With Black History Month in February and Women’s Health Month in March both fast approaching, our latest Member Spotlight series guest was the perfect choice. Dr. LaNail Plummer, a licensed therapist and author of The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women, brings deep insight into the therapeutic process. This series highlights therapists who are eager to offer insight into the therapy experience and share valuable perspectives on how to make mental health care more approachable and authentic.
Dr. Plummer’s work emphasizes cultural competency, authentic connection, and the importance of creating spaces where clients don’t have to educate their therapist about their lived experiences. In this interview, Dr. Plummer shares practical wisdom about starting therapy, the neuroscience behind talk therapy, and why finding a therapist who truly understands you can make all the difference in your healing journey.
Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time or looking for a therapist who gets you, Dr. Plummer’s insights will help you understand what makes therapy work and how to find the right therapeutic fit.
 LIVE INTERVIEW: Watch the Conversation with Dr. LaNail Plummer
Q&A with Dr. LaNail Plummer
Q: What would you want someone who’s never been to therapy before to know about starting therapy?
Dr. Plummer:
Therapy is a relationship: it’s a therapeutic partnership or alliance. It may take a bit of time to really get into the groove of things. It takes time to build that ease and comfort. If the comfort doesn’t happen right away, give it a little more time, maybe a couple of months, to really see how you feel.
The other thing to consider is that whatever brings us to therapy, our presenting issue, may not be the root issue. Often, it’s a symptom that brings us to therapy, not the actual root. If we trust our therapist, they can help us get to that root issue. And whatever that root issue is, it has likely been forming for years, if not decades.Â
In summary, recognize that therapy is a relationship and a process, and it’s going to take a little bit of time.
Q: How can therapy help someone who feels like something’s off but can’t quite put their finger on it?
Dr. Plummer:
Our brains are designed in a particular way where we can often ruminate, specifically in the positioning between our amygdala and our hippocampus. But being able to talk through that issue pushes it through the amygdala and the hippocampus and up to the prefrontal cortex, where we’re thinking differently and have executive functioning and behavior from that. So talk therapy helps us stop that rumination. Think about a hamster on a wheel: that’s what happens with our thoughts when we keep having them recur. But therapy is the way to stop the wheel and allow the hamster to come off.
Talk therapy has a neurological effect, but it also has an emotional effect. When we’re going through something challenging and having a difficult time coming up with a solution, we need a safe space. Participating in therapy allows us to have a relationship with somebody who truly cares about what’s best for us and has a treatment plan to help us get where we want to go.
A therapist is often objective to the situation. They will ask questions and share summaries or interpretations that may allow the client to think outside the box because it’s not so personal.
Q: Why is it important for people to find therapists who truly understand them, whether through shared background, identity, or something else?
Dr. Plummer:
My most recent book, The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women, is specific to Black women, but it’s the first in a series that will be dedicated to different demographics.
It’s important because when a client comes in, they want to be able to talk about whatever challenge they’re having and get direction, questions, summaries, and interpretations. They come in to be the client; they don’t come in to be an educator. Often, clients are looking for counselors who are similar to them in any type of identifier because they don’t want to have to explain who they are and some of the cultural nuances.
All mental health professions require their graduate students to take a multicultural course, but the course is only about 15 weeks long. It doesn’t spend as much time identifying all of the needs for different races and genders. There may be one class per course that talks about a specific race or gender, and that’s really just not enough.
A book like The Essential Guide allows therapists to go deeper in their learning and understanding so that even if a client comes and doesn’t think they are most relatable to that therapist, the therapist has the cultural competency and understanding to do more than adequate work with that client.
Q: If you had to describe your therapy approach in one sentence, what makes you a good fit for clients?
Dr. Plummer:
My approach is that I actually care about people. I actually really love people. I am extremely curious about who people are, how they became who they are, the decisions they’ve made in their life. I like to highlight their strengths as well as where there are gaps between who they currently are and who they want to be.
Most people identify me as extremely relatable. I fit into lots of different spaces and elements and lots of different engagements with other people. Because of that, I can pick up quite quickly what people need in that particular moment, whether it’s words of affirmation or a particular direction and approach.
My theoretical orientation is cognitive, so I spend a lot of time thinking about people’s thoughts and helping them think about their thoughts before we really get into the emotions and the actions they’ve taken. That tends to lead toward my therapeutic modality as well, which is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Q: What’s one practical tip or mindset shift you often share that helps people start feeling better?
Dr. Plummer:
Often, people come to therapy seeking advice. A good therapist is not going to give advice: they’re going to guide a client toward a solution that the client wants for themselves.Â
I often give the analogy that a mother teaches her daughter how to ride a bike because all she knows how to do is ride that bike. She learned how to ride a bike, she felt empowered when she learned, and it allowed her to move through spaces quicker and get things done. She’s proud of her ability to ride a bike. So when she has a daughter, she teaches her daughter how to ride a bike because she wants to pass that information on.Â
But then later in life, [the daughter] feels cheated because her mom didn’t teach her how to drive a car. But the mom never knew how to drive a car. I think that makes clients feel better in understanding that your parents and grandparents often did the best that they could, even though it wasn’t all that you needed. Just because you don’t have a need met right now doesn’t mean that it can’t get met and that somebody can lean in and support you in that process.
Wherever there are gaps, we’ll help them find out who in their life can support them. And even if it’s within them already to learn how to do certain things. I think that takes some of the pressure off of them to feel that they have to know everything right in this moment, and the challenges they’re currently experiencing won’t last forever.
Q: Tell us about your book, The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women.
Dr. Plummer:
Many of our multicultural courses don’t teach us enough about different races and genders, and it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, as opposed to expecting the client to educate us. This book allows us to really dive deep and educate ourselves.
With over 222 pages, I have research, lived experiences, and client insights. I have therapist tips, so things that therapists need to be considering along the way as they’re reading each chapter. The book has catalyst questions, so therapists know how to engage with a client. I also have journal prompts that clients can be using. So the book is written for therapists, but it’s also written for Black women to give us all shared language about some of the experiences we’ve had.
There’s also a therapeutic guide so therapists know which therapeutic modalities would be best used when working with a Black woman on a particular theme, whether it’s cognitive therapy, REBT, or narrative therapy.
The book is specifically for those in healthcare (therapists, coaches, psychiatrists) and for Black women. It should be read by both populations, and it can be read by other people too, just to understand the lived experiences of Black women and why we do certain things. It allows Black women to be empowered and understand their experiences and why they do the things they do and how it’s helpful for who they are. As we build community, it’s important to have guides and language around how we can support each other to ensure we are not allowing our biases to enter the conversation, but instead allowing our sense of community and empowerment to be the anchor in how we continue to build relationships with people.
Finding Your Path to Wellness
Dr. LaNail Plummer’s approach to therapy embodies the core values of GoodTherapy: creating authentic, culturally competent spaces where clients can explore their challenges without having to educate their therapist about who they are. Her emphasis on patience, relationship-building, and understanding the root causes of our struggles offers a compassionate roadmap for anyone beginning their therapy journey. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or looking for a therapist who truly understands your lived experience, remember that healing is a process, and the right therapeutic partnership can help you get there.
Learn more about Dr. LaNail Plummer and her practice on her GoodTherapy profile.
You can also connect with her on Instagram @mahogany_sunshine.
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If you’re a GoodTherapy member and are interested in participating in our Member Spotlight series, please reach out to
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Let’s be honest, talking about Black mental health myths in the community hasn’t always been easy. For generations, we’ve been taught to be strong, keep pushing, pray harder, and keep our business in the family. Vulnerability was often seen as weakness, and therapy? That was for “other people.â€
But here’s the truth: strength is not the absence of struggle. Addressing mental health myths directly helps us break stigma and find the support we deserve.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a friend or client whisper, “I thought I was the only one going through this.” And yet, studies show that Black adults are 20% more likely than white adults to report serious psychological distress, yet we’re half as likely to receive the care we need.
Why? Because myths, stigma, and systemic barriers keep too many of us from seeking help. It’s time to change that. Let’s unpack five common Black mental health myths and replace them with truth, healing, and hope.
Myth 1: “Therapy Is for White People”
I grew up hearing this one on repeat. Therapy was often painted as a “luxury” for other folks. In many Black families, the idea of talking to a stranger about private struggles was almost unthinkable.
But here’s the reality: therapy is for everyone.
Therapists who specialize in working with Black clients understand that mental health challenges don’t mean we’re “weak”, they mean we’re human. Whether it’s managing stress, unpacking generational trauma, or navigating everyday pressures, therapy can provide tools that our families and communities were never given.
The shift is happening, too: more Black therapists are entering the field, and more Black clients are prioritizing wellness. According to the Association of Black Psychologists, while only 4% of psychologists are currently Black, initiatives are underway to expand the workforce.
Seeking help isn’t abandoning our culture, it’s expanding our strength.
Myth 2: “If I Have Faith, I Don’t Need Therapy”
Faith and spirituality have always been the heartbeat of our communities, and prayer can be powerful. But prayer and therapy are not competitors; they’re partners.
Imagine this: you pray for healing from a broken leg, but you still see a doctor to set the bone. Mental health is no different.
A culturally competent therapist will respect your faith and, if you choose, integrate it into your healing journey. Research on culturally competent therapy shows that therapy doesn’t take you away from God; it can bring you closer; helping you process pain, strengthen resilience, and find peace without shame.
Take Action: Looking for faith-integrated therapy? Browse our directory of culturally aware providers who can honor your beliefs while supporting your mental wellness.
Myth 3: “I Don’t Have Time for Therapy”
Between work, caregiving, church, and community responsibilities, many Black families are doing everything for everyone else. We push ourselves until we’re running on fumes and convince ourselves we don’t have time to pause.
But here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t ask for permission. Neither does anxiety, depression, or grief.
Therapy isn’t “one more thing on your list”, it’s a space to refill your cup so you can keep showing up for the people you love. And with virtual sessions and flexible scheduling, accessing therapy has never been easier.
Your healing is not a luxury. It’s a priority.
Myth 4: “I Can’t Afford Therapy”
Money can be a real barrier but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker.
There are more affordable options today than ever before:
- Sliding-scale therapy based on income
- Community clinics that offer free or low-cost sessions
- Employer assistance programs (EAPs) that include counseling benefits
- Virtual therapy platforms with reduced rates
- Referral networks (like ours!) that connect you with identity-affirming, cost-conscious providers
You deserve care that fits your life and your budget. Healing should not be reserved for the wealthy, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.
For help understanding stigma across different communities, read: 11 Organizations That Challenge Mental Health Stigma.
Myth 5: “Therapists Don’t Understand Black People”
This one is personal and for many, it’s true if you don’t find the right therapist.
Mental health care hasn’t always served Black communities well. Historically, many providers lacked cultural awareness, leaving clients feeling unseen or judged. But things are changing.
More Black therapists and culturally competent providers are practicing than ever before. Even if your therapist doesn’t share your identity, what matters most is cultural humility, a provider’s ability to listen, affirm, and adapt to your lived experiences.
You deserve a therapist who doesn’t just hear your words but understands your world.
Take Action: Finding the right therapist matters. Our network includes providers trained in multicultural competence who understand the unique experiences of Black communities. You can also find support through GoodTherapy’s BIPOC therapist directory.
Shifting the Narrative on Black Mental Health Myths
Here’s what’s real:
- Your pain is valid.
- Your healing matters.
- Therapy is not weakness; it’s power.
According to Mental Health America, 19.7% of Black and African American adults experience a mental health condition each year, yet only one in three receives treatment. When we release stigma and embrace culturally responsive care, we create room for joy, resilience, and thriving.
You don’t have to carry everything alone.
Take Action: Your Path to Healing
It’s time to shift the narrative:
- Reflect on what you’ve been taught about mental health
- Realign your beliefs with your needs and your worth
- Rise into healing for yourself, your family, and generations to come
Understanding the intersection of mental health challenges is crucial. Learn about related issues that affect our community: The Last Taboo: Breaking Down the Stigma of Depression.
FAQ: Black Mental Health Myths
What are the biggest barriers to Black mental health care?
The primary barriers include stigma within the community, lack of culturally competent providers (only 4% of psychologists are Black), financial constraints, and historical mistrust of healthcare systems due to past medical discrimination.
How do I find a therapist who understands Black experiences?
Look for therapists who explicitly mention cultural competence, have experience with racial trauma, or are Black themselves. Use specialized directories, ask about their training in multicultural issues, and don’t hesitate to interview potential providers.
Can therapy work alongside my faith?
Absolutely. Many therapists integrate spirituality into treatment when clients request it. Faith-based therapy can strengthen your spiritual connection while providing professional mental health support.
What’s the difference between feeling sad and clinical depression?
While everyone experiences sadness, clinical depression involves persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months that interfere with daily functioning. These may include sleep changes, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and physical symptoms.
How much does therapy typically cost?
Therapy costs vary widely, from $50-200+ per session. Many options exist for reduced costs: sliding-scale fees, community mental health centers, employee assistance programs, and some insurance plans cover mental health services.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Research shows virtual therapy is equally effective for many mental health conditions. It also increases access for those in areas with limited providers or those facing transportation barriers.
Finding the right therapist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our referral network connects you with culturally responsive, identity-affirming providers who understand the unique challenges and strengths of Black communities.
It’s human nature to want to feel validated in your feelings and experiences, and therapy is a great avenue for feeling understood. Yet, our unique perspectives, cultures, and outlooks often impact our emotions and struggles, which means therapy must also be personal. Culturally competent therapists better understand the qualities and identifiers that make you unique, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and more. Below, we dive into the importance of culturally competent counseling and how you can take advantage of it.
Read More: Not Sure How to Get Started on Your Therapy Journey?
Cultural Competence Explained
You might feel like other people don’t understand your values, beliefs, or experiences. This is where cultural considerations come in. Cultural competence is a set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that someone, like a mental health provider, can apply to effectively respond to and work with people with diverse backgrounds.
When used appropriately, cultural competence has a place in nearly every industry, from healthcare to education to business to social work. In therapy, a culturally competent therapist can be key in helping you feel safe and supported, especially when sharing vulnerable feelings or emotions. For some people, culturally competent care might mean understanding experiences through a lens of race or sexuality. For others, it might mean considering regional background or spoken language during care. Regardless of your unique identifiers, these elements can impact your communication approaches, attachment styles, triggers, and emotional responses.
Read More: The Relationship Between Culture and Communication Is Closer Than You Think
Why Culturally Sensitive Therapy Matters
Your therapist’s main goal is to help you feel validated, understood, and equipped to manage your emotions with the right tools. Culturally competent therapy means providing an added level of consideration and context to your sessions. Every person’s experiences are different, but below are some examples of what culturally sensitive care might look like:
- When your therapist seeks to understand terms and words you use from your culture that are not considered Standard English
- Helping you unpack microaggressions you’ve experienced because of your race or sexuality
- Validating your perspective on a topic through the lens of your gender expression
- Discussing what a mental health condition means to you, depending on your religion or culture
How Intersectionality Meets Therapy
People’s emotional or difficult experiences can be layered and involve more than one element of identity – this is called “intersectionality.†Understanding intersectionality is important for both you and your therapist because acknowledging people’s unique identifiers and experiences promotes improved policies, health approaches, self-care practices, and resources. There are many examples of intersectionality and how that relates to mental health, but the following are just a few examples:
- You might be feeling like your coworkers are treating you unfairly because of your race. You might also be afraid to speak up to your manager because you’re a woman and assume it’s better if you stay quiet. Your identities as a black person and a woman blend together to create this unique experience.
- You are a trans woman in college who is also Muslim and wears a hijab to cover your hair because of your religious beliefs. You might feel uncomfortable at school because some classmates tease you for wearing a hijab and also misgender you often. Your identities as a trans woman and a Muslim person impact your personal challenges in this setting.
Finding a culturally competent therapist who understands you on multiple levels is crucial to helping you address your layered mental health needs and feel safe during your sessions. The right therapist will talk you through different self-reflection practices to address your unique identities and backgrounds. When choosing a therapist, be sure you ask them their areas of expertise, test out how you feel when you unpack certain topics with them, and ask meaningful questions during the initial intake sessions to be sure you can build an effective relationship.Â
Read More: Not Sure How to Find the Right Therapist? Start Here With Three Steps.
GoodTherapy Makes Finding Your Ideal Therapist EasyÂ
Finding a therapist you trust can be difficult, but GoodTherapy makes it easier. Our search filters help you find professionals who understand your background and apply culturally competent care to your conversations. Simply filter your search with information like:
- LocationÂ
- Treatment type
- Telehealth or treatment center
- Therapist speciality
Plus, you can use our Therapy for BIPOC Individuals page to find a therapist who understands your different layers and experiences. We’re committed to providing inclusive resources for BIPOC individuals to get the help they deserve.
Getting the help you deserve doesn’t have to be complicated. Our licensed, highly-rated professionals are prepared to offer you personalized, culturally-informed care so you can be the best version of yourself.
Read More: Not Sure Which Type of Therapist Is Best for You? Explore Your OptionsÂ