What Happens to Mental Health When DEI Is Dismantled?

By: Ashlyn Medley

The political debate around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just about workplace policies or college admissions, it’s reshaping the mental health field. For therapists and clients alike, the recent removal of DEI departments in government institutions has raised tough questions:

⦁ Who’s truly safe in the therapy room now?

⦁ Are counselors still equipped, and willing, to serve diverse populations?

⦁ And what does ethical care look like in a post-DEI era?

Let’s break down what this all means and how the psychology world is responding.

DEI Was Never Just a Buzzword, It Was a Standard of Care

In mental health, DEI wasn’t an optional initiative. It was the foundation for ethical, inclusive practice.

When clients step into a therapist’s office, they bring their whole identity, culture, gender, sexuality, religion, race, beliefs. DEI helped ensure that clinicians were trained to honor those identities with respect and integrity.

“We’re taught not to take on clients whose experiences we can’t support. That’s part of the ethical code. If I don’t believe in a client’s rights or identity, it’s not my place to counsel them.”

Without DEI guiding hiring, training, and policy, the risk is this: clients may end up sitting across from professionals who can’t relate, won’t affirm, or worse, quietly judge.

The Hidden Fallout: Therapists Are Being Forced to Choose Sides

The therapist interviewed in our conversation is in school right now, learning DEI in the classroom while watching it get erased in the real world. That contradiction is affecting future professionals across the country.

“People have lost their jobs because DEI departments were removed. It’s shaken the system. But counselors still believe in what DEI stands for, even if the government doesn’t.”

While some providers may choose to play it safe and avoid political conversations, others are doubling down on clarity. They’re updating their bios, refining their specialties, and making it easier for clients to know exactly who they’re working with.

Therapy Is Still Worth It But Fit Matters More Than Ever

With so much uncertainty around ethics and representation, clients might feel discouraged, or even afraid, to pursue counseling. That’s valid.

But don’t give up.

“I’ve had a therapist who just stared at me with a blank face. No emotion. No connection. It turned me off completely.”

The lesson? Not every therapist will be the right fit, but the right one can change your life.

⦁ Take your time choosing a provider.

⦁ Read their bios. Look for shared values.

⦁ Ask questions before committing.

A good therapist will never be offended by you wanting to feel safe.

Counselors Must Recommit to Integrity, Not Just Inclusion

One of the most powerful points in the interview wasn’t politicall, it was personal. Therapists have to know their own limits.

“I used to train pregnant women. I could do it, but I didn’t love it. Now I don’t. And that’s okay, I refer them to someone who’s better equipped.”

Therapists need to do the same. Just because you can take on a client doesn’t mean you should. True healing starts with honesty, on both sides of the therapy table.

Ethical Care Is Still Alive With or Without Government Support

The current political climate may be hostile to DEI, but that doesn’t mean therapy has become unsafe. In fact, many therapists are more committed than ever to holding space for diverse stories.

“Even if DEI is gone from government spaces, it still lives in our classrooms, in our training, and in our practices. It’s not just a department, it’s a mindset.”

Mental health care in 2025 still upholds:

⦁ Confidentiality

⦁ Ethics

⦁ Client safety

⦁ Nonjudgmental support

Those pillars remain intact and strong.

Final Word: Don’t Let Politics Stop Your Healing

Therapy is still one of the most powerful tools for mental health, growth, and self-discovery. Yes, the system is changing. But so are the providers. And many of them are evolving with integrity.

If you’re ready to start therapy but nervous about finding the right fit, know this: you are allowed to be selective. You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to walk away from someone who doesn’t honor your identity.

And most importantly, you are still welcome here.

Looking for a therapist who understands your journey?

Visit www.samuelsholistic.org today or email samuelsholistic@gmail.com to be matched with a counselor who aligns with your values and honors your voice.