Since 2008, the U.S. has observed National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month each July to highlight the “unique” struggles that BIPOC face regarding mental illness. But advocates say more reform is needed to support marginalized people.

The non-profit Mental Health America organizes a campaign each year to commemorate author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, who wrote extensively on the impacts of racism and the importance of holistic well-being. She co-founded National Alliance of Mental Illness, Urban Los Angeles to address the inequities in medical services and decrease the stigma of mental health.

This year’s theme is “Culture, Community and Connection,” highlighting the fact that the environment often influences mental health and encouraging more support among each other.

“As Black people, we tend to not talk about what we feel,” said Dr. Lakeia Jones, the founder of AMRI Counseling Services, in a statement. “Then it comes out in anger, hurt, frustration. That’s what people see and you are labeled as crazy.”

Mental health advocates said diverse communities should have open conversations and prioritize well-being. There is also a high need for more diversity in mental health and well-being services.

Experts said individuals are more likely to seek help from people who look like them or come from similar backgrounds. In the U.S., about four percent of therapists are Black. Of that group, few are men.

“If I’m honest, that stat used to scare me because it felt like pressure,” said Cedric Dale Hoard, licensed professional therapist at Christian Life Counseling, in a statement. “But I’ve realized that it’s so important to be in the one percent. Think about all the work that you can do within that one percent.”

Studies have shown that racial and ethnic minorities face barriers to equitable mental health care, including cultural differences, social disparities and discrimination. About 32 percent of people from minority groups received treatment compared to nearly 49 percent of white adults who experienced the same ailments. According to the American Psychological Association, 1 in 3 Black men in need of mental health care receive it and Asian Americans were also less likely to seek these services.

Research shows that some BIPOC groups experience mental illness at rates comparable to white people, though it tends to be more persistent and causes higher burdens among people of color. Systemic barriers lead to underdiagnosis in marginalized communities, however.

There are organizations that provide mental health care and resources for BIPOC communities: The Steve Fund, which provides resources for students of color; The Trevor Project, which provides crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth; and the Black Mental Health Alliance, which provides aid to communities of color.