Representation matters: There’s a significant shortage of mental health professionals who share the cultural, racial, or linguistic background of the communities they serve. For example, Black psychologists make up less than 4% of the U.S. psychology workforce, though Black people represent 13% of the population.Cultural competence: Providers may lack the training to understand how culture, stigma, or immigration trauma affects mental health, leading to misdiagnosis or distrust.Language barriers: Immigrant and refugee populations may face language gaps that hinder treatment access and quality.