“At Mental Wellness Center, we believe mental health care should be accessible and affirming for everyone. Yet, for many people of color, immigrants, and those from marginalized communities, finding culturally competent care remains a challenge,” says Gabriela Dodson, Mental Wellness Center’s Director of Wellness & Recovery. “That’s why we are committed to addressing these disparities through inclusive services delivered by bicultural and bilingual staff.”

Disparities in Mental Health Care Access

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 36.1% of Black adults and 35.1% of Hispanic/Latino adults with mental illness received treatment—compared to 52.4% of white adults.

National research shows that Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant barriers to mental health support. These disparities include:
  • Limited availability of providers who understand their culture or speak their language
  • Stigma surrounding mental health within their communities
  • Historic mistrust of medical systems
  • Higher likelihood of being uninsured or underinsured
  • Structural racism that limits access to quality care

Why Cultural Competence and Anti-Racism in Mental Health Care Matter

Culturally competent care means providers understand, respect, and incorporate a client’s cultural background, language, identity, and lived experiences into their treatment approach.

It’s about:

  • Building trust and rapport
  • Reducing misdiagnosis due to cultural misunderstanding
  • Validating diverse experiences including racial trauma and discrimination
  • Improving treatment outcomes by aligning care with the client’s values and norms

Anti-racism training also ensures providers recognize systemic injustices and avoid reinforcing biases in treatment.

Learn more about our mission and values

Culturally Competent Care at Mental Wellness Center

As Director of Wellness & Recovery at the Center, Dodson is committed to prioritizing equity in mental health. “Our team includes bilingual, bicultural professionals who reflect the communities we serve,” providing services that include: Spanish-speaking therapists and peer support staff, community-based outreach, and onsite support groups tailored to cultural needs.”

Local Culturally Competent Mental Health Resources in Santa Barbara

  1. Mental Wellness Center
  2. CALM – Child Abuse Listening Mediation
  3. Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness – Latino Services
  4. La Casa de la Raza (Community Referrals and Support)
  5. Independent Licensed Therapists (Spanish-speaking)

National Resources on Equity in Mental Health

  1. The Steve Fund
  2. Therapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Black Men
  3. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)

Working Toward a More Equitable Future

“Mental health care should not be one-size-fits-all. Culturally competent and anti-racist care helps individuals feel seen, respected, and empowered,” says Dodson. “At Mental Wellness Center, we are committed to breaking down barriers so that all people in Santa Barbara can access the support they deserve.”