Walking out of my first YMHC appointment, a wave of emptiness overtook me. Every person I spoke with regarding my mental health was white, whether at the front desk, during my intake, or my therapist. Growing up, my extended family was very involved in my life — constant interaction with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins remain crucial to who I am. When describing my relationships with my family to my therapist, she demonstrated a clear lack of understanding. It was difficult for me to open up with a therapist when such a cultural disconnect existed. Students of color should not have to translate their lived experiences to white therapists in order for them to receive proper care. If Yale wants to provide better care for its students, it must hire more therapists of color, therapists that understand our experience without adding an additional burden onto their patients.
Tomas Carrillo, he/him, MC ’21
