How to Know If Your Therapist Is Culturally Responsive
by: Precious olaoye
I still remember my first session with a therapist over Zoom. I wasn’t sure how much of myself I could bring into that space. As a Black woman trying to navigate college, faith, family, and mental health, I was really just looking for someone who would understand without me having to over-explain. I didn’t want to keep justifying why certain things bothered me or why silence sometimes felt safer than speaking up. I needed someone who could hold space for all the parts of me, even the ones that didn’t fit neatly into a clinical definition.
When we talk about therapy being “culturally responsive,” we’re talking about whether your therapist is truly aware of the impact culture, race, gender, faith, language, and power have on your life. It’s not about whether they share your identity, but about whether they respect it, are open to learning, and are actively trying to understand how it shapes your experience.
So how can you tell if your therapist is culturally responsive or not? Here are a few things to look for, based on what I’ve learned and what helped me along the way.
They are Willing to Talk About Identity
A therapist who is culturally aware doesn’t avoid tough conversations about race, gender, religion, or background. If you mention something specific about your culture or experience and they move past it or seem uncomfortable, that could be a sign they’re not equipped to fully support you.
What you can do: In early sessions, try asking something like, “How do you bring culture and identity into your work?” See how they respond. Are they reflective? Do they answer honestly or seem caught off guard?
2. They ask, instead of assuming
It’s frustrating when someone fills in your story before you’ve had a chance to tell it. A good therapist should be asking questions like, “What role does your background or spirituality play in your life?” rather than guessing or generalizing.
What to look for: Do they ask about your community, family, or upbringing in a way that shows curiosity and care? Or do they skip over it?
3. They Do the Work, Even When You are Not in the Room
Cultural responsiveness isn’t just about what happens in the session. Therapists who care about being culturally competent are usually reading, taking trainings, and reflecting on their own biases. They’re not perfect, but they’re trying.
What you can check: Look at their website or bio. Do they mention any experience with diverse populations? Do they say anything about working through a trauma-informed or anti-oppressive lens?
4. You Don’t Feel like You Have to Leave Parts of Yourself at the Door
This one is personal. You might not even notice you’re doing it at first. But if you find yourself code-switching or avoiding certain topics, it might be because the space doesn’t feel safe yet.
What to notice: After your sessions, do you feel lighter or more exhausted? Do you feel understood, or like you had to explain too much just to be seen?
5. Lastly: You are Allowed to Choose Who Helps You to Heal
Therapy is your space. If something doesn’t sit right, you’re not being too picky or difficult. You’re just being real about your needs. And you deserve a therapist who’s willing to meet you where you are, learn from you, and walk alongside you.
There are therapists out there who care deeply and are committed to showing up fully for every kind of client. Finding the right one might take time, but don’t settle for less.
Want to know more about the author of this article?
Precious Olaoye is a Thrive and Feel intern, and Neuroscience student at the University of Notre Dame. Precious is passionate about compassionate care grounded in cultural competence in therapy.
