Black and African American Therapists in 87048

Photo of PeopleWorks-NM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 87048, NM
PeopleWorks-NM
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, IGCC-I
Verified Verified
Corrales, NM 87048  (Online Only)
Hello & Welcome! As a nonprofit, PeopleWorks' primary focus is providing counseling and related services to persons ages 16 and older. PeopleWorks-NM is based in Rio Rancho, NM and we offer online services to persons anywhere in NM. We provide a friendly environment and knowledgeable staff of Social Workers and Psychologists with extensive experience. We are passionate about what we do and pay special attention to respecting and valuing our clients and their families.
Hello & Welcome! As a nonprofit, PeopleWorks' primary focus is providing counseling and related services to persons ages 16 and older. PeopleWorks-NM is based in Rio Rancho, NM and we offer online services to persons anywhere in NM. We provide a friendly environment and knowledgeable staff of Social Workers and Psychologists with extensive experience. We are passionate about what we do and pay special attention to respecting and valuing our clients and their families.
(505) 431-6705 View (505) 431-6705
Photo of Victoria M Handfield, Psychologist in 87048, NM
Victoria M Handfield
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corrales, NM 87048
I have been in practice for many years and have been helping people manage many personal problems. I specialize in helping medical professionals. I believe in giving people respect, support and help in understanding life's challenges. Depression and anxiety are the most common problems I see, wrapped in the context of many life changes, disappointments and traumas. Feel free to ask about specific issues. Diagnoses - developed in order for mental health professionals to be included in insurance; they are averages, not personal identities. Diagnoses are over-used, in my opinion - they have some relevance - they don't define a person.
I have been in practice for many years and have been helping people manage many personal problems. I specialize in helping medical professionals. I believe in giving people respect, support and help in understanding life's challenges. Depression and anxiety are the most common problems I see, wrapped in the context of many life changes, disappointments and traumas. Feel free to ask about specific issues. Diagnoses - developed in order for mental health professionals to be included in insurance; they are averages, not personal identities. Diagnoses are over-used, in my opinion - they have some relevance - they don't define a person.
(609) 841-9159 View (609) 841-9159
Photo of Nicole Green Counseling and Wellness, Counselor in 87048, NM
Nicole Green Counseling and Wellness
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Corrales, NM 87048
Not accepting new clients
Hey there! Are you ready to really take care of yourself and learn what that really means? Would it help to have a clear vision of what you want and need to live differently? Maybe you already know what you want more or less of in your life, but could use some tools to make it actually happen? Taking care of yourself is a job that works from the inside out...and it's not selfish! his is just the beginning to your overall wellbeing and I can help with all of that.
Hey there! Are you ready to really take care of yourself and learn what that really means? Would it help to have a clear vision of what you want and need to live differently? Maybe you already know what you want more or less of in your life, but could use some tools to make it actually happen? Taking care of yourself is a job that works from the inside out...and it's not selfish! his is just the beginning to your overall wellbeing and I can help with all of that.
(505) 560-3709 View (505) 560-3709
Black and African American Therapists

As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?

African American clients may seek out African American therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.

Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?

Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with African American clients?

Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with African American individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of African American clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.

Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?

It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognizing that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.

Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?

The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.