3 BIPOC Therapists in Austin Ready for Hire
If you're a person of color seeking therapy, you know how important it is to find someone who truly understands your lived experiences and cultural background.
Finding a therapist who gets the unique challenges of navigating racism, discrimination, intergenerational trauma, and cultural identity can make all the difference in your healing journey.
As a Korean American therapist who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, I understand firsthand the complexities of cultural adaptation and identity formation.
Here, I share a bit more about my therapy practice and introduce you to two other exceptional BIPOC therapists in Austin so you can find the right fit for your unique needs.
Meet the therapists
Recommended for the Asian American community: Janae Kim, LMFT
Recommended for the Black community: Katina Rudley, LPC
Recommended for the Latinx community: Lily Gatica, LMFT
Why trust my recommendations?
As a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health, I've built strong professional relationships with colleagues who share my commitment to culturally responsive care. I personally know and respect these clinicians' expertise in serving their respective communities.
How I selected
In addition to introducing myself, I chose to feature these therapists based on their specialized training, cultural competency, lived experiences within their communities, and commitment to helping clients of color navigate identity, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Therapist profiles
Janae Kim, LMFT
Recommended for the Asian American community
BIPOC therapist ✓
Good fit for: Navigating immigrant experiences, trauma, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), EMDR, IFS-informed therapy, Christian counseling
Clientele: Adults
Location: Austin, Texas
Virtual therapy?: Yes
I bring a warm yet challenging approach to therapy, holding space for your emotions while still empowering you toward genuine change. As a Korean American therapist who immigrated at age 10, I have a deep understanding of the immigrant experience and the challenges that the Asian American community faces. I’m passionate about helping Highly Sensitive People and trauma survivors thrive using holistic modalities like EMDR and IFS.
Katina Rudley, LPC
Recommended for the Black community
BIPOC therapist ✓
Good fit for: Trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, career coaching, life transitions, mood disorders
Clientele: Teens, adults, couples
Location: In-person sessions in Austin, Texas
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Katina’s practice focuses on self-empowerment, healthy relationships, and positive behavioral change. She creates a warm, nonjudgmental environment and blends different therapeutic techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help her clients navigate life transitions (especially career changes), mental health, and relationship issues.
Lily Gatica, LMFT
Recommended for the Latinx community
BIPOC therapist ✓
Good fit for: Trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, EMDR
Clientele: Adults, couples
Location: Austin, Texas
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Lily’s approach focuses on creating a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. She specializes in supporting people as they navigate anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma, using cutting-edge modalities like EMDR to help people heal. Lily is especially passionate about working with first- and second-generation Latinx/Hispanic individuals.
FAQs about BIPOC therapy
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If you haven’t found the right fit here, I recommend checking out specialized therapy directories like Inclusive Therapists. You could also consider Colors of Austin Counseling, another local therapy practice that specializes in working with diverse populations.
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Culturally responsive therapy acknowledges how your racial, ethnic, and cultural background shapes your worldview and experiences. It also recognizes systemic oppression, stigma, and other specific issues that people from diverse backgrounds face. Plus, it reduces the burden of having to educate your therapist about your culture and allows you to focus on healing.
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Therapy provides a safe space to process experiences of racism, discrimination, and cultural stress without having to bring your therapist up to speed on all aspects of your lived experience. While therapy may focus on issues like stigma, exploring cultural identity, and navigating the immigrant experience, it can also address anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and more using a culturally responsive lens.
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Therapy typically begins with discussing the issues that led you to seek support, setting goals, and building rapport. From here, sessions often involve exploring your experiences, developing coping strategies, and processing emotions. I may incorporate techniques like EMDR or parts work, depending on your specific situation. Each person’s goals for therapy are unique, but the end result is often a greater awareness of your feelings and needs, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of identity.
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I tend to connect best with Highly Sensitive People, high achievers, perfectionists, trauma survivors, and those interested in exploring their cultural identity. I use EMDR, parts work, and Christian counseling (when appropriate and requested), and my practice is entirely virtual, so you can get support from the comfort of your home. If any of this resonates with you, we may be a good fit.
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The first step is scheduling a free consultation call where we can discuss your needs and determine if we're a good match. During this call, you can ask questions about my approach, experience, and how I may be able to help you. If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session.
