All over social media, we are seeing more and more conversations around mental health, but many feel as if therapy is overrated or even refer to it as a "scam". According to the American Psychological Association (APA), only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care actually receive it. Now there are plenty of understandable and justifiable reasons why our community is less likely to seek help but for now let's focus on why 2025 is a great time to start therapy. Keep in mind that while I am a therapist, I am Black before anything, CLOCK IT! So, as a Black woman therapist who also goes to therapy, I'm going to hold you by both hands when I say this, therapy is not for “crazy” folks, it’s for EVERYBODY and ANYBODY who needs to be heard, feel seen, be challenged and provided with an environment to help them grow. If you’ve been thinking about giving therapy a shot but have been waiting on a sign....

For all the stubborn folks in the back, we are going to break it down. Here are five reasons why 2025 is THE year to prioritize starting your mental health journey.
1. Breaking the Stigma
For a long time, talking about mental health in the Black community was like talking about a family secret—something you just don’t bring up. Therapy was seen as something only “other people” need, or a sign of weakness. We put more focus on the aesthetic or concept of being happy/ healthy from the outside. But guess what? Times are changing’. 2025 is the year we take off those cute masks and make mental health just as normal as getting a physical or going to the gym. By stepping into therapy, not only are you doing yourself a favor, but you’re also breaking down the outdated stereotypes and making it easier for the next generation to take that same step. We all know what happens in this house, stays in this house right? WRONG! That concept has caused so much damage and lead to generational trauma that we are now responsible for breaking. It's time for us to demolish that raggedy ass house, full of silent tears, anxious thoughts and misplaced anger. Brick by Brick!
2.Addressing the Impact of Systematic Racism
Now I know some of y'all read this and rolled your eyes at the 'R' word but it's real and relevant in a historical context as well as present day government. Systemic racism can have a profound effect on mental health, contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. The weight of racism, microaggressions, and social injustice can make life feel like an emotional rollercoaster that others refuse to see. It can be even more frustrating when coworkers, family, friends or spouse minimize what you are experiencing and hit you with "I don't think Karen meant it that way". Regardless of your profession, political views or economic status we are all going to experience some unpredictable shifts this year. But guess what? Therapy can be your safe space to unload all that baggage and just yell WTF is happening now!
3.Building better Emotional and Mental resilience
If we keeping it real, Black folks have been flexing strength and resilience like nobody’s business throughout history. But hold up—resilience doesn’t mean you have to bottle everything up or just power through without any help. That's definitely a recipe for an epic "crash out" but you probably did enough of that last year. How did that work out? Mhhhmmm, let's try something else. Therapy is here to help you dig into those emotions, really understand them, and find healthier ways to cope. Think of it as building that mental and emotional muscle, so you’re not just surviving but thriving—whether it’s at work, in your personal life, or just out here in the world. So yeah, therapy is your secret weapon to level up emotionally and move differently. Now take that damn cape off and let somebody else be God's strongest soldier.
4.Improving Relationships and Communication
Starting therapy isn’t just for you, it’s also a game-changer for your relationships. Whether you're trying to survive family drama, communicate better with your friends, fix that work vibe with your colleagues or build a healthier love life, therapy can teach you the skills to level up your social life. Sometimes we need an unbiased opinion because sometimes it actually is you, and that's ok because we're working on it, lol! Therapy gives you a chance to unpack all those dynamics within your family or relationships that might be a little too complicated to share with someone else. Let’s be real, some things just hit differently, and therapy helps you navigate all that without losing your mind. We listen and we don't judge!
5.Access to Culturally Competent Care
Finding a therapist who gets where you’re coming from, understands your culture, and respects your unique experiences is key to actually making therapy work for you. In 2025, we’re in luck—there are more Black therapists and mental health pros who specialize in culturally competent care than ever before. The field of mental health has gotten bigger and Blacker! Black therapists are really stepping and increasing their availability, visibility, specialty areas, and accessibility. There are websites like Black Therapists Matter, where you can search specifically for Black therapists and find someone who meets your needs. Everyone's Black experience is different, so you want to make sure that besides race, they meet all your needs. With the right therapist in your corner, you’ll finally feel seen, heard, and understood—because honestly, that’s the kind of energy you need around you all year.
Ok let's wrap this on up so you can start shopping for your new therapist. The Black community is increasingly recognizing that mind, body, and spirit all work cohesively and are equally important in overall wellbeing. In 2025, the shifts happening, will be the perfect time to start therapy and utilize it as a real tool for healing and growth. Whether you’re trying to break generational traumas, shake off the weight of systemic racism, level up your emotional resilience, or just want to make your relationships stronger, therapy is a vibe. It’s time to stop sleeping on your mental health and start your healing journey now—because you deserve that peace of mind.
Plus, there’s more Black therapists out here now, so the concept of talking to someone you can't identify with is of the past. Black therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are really out here and ready to help you start your healing journey. Visit www.blacktherapistsmatter.com to start shopping today!
Written by Pametria Dominise, The Therapy Plug!
留言