Racial Identity

What is racial identity?

Racial identity is your sense of belonging to a specific racial group, such as White or Black, and how society perceives your race. It’s often influenced by societal expectations, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences. Your racial identity may be associated with specific situations, life transitions, and sometimes mental health challenges. 

What are potential mental health challenges related to racial identity?

Depending on the race you identify with, how society views you, how you view your race, and life’s circumstances, you could face the following challenges related to your racial identity.

Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) struggles

Examples of potential BIPOC challenges include being in a minority group, discrimination, and social stigma. If you’re facing mental health struggles related to being in the BIPOC community, the Doran team is here for you.

Immigration concerns

Stigma, language barriers, life transitions, discrimination, and other immigrant-related challenges may negatively influence your mental health. 

Cultural adjustment challenges

If you’re integrating into a new culture and encounter challenges along the way, especially if they accompany anxiety or other mental health concerns, turn to the Doran experts for added support. 

Multicultural identity integration issues

If you struggle with multicultural identity integration and need mental health assistance (therapy, medications, etc.), the Doran psychiatric experts are here to help.

Which mental health concerns may stem from racial identity challenges?

Examples of mental health conditions that may develop because of racial identity challenges include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Grief

You may also struggle with self-worth issues, financial difficulties, job-related concerns, feelings of hopelessness, or similar issues.

How are racial identity-related mental health concerns treated?

The Doran experts complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5-TR criteria to determine if you have a mental health disorder linked to your cultural or racial identity. 

They discuss any life transitions, past trauma, and your lifestyle, thoughts, mood, emotions, and behaviors to determine if you would benefit from treatment.

Your individualized mental health treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle change counseling
• Nutrition counseling
• Psychotherapy 
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy 
• Couples therapy
• Group therapy 
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
• Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Exposure therapy 
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychedelic integration therapy
• Ketamine therapy

The Doran team follows up to ensure a superior, long-lasting mental health outcome and the best quality of life possible.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation today at Doran to discuss racial identity concerns by calling the office or booking an appointment online.