Black and African American Therapists in Murphy, NC
Andrea Exley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murphy, NC 28906
Waitlist for new clients
I am not afraid of hearing the hard truths that you don't share with others. I find it an honor and a privilege to come along side someone who trusts me enough to share their life, the good and the bad. I have supported people who have experienced things that they believe others think to be unreal, people who believe there is no reason to keep living, people who partake in activities they know are not good for them, people who struggle to have healthy relationships, and people that have been living in darkness. I want to help you break away from that darkness. I want to provide a space that fosters security, hope, and healing.
I am not afraid of hearing the hard truths that you don't share with others. I find it an honor and a privilege to come along side someone who trusts me enough to share their life, the good and the bad. I have supported people who have experienced things that they believe others think to be unreal, people who believe there is no reason to keep living, people who partake in activities they know are not good for them, people who struggle to have healthy relationships, and people that have been living in darkness. I want to help you break away from that darkness. I want to provide a space that fosters security, hope, and healing.
Online Therapists
Brittany S Perry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
As a woman of color, I am a strong advocate for breaking down the stigma of mental health care in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.
Starting a new journey can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, choosing to seek partnership to achieve growth as a person is self-love. Whatever it is that you may be experiencing, anxiety, depression, past traumas, grief/loss or even communication barriers with family and friends, the collaborative effort through therapy can assist you with self-identified goals. During the therapy process we will work on establishing a secure therapeutic relationship, where you can use your voice to share your needs. Therapy doesn’t have to be a chore and while partnering with me, we will integrate individualized goals to aid in your success.
As a woman of color, I am a strong advocate for breaking down the stigma of mental health care in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.
Starting a new journey can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, choosing to seek partnership to achieve growth as a person is self-love. Whatever it is that you may be experiencing, anxiety, depression, past traumas, grief/loss or even communication barriers with family and friends, the collaborative effort through therapy can assist you with self-identified goals. During the therapy process we will work on establishing a secure therapeutic relationship, where you can use your voice to share your needs. Therapy doesn’t have to be a chore and while partnering with me, we will integrate individualized goals to aid in your success.
Itiyopiya F Ewart, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MAT, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806
My ideal client is seeking a holistic approach to mental wellness and desires greater connection with themselves. They may be dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety or stress that manifests in both their mind and in their body. Their needs include a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore their experiences, and seek therapeutic interventions that address the root causes of their challenges. Their goals involve having greater self-awareness, self-compassion, resilience, and authenticity.
My ideal client is seeking a holistic approach to mental wellness and desires greater connection with themselves. They may be dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety or stress that manifests in both their mind and in their body. Their needs include a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore their experiences, and seek therapeutic interventions that address the root causes of their challenges. Their goals involve having greater self-awareness, self-compassion, resilience, and authenticity.
Jamia Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
My purpose, my passion, and my plan is to serve marginalized communities in addressing and dismantling the long-term impacts of systemic racism and oppression. As a therapist and servant leader, I find fulfillment in working with individuals to navigate complex trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a society, we are struggling to cope with the uncertainty of tomorrow. Together, we can understand and explore the benefits in learning to operate from our value systems and not our circumstances.
My purpose, my passion, and my plan is to serve marginalized communities in addressing and dismantling the long-term impacts of systemic racism and oppression. As a therapist and servant leader, I find fulfillment in working with individuals to navigate complex trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a society, we are struggling to cope with the uncertainty of tomorrow. Together, we can understand and explore the benefits in learning to operate from our value systems and not our circumstances.
Rachyl Nyoka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Healing is never a linear journey; and often we need to give ourselves permission to heal from the same things more than once. We are always learning and growing - and sometimes it's necessary to stop and look at what we've learned and grown and ask ourselves if we want to continue carrying it all. Whether you're struggling to cope with a changing world, finding difficulty navigating your relationships, or having specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved traumas, I will encourage and support you as you commit to yourself and explore and challenge your own attitudes, ideas, stories, and beliefs.
Healing is never a linear journey; and often we need to give ourselves permission to heal from the same things more than once. We are always learning and growing - and sometimes it's necessary to stop and look at what we've learned and grown and ask ourselves if we want to continue carrying it all. Whether you're struggling to cope with a changing world, finding difficulty navigating your relationships, or having specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved traumas, I will encourage and support you as you commit to yourself and explore and challenge your own attitudes, ideas, stories, and beliefs.
Dr. Nicole Sherill-Jamison
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCASA, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Hi, I am Dr. Nicole. Have you ever felt like no one understood what you are dealing with? Life can be an up and down hill battle at times. I have felt this way often and sought help, when I knew, it was much needed to move forward. Being stuck is no fun, but it is a place we all see and seek help to get to the other side. I use a holistic approach to help you delve into what you already have to move along the road to recovery. My substance use background as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate is in place to take you by your hand and assist you in a safe space.
Hi, I am Dr. Nicole. Have you ever felt like no one understood what you are dealing with? Life can be an up and down hill battle at times. I have felt this way often and sought help, when I knew, it was much needed to move forward. Being stuck is no fun, but it is a place we all see and seek help to get to the other side. I use a holistic approach to help you delve into what you already have to move along the road to recovery. My substance use background as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate is in place to take you by your hand and assist you in a safe space.
Anteria Wynn
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Often times we tell ourselves “I just can’t make it” or “I’m not strong enough.” It’s hard to see self worth through the struggles of everyday life. Regaining strength, knowledge, and understanding is a challenge, but not impossible. Through personal self exploration and support, finding your value can be achieved. Addiction is a disease and recovery is a life long journey that requires commitment and self love. Not there yet? That’s okay! Together, we can figure it out. There is no one size fits all approach to recovery and learning what works for you is how you start to discover who you are again.
Often times we tell ourselves “I just can’t make it” or “I’m not strong enough.” It’s hard to see self worth through the struggles of everyday life. Regaining strength, knowledge, and understanding is a challenge, but not impossible. Through personal self exploration and support, finding your value can be achieved. Addiction is a disease and recovery is a life long journey that requires commitment and self love. Not there yet? That’s okay! Together, we can figure it out. There is no one size fits all approach to recovery and learning what works for you is how you start to discover who you are again.
Eden Garmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
I am passionate about creating a space for marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. As a woman of color, my own experiences of growing up in rural Western North Carolina as a child of immigrant parents heavily inform my practice and passion for advocating for minority communities. I have experience working alongside clients as they explore identity and believe we all deserve a safe, judgment-free space to foster self-exploration. My work is based on a holistic, person-centered, and strength-based perspective.
I am passionate about creating a space for marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. As a woman of color, my own experiences of growing up in rural Western North Carolina as a child of immigrant parents heavily inform my practice and passion for advocating for minority communities. I have experience working alongside clients as they explore identity and believe we all deserve a safe, judgment-free space to foster self-exploration. My work is based on a holistic, person-centered, and strength-based perspective.
Nia Avila
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
You're here because you desperately need something to change in your life. Every day you wake up and check your social media and it feels like the world is crumbling around you. You're angry that the world is so unfair and unjust, and that you have to live in it any way. Some days you don't even get out of bed in the morning. You're constantly battling negative thoughts about yourself, others, and the world around you, and you feel weighed down. You're just hoping that you can find a therapist that can help you feel lighter, freer, happier, and more centered.
You're here because you desperately need something to change in your life. Every day you wake up and check your social media and it feels like the world is crumbling around you. You're angry that the world is so unfair and unjust, and that you have to live in it any way. Some days you don't even get out of bed in the morning. You're constantly battling negative thoughts about yourself, others, and the world around you, and you feel weighed down. You're just hoping that you can find a therapist that can help you feel lighter, freer, happier, and more centered.
Bryan Michalowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I am particularly passionate about serving individuals in the neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA+ communities. As a member of all three communities, I know that these three identities often intersect to affect our mental health, most often in a negative way. I want to help my clients understand the many different ways in which they intersect and take steps to use those intersections to their advantage.
I am particularly passionate about serving individuals in the neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA+ communities. As a member of all three communities, I know that these three identities often intersect to affect our mental health, most often in a negative way. I want to help my clients understand the many different ways in which they intersect and take steps to use those intersections to their advantage.
Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis
Counselor, DACM, MAOM, MEd, LCMCH, LAC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
As a former UK Journalist, intuitive, and trauma-focused counselor, I am good at helping you discover the core of your story and shift the shadows and trauma from inner childhood issues resulting in anxiety, depression, grief, lack of direction and purpose, bad relationships and more. I do so through Resolve and Release Therapy or EMDR
As a former UK Journalist, intuitive, and trauma-focused counselor, I am good at helping you discover the core of your story and shift the shadows and trauma from inner childhood issues resulting in anxiety, depression, grief, lack of direction and purpose, bad relationships and more. I do so through Resolve and Release Therapy or EMDR
Kimberly Davis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791 (Online Only)
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or in despair can overshadow even a life that looks perfect on paper. If you're harboring thoughts and emotions that seem too heavy to share, I'm here to assure you: You're not alone, and you're certainly not crazy. Together, we'll navigate these challenging waters to not only address what you need at this moment but also to construct a future that currently seems out of reach. You deserve a life filled with happiness, love, and safety—and I'm committed to helping you build it.
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or in despair can overshadow even a life that looks perfect on paper. If you're harboring thoughts and emotions that seem too heavy to share, I'm here to assure you: You're not alone, and you're certainly not crazy. Together, we'll navigate these challenging waters to not only address what you need at this moment but also to construct a future that currently seems out of reach. You deserve a life filled with happiness, love, and safety—and I'm committed to helping you build it.
Rachyl Nyoka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, CPT, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Healing is never a linear journey; and often we need to give ourselves permission to heal from the same things more than once. We are always learning and growing - and sometimes it's necessary to stop and look at what we've learned and grown and ask ourselves if we want to continue carrying it all. Whether you're struggling to cope with a changing world, finding difficulty navigating your relationships, or having specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved traumas, I will encourage and support you as you commit to yourself and explore and challenge your own attitudes, ideas, stories, and beliefs.
Healing is never a linear journey; and often we need to give ourselves permission to heal from the same things more than once. We are always learning and growing - and sometimes it's necessary to stop and look at what we've learned and grown and ask ourselves if we want to continue carrying it all. Whether you're struggling to cope with a changing world, finding difficulty navigating your relationships, or having specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved traumas, I will encourage and support you as you commit to yourself and explore and challenge your own attitudes, ideas, stories, and beliefs.
Adrianna N. Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
You have to be strong. All. The. Damn. Time. And that’s just become too much. Even for you. You have BIG feelings and may even cry when you’re alone, but hide them so the world can’t use them against you. You’re exhausted. But you can’t slow down for fear of what may happen if painful memories overwhelm you. Your internal voice is relentlessly mean and you want to shut it up, but you don’t even know if it’s possible to truly accept yourself. You know far too many people have too much access to your physical space or emotional energy, but you learned this is how to keep people around and saying “no” leaves you alone or rejected.
You have to be strong. All. The. Damn. Time. And that’s just become too much. Even for you. You have BIG feelings and may even cry when you’re alone, but hide them so the world can’t use them against you. You’re exhausted. But you can’t slow down for fear of what may happen if painful memories overwhelm you. Your internal voice is relentlessly mean and you want to shut it up, but you don’t even know if it’s possible to truly accept yourself. You know far too many people have too much access to your physical space or emotional energy, but you learned this is how to keep people around and saying “no” leaves you alone or rejected.
Ashley Hosey
Psychological Associate, LPA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
Out of network provider for all insurances You're tired. You have to carry BIG emotions all the damn time with no outlet to let them out. You cry when you’re alone, but put on a smile so the world can’t see you're hurting on the inside. There is no time to slow down because slowing down makes the inner critic grow louder about how awful you are. Perhaps you get some release through disordered eating, but ultimately, that voice comes right back again. The inner critic makes it hard for you to accept yourself and love your flaws. It makes it hard for you to live your life intentionally, with confidence in yourself to use your voice.
Out of network provider for all insurances You're tired. You have to carry BIG emotions all the damn time with no outlet to let them out. You cry when you’re alone, but put on a smile so the world can’t see you're hurting on the inside. There is no time to slow down because slowing down makes the inner critic grow louder about how awful you are. Perhaps you get some release through disordered eating, but ultimately, that voice comes right back again. The inner critic makes it hard for you to accept yourself and love your flaws. It makes it hard for you to live your life intentionally, with confidence in yourself to use your voice.
Amparo Penny
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time - Sophia Bush. Are you at war with your emotions, food, or your body? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, and I invite you to take you on a journey below the surface. I am a DBT-certified and an Intuitive Eating certified therapist and I see therapy as a journey we take together; you’re the driver and I'm the helpful passenger or tour guide :) I have been a licensed therapist for 17 years, supporting people with eating disorders, issues with emotion regulation, body image issues, and borderline personality disorder. You're never "too much" for me.
You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time - Sophia Bush. Are you at war with your emotions, food, or your body? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, and I invite you to take you on a journey below the surface. I am a DBT-certified and an Intuitive Eating certified therapist and I see therapy as a journey we take together; you’re the driver and I'm the helpful passenger or tour guide :) I have been a licensed therapist for 17 years, supporting people with eating disorders, issues with emotion regulation, body image issues, and borderline personality disorder. You're never "too much" for me.
Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, ATR-BC, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
It's time to get up, but the day ahead feels too overwhelming. You've missed out on so much, and you worry what will happen next and what everyone will think. You feel powerless to change, and you’re so tired of trying things that don’t work. No one understands why you can’t just move forward, and you may feel completely alone. I want you to know that you’re not crazy, and things don't have to be like this forever. My clients report a deeper level of healing as they feel more connected to their bodies, experience more ease in their daily lives, and re-discover their strength and resilience.
It's time to get up, but the day ahead feels too overwhelming. You've missed out on so much, and you worry what will happen next and what everyone will think. You feel powerless to change, and you’re so tired of trying things that don’t work. No one understands why you can’t just move forward, and you may feel completely alone. I want you to know that you’re not crazy, and things don't have to be like this forever. My clients report a deeper level of healing as they feel more connected to their bodies, experience more ease in their daily lives, and re-discover their strength and resilience.
Nicole Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCASA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Are you an ambitious BIPOC but fear you won’t have the energy levels or emotional stability to maintain your goals? Do you struggle with needing things to be perfect, doubt your abilities, stress, struggle to focus, or feel down on yourself? Feeling like a burden all the time & hiding parts of yourself makes you feel stuck. Time management is off and your once helpful routines are a distant memory. And still, you're doing the things you need to, but feeling exhausted, alone, & overworked is not sustainable. You know there's a better way to move through the world and you're ready to feel lighter, organized, supported, & sustainable.
Are you an ambitious BIPOC but fear you won’t have the energy levels or emotional stability to maintain your goals? Do you struggle with needing things to be perfect, doubt your abilities, stress, struggle to focus, or feel down on yourself? Feeling like a burden all the time & hiding parts of yourself makes you feel stuck. Time management is off and your once helpful routines are a distant memory. And still, you're doing the things you need to, but feeling exhausted, alone, & overworked is not sustainable. You know there's a better way to move through the world and you're ready to feel lighter, organized, supported, & sustainable.
Resilient Mind Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Navigating a path that is different from what your parents, friends, or even what you had originally planned should feel warm, celebratory, and freeing, but perhaps you’ve experienced inner turmoil, persecution, and pain instead. The pain of your identities, unique experience, and even your very existence being dismissed and invalidated. Entering into relationships that others don’t understand or approve of can cause tension in the relationship itself. It feels as though there’s a magnifying glass on your ‘non -traditional’ way of life and you’ve become hyper-aware of how you show up in and are experienced by those around you.
Navigating a path that is different from what your parents, friends, or even what you had originally planned should feel warm, celebratory, and freeing, but perhaps you’ve experienced inner turmoil, persecution, and pain instead. The pain of your identities, unique experience, and even your very existence being dismissed and invalidated. Entering into relationships that others don’t understand or approve of can cause tension in the relationship itself. It feels as though there’s a magnifying glass on your ‘non -traditional’ way of life and you’ve become hyper-aware of how you show up in and are experienced by those around you.
Alondra Vargas
Counselor, MS, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Waitlist for new clients
Growing up and learning how to navigate the world can be tough. Trying to navigate this world while struggling with intrusive thoughts, feeling like you're not enough, and like no one understands you can feel impossible. You or your child may face anxiety, depression, or life transitions, craving understanding and coping strategies. Your goal may be growth, resilience, and self-empowerment. Together, we can cultivate self-awareness, nurture inner strengths, and foster positive change to build healthier relationships and discover your or your child's authentic self. I work with children, adolescents, and adults.
Growing up and learning how to navigate the world can be tough. Trying to navigate this world while struggling with intrusive thoughts, feeling like you're not enough, and like no one understands you can feel impossible. You or your child may face anxiety, depression, or life transitions, craving understanding and coping strategies. Your goal may be growth, resilience, and self-empowerment. Together, we can cultivate self-awareness, nurture inner strengths, and foster positive change to build healthier relationships and discover your or your child's authentic self. I work with children, adolescents, and adults.
See more therapy options for Murphy
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.