Finding a Psychologist of Colour Shouldn't Be This Hard

"Three years ago, as my marriage was dissolving, I was in crisis and desperately needed support. As a Black professional woman, I searched for a Black psychologist in my city of Ottawa, Canada's capital-someone who would implicitly understand my world without me having to explain the basics of my existence. I couldn't find a single one. My search ended with a compromise: remote therapy with a therapist hours away in Toronto."

"The shortage of racialized psychologists creates problems for clients and perpetuates inequity in training. Systemic barriers, not a lack of talent, keep diverse individuals out of psychology. Data collection is vital for accountability, since we can't fix a problem we don't measure. Real change requires diversifying leadership with designated space for BIPOC to have a seat at the table. The work builds upon findings from our original 2023 article, " Lions at the Gate,""

The shortage of racialized psychologists limits access to culturally attuned care and perpetuates inequity in training and professional development. A Black professional in Ottawa experienced an inability to find any Black psychologist, leading to remote care or reliance on a White psychologist with relevant competence. Systemic barriers, including admissions, mentorship, financial obstacles, and institutional gatekeeping, rather than lack of talent, restrict entry and advancement for diverse candidates. Data collection and transparent measurement are necessary for accountability. Diversifying leadership and creating designated seats and space for BIPOC in decision-making roles are required to produce structural, sustainable change.

Read at Psychology Today