BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Highlighting Strength and Resilience in BIPOC Communities

Thrive • July 9, 2021

Formally introduced in 2008, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (or BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month) was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups face. In 2021, the theme of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is Strength in Communities. The theme offers the opportunity to highlight the cultural shortcomings of typical approaches to mental health treatment, and call attention to alternative mental health supports founded in BIPOC communities. 

BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES

Facing cultural stigma and other obstacles, BIPOC communities are more likely to suffer from poor mental health outcomes. Here’s why it’s important to consider BIPOC mental health —

  • In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for blacks or African Americans, ages 15 to 24.
  • American Indian/Alaska Natives are 60 percent more likely to experience the feeling that everything is an effort, all or most of the time, as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • In 2018, Asians were 60 percent less likely to have received mental health treatment as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • Poverty level affects mental health status. Hispanics living below the poverty level, as compared to Hispanics over twice the poverty level, are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress.
  • In 2019, suicide was the leading cause of death for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders ages 15-24.

SHORT-COMINGS OF WESTERN MENTAL HEALTH MODELS

The Western medical model is most commonly used to understand mental and physical health. It emphasizes accurate diagnoses, evidence-based treatments, and measurable outcomes. However, it fails to address the unique needs of BIPOC communities. Here’s why — 

  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis procedures are not always culturally competent, which can result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. 
  • Treatment: When a diagnosis is achieved, the dominant treatment practices are not always relevant for marginalized communities.
  • Evidence-Based Modalities: Even evidence-based practices can be marred by implicit racism and bias and lack of diversity.
  • Health Insurance: Typical health insurance structures fail to appropriately recognize community and cultural support. 
  • Healthcare System: There is a deep mistrust of the western healthcare system as a whole among BIPOC communities. 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THAT EMBRACES BIPOC COMMUNITIES 

Fortunately, there are alternatives to the Western medical model. The following practices offer different ways to address medical and mental health, as well as help foster healing, strength, and resilience in BIPOC Communities. 

  • Community care: The generations-old approach is structured around the collective beliefs of the communities. Community care holds the well-being of each individual as intrinsically tied to the well-being of others. Together in their communities, members address needs (including mental health concerns) in solidarity. 
  • Culturally-based practices: By relying on cultural values, the support system provides comfort, security, trust, and healing to individuals in BIPOC communities.
  • Self-directed care (SDC): The practice encourages individuals struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse to take direct responsibility to manage their care.

ESTABLISHING STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE IN BIPOC COMMUNITIES

Members of BIPOC communities and allies can work together to address the mental health needs of BIPOC individuals. Here’s how — 

  • Educate yourself. Take a critical look at current healthcare systems. Consider the weaknesses and strengths of existing frameworks.
  • Advocate for accessibility. Call for healthcare that respects the unique needs of all cultures. 
  • Think outside of the box. Go beyond traditional healthcare if it is not serving your cultural needs. Search for resources within your community or create cultural support systems. 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE FOR BIPOC INDIVIDUALS AT THRIVE

Thrive welcomes individuals of all races, backgrounds, genders, and identities. Many of our team members even specialize in treating racially related mental health concerns. Reach out to us to learn more.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
More Posts

Start your healing journey today

NEXT STEPS

Are you ready to find hope? We can't wait to connect you with the care you need. To get started with us, please reach out using the link below.   

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →