Intermountain Health Provides Tools for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July highlights the importance of mental health, especially among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
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July highlights the importance of mental health, especially among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and LGBTQ+ communities
(PRUnderground) July 30th, 2026
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month brings attention to the unique challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and LGBTQ+ communities. These groups often experience higher stress due to systemic barriers, discrimination, and limited access to culturally competent care. Intermountain Health is raising awareness to help reduce stigma and encourage earlier support and treatment.
Common barriers to mental healthcare in minority communities include:
– Stigma and cultural beliefs around mental health
– Limited access to providers, insurance, or transportation
– Language and cultural gaps between patients and providers
– Mistrust of healthcare systems based on historical and lived experiences
– Cultural beliefs can strongly influence how mental health is perceived and addressed across communities.
When discussing minority mental health, it is essential to ground the conversation in a thorough understanding of the historical events and systemic factors that continue to influence disparities in access to quality, culturally responsive care.
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There are several signs to watch for when it comes to mental health, including:
– High-functioning, achievement-oriented, or success-driven behavior that may mask underlying distress
– Increased use of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
– Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels
– eeling “off,” down, or not like oneself
– Heightened stress, irritability, or a constant sense of being on edge
– Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach pain
– Withdrawing from family, friends, or the broader community
Experts encourage people to seek help early rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Starting conversations about mental health can feel difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. As clinicians, it is important to recognize the fluidity of human development and the ongoing expansion of culture. With that in mind, tailoring both our approach and our use of culturally appropriate language is essential.
Adapting communication styles can make a meaningful difference. For example, older generations may prefer in-person conversations, while younger individuals may feel more comfortable communicating through digital platforms such as text or online messaging.
Intermountain encourages friends and family members who notice changes in a loved one to approach conversations with care and intention. Try using gentle, open-ended language such as, “I’ve noticed some changes in you–how have things been going for you lately?”
To support their own mental health, individuals are encouraged to stay connected with trusted friends, family, or community members and to remind others that they are not alone. Exploring and seeking culturally competent care when possible is also essential. Asking for help should be recognized as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Intermountain Health offers accessible and inclusive mental health services designed to reduce barriers and provide culturally responsive care that respects diverse backgrounds.
Conditions treated include:
– Anxiety, depression, and stress
– PTSD and trauma
– Bipolar disorder and mood swings
– ADD and ADHD
– Insomnia and panic attacks
– Grief and relationship concerns
– Postpartum and perinatal mental health
Services offered include goal-oriented individual and group therapy, medication management with specialty-trained providers, and ongoing support tailored to each patient. One key benefit is that patients can receive care privately and conveniently, which may help those who feel hesitant to seek in-person services.
More information can be found here: intermountainhealthcare.org/behavioralhealth
Early intervention is critical in mental health care. Addressing concerns early can prevent them from becoming more severe, improve long-term outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life. Accessible resources–such as free, confidential online mental health screenings–can also help individuals take that important first step toward support.
If someone is in danger of hurting themselves, contact the National Suicide Lifeline at #988.
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