BUCC BIPOC Services
The Bellarmine Counseling Center is committed to the promotion of inclusivity, social justice and equitable services. In support of this commitment, we recommend the following mental health resources for our students who identify as a part of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Individual Counseling
We offer a variety of services to address these and other difficulties. We encourage you to reach out to make an initial appointment to discuss with a counselor areas where you may be struggling and how we can assist you.
Workshops and Groups
Be sure to review the options for group counseling, and please take note of our BIPOC discussion groups, A Sistah’s Voice and our new initiative Brothers of Color.
A Sistah’s Voice, A Woman of Color Discussion Group
A Sistah’s Voice is for all cis and trans women of color, as well as non-binary people. The discussion group is centered on the experiences of the participants. In this space, we hope to cultivate a sense of community in which one feels comfortable in gaining and giving support through the discussion of topics chosen by the group participants.
Brothers of Color, A Men of Color Discussion Group
Brothers of Color invites all cis and trans men of color, as well as non-binary people. The group aims to uplift and support its members in creating a space for dialogue, growth, and lastly addressing academic and social challenges faced by men of color in society. This space promotes safety and inclusiveness to connect with one another, build a strong sense of belonging and mutual support through the discussion topics chosen by the group participants.
Racial Trauma Treatment
Bellarmine Counseling Center has a partnership with the Collective Care Center at Spalding University to provide racial trauma therapy to those who have experienced consistent exposure to racism or discrimination. The person might experience sadness, anxiety, anger and hopelessness affecting their interpersonal relationships which could additionally impact their job and general mental wellness. The CCC provides evidence based racial trauma therapy and assessments across the life span for BIPOC individuals, racial trauma community education and comprehensive clinical training for racial trauma therapy and assessment. Throughout the 2024/2025 academic year, David Davis, a counselor from the Collective Care Center, will work out of the Counseling Center to provide racial trauma treatment to Bellarmine students.
Click here to learn more about the Collective Care Center.
What is racial trauma?
Racial trauma refers to mental and physical stress related to racism, racial discrimination, and race-related stressors, such as being affected by stereotypes, hurtful comments or barriers to advancement. Racial trauma can refer to a specific incident of racial discrimination or the ongoing harmful emotional impact of racial discrimination that builds up over time.
BIPOC Resources
These resources are offered to help support the needs of our students who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
Student Organizations
University Offices
The Bellarmine Counseling Center and Office of Identity of Inclusion will be facilitating Therapeutic Thursday. A weekly discussion/activity focused on mental health, campus engagement and inclusion every Thursday at 2:00pm-3:00pm in the COII.
Trainings and Professional Development
DEI Endorsement
#BUDialogues
Campus Ministry Racial Justice Retreat
LBGTQIA+ Ally Training
Community Mental Health
National Resources
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults, giving them vital skills and support they need to thrive. JED empowers young adults by working directly with high schools, colleges and universities to implement programs and policies creating a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills and makes it likely that struggling students will seek help and be recognized, connected to care and supported.
The Steve Fund is an organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. The Steve Fund works with colleges, universities, non-profits, researchers, mental health experts and young people to promote and strategies that build understanding and assistance for the mental and emotional health of young people of color.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Boris Lawerence Henson Foundation exists to both normalize and improve access to mental health services for Black communities in hopes of eradicating the stigma around seeking help and support. In addition to creating culturally competent resources, programs, and education across the country to improve mental health in BIPOC communities.
Podcast/ Articles
Cultural Spaces
Bellarmine University offers many cultural events and programs focused on religion, group discussions, cultural celebrations and much more! To learn more about these events be sure to check out Engage and follow the Office of Identity and Inclusion and Student Activities Center!