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.

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068

Shadan Mosavat
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, NU, AB, MB, NL, NT, SK, YT
Shadan Mosavat
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$180/session
ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotional regulation, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Couples, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Stress, Self-Regulation, Befriending the Nervous System, General Mental Health, Mindfulness, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, OCD, Personal Growth, Coping Skills, Racism, Relationship to self and others, Eating disorders, Cultural Challenges
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Cherrisse McWilliams
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Cherrisse McWilliams
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/her
Offers free consultation
$125/session
Stress, General Mental Health, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Women's Health, Wellness Counselling, Trauma, Self-esteem, Relationships, Responsibility, Racism, Pregnancy, Postnatal Care, Perimenopause mental health support, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Parenting, Navigating challenging relationships, Motivation, Imposter syndrome, Health anxiety, College or University Coaching, BIPOC, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Self-Image
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Sharon Singh
Registered Social Worker
- Offers in-person (Windsor, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Sharon Singh
Registered Social Worker
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$160/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Creativity, Depression, Dissociation, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Racism, Somatic Therapy, Trauma processing, Nervous system regulation, Negative thinking and ruminating, Money Trauma, OCD, Shadow Work, Parts Work
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Anh Duffy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Offers in-person (London, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON, AB, SK, MB, NL, NU, YT, NT
Anh Duffy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$130/session
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), BIPOC, Anxiety, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Body Dysmorphia, Children/Teens, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Family Conflict, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, Racism, Relationships, Social anxiety, Stress, Suicidal ideation, Trauma, Women's Health
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Candice Frederick
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Candice Frederick
Canadian Certified Counsellor
she/her
Offers free consultation
$185/session
Money Trauma, Burnout, Stress, Workplace stress, Wellness Counselling, Trauma, Sexuality, Self-Development, Relationships, 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, Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
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Michael Kang
Registered Psychotherapist
- Offers in-person (Toronto, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON, NT, YT, NU, AB, BC, NL, SK
Michael Kang
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers free consultation
$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
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Shannon Freud
Registered Social Worker
- Offers in-person (Toronto, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Shannon Freud
Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$170/session
Caregivers, Children/Teens, 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, 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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Natalie Saroya
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Waitlist
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Natalie Saroya
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Relationships, Life transitions, Maternal mental health, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Career Performance, Career Stress, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Family Conflict, Family issues, Goal Setting, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Perinatal, Pregnancy, Racism, Separation and divorce, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Burnout
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

You deserve more from therapy.

You made the courageous decision to reach your full potential. Find the right therapist to help get you there, and make the most of the time and money you’re investing in yourself.

Find your therapist

Understanding Racism and Its Mental Health Impact

Therapists

Shadan Mosavat

Shadan Mosavat

Cherrisse McWilliams

Cherrisse McWilliams

Sharon Singh

Sharon Singh

Anh Duffy

Anh Duffy

Candice Frederick

Candice Frederick

Michael Kang

Michael Kang

Shannon Freud

Shannon Freud

Natalie Saroya

Natalie Saroya

Frequently Asked Questions

You deserve more from therapy.