Why Black women are pushing to diversify health care industry

(CNN) – When Charmain Jackman and her husband decided to see a couple’s counselor, they had a list of criteria. As a Black psychologist of Barbadian descent, Jackman knew she was looking for a therapist of color who had experience working with couples. The search, however, proved to be more challenging than she expected.“We wanted someone who understood our culture,” Jackman told CNN. “We didn’t want to explain our family or immigrant experience.”Ultimately, Jackman said their therapist ended up being a White, Jewish woman because they struggled to find a therapist of color.Nationally, only about 4% of psychologists identify as Black or African American.Related Stories “We’re like a needle in the haystack,” Jackman said.But she continued searching and after nine months, she finally found a Black therapist. Jackman said the long search became her impetus for starting a new company.In 2020 she launched Innopsych, an online directory of therapists of color. The company aims to shift how people of color view therapy by making it easier for them to find a therapist who understands them.Jackman said the company’s efforts highlight a broader issue within the health care system: a lack of diversity among medical professionals can impact patients and their...