being more important than ever. As your therapist, I hope to hold space and walk alongside you in whatever season of life you are experiencing. With warmth, humor, sincerity, and care, I strive to build a relationship with each of my clients that cultivates empowerment and deep compassion for self. I believe that change is possible for everyone and anyone when they have the right support.
(206) 678-0153 View (206) 678-0153
Photo of Aman Gill, LPC, LMHC, CHT, Counselor
Aman Gill
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
I also specialize in multicultural counseling and serving underrepresented communities.
Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person. – Anonymous. I have been lucky enough to know very early on that psychology and counseling is where my passion lies. I am continuously humbled to help others though their personal journeys and bearing witness to the strength and resilience that is discovered within.
I also specialize in multicultural counseling and serving underrepresented communities.
Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person. – Anonymous. I have been lucky enough to know very early on that psychology and counseling is where my passion lies. I am continuously humbled to help others though their personal journeys and bearing witness to the strength and resilience that is discovered within.
(206) 775-8057 x701 View (206) 775-8057 x701
Photo of Dr. Laura Preciado, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Dr. Laura Preciado
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98108
I am most comfortable with multicultural/feminist approaches.
Accepting New Clients NOW. Are you looking for a compassionate and socially conscious therapist who provides trauma-focused care? Then we might be a good fit to work together! Sometimes we need guidance to resolve our conflicts and difficulties. Talking through our thoughts and putting words to our deeply held emotions can give us a sense of relief, clarity, and direction. This is what I offer in therapy.
I am most comfortable with multicultural/feminist approaches.
Accepting New Clients NOW. Are you looking for a compassionate and socially conscious therapist who provides trauma-focused care? Then we might be a good fit to work together! Sometimes we need guidance to resolve our conflicts and difficulties. Talking through our thoughts and putting words to our deeply held emotions can give us a sense of relief, clarity, and direction. This is what I offer in therapy.
(425) 517-2440 View (425) 517-2440
Photo of Mei-Ling Vargas-Johnson, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Mei-Ling Vargas-Johnson
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I particularly enjoy working with teens and adults who wish to explore issues relating to identity development, relationships, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, grief, disability, multicultural issues, and crises of faith/spirituality.
PEAK Psychological Wellness is a group practice that provides culturally responsive individual therapy and psychological evaluation. As a Latina counselor, I wholeheartedly value identity, intersectionality, and autonomy as fundamental to the therapeutic process. I believe that therapy provides us with the opportunity to express ourselves to the fullest extent without fear of judgment or retaliation. My goal as a therapist is to create an affirming space for you to explore difficult feelings by harnessing your strengths and honoring your boundaries, all while providing and receiving constructive feedback along the way.
I particularly enjoy working with teens and adults who wish to explore issues relating to identity development, relationships, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, grief, disability, multicultural issues, and crises of faith/spirituality.
PEAK Psychological Wellness is a group practice that provides culturally responsive individual therapy and psychological evaluation. As a Latina counselor, I wholeheartedly value identity, intersectionality, and autonomy as fundamental to the therapeutic process. I believe that therapy provides us with the opportunity to express ourselves to the fullest extent without fear of judgment or retaliation. My goal as a therapist is to create an affirming space for you to explore difficult feelings by harnessing your strengths and honoring your boundaries, all while providing and receiving constructive feedback along the way.
(206) 502-0951 View (206) 502-0951
Photo of Rebeka Ramsay, Pre-Licensed Professional
Rebeka Ramsay
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98116
My collaborative therapeutic style is rooted in multicultural feminism and attachment exploration.
Accepting new clients in person and virtually - Are you experiencing a lot of emotions as you navigate one of the biggest transitions of your life? The period before conception, the pregnancy, and life postpartum have incredible challenges. You are not alone. It is my professional purpose to provide support to folks during those moments. My personal experience as a Latina immigrant navigating the challenges of motherhood in the United States drives my commitment to perinatal mental health and to working alongside immigrants and individuals from underrepresented communities.
My collaborative therapeutic style is rooted in multicultural feminism and attachment exploration.
Accepting new clients in person and virtually - Are you experiencing a lot of emotions as you navigate one of the biggest transitions of your life? The period before conception, the pregnancy, and life postpartum have incredible challenges. You are not alone. It is my professional purpose to provide support to folks during those moments. My personal experience as a Latina immigrant navigating the challenges of motherhood in the United States drives my commitment to perinatal mental health and to working alongside immigrants and individuals from underrepresented communities.
(206) 888-4254 View (206) 888-4254
Photo of Amber Wodzinski, LMHC, Counselor
Amber Wodzinski
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
Other theoretical orientations I align with include feminist, multicultural, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy.
I approach people with an open, genuine, and transparent posture, which hopefully helps others feel welcome to be themselves. My clients have described me as warm, gentle, inviting, and relatable. I work with adults, adolescents, and their families—individually and as parts of a whole. I welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. As someone who aligns with narrative therapy, I understand that everyone’s unique experiences may have influenced how they interact with the world, and my hope is that together—we can help you create and support preferred ways of living.
Other theoretical orientations I align with include feminist, multicultural, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy.
I approach people with an open, genuine, and transparent posture, which hopefully helps others feel welcome to be themselves. My clients have described me as warm, gentle, inviting, and relatable. I work with adults, adolescents, and their families—individually and as parts of a whole. I welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. As someone who aligns with narrative therapy, I understand that everyone’s unique experiences may have influenced how they interact with the world, and my hope is that together—we can help you create and support preferred ways of living.
(425) 472-4086 View (425) 472-4086
Photo of Mae Smith, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Mae Smith
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133
Waitlist for new clients
I particularly love working with queer folks, men, and people with multicultural identities.
Are you navigating life with ADHD, perhaps diagnosed as an adult? Feeling stuck in romantic relationships, that you’re in or want to be in? Exploring parts of your identity that are difficult to name? If any of these sound like you, we could be a great fit! I am a queer, neurodivergent mental health counselor who specializes in all things identity, intimacy, and relationships.
I particularly love working with queer folks, men, and people with multicultural identities.
Are you navigating life with ADHD, perhaps diagnosed as an adult? Feeling stuck in romantic relationships, that you’re in or want to be in? Exploring parts of your identity that are difficult to name? If any of these sound like you, we could be a great fit! I am a queer, neurodivergent mental health counselor who specializes in all things identity, intimacy, and relationships.
(509) 560-5909 View (509) 560-5909
Photo of Jamie Welch, PhD, Psychologist
Jamie Welch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work predominantly from an interpersonal perspective, but incorporate ACT, psychodynamic, feminist multicultural, and other techniques as the needs of my clients require.
Updated 8/1/24: My clients have come to me experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and many other presenting concerns. In therapy I strive to understand and clarify my clients' goals and help them work toward building insight around their concerns. You don't have to know exactly what your goals might be, and during our work you can always add or change goals. This is your treatment and my hope is that you take an active role in determining the direction and depth of the work that we do together. My hope is that we can end every session feeling that we have made progress.
I work predominantly from an interpersonal perspective, but incorporate ACT, psychodynamic, feminist multicultural, and other techniques as the needs of my clients require.
Updated 8/1/24: My clients have come to me experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and many other presenting concerns. In therapy I strive to understand and clarify my clients' goals and help them work toward building insight around their concerns. You don't have to know exactly what your goals might be, and during our work you can always add or change goals. This is your treatment and my hope is that you take an active role in determining the direction and depth of the work that we do together. My hope is that we can end every session feeling that we have made progress.
(206) 589-1101 View (206) 589-1101
Photo of Katrina Herzog, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katrina Herzog
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I utilize a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes Expressive Arts Therapy, DBT, CBT+, feminist theory, multicultural, and person-centered therapy.
So many issues occurring in our individual experiences, interpersonal relationships, communal tensions, and global conflicts originate from a disconnect from our human emotions. My goal is to connect you to your own emotions to help your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your communities at large. I have experience supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, gender exploration, LGBTQIA+ identity, religious trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and learning to recognize & process emotional experiences.
I utilize a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes Expressive Arts Therapy, DBT, CBT+, feminist theory, multicultural, and person-centered therapy.
So many issues occurring in our individual experiences, interpersonal relationships, communal tensions, and global conflicts originate from a disconnect from our human emotions. My goal is to connect you to your own emotions to help your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your communities at large. I have experience supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, gender exploration, LGBTQIA+ identity, religious trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and learning to recognize & process emotional experiences.
(206) 803-1400 View (206) 803-1400
Photo of Muzi Chen, LMHCA, Counselor
Muzi Chen
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
We can work together on: Trauma; Grief and loss; Multicultural issues; Anxiety/Depression; Relationship issues; Life transitions; Social stress. I am here to support you and invite you to this safe space where you are free to explore yourself without judgment. The foundation of my client-centered approach is founded on the idea that you are the expert on your own life, experiences, and emotions. In our sessions, I provide a compassionate and empathetic environment where you can feel safe and understood. We work collaboratively, focusing on your unique needs, goals, and values.
We can work together on: Trauma; Grief and loss; Multicultural issues; Anxiety/Depression; Relationship issues; Life transitions; Social stress. I am here to support you and invite you to this safe space where you are free to explore yourself without judgment. The foundation of my client-centered approach is founded on the idea that you are the expert on your own life, experiences, and emotions. In our sessions, I provide a compassionate and empathetic environment where you can feel safe and understood. We work collaboratively, focusing on your unique needs, goals, and values.
(206) 737-3053 View (206) 737-3053
Photo of Lori Mudge, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Lori Mudge
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I have a strong background in multicultural counseling and welcome all populations.
My philosophy toward helping people is one of collaboration and respect for your innate ability to heal and become whole. I create a warm, supportive, and challenging environment to help you explore your feelings and recognize that which may be getting in the way of living an authentic and fulfilling life. Together we will work to uncover your healthiest, fullest self.
I have a strong background in multicultural counseling and welcome all populations.
My philosophy toward helping people is one of collaboration and respect for your innate ability to heal and become whole. I create a warm, supportive, and challenging environment to help you explore your feelings and recognize that which may be getting in the way of living an authentic and fulfilling life. Together we will work to uncover your healthiest, fullest self.
(206) 537-0568 View (206) 537-0568
Photo of Yu-An Wang, LMHC, LCPC, NCC, MA, Counselor
Yu-An Wang
Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
Moreover, I embrace social justice and multicultural counseling to serve minority groups and work on the systematic issues and intersactionality.
I am a clinician focused on both deep emotions and practical coping. My therapy style is to collaborate with Clients to find out what works for you the best. It usually arises naturally from our body as body is the container for whatever we've been through. I believe psychotherapy can foster our personal growth and empower us to reclaim our capability to nurture and take care ourselves. I am specialized to work on perfectionism, professionalism, depression, anxiety, panic attack, trauma, stress, autistic spectrum, emotional regulation, relationship, family of origin, and cultural/racial issues.
Moreover, I embrace social justice and multicultural counseling to serve minority groups and work on the systematic issues and intersactionality.
I am a clinician focused on both deep emotions and practical coping. My therapy style is to collaborate with Clients to find out what works for you the best. It usually arises naturally from our body as body is the container for whatever we've been through. I believe psychotherapy can foster our personal growth and empower us to reclaim our capability to nurture and take care ourselves. I am specialized to work on perfectionism, professionalism, depression, anxiety, panic attack, trauma, stress, autistic spectrum, emotional regulation, relationship, family of origin, and cultural/racial issues.
(425) 409-5873 View (425) 409-5873
Photo of Maria-Sofia (Sofi) M. Paco, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Maria-Sofia (Sofi) M. Paco
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I am committed to supporting people from diverse backgrounds by affirming and guiding transformation and healing. I help support: Couples & Individuals, First Time Parents, First Generation Migrants, LGBTQIA2S+, Multicultural/Multiracial Couples, Individuals & Families. I work with those struggling with Grief & Trauma, Anxiety, Life Transitions, and Adjustment Disorders. For those that have lost themselves in the chaos and struggle, we work together in finding our center and creating new possibilities.
I am committed to supporting people from diverse backgrounds by affirming and guiding transformation and healing. I help support: Couples & Individuals, First Time Parents, First Generation Migrants, LGBTQIA2S+, Multicultural/Multiracial Couples, Individuals & Families. I work with those struggling with Grief & Trauma, Anxiety, Life Transitions, and Adjustment Disorders. For those that have lost themselves in the chaos and struggle, we work together in finding our center and creating new possibilities.
(253) 342-4558 View (253) 342-4558
Photo of Katie Roskilly, BA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Katie Roskilly
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
Life can be isolating at times. This is especially true when you add in ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, chronic illness, and Queerness, cultural, and relationship issues. We hold so many identities and struggles that influence who we are and how we move through our place in the world. It is essential to find yourself among those identities and move into the whole version of yourself that finds comfort in the here and now. This includes finding your community and support through all that life throws at us. As a therapist, I move through sessions with a person-centered, feminist, and multicultural lens.
Life can be isolating at times. This is especially true when you add in ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, chronic illness, and Queerness, cultural, and relationship issues. We hold so many identities and struggles that influence who we are and how we move through our place in the world. It is essential to find yourself among those identities and move into the whole version of yourself that finds comfort in the here and now. This includes finding your community and support through all that life throws at us. As a therapist, I move through sessions with a person-centered, feminist, and multicultural lens.
(425) 521-6691 View (425) 521-6691
Photo of Dr. Alice Huang, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Alice Huang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105  (Online Only)
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans & their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany and New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans & their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany and New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
(425) 906-7157 View (425) 906-7157
Photo of Wen-Yu Cheng - Wen-Yu Cheng, Jungian Analyst, Neuropsychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT, Psychologist
Wen-Yu Cheng, Jungian Analyst, Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121  (Online Only)
Welcome to what may well be a journey of transformation. As a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and Jungian analyst, I am dedicated to facilitating your psychotherapy or neurorehabilitation. My background in neuropsychology, mindfulness, Jungian/depth psychology, and multicultural perspectives enables me to tailor our work, guiding you through your inner struggles, relationship issues, and brain health challenges (e.g., stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's). Together, we can arrive at a path of growth that makes sense to you.
Welcome to what may well be a journey of transformation. As a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and Jungian analyst, I am dedicated to facilitating your psychotherapy or neurorehabilitation. My background in neuropsychology, mindfulness, Jungian/depth psychology, and multicultural perspectives enables me to tailor our work, guiding you through your inner struggles, relationship issues, and brain health challenges (e.g., stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's). Together, we can arrive at a path of growth that makes sense to you.
(206) 208-8451 View (206) 208-8451
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Multicultural Therapists

What type of therapy is multicultural therapy?

Multicultural therapy is not tied to any specific therapy; rather, it is an overarching approach to therapy that aims to acknowledge and address the influence that factors like race, gender identity, and cultural background can have on someone’s life. Multicultural approaches can be applied to CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and others, and can be practiced with individuals, couples, families, or groups.

What can I expect from multicultural therapy?

Multicultural counseling should be tailored to the client’s unique identity and cultural needs. Such approaches often prioritize the building of trust so that the client feels comfortable exploring various aspects of their identity and any challenges caused by mismatches between their identity and the dominant culture. Beyond that, the format and timeline of therapy will be heavily influenced by the therapist’s preferred therapy approach and the specific problems for which the client sought therapy.

Can multicultural therapy help treat trauma?

Yes. Cultural factors such as racial background, gender identity and or sexuality, and immigration or refugee status can influence both whether someone experiences trauma and how they cope afterward. Multicultural approaches to trauma-informed care will be aware of these influences, helping the client recognize how their response to trauma may be shaped by their cultural background and identify coping mechanisms that take their identity into account.

What are the benefits of seeing a multicultural therapist?

Members of minority groups who seek therapy are sometimes frustrated by providers who don’t understand their cultural background or dismiss the ways in which race, gender, or other facets of their identity influence their lived experience. Seeing a multicultural therapist can help these clients feel seen, understood, and able to develop solutions to life challenges that take their upbringing, beliefs, and past experiences into account.