Black and African American Therapists in University Village, Chicago, IL
David Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Looking for a warm, safe and accepting space to process your life experiences and develop a plan to achieve your desired outcomes? My name is David Walker and I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). When engaging in the therapy relationship, my work has been grounded in supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other intersecting identities. I have worked in addressing concerns related to: discrimination from the criminal justice system, racial and societal injustices, anger, substance use, trauma, self-image and self-esteem, changes in life, relationship concerns, & healing.
Looking for a warm, safe and accepting space to process your life experiences and develop a plan to achieve your desired outcomes? My name is David Walker and I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). When engaging in the therapy relationship, my work has been grounded in supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other intersecting identities. I have worked in addressing concerns related to: discrimination from the criminal justice system, racial and societal injustices, anger, substance use, trauma, self-image and self-esteem, changes in life, relationship concerns, & healing.
Brenda Reavis LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
I welcome individuals from all walks of life to engage in therapy with me, and I have a specialized focus on the unique issues of LGBTQ+ folx, college students, Black women and individuals of color.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
I welcome individuals from all walks of life to engage in therapy with me, and I have a specialized focus on the unique issues of LGBTQ+ folx, college students, Black women and individuals of color.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
Lynette Collins
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Navigating life as an black woman comes with many unique challenges.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor from Chicago IL. I have 14 years of experience providing therapy to an array of clients such as caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as women, people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience in working with people attempting to cope with many concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relational issues, career & work situations, self-esteem and caregiver stress.
Navigating life as an black woman comes with many unique challenges.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor from Chicago IL. I have 14 years of experience providing therapy to an array of clients such as caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as women, people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience in working with people attempting to cope with many concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relational issues, career & work situations, self-esteem and caregiver stress.
Linda Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
I am a Black, queer therapist that has 6 years worth of experience working with the following topics: trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and interpersonal. I also feel comfortable addressing issues related to kink, BDSM, polyamory, and other sexuality and intimacy concerns. I also am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
I am a Black, queer therapist that has 6 years worth of experience working with the following topics: trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and interpersonal. I also feel comfortable addressing issues related to kink, BDSM, polyamory, and other sexuality and intimacy concerns. I also am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Sharda Wright
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Maybe you've asked yourself, why can't I shake these feelings? The difficulty concentrating, worrying, sadness, crying spells, feeling empty or just stuck. Or have you thought, when will I get over this? I'm tired of having flashbacks, feeling "on edge" and restless nights. Perhaps you've considered "OK, now what?" after the divorce, unexpected loss, new job, a recent diagnosis, infidelity, or navigating this space of uncertainty and pandemic related changes. Whether it's a relational struggle, figuring out your happiness, exploring your faith and everything else in between, you do have a choice in creating the life you desire!
Maybe you've asked yourself, why can't I shake these feelings? The difficulty concentrating, worrying, sadness, crying spells, feeling empty or just stuck. Or have you thought, when will I get over this? I'm tired of having flashbacks, feeling "on edge" and restless nights. Perhaps you've considered "OK, now what?" after the divorce, unexpected loss, new job, a recent diagnosis, infidelity, or navigating this space of uncertainty and pandemic related changes. Whether it's a relational struggle, figuring out your happiness, exploring your faith and everything else in between, you do have a choice in creating the life you desire!
Phillip Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60615 (Online Only)
I believe that everyone deserves a non-judgmental space to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and reality, however, that may look. As a supportive clinician, I like working with teens, adults 18+, parents, and families. For over 9 years, I have supported individuals and families in crisis settings strengthening my knowledge as a trauma-informed therapist. I am also comfortable supporting individuals who are not experiencing trauma and are just looking for maintenance on a wide range of topics: substance use, behavioral concerns, work- or home-related stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, gender, culture, and sexuality.
I believe that everyone deserves a non-judgmental space to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and reality, however, that may look. As a supportive clinician, I like working with teens, adults 18+, parents, and families. For over 9 years, I have supported individuals and families in crisis settings strengthening my knowledge as a trauma-informed therapist. I am also comfortable supporting individuals who are not experiencing trauma and are just looking for maintenance on a wide range of topics: substance use, behavioral concerns, work- or home-related stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, gender, culture, and sexuality.
Sherri S. Wick
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
My beliefs, values and understanding is that all humans are made whole because we were created in God’s own image. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive and transformative space for people to develop techniques to assist them with navigating in healthy ways through this journey called life. I have a unique ability to build rapport with all people and have a niche for working with emerging adults, adults and older adults. I love working with all women and have a special place in my heart for women of color. My daily mission is to bring light to help individuals obtain peace from within.
My beliefs, values and understanding is that all humans are made whole because we were created in God’s own image. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive and transformative space for people to develop techniques to assist them with navigating in healthy ways through this journey called life. I have a unique ability to build rapport with all people and have a niche for working with emerging adults, adults and older adults. I love working with all women and have a special place in my heart for women of color. My daily mission is to bring light to help individuals obtain peace from within.
Life Aligned Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
NOW Accepting New Clients! We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual and couples counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, loss and grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, lgbtqia+ concerns, women's issues, men's issues, etc.
NOW Accepting New Clients! We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual and couples counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, loss and grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, lgbtqia+ concerns, women's issues, men's issues, etc.
Chelci Oliver
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
NOW accepting new clients! Do you have difficulty overthinking, trouble handling anxiety, or a hard time managing your emotions? I want you to know that these are normal occurrences that every human being has experienced. If you are looking for a therapist who is honest, empathic, and nonjudgmental, then you have come to the right place. I pride myself on giving my clients the support they need to increase balance and happiness in their everyday lives.
NOW accepting new clients! Do you have difficulty overthinking, trouble handling anxiety, or a hard time managing your emotions? I want you to know that these are normal occurrences that every human being has experienced. If you are looking for a therapist who is honest, empathic, and nonjudgmental, then you have come to the right place. I pride myself on giving my clients the support they need to increase balance and happiness in their everyday lives.
Jacqueline Anthony
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
NOW Accepting New Clients! It's okay to not be okay. Life happens, and we all need support and someone to talk to. The first step, and often the hardest, is asking for help. I offer you a safe space to explore and process what is going on in your life without judgement or preconception. We will partner together to help you find your best path forward.
NOW Accepting New Clients! It's okay to not be okay. Life happens, and we all need support and someone to talk to. The first step, and often the hardest, is asking for help. I offer you a safe space to explore and process what is going on in your life without judgement or preconception. We will partner together to help you find your best path forward.
Brittany Mailey
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Life can be hard. It's okay to talk about it. If you are feel mentally and emotionally overwhelmed do not hesitate to reach out for support. I offer a safe space to work through your feelings and experiences and to gain effective coping strategies and solutions. Things can get better with the right help and support.
Life can be hard. It's okay to talk about it. If you are feel mentally and emotionally overwhelmed do not hesitate to reach out for support. I offer a safe space to work through your feelings and experiences and to gain effective coping strategies and solutions. Things can get better with the right help and support.
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Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Do you have a hard time managing your emotions and navigating life’s challenges? Life and its problems do not exist in a vacuum. You are not alone. I offer a safe space to process and unpack your thoughts, emotions, and experiences free of judgement. I prioritize building a safe foundation while honoring and incorporating your multiple identities and strengths into therapy.
Do you have a hard time managing your emotions and navigating life’s challenges? Life and its problems do not exist in a vacuum. You are not alone. I offer a safe space to process and unpack your thoughts, emotions, and experiences free of judgement. I prioritize building a safe foundation while honoring and incorporating your multiple identities and strengths into therapy.
Wofford's Way LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Life’s journey sometimes takes us on an unwanted detour or a journey where we lose direction. It is this passion that I strive to assist those on the path to healing from the hurts of life and finding direction on the journey. Processing of information and experiences is just one portion of the healing process. As individuals we all experience life stressors at some point in our lives. It’s when those same stressors/traumas cause our lives to unravel that I am here to help you get life back in order and on track.
Life’s journey sometimes takes us on an unwanted detour or a journey where we lose direction. It is this passion that I strive to assist those on the path to healing from the hurts of life and finding direction on the journey. Processing of information and experiences is just one portion of the healing process. As individuals we all experience life stressors at some point in our lives. It’s when those same stressors/traumas cause our lives to unravel that I am here to help you get life back in order and on track.
Mia Williams
Counselor, MSEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Life is a journey with many roads. Some roads may be harder to navigate and it is my job as a counselor/therapist to assist you through those bumps in the road. It is important to build a trusting relationship while providing services in a safe and comfortable environment. Confidentially is a high priority, while ensuring empathy, "judgement free zone", and positive regard. I will assist with supplying the skills needed to cope with life's challenges. My goal is to ensure your goals are the focal point and to work towards your goal(s) each session.
Life is a journey with many roads. Some roads may be harder to navigate and it is my job as a counselor/therapist to assist you through those bumps in the road. It is important to build a trusting relationship while providing services in a safe and comfortable environment. Confidentially is a high priority, while ensuring empathy, "judgement free zone", and positive regard. I will assist with supplying the skills needed to cope with life's challenges. My goal is to ensure your goals are the focal point and to work towards your goal(s) each session.
Misty Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Are you having a tough time managing work, parenting, providing for others and having a life for yourself? Are you exhausted from helping everyone else and not having anyone pour the same love, care and compassion into you? Do you feel like you have more life to live but are unsure of where to start?
Are you having a tough time managing work, parenting, providing for others and having a life for yourself? Are you exhausted from helping everyone else and not having anyone pour the same love, care and compassion into you? Do you feel like you have more life to live but are unsure of where to start?
Gracie Bates-Davis
Counselor, MDiv, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Do you live in your head where you rethink all that you do? Is it hard to sleep at night due to life's stressors? Are you seeking direction and purpose in your life? Wearing a mask to exist through life can be draining and hard to maintain. On the other hand, developing the courage to share your true feelings authentically and inner emotions can be liberating. Therapy is where you can create positive habits and rituals to help manage stressors, heal trauma, and live a healthy life. Living with intentionality takes strength, awareness, and daily practice.
Do you live in your head where you rethink all that you do? Is it hard to sleep at night due to life's stressors? Are you seeking direction and purpose in your life? Wearing a mask to exist through life can be draining and hard to maintain. On the other hand, developing the courage to share your true feelings authentically and inner emotions can be liberating. Therapy is where you can create positive habits and rituals to help manage stressors, heal trauma, and live a healthy life. Living with intentionality takes strength, awareness, and daily practice.
Donald ( D. J. ) Watson II
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
Chevonne Toney
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
My services are completely client focused. Depending on the client's needs, my goal is to help my client address unresolved trauma that is currently affecting their daily life, provide brief symptom focused treatment, provide life coaching and assist client in setting life goals and setting them on the path to achievement. I currently accept commercial insurance as well as those with Illinois Medicaid, so everyone is able to receive quality mental health services. You can also access my services via the Grow Therapy App.
My services are completely client focused. Depending on the client's needs, my goal is to help my client address unresolved trauma that is currently affecting their daily life, provide brief symptom focused treatment, provide life coaching and assist client in setting life goals and setting them on the path to achievement. I currently accept commercial insurance as well as those with Illinois Medicaid, so everyone is able to receive quality mental health services. You can also access my services via the Grow Therapy App.
Durrell Sheppard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
I focus on helping clients manage issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, compassion fatigue, anger, self-esteem, family conflict and work place stress. My approach is mostly laid back, nonjudgemental, and relationship-based. I focus on helping clients identify goals for treatment and support them in understanding their emotions, relationships, behaviors, and thoughts.
I focus on helping clients manage issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, compassion fatigue, anger, self-esteem, family conflict and work place stress. My approach is mostly laid back, nonjudgemental, and relationship-based. I focus on helping clients identify goals for treatment and support them in understanding their emotions, relationships, behaviors, and thoughts.
Ashé Counseling & Coaching LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
University Village, Chicago, IL 60607
If you're not living the life you love, lets talk about it. I work with highly ambitious, driven people whose lives seem to be going well on the outside – but privately, they're in pain. My clients may also experience lack of focus and procrastination. The cause may be evident or waiting to be discovered. Either way, something needs to be addressed in order to fully blossom, and my clients are willing to do the work to address it.
If you're not living the life you love, lets talk about it. I work with highly ambitious, driven people whose lives seem to be going well on the outside – but privately, they're in pain. My clients may also experience lack of focus and procrastination. The cause may be evident or waiting to be discovered. Either way, something needs to be addressed in order to fully blossom, and my clients are willing to do the work to address it.
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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.