Black and African American Therapists in Concrete, WA

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Online Therapists

Photo of Roza Aman, MAED, LMHCA, Counselor
Roza Aman
Counselor, MAED, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seatac, WA 98168  (Online Only)
I am a woman of color and a first-generation therapist who speaks multiple languages. I speak Oromo, Swahili, Amharic and English. I believe therapy is a space for people to discover who they are in a safe place. I strive to create an environment that will allow you to look at the different ways you define yourself. We will also explore and face the challenges you have experienced to help you gain understanding as to how these shapes who you are today. As a Muslim Black woman, I believe the characteristics you hold are a part of your journey to shaping the person you are and/or who you want to be in your life.
I am a woman of color and a first-generation therapist who speaks multiple languages. I speak Oromo, Swahili, Amharic and English. I believe therapy is a space for people to discover who they are in a safe place. I strive to create an environment that will allow you to look at the different ways you define yourself. We will also explore and face the challenges you have experienced to help you gain understanding as to how these shapes who you are today. As a Muslim Black woman, I believe the characteristics you hold are a part of your journey to shaping the person you are and/or who you want to be in your life.
(253) 465-2484 View (253) 465-2484
Photo of Christopher Edward, MS,  SPP, LMHCA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Christopher Edward
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, SPP, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Lake Stevens, WA 98258
I am a Black counselor and Black mental performance coach.
You may be lacking confidence, uncertain of what your next steps are, or are suffering with some form of anxiety or depression. Here you can learn about how to accept the past hurts, be intentional with the present moment, and prepare for the future. Come lost leave feeling seen, heard, and known. I seek to put you first, seeking out to meet your needs by mindful reflecting, strength building, positive relationships and constructive feedback, working together to unlock your full potential. Currently only accepting Mental Performance clients.
I am a Black counselor and Black mental performance coach.
You may be lacking confidence, uncertain of what your next steps are, or are suffering with some form of anxiety or depression. Here you can learn about how to accept the past hurts, be intentional with the present moment, and prepare for the future. Come lost leave feeling seen, heard, and known. I seek to put you first, seeking out to meet your needs by mindful reflecting, strength building, positive relationships and constructive feedback, working together to unlock your full potential. Currently only accepting Mental Performance clients.
(425) 368-9367 View (425) 368-9367
Photo of Derek Cooper, LMHC, Counselor
Derek Cooper
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Derek graduated with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowie State University with a focus on destigmatizing counseling for the black/brown and LGBTQIA communities.
Derek Cooper, LMHC, is a therapist at the Thriving Center of Psychology. He works with a wide range of presenting challenges, including addiction, identity crises, self-esteem/confidence issues, emotion/stress management, and trauma, in addition to working with anxiety and depression. As an Afro-Caribbean who takes pride in his heritage, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work and has extensive experience with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities. He has particular expertise in working with people of color and the LGBTQIA community.
Derek graduated with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowie State University with a focus on destigmatizing counseling for the black/brown and LGBTQIA communities.
Derek Cooper, LMHC, is a therapist at the Thriving Center of Psychology. He works with a wide range of presenting challenges, including addiction, identity crises, self-esteem/confidence issues, emotion/stress management, and trauma, in addition to working with anxiety and depression. As an Afro-Caribbean who takes pride in his heritage, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work and has extensive experience with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities. He has particular expertise in working with people of color and the LGBTQIA community.
(206) 208-8812 View (206) 208-8812
Photo of Rian A Roberson, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Rian A Roberson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98108  (Online Only)
My favorite outlet is training in Kajukembo Kung Fu, and I am actively training for my black belt.
Open to new clients. My ideal client is an emerging adult who is ready to start on the path towards living their best, healthiest, and most authentic life. I work with clients from every background, but I am especially passionate about serving the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Many of my clients aspire to learn techniques to manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. I enjoy aiding clients on their journey towards authentic self-expression, higher self-esteem, powerful communication skills, and utilizing boundaries, especially for clients with marginalized identities.
My favorite outlet is training in Kajukembo Kung Fu, and I am actively training for my black belt.
Open to new clients. My ideal client is an emerging adult who is ready to start on the path towards living their best, healthiest, and most authentic life. I work with clients from every background, but I am especially passionate about serving the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Many of my clients aspire to learn techniques to manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. I enjoy aiding clients on their journey towards authentic self-expression, higher self-esteem, powerful communication skills, and utilizing boundaries, especially for clients with marginalized identities.
(206) 210-5368 View (206) 210-5368
Photo of Claudelle R Glasgow - Claudelle R Glasgow, PsyD, PLLC, PsyD, SEP, Psychologist
Claudelle R Glasgow, PsyD, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98117  (Online Only)
I center my work with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) persons at their intersections, most often LGBTQA+, artists, activists, deep seekers, and other healers. Many have a strong spiritual connection to their current obstacles and are willing to integrate that into their treatment. Presenting concerns range from racial trauma to life transitions, grief to identity. There is an understanding that what is presenting is not a problem, where the goal is creating more space around struggles, creating more options, finding a different perspective, and Being more fully.
I center my work with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) persons at their intersections, most often LGBTQA+, artists, activists, deep seekers, and other healers. Many have a strong spiritual connection to their current obstacles and are willing to integrate that into their treatment. Presenting concerns range from racial trauma to life transitions, grief to identity. There is an understanding that what is presenting is not a problem, where the goal is creating more space around struggles, creating more options, finding a different perspective, and Being more fully.
(312) 854-2081 View (312) 854-2081
Photo of Brandon B Hoggans - Life Guide Northwest PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Life Guide Northwest PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Kent, WA 98030
Life Guide Northwest was founded in 2010 in Portland Oregon by my late father Stevie B. Hoggans. His sole purpose in establishing Life Guide Northwest was to create a treatment agency to support the specific needs of the BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community. This level of support was not available in his community, which dealt with socio-economic challenges which manifested into issues such as behavioral health conditions, crime, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Like my father, I am passionate about helping ALL individuals who are struggling to navigate interpersonal challenges.
Life Guide Northwest was founded in 2010 in Portland Oregon by my late father Stevie B. Hoggans. His sole purpose in establishing Life Guide Northwest was to create a treatment agency to support the specific needs of the BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community. This level of support was not available in his community, which dealt with socio-economic challenges which manifested into issues such as behavioral health conditions, crime, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Like my father, I am passionate about helping ALL individuals who are struggling to navigate interpersonal challenges.
(253) 652-5938 View (253) 652-5938
Photo of Kiana Clay, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kiana Clay
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I am a Black, straight, cisgender woman who was born and raised in California.
I understand how challenging it can be to reach out for help. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings and can meaningfully process your experiences. I provide affirming, evidence-based mental health support for those dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress. My approach to therapy is warm, client-centered, and collaborative. Together, we'll identify the goals you aspire to achieve and develop a personalized plan to help you reach them.
I am a Black, straight, cisgender woman who was born and raised in California.
I understand how challenging it can be to reach out for help. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings and can meaningfully process your experiences. I provide affirming, evidence-based mental health support for those dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress. My approach to therapy is warm, client-centered, and collaborative. Together, we'll identify the goals you aspire to achieve and develop a personalized plan to help you reach them.
(360) 926-9811 View (360) 926-9811
Photo of Hayden Hamilton - Hayden Hamilton, MD, Sealevel Pllc, MD, MA, LMHCA
Hayden Hamilton, MD, Sealevel Pllc
MD, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115
Previous Presentations: 1) Managing Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19 (UWSOM), 2) Healing for Black Community (King County Library system).
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
Previous Presentations: 1) Managing Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19 (UWSOM), 2) Healing for Black Community (King County Library system).
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
(206) 737-1027 View (206) 737-1027
Photo of David Parks, LMHCA, Counselor
David Parks
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104
Being Black, queer, and neurodivergent, I have had the same struggles.
Many of us feel out of step with others around us. Difficulties with completing tasks and organization lead to struggles and frustration in relationships. Difficulty with social skills and anxiety make it hard to reach out to others for friendship or dating. Some of us feel shame and isolation from ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity. Our unique hobbies or interests keep us out of step. Shame keeps us from exploring who we are in friendships, dating, and sexually. People often do not see us. We feel alone. This manifests as depression, anxiety, and difficulty regulating our emotions.
Being Black, queer, and neurodivergent, I have had the same struggles.
Many of us feel out of step with others around us. Difficulties with completing tasks and organization lead to struggles and frustration in relationships. Difficulty with social skills and anxiety make it hard to reach out to others for friendship or dating. Some of us feel shame and isolation from ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity. Our unique hobbies or interests keep us out of step. Shame keeps us from exploring who we are in friendships, dating, and sexually. People often do not see us. We feel alone. This manifests as depression, anxiety, and difficulty regulating our emotions.
(509) 581-4308 View (509) 581-4308
Photo of Danesha Deloatch, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danesha Deloatch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Harbor, WA 98277  (Online Only)
My goal is to empower clients from underserved Black, Indigenous, and minority communities to live fulfilling lives.
Life can present us with numerous daunting barriers, leaving us to shoulder immense pressure without feeling, leading to self-doubt. The demands of career, relationships, and family (such as postpartum care or fertility issues) can be utterly exhausting, even overwhelming - especially for military families who face these challenges at an elevated rate. However, we don't have to face these barriers alone. Our goal is to help clients cultivate self-love and compassion, problem-solve effectively, and create a safe space to overcome the obstacles in their lives.
My goal is to empower clients from underserved Black, Indigenous, and minority communities to live fulfilling lives.
Life can present us with numerous daunting barriers, leaving us to shoulder immense pressure without feeling, leading to self-doubt. The demands of career, relationships, and family (such as postpartum care or fertility issues) can be utterly exhausting, even overwhelming - especially for military families who face these challenges at an elevated rate. However, we don't have to face these barriers alone. Our goal is to help clients cultivate self-love and compassion, problem-solve effectively, and create a safe space to overcome the obstacles in their lives.
(360) 505-0824 View (360) 505-0824
Photo of Justin Ibrahim, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Justin Ibrahim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Renton, WA 98057  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. First-generation Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, and Black Americans experience this in unique ways. I specialize in working with AAPI and BIPOC clients and their loved ones. We can find solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural/ identity values and needs for today. This work can be so empowering for you engaging relationships, dating life, marriage, partnerships and family life!
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. First-generation Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, and Black Americans experience this in unique ways. I specialize in working with AAPI and BIPOC clients and their loved ones. We can find solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural/ identity values and needs for today. This work can be so empowering for you engaging relationships, dating life, marriage, partnerships and family life!
(206) 593-4358 View (206) 593-4358
Photo of Derick Reinhardt, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Derick Reinhardt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Redmond, WA 98052  (Online Only)
I’m Black, non-binary, and a queer-identifying therapist, committed to honoring lived experiences and creating a warm-hearted environment for healing and growth. I want to establish moving away from the belief ‘what’s wrong with me’ and transitioning into a space where we make sense of what happened to you. I’m not here to fix you, because you are not broken or damaged goods. I’m here to support you on this yellow brick road we call life.
I’m Black, non-binary, and a queer-identifying therapist, committed to honoring lived experiences and creating a warm-hearted environment for healing and growth. I want to establish moving away from the belief ‘what’s wrong with me’ and transitioning into a space where we make sense of what happened to you. I’m not here to fix you, because you are not broken or damaged goods. I’m here to support you on this yellow brick road we call life.
(425) 276-7030 View (425) 276-7030
Photo of Angela Saidybah, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angela Saidybah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Federal Way, WA 98003  (Online Only)
As an African American therapist, I prioritize treating racial trauma, strengthening community, and cultivating wellness.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
As an African American therapist, I prioritize treating racial trauma, strengthening community, and cultivating wellness.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
(253) 465-2844 View (253) 465-2844
Photo of Jade Herbert, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jade Herbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98002  (Online Only)
I strive to promote the well-being of Black individuals' and dedicate my practice to helping young adults unlock their Black girl, Black boy, and Black person magic.
I believe everyone deserves a chance to find peace and joy in their lives. My personal experience of being a plus-size Black woman has given me insight into how oppression and internalized oppression can shape our experiences and view of the world, and stop us from reaching our fullest potential. No matter the circumstance, you deserve a safe space to discuss the pressures, stigmas, trauma, shame, hurt, loss, and oppressive systems you have to navigate every day. Therapy should serve as a space for you to explore your many intersectional identities and start the journey to becoming your best self.
I strive to promote the well-being of Black individuals' and dedicate my practice to helping young adults unlock their Black girl, Black boy, and Black person magic.
I believe everyone deserves a chance to find peace and joy in their lives. My personal experience of being a plus-size Black woman has given me insight into how oppression and internalized oppression can shape our experiences and view of the world, and stop us from reaching our fullest potential. No matter the circumstance, you deserve a safe space to discuss the pressures, stigmas, trauma, shame, hurt, loss, and oppressive systems you have to navigate every day. Therapy should serve as a space for you to explore your many intersectional identities and start the journey to becoming your best self.
(253) 600-3257 View (253) 600-3257
Photo of Sarah R Orihu, MFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sarah R Orihu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118  (Online Only)
As a Black woman therapist in the Greater King County, my mission is to empower individuals, couples and families to understand themselves more deeply through healing and growth for the mind and body.
As people of color, we have not always been given the opportunity to address the intricacies of our mental health. We need to remind ourselves that we deserve to have a voice and tend to the vulnerable parts of who we are and what we experience in our lives. I focus my work on the lived experiences of my clients as I aim to decolonize therapy with a justice-oriented and strengths-based approach. I work with individuals to develop positive tools and resources to help improve their relational and individual wellbeing.
As a Black woman therapist in the Greater King County, my mission is to empower individuals, couples and families to understand themselves more deeply through healing and growth for the mind and body.
As people of color, we have not always been given the opportunity to address the intricacies of our mental health. We need to remind ourselves that we deserve to have a voice and tend to the vulnerable parts of who we are and what we experience in our lives. I focus my work on the lived experiences of my clients as I aim to decolonize therapy with a justice-oriented and strengths-based approach. I work with individuals to develop positive tools and resources to help improve their relational and individual wellbeing.
(206) 210-3859 View (206) 210-3859
Photo of Tashau Asefaw - Healing Vibes, PLLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Healing Vibes, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
I offer clinical supervision, individual therapy, and coaching services. For therapy, my areas of focus include, but are not limited to, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, adjustment to change, and life challenges faced by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. For coaching, my areas of focus include workplace wellness, relationships, and confidence. I am competent and experienced in providing clinical supervision for those engaged in clinical mental health counseling and those working in healthcare settings.
I offer clinical supervision, individual therapy, and coaching services. For therapy, my areas of focus include, but are not limited to, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, adjustment to change, and life challenges faced by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. For coaching, my areas of focus include workplace wellness, relationships, and confidence. I am competent and experienced in providing clinical supervision for those engaged in clinical mental health counseling and those working in healthcare settings.
(206) 202-8706 View (206) 202-8706
Photo of Nicole Marie Hoyes Wilson - Collective Healing Counseling, LICSW, Counselor
Collective Healing Counseling
Counselor, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98178  (Online Only)
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
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Photo of Deseray Wilson - Anxious Black Girls™, LMHC, Counselor
Anxious Black Girls™
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
I’m Deseray Wilson, Owner & Clinical Director of Anxious Black Girls. We're a Safe Space for Black Women & Girls who want to learn how to disrupt generational patterns that normalize stress, overworking, overthinking, staying in unhealthy relationships, & having a lack of self-empathy. Our clients come to us because the impact of staying in these spaces has caused increased anxiety and other mental health stressors. If you want change in your life and feel paralyzed by your anxiety, this is a space curated around your healing, we're happy to be a support to you.
I’m Deseray Wilson, Owner & Clinical Director of Anxious Black Girls. We're a Safe Space for Black Women & Girls who want to learn how to disrupt generational patterns that normalize stress, overworking, overthinking, staying in unhealthy relationships, & having a lack of self-empathy. Our clients come to us because the impact of staying in these spaces has caused increased anxiety and other mental health stressors. If you want change in your life and feel paralyzed by your anxiety, this is a space curated around your healing, we're happy to be a support to you.
(954) 231-0391 View (954) 231-0391
Photo of Justin Talkish - Justin Talkish Counseling , LMHC, MHP, Counselor
Justin Talkish Counseling
Counselor, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98178  (Online Only)
Struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma? Let's navigate these challenges together. I'm Justin, a dedicated licensed therapist specializing in DBT and TF-CBT. As a Black male therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, fostering an empathetic, secure environment for adults and teens. Our sessions integrate mental, physical, and emotional wellness for holistic healing. We'll explore your story, tackle your struggles, and work together to cultivate a more fulfilling, balanced life. Ready to start your journey? Reach out to me.
Struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma? Let's navigate these challenges together. I'm Justin, a dedicated licensed therapist specializing in DBT and TF-CBT. As a Black male therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, fostering an empathetic, secure environment for adults and teens. Our sessions integrate mental, physical, and emotional wellness for holistic healing. We'll explore your story, tackle your struggles, and work together to cultivate a more fulfilling, balanced life. Ready to start your journey? Reach out to me.
(425) 217-1702 View (425) 217-1702
Photo of Erika Michelle Cherry, MS,  LMHC, Counselor
Erika Michelle Cherry
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98106  (Online Only)
As a Black Woman raised in the South, now residing in the Pacific Northwest, I know too well the impact that some life transitions can have on identity. They leave you desperately clinging to who you’ve always been while trying to dodge who you’re now forced to become. Somewhere in the midst of the transition, you started realizing that who you’ve “always been”, was never your true identity. Now you’re grappling with confusion, a loss of direction, and the seemingly unanswerable question “who am I”? Truth is, your identity is rooted in narratives you didn’t write and they may no longer fit who your are or support your growth.
As a Black Woman raised in the South, now residing in the Pacific Northwest, I know too well the impact that some life transitions can have on identity. They leave you desperately clinging to who you’ve always been while trying to dodge who you’re now forced to become. Somewhere in the midst of the transition, you started realizing that who you’ve “always been”, was never your true identity. Now you’re grappling with confusion, a loss of direction, and the seemingly unanswerable question “who am I”? Truth is, your identity is rooted in narratives you didn’t write and they may no longer fit who your are or support your growth.
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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.