Welcome back, Ebony Emotions readers.

If you’ve already read Therapy While Black: The Cost, the Gaps, and the Hope, then you understand how deeply personal—and often complex—the journey to finding the right therapist can be, especially for Black individuals navigating the mental health system. That piece centered the Black experience. Today, I want to expand the conversation to include the entire BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community.

This guide is for anyone seeking a culturally competent therapist—someone who truly understands the layered experiences of being both BIPOC and living with bipolar disorder.

In my previous article, I recommended scheduling a brief introductory call with a potential therapist before making a commitment. This next step is just as critical: knowing what to ask. Below is a thoughtful list of 20 questions you can use during a 10–20-minute consultation.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to ask every single question—prioritize what matters most to you. Some answers may already be available online (for example, through a therapist’s website or LinkedIn profile). And if you’re able to speak with multiple therapists before making a decision, even better.

Living with bipolar disorder comes with specific needs. Your therapist should be equipped—and willing—to meet those needs with skill, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

Before you begin, introduce yourself and share your diagnosis (including the type of bipolar disorder you have) and who diagnosed you. Then dive in:

1. Where did you earn your BA, MA, MS, Ph.D., or Psy.D.?

2. How many years have you worked with bipolar clients, particularly from marginalized communities?

3. Where did you practice before joining this institution? Is this your private practice? If so, how long have you been operating?

4. What are some common challenges your BIPOC clients with bipolar disorder face?

5. Do you support and affirm BIPOC clients who identify as LGBTQ+?

6. Do you incorporate religious or spiritual perspectives in your therapy? If so, which tradition? (I’d like to be sure we align in that area). 

7. What types of insurance do you accept? What does coverage typically include?

8. If I don’t have insurance, can I pay out of pocket? How much does each session cost?

9. Do you offer in-person sessions, virtual sessions, or a combination of both?

10. How long is each session?

11. How frequently do you schedule sessions—weekly, biweekly, or monthly?

12. How do you support BIPOC clients during manic or depressive episodes?

13. Are you available outside of normal hours for emergencies? Do you allow contact via phone, email, or text?

14. Based on my main triggers (which I can share ahead of time), do you have therapy recommendations or strategies that may help?

15. Will I need a referral from my psychiatrist to begin sessions with you?

16. How soon could I book my first appointment?

17. Are there any books or resources you’d recommend I read to better understand my diagnosis before we begin therapy?

18. Are you open to collaborating with my psychiatrist regarding my medication and overall care plan?

19. How do you approach therapy for someone who has been recently hospitalized due to a major episode?

20. If you had to describe yourself as a therapist in three words, what would they be—and why?

Feel free to add more questions that reflect your unique experiences, beliefs, and preferences. This is your mental health journey, and your therapist should be someone who listens deeply, challenges you respectfully, and supports your care plan in a way that feels safe and empowering.

Now, I’d love to hear from you.

What questions would you ask before committing to a therapist? What qualities are non-negotiable for you when choosing a mental health professional?

Let’s keep the conversation going—and as always, thank you for being part of the Ebony Emotions community.