Find a Mental Health Professional for Racism, Discrimination & Minority Stress

About Racism, Discrimination & Minority Stress support

Racism and discrimination, whether overt or subtle, have real and measurable effects on mental health and wellbeing. These experiences include direct discrimination, racist harassment, microaggressions, systemic disadvantage, and the psychological burden of navigating environments where one's belonging and safety are not guaranteed. Minority stress, the chronic stress of being a member of a marginalised group, accumulates over time and can contribute to anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and identity struggles. Culturally responsive therapy acknowledges the reality of racism and does not locate the problem within the individual. Support may focus on validating and processing experiences of discrimination, building resilience, managing the emotional aftermath of specific incidents, and navigating decisions about how and when to respond to racism. Community and collective support also play an important role alongside individual therapy. In Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission handles complaints about discrimination. Community legal centres and multicultural services provide support and advocacy. Many community health services employ culturally responsive practitioners. The Lowitja Institute advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and many mainstream mental health services are working to become more culturally safe for diverse communities.