UNDERSTANDING BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH IN CONTEXT

Mental health for BIPOC adults is shaped by personal history and by context—racial stress, microaggressions, immigration stories, intergenerational trauma, community strengths, and spirituality. Many describe vigilance, code-switching, pressure to excel, and the exhaustion of educating others. Therapy at Astute centers **safety, respect, and agency**, integrating culture, family, and community into care.

• Common experiences: anxiety, burnout, sleep disruption, depression, somatic tension, identity conflict, and grief related to racism or displacement.
• Strengths: resilience, community care, creativity, faith/spiritual practices, multilingualism, and cultural wisdom.
• Goal: expand your window of tolerance, protect your energy, and align daily life with your values.

WHAT IS CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE THERAPY? (PSYCHOEDUCATION)

• Context over blame: symptoms often reflect chronic stress exposure; care targets both physiology and environment fit.
• Nervous-system lens: repeated bias/microaggressions sensitize the threat system; regulation and restorative practices widen calm, focus, and sleep.
• Identity & intersectionality: race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, immigration, and disability interact—therapy honors the whole picture.
• Intergenerational patterns: inherited stress responses and survival strategies can be updated with compassion and choice.
• Empowerment: boundaries, advocacy, and values-led action protect energy and dignity.

THERAPY OPTIONS AT ASTUTE

CBT / ACT (Values-Led)

Shift unhelpful thought loops, reduce avoidance, and take actions aligned with culture and values.

DBT-Informed Skills

Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness you can use immediately.

Trauma-Informed Care

Process racial trauma, immigration stress, identity-based harm, and grief at a pace that centers consent and safety.

Identity & Role Navigation

Code-switching fatigue, boundary-setting, family roles, workplace dynamics, and leadership—practical scripts included.

COORDINATED SUPPORT

• Collaboration with primary care and psychiatry when helpful
• Documentation for work/education accommodations as appropriate
• Connections to community, spiritual, and cultural resources

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Map: name stressors, supports, identity contexts, and nervous-system patterns.
2. Plan: right-sized steps: skills, boundaries, sleep/routine resets, and advocacy tools.
3. Practice: in-session reps + real-life experiments; revise fast and keep what works.
4. Maintain: relapse-prevention, community anchors, and future-proofing for stressful seasons.

WHY CHOOSE ASTUTE

• Inclusive, DEI-informed, trauma-responsive care for adults 18+
• Clinicians experienced with racial trauma, immigration stress, and intersectional identities
• Practical tools + measurable progress with take-home skills
• In-person (Lakeview, Chicago) and telehealth for Illinois adults