February 5, 2026
Articles

Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Humility

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the profound contributions, creativity, and enduring strength of Black Americans. The story of Black history in the United States is not only one of struggle but also of remarkable resilience, innovation, and community care. From literature, music, and art to education, civic leadership, and healing traditions, Black Americans have continuously shaped and enriched every aspect of our collective culture.

At the same time, it is important to recognize how historical and ongoing inequities have affected the health and well-being of many Black communities. Experiences of racism, discrimination, and social and economic barriers can have cumulative effects on mental, physical, and emotional health. These experiences may contribute to the experience of racial trauma1 – the psychological and emotional distress caused by exposure to race-based stressors. Research2 shows that racial trauma is common and can affect individuals and communities in deep and lasting ways. Yet, it is equally important to acknowledge the resilience, mutual support, and cultural practices that have helped Black communities heal, thrive, and lead change for generations.

In a survey of youths of color3, 42% of respondents reported experiencing at least one source of racial trauma in the past year. Another study surveyed 1,256 Black individuals living in urban communities with limited socioeconomic resources4, and found that 88% of those surveyed experienced some form of significant trauma, with 31% reporting four or more types of non-child abuse trauma.

The Power of Trauma-Informed Practice

A trauma-informed approach begins with understanding that trauma can shape how people view the world and relate to others. It calls on providers and organizations to recognize the widespread impact of trauma and to respond with empathy, safety, and empowerment. At its heart, trauma-informed care values cultural, historical, and gender awareness. This means acknowledging the ways historical injustices and systemic inequities influence trauma responses, while also honoring the cultural strengths, traditions, and healing practices that promote recovery and well-being.

Practicing Cultural Humility

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach5 underscored that cultural humility strengthens trauma-informed practice by encouraging continuous self-reflection, openness, and respect. It invites us to listen deeply, to recognize our own biases and assumptions, and to honor the lived experiences and identities of others. Originally introduced in the field of medicine, cultural humility has grown into a guiding framework across health, education, and community service.

Core principles of cultural humility include:

  • Self-awareness and reflection: Engaging in lifelong learning about oneself and others.
  • Empathy and compassion: Centering relationships on respect and understanding.
  • Accountability: Recognizing and addressing institutional and systemic inequities.
  • Power sharing: Actively working to balance relationships and decision-making processes.

When paired with trauma-informed care, cultural humility supports inclusive and equitable environments where every person feels seen, valued, and safe. Together, these approaches strengthen our capacity to serve diverse communities—restoring trust, fostering connection, and promoting healing.

Continuing the Journey

Integrating trauma-informed care and cultural humility is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of learning, reflection, and growth. By committing to this work, we not only reduce bias and promote safety, but we also honor the wisdom, leadership, and resilience that have long sustained Black communities.

Additional Resources

  1. Embracing Cultural Humility by Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health– This presentation, shared by Zero to Three, highlights specific techniques and areas of reflection that support more inclusive and trauma-responsive clinical environments for young children and their caregivers.
  2. Practicing Cultural Humility, by Gina Pruski, Director of Training and Development, Wisconsin State Public Defender– This presentation, shared by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, provides a background on cultural humility and actionable strategies applicable in trauma-informed care settings.
  3. Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Humility in the Mental Health Care of People From Minoritized Communities– This article from Focus, The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, outlines general principles of trauma-informed care, how trauma is conceptualized, and how responses to trauma are influenced by both culture and individual factors.
  4. Center for Healthcare Strategies, Incorporating Racial Equity into  Trauma-Informed Care– This brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies outlines six considerations for those seeking to integrate racial equity to enhance trauma-informed care approaches and promote racial justice.  
  5. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, How Racism Can Affect Child Development
  6. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, Place Matters: Four Strategies to Connect Place, Racism, and Early Childhood Development– This infographic explains in basic terms how racism can affect child development and affect learning, behavior, and lifelong health.

References

  1. Mental Health America. n.d. “Racial Trauma.” Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/resources/racial-trauma/.
  2. Cenat, Jude Mary. 2023. “Complex Racial Trauma: Evidence, Theory, Assessment, and Treatment.” Perspectives on psychological science: a journal of the Association for Psychological Science 18 (3): 675-687. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221120428.
  3. Breland-Noble, Alfiee, and The AAKOMA Project. 2023. State of Mental Health for Youth of Color, Full Report, 2022. The AAKOMA Project.
  4. Gillespie, Charles F., Bekh Bradley, Kristie Mercer, Alicia K. Smith, Karen Conneely, Mark Gapen, Tamara Weiss, Ann C. Schwartz, Joseph F. Cubells, and Kerry J. Ressler. 2009. “Trauma exposure and stress-related disorders in inner city primary care patients.” General Hospital Psychiatry 31 (6): 505-514. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2009.05.003.
  5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adm. 2014. “Concepts of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.”