Understanding Racism and Its Mental Health Impact

Experiencing racism can have profound effects on mental health and well-being. While our network of specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who offer culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive approaches.

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Racism—whether experienced as overt discrimination, microaggressions, or systemic barriers—can have significant impacts on mental health. The cumulative stress of navigating racist environments can contribute to anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and trauma responses. Racial trauma, sometimes called race-based traumatic stress, describes the psychological impact of experiencing or witnessing racism.

Therapy can provide a safe space to process experiences of racism, validate the very real impact these experiences have, and develop coping strategies. Working with a culturally competent therapist who understands racism's effects can be particularly valuable. On First Session, you can explore therapists who offer culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive approaches and work with BIPOC clients. Browse profiles and watch intro videos to find someone who understands your experience and can support your healing.

Candice Frederick

Canadian Certified Counsellor
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, MB, NT, NB, YT, NU, PE, NL, and SK.
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Candice Frederick

Candice Frederick

Canadian Certified Counsellor
she/her
$160/session
Trauma, Money Trauma, Somatic Therapy, Burnout, Stress, Relationships, Workplace stress, Wellness Counselling, Sexuality, Self-Development, Racism, Women's Health, Life transitions, LGBTQ2IA+, Intergenerational trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Caregivers, Cultural Challenges, Perfectionism, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Diabetes mental health support, Perimenopause mental health support, Grief and Loss, Career guidance, Pro-choice
Trauma, Money Trauma, Somatic Therapy, Burnout, Stress, Relationships, Workplace stress, Wellness Counselling, Sexuality, Self-Development, Racism, Women's Health, Life transitions, LGBTQ2IA+, Intergenerational trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Caregivers, Cultural Challenges, Perfectionism, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Diabetes mental health support, Perimenopause mental health support, Grief and Loss, Career guidance, Pro-choice
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Michael Kang

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, NT, YT, NU, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
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Michael Kang

Michael Kang

Registered Psychotherapist
$195/session
ADHD, Anger Management, Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Caregiver burnout, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Low mood, School challenges, Self harm, College or University Coaching, Relationship anxiety, Relationships, Racism, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), BIPOC, Grief and Loss
ADHD, Anger Management, Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Caregiver burnout, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Low mood, School challenges, Self harm, College or University Coaching, Relationship anxiety, Relationships, Racism, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), BIPOC, Grief and Loss
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Shannon Freud

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Shannon Freud

Shannon Freud

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$170/session
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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How does racism affect mental health?

Racism can affect mental health in numerous ways, including contributing to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, hypervigilance, and trauma responses. The chronic stress of navigating racist systems and experiences—sometimes called racial battle fatigue—can also affect physical health. These impacts are real and valid, and support is available.

What is racial trauma?

Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress, refers to the psychological and emotional harm caused by experiences with racism. This can include direct experiences of discrimination, witnessing racism toward others, or the cumulative impact of living in a society where racism is present. Symptoms may mirror those of PTSD and can significantly affect daily life.

How can therapy help with experiences of racism?

Therapy can provide a validating space to process experiences of racism, name the impact, and develop coping strategies. Culturally competent therapists can help you navigate the complexities of living in a racist society, address internalized racism, and build resilience. The therapeutic relationship itself can model respect and understanding.

How do I find a therapist who understands racism?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who identify as culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive, or who work specifically with BIPOC clients. While our network in this area is growing, many therapists are committed to understanding and addressing racism's mental health impacts. Watch intro videos to find someone who resonates with you.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're seeking support related to racism, you might explore therapists who work with BIPOC clients, cultural challenges, trauma, identity, or those offering anti-oppressive approaches. These areas often intersect and can support your healing journey.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or approach. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, helping you find culturally informed support for your needs.