Black and African American Therapists in El Cajon, CA

Photo of Chenyka (Nyka) Ramos, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chenyka (Nyka) Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
In a world where meeting your emotional needs is not always prioritized, individuals often become disconnected from themselves. As a result of this disconnection individuals may experience challenges with their mental health, experience dissatisfaction within their relationships and difficulty with identifying healthy coping skills. My role is to reconnect you to those emotional needs, educate and support you on ways of meeting these needs and provide you with tools to maintain stability and balance in life.
In a world where meeting your emotional needs is not always prioritized, individuals often become disconnected from themselves. As a result of this disconnection individuals may experience challenges with their mental health, experience dissatisfaction within their relationships and difficulty with identifying healthy coping skills. My role is to reconnect you to those emotional needs, educate and support you on ways of meeting these needs and provide you with tools to maintain stability and balance in life.
(619) 329-8399 View (619) 329-8399
Photo of Jarrett J Clifton, EdS, LEP
Jarrett J Clifton
Licensed Educational Psychologist, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Working with children, teenagers, and young adults (age 18-24) has been a passion of mine. This time is full of possibilities which includes growth and conflict. My approach has worked well with teenagers who may not always know how to communicate these things effectively. With children, I enjoy partnering with parents and caregivers to provide insight and resources for success. In most cases, I work together with clients not only to maintain appropriate boundaries but also raise the bar on what can be done independently.
Working with children, teenagers, and young adults (age 18-24) has been a passion of mine. This time is full of possibilities which includes growth and conflict. My approach has worked well with teenagers who may not always know how to communicate these things effectively. With children, I enjoy partnering with parents and caregivers to provide insight and resources for success. In most cases, I work together with clients not only to maintain appropriate boundaries but also raise the bar on what can be done independently.
(619) 404-0512 View (619) 404-0512
Photo of Maricsa Evans, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maricsa Evans
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
Hello and Welcome! Maricsa Evans, M.A., LMFT I am a licensed marriage and family therapist eager to provide holistic treatment to clients struggling with depression, anxiety and life stressors. Maricsa uses a person-centered approach when providing therapy and takes time to build rapport in order to develop a healthy therapeutic relationship with clients. Maricsa currently works with individuals and couples to create and implement effective and individualized treatment plans. In addition, she has foundational coursework and training in cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies.
Hello and Welcome! Maricsa Evans, M.A., LMFT I am a licensed marriage and family therapist eager to provide holistic treatment to clients struggling with depression, anxiety and life stressors. Maricsa uses a person-centered approach when providing therapy and takes time to build rapport in order to develop a healthy therapeutic relationship with clients. Maricsa currently works with individuals and couples to create and implement effective and individualized treatment plans. In addition, she has foundational coursework and training in cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies.
(619) 319-9734 View (619) 319-9734
Photo of Deatria Davis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deatria Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
My name is Deatria Davis and I'm an LMFT. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings while moving toward a journey of self-awareness, cultivating resilience, developing interpersonal skills, and the healing needed to form and sustain relationships with oneself and others. I use an integrative approach of CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and other theoretical approaches depending on the client's needs.
My name is Deatria Davis and I'm an LMFT. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings while moving toward a journey of self-awareness, cultivating resilience, developing interpersonal skills, and the healing needed to form and sustain relationships with oneself and others. I use an integrative approach of CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and other theoretical approaches depending on the client's needs.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Krystal Campbell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Krystal Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hi there, I'm Krystal! I am a service-focused Clinical Social Worker, bringing seven (7) years of social work experience meeting all state certification and licensing requirements. I like to facilitate individual sessions to provide a positive therapeutic experience. I am an honest and compassionate communicator with a knack for building lasting professional relationships in order to best serve my community.
Hi there, I'm Krystal! I am a service-focused Clinical Social Worker, bringing seven (7) years of social work experience meeting all state certification and licensing requirements. I like to facilitate individual sessions to provide a positive therapeutic experience. I am an honest and compassionate communicator with a knack for building lasting professional relationships in order to best serve my community.
(619) 586-5013 View (619) 586-5013
Photo of Marshiq Wilson-Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marshiq Wilson-Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Hi there, I'm Marshiq! Are you struggling alone? Are you ready to make a breakthrough? Allow me to assist you in evolving toward a healthier, more productive you. Over the past 20 years, I have partnered with Federal, County, and Private Agencies in meeting the needs of diverse clientele populations. Whether you are dealing with the stress of life transitions or have acute/chronic mental health needs, I am the teammate you can count on. With a faith-based worldview, solution-focused & mindfulness-based cognitive therapy strategies are provided to promote individual care for client growth.
Hi there, I'm Marshiq! Are you struggling alone? Are you ready to make a breakthrough? Allow me to assist you in evolving toward a healthier, more productive you. Over the past 20 years, I have partnered with Federal, County, and Private Agencies in meeting the needs of diverse clientele populations. Whether you are dealing with the stress of life transitions or have acute/chronic mental health needs, I am the teammate you can count on. With a faith-based worldview, solution-focused & mindfulness-based cognitive therapy strategies are provided to promote individual care for client growth.
(619) 776-3512 View (619) 776-3512
Photo of Tyeast Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tyeast Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
My name is Tyeast Brown, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and work with various clients via telehealth. I have worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and utilize different tools to fit the needs of each client. My approach to therapy varies depending on the needs of each client. I work well with children, teens/adolescents, young adults, transitional-age youth, couples, and individuals via different evidence-based modalities.
My name is Tyeast Brown, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and work with various clients via telehealth. I have worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and utilize different tools to fit the needs of each client. My approach to therapy varies depending on the needs of each client. I work well with children, teens/adolescents, young adults, transitional-age youth, couples, and individuals via different evidence-based modalities.
(619) 815-5731 View (619) 815-5731
Photo of Shannan Oconnor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannan Oconnor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
I am licensed in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, low self-esteem, low/depressed mood, and emotional dysregulation.
I am licensed in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, low self-esteem, low/depressed mood, and emotional dysregulation.
(858) 358-6161 View (858) 358-6161
Photo of Brande Vargas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brande Vargas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
I am passionate about my work and consider it an honor to help people navigate and move forward to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment to help guide you through life's challenges and the often-unpredictable ups and downs. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities and adapt treatment to fit your individual needs. I work from a strengths-based perspective and have a warm, gentle, supportive, non-judgmental, therapeutic style.
I am passionate about my work and consider it an honor to help people navigate and move forward to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment to help guide you through life's challenges and the often-unpredictable ups and downs. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities and adapt treatment to fit your individual needs. I work from a strengths-based perspective and have a warm, gentle, supportive, non-judgmental, therapeutic style.
(619) 308-6354 View (619) 308-6354
Photo of Donnamarie Elcock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Donnamarie Elcock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020  (Online Only)
I have been on a life journey that will continue forever because we never stop creating a greater more powerful self. Why we would do that, it feels encapsulating to be struck in a BOX of epic proportions feeling there is no opening the door the best of you! The opening to knowledge can result in the gaining of creative strategies for coping skills, self-care, managing symptoms, workshops, groups, books, exercises, seminars, videos, podcasts, motivational interviewing, artwork, Mental Health is recognizing/acknowledging its existence in yourself, family, friends. and the coping mechanisms to assist with managing symptoms.
I have been on a life journey that will continue forever because we never stop creating a greater more powerful self. Why we would do that, it feels encapsulating to be struck in a BOX of epic proportions feeling there is no opening the door the best of you! The opening to knowledge can result in the gaining of creative strategies for coping skills, self-care, managing symptoms, workshops, groups, books, exercises, seminars, videos, podcasts, motivational interviewing, artwork, Mental Health is recognizing/acknowledging its existence in yourself, family, friends. and the coping mechanisms to assist with managing symptoms.
(619) 848-1321 View (619) 848-1321
Photo of Guy Washington, LCP, Psychologist
Guy Washington
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Guy E Washington, Psy.D. I prefer an integrative approach to treatment, as there is no one model technique that fits everyone. Therefore, it is imperative to connect and collaborate with clients to better understand their needs. I work with a variety of client types but not limited to those experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, interpersonal difficulties, and relationship challenges, and those experiencing severe mental illness.
Guy E Washington, Psy.D. I prefer an integrative approach to treatment, as there is no one model technique that fits everyone. Therefore, it is imperative to connect and collaborate with clients to better understand their needs. I work with a variety of client types but not limited to those experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, interpersonal difficulties, and relationship challenges, and those experiencing severe mental illness.
(619) 658-8964 View (619) 658-8964
Photo of Peter Shorts, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peter Shorts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
I'm Peter Shorts, LCSW practicing in California and on the Big Island in Kailua Kona and Pahoa. Therapy can be a journey of discovery, recovery, and healing as we seek to understand the context of life, constellation of relationships, and our internal emotional landscape. Uncovering our deeper needs being sought, and their imprint on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
I'm Peter Shorts, LCSW practicing in California and on the Big Island in Kailua Kona and Pahoa. Therapy can be a journey of discovery, recovery, and healing as we seek to understand the context of life, constellation of relationships, and our internal emotional landscape. Uncovering our deeper needs being sought, and their imprint on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
(858) 727-5499 View (858) 727-5499
Photo of Tomia Bowden, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tomia Bowden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Hi, my name is Tomia Bowden and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Los Angeles area and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults experiencing various mental health difficulties and life challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues to name a few. Utilizing a humanistic approach, I focus on helping you develop a strong and healthy sense of self through exploring feelings and enhancing strengths.
Hi, my name is Tomia Bowden and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Los Angeles area and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults experiencing various mental health difficulties and life challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues to name a few. Utilizing a humanistic approach, I focus on helping you develop a strong and healthy sense of self through exploring feelings and enhancing strengths.
(619) 389-2470 View (619) 389-2470
Photo of Toni Stewart, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Toni Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hi, I’m Toni Stewart and I’m an LMFT & LPCC. My approach to therapy is to assist my clients in building the skills they need to work through adverse experiences and manage the difficulties they may face in the future. I specialize in trauma, substance abuse, and codependency. I typically work with clients who are dealing with adverse experiences that are causing difficulty in their daily lives. I assist people in repairing their relationships and identifying problematic patterns they want to end. I work with people who want to grow and are willing to do the work.
Hi, I’m Toni Stewart and I’m an LMFT & LPCC. My approach to therapy is to assist my clients in building the skills they need to work through adverse experiences and manage the difficulties they may face in the future. I specialize in trauma, substance abuse, and codependency. I typically work with clients who are dealing with adverse experiences that are causing difficulty in their daily lives. I assist people in repairing their relationships and identifying problematic patterns they want to end. I work with people who want to grow and are willing to do the work.
(559) 520-4184 View (559) 520-4184
Photo of Adriene Robinson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adriene Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
I am Adriene M. Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose focus is family relationships, personal adjustment issues to life transitions, unresolved adult and childhood issues particularly various issues of abuse and trauma. I believe there is a need to provide behavior and coping skills for the child and/or adults in either individual or group sessions. Further, the parents/ caregivers and seniors who may be raising grandchildren.
I am Adriene M. Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose focus is family relationships, personal adjustment issues to life transitions, unresolved adult and childhood issues particularly various issues of abuse and trauma. I believe there is a need to provide behavior and coping skills for the child and/or adults in either individual or group sessions. Further, the parents/ caregivers and seniors who may be raising grandchildren.
(562) 539-2108 View (562) 539-2108
Photo of Cynthia Dennis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Dennis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Hello, my name is Cynthia Dennis LCSW 82946. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, my mission is to provide a safe and empathetic space for young adults, individuals, and couples who find themselves grappling with the intricacies of relationships, communication hurdles, or the need for effective strategies to uncover and apply new skills, all in pursuit of the desired positive outcomes. My approach is collaborative, warm and accepting, with a touch of humor to break down barriers that limit achievement.
Hello, my name is Cynthia Dennis LCSW 82946. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, my mission is to provide a safe and empathetic space for young adults, individuals, and couples who find themselves grappling with the intricacies of relationships, communication hurdles, or the need for effective strategies to uncover and apply new skills, all in pursuit of the desired positive outcomes. My approach is collaborative, warm and accepting, with a touch of humor to break down barriers that limit achievement.
(951) 401-6530 View (951) 401-6530
Photo of Shaylale Taylor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shaylale Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hello, I am Shaylale Taylor. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health helping others. I aim to provide others with tools to encourage them strive to be the best versions of themselves is my life’s passion. As a clinician I have experience working with diverse individual and families with a wide range of challenges from relationship issues, adjustment issues, school challenges, to severe trauma, grief and loss, and substance abuse.
Hello, I am Shaylale Taylor. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health helping others. I aim to provide others with tools to encourage them strive to be the best versions of themselves is my life’s passion. As a clinician I have experience working with diverse individual and families with a wide range of challenges from relationship issues, adjustment issues, school challenges, to severe trauma, grief and loss, and substance abuse.
(619) 762-4832 View (619) 762-4832
Photo of Autumn Rodney, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Autumn Rodney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
Welcome! My name is Autumn Rodney and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a Christian, I thank God for equipping me to help clients in their time of need and for giving me a passion to see relationships thrive! First, I want to commend you on taking this nerve-wracking step toward becoming a better version of yourself. I am most fulfilled when I can work with clients who are self-aware and have the courage to change.
Welcome! My name is Autumn Rodney and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a Christian, I thank God for equipping me to help clients in their time of need and for giving me a passion to see relationships thrive! First, I want to commend you on taking this nerve-wracking step toward becoming a better version of yourself. I am most fulfilled when I can work with clients who are self-aware and have the courage to change.
(951) 724-5486 View (951) 724-5486
Photo of Lakisha Lester, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lakisha Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lakisha Lester. I have been changing lives in various roles for twenty-plus years and in the mental health field for over 11 years. My services are available to anyone facing challenges and uncertainty. Many of the people I work with are struggling with depression, stress, and anxiety. I have come to find that my style and approach as a therapist is a good fit for anyone who is seeking a therapist who is passionate and committed to ensuring you have access to support when you need it the most.
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lakisha Lester. I have been changing lives in various roles for twenty-plus years and in the mental health field for over 11 years. My services are available to anyone facing challenges and uncertainty. Many of the people I work with are struggling with depression, stress, and anxiety. I have come to find that my style and approach as a therapist is a good fit for anyone who is seeking a therapist who is passionate and committed to ensuring you have access to support when you need it the most.
(909) 588-1411 View (909) 588-1411
Photo of Tiffany Avery, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffany Avery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
My name is Tiffany Marie Avery, and I am Clinical Licensed Social Worker. My approach to therapy is client centered, strength-based and solution focused to help individuals reach their highest potential. My experience is in residential and outpatient substance use treatment, in which I’ve worked with dual-diagnosed clients. My experience has provided me a strong foundation in working to address trauma, depression, anxiety, family issues, and substance use.
My name is Tiffany Marie Avery, and I am Clinical Licensed Social Worker. My approach to therapy is client centered, strength-based and solution focused to help individuals reach their highest potential. My experience is in residential and outpatient substance use treatment, in which I’ve worked with dual-diagnosed clients. My experience has provided me a strong foundation in working to address trauma, depression, anxiety, family issues, and substance use.
(619) 815-5484 View (619) 815-5484
1
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.