Black and African American Therapists in Escondido, CA

Photo of Elise Rodriguez - Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Escondido, CA 92025
If you are troubled by your past and feeling hopeless, Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center is here to help. You don't have to suffer anymore with depression, anxiety, nightmares, or a disconnected marriage. Our team of highly trained therapist are here to help. We specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples heal from the wounds of the past in a caring and judgement free environment. We also offer faith-based counseling to those who prefer to have faith be a part of their therapeutic journey.
If you are troubled by your past and feeling hopeless, Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center is here to help. You don't have to suffer anymore with depression, anxiety, nightmares, or a disconnected marriage. Our team of highly trained therapist are here to help. We specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples heal from the wounds of the past in a caring and judgement free environment. We also offer faith-based counseling to those who prefer to have faith be a part of their therapeutic journey.
(619) 493-3341 View (619) 493-3341
Photo of Letriece S Johnson - Letriece Johnson w/ COCOA Cup Therapy, Inc., MSW, ACSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Letriece Johnson w/ COCOA Cup Therapy, Inc.
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Escondido, CA 92025  (Online Only)
Are you ready for a change? Are you feeling stuck, bothered, feeling some way, overwhelmed, or just not feeling like yourself? My name is Letriece Johnson, and I am an Associate Clinical Licensed Social Worker, providing access, building resilience and support to the BIPOC community. I am here to help get you to a LYFE REimagined. I have a deep understanding of the disparities, challenges, and barriers associated with marginalized communities. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem.
Are you ready for a change? Are you feeling stuck, bothered, feeling some way, overwhelmed, or just not feeling like yourself? My name is Letriece Johnson, and I am an Associate Clinical Licensed Social Worker, providing access, building resilience and support to the BIPOC community. I am here to help get you to a LYFE REimagined. I have a deep understanding of the disparities, challenges, and barriers associated with marginalized communities. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem.
(619) 775-1392 View (619) 775-1392
Photo of Natasha Jackson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026  (Online Only)
Have you always been complimented on your strength? Or even your courage? During times when you've felt like crumbling? Do you put on a happy face just trying to make it through the day? Do you not allow yourself to sit with the emotion? Trouble communicating your wants and needs to your partner? Are you carrying the weight of things beyond your control? Has there been a shift in your family? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, I would love to offer you a space to be heard, be seen, gain insight, and develop strategies that put you into the driver's seat of your life journey.
Have you always been complimented on your strength? Or even your courage? During times when you've felt like crumbling? Do you put on a happy face just trying to make it through the day? Do you not allow yourself to sit with the emotion? Trouble communicating your wants and needs to your partner? Are you carrying the weight of things beyond your control? Has there been a shift in your family? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, I would love to offer you a space to be heard, be seen, gain insight, and develop strategies that put you into the driver's seat of your life journey.
(619) 329-8275 View (619) 329-8275
Photo of Sybrena Brown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sybrena Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92027
My name is Sybrena Brown, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I enjoy working with children ages 6 to 17, who have trouble with emotional regulation, anxiety/depression, ADHD. I also work with men and women who are navigating one of many life transitions over the entirety of a lifespan. I focus on Acceptance behavior therapy and Cognitive behavior therapy while always encouraging my client to see their own strength to make the necessary mindset changes to thrive.
My name is Sybrena Brown, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I enjoy working with children ages 6 to 17, who have trouble with emotional regulation, anxiety/depression, ADHD. I also work with men and women who are navigating one of many life transitions over the entirety of a lifespan. I focus on Acceptance behavior therapy and Cognitive behavior therapy while always encouraging my client to see their own strength to make the necessary mindset changes to thrive.
(510) 732-4809 View (510) 732-4809
Photo of Jacqueline Woods, LPCC
Jacqueline Woods
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026
Jacqueline Woods, PhD(C), LPCC, NCC is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and grief. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and works with clients to manage stress, build resilience, improve mindfulness, and increase emotional well-being. I typically work with military families as well as active-duty military personnel. I also work with women, children, and men. I prefer telehealth settings.
Jacqueline Woods, PhD(C), LPCC, NCC is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and grief. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and works with clients to manage stress, build resilience, improve mindfulness, and increase emotional well-being. I typically work with military families as well as active-duty military personnel. I also work with women, children, and men. I prefer telehealth settings.
(951) 441-2344 View (951) 441-2344
Photo of Vilka Jasmin Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vilka Jasmin Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
Hello, my name is Dr. V. Jasmin Smith, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. I am based in Southern California, and I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders using various modalities such as play therapy, positive psychology, talk and exposure therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, and other integration techniques such as visual arts and music.
Hello, my name is Dr. V. Jasmin Smith, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. I am based in Southern California, and I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders using various modalities such as play therapy, positive psychology, talk and exposure therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, and other integration techniques such as visual arts and music.
(951) 458-5684 View (951) 458-5684
Photo of Marshiq Wilson-Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marshiq Wilson-Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026
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 Sophia Moore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sophia Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92027
Sophia Moore has several years of experience providing individual and group therapy services to the local community. She is a mother, veteran, and woman of color who understands the necessity of attending to mental health. She utilizes an eclectic approach to provide person-centered care and empowers clients to utilize their strengths while on their journeys. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and seeking safety. The therapeutic approach is centered on the client's needs.
Sophia Moore has several years of experience providing individual and group therapy services to the local community. She is a mother, veteran, and woman of color who understands the necessity of attending to mental health. She utilizes an eclectic approach to provide person-centered care and empowers clients to utilize their strengths while on their journeys. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and seeking safety. The therapeutic approach is centered on the client's needs.
(818) 518-9004 View (818) 518-9004
Photo of Roberto Garcia II, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Roberto Garcia II
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
My name is Roberto Garcia II and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA-LMFT 139872) certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. In my approach to therapy, I invite clients to partner with me in a trauma-informed and culturally attentive journey that seeks to place client needs and hopes at the center of our encounters. Therapeutic areas of focus and specialties include Couples Counseling/Intimacy issues, Self-Esteem and Decision-Making, LGBTQIA+2 issues, Faith-Based Issues, Anxiety/Depression & much more.
My name is Roberto Garcia II and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA-LMFT 139872) certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. In my approach to therapy, I invite clients to partner with me in a trauma-informed and culturally attentive journey that seeks to place client needs and hopes at the center of our encounters. Therapeutic areas of focus and specialties include Couples Counseling/Intimacy issues, Self-Esteem and Decision-Making, LGBTQIA+2 issues, Faith-Based Issues, Anxiety/Depression & much more.
(650) 860-4490 View (650) 860-4490
Photo of Nicole Watts, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Watts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Escondido, CA 92026  (Online Only)
Nicole Danielle Watts, LCSW is an intuitive creative, public servant, and compassionate visionary possessing over 30 years of Clinical Social Work experience. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Maryland at College Park and her Master of Social Work Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. She was credentialed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the year 2000. Nicole has provided mental health treatment services in a myriad of settings. Her clinical work with youth, adults, couples, and families has spanned over three decades.
Nicole Danielle Watts, LCSW is an intuitive creative, public servant, and compassionate visionary possessing over 30 years of Clinical Social Work experience. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Maryland at College Park and her Master of Social Work Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. She was credentialed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the year 2000. Nicole has provided mental health treatment services in a myriad of settings. Her clinical work with youth, adults, couples, and families has spanned over three decades.
(415) 233-8675 View (415) 233-8675
Photo of Leahmontaine Barrow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leahmontaine Barrow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026
My name is Leahmontaine Barrow and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I try to meet each person where they are and collaborate with them as they work to meet and manage the impact various symptoms and issues have on their relationships, work, and lives. I take an eclectic approach when meeting with people. I try to meet each person where they are and provide the therapeutic approach that best addresses their needs. Some of the approaches I use are Humanistic, Strengths-based, CBT, CPT, Narrative, and Solution-focused therapy. In addition, I provide coping skills and self-care training.
My name is Leahmontaine Barrow and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I try to meet each person where they are and collaborate with them as they work to meet and manage the impact various symptoms and issues have on their relationships, work, and lives. I take an eclectic approach when meeting with people. I try to meet each person where they are and provide the therapeutic approach that best addresses their needs. Some of the approaches I use are Humanistic, Strengths-based, CBT, CPT, Narrative, and Solution-focused therapy. In addition, I provide coping skills and self-care training.
(562) 784-8593 View (562) 784-8593
Photo of Steven T Griggs, PhD, Psychologist
Steven T Griggs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment. I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment. I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
(760) 746-8355 View (760) 746-8355
Photo of Servando Trevino - Ok 2B Angry Counseling Services, LMFT, MA, ICADC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ok 2B Angry Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, ICADC
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Servando ( AKA: El Guapo ) if you actually got that, then you know I have a sense of humor. ;-) "Do you struggle with communication, anger or abandonment and often feel powerless, alone, taken advantage of, unheard, or misunderstood?" I teach individuals to empower themselves through exploring self-efficacy by learning the barriers to communication, self-worth and exploring wholesome ways to manage communicate and adapt to personal struggles. Our feelings are ours and only ours, so why do we blame other when we experience an unpleasant feeling? (You pissed me off!)
Hello, I'm Servando ( AKA: El Guapo ) if you actually got that, then you know I have a sense of humor. ;-) "Do you struggle with communication, anger or abandonment and often feel powerless, alone, taken advantage of, unheard, or misunderstood?" I teach individuals to empower themselves through exploring self-efficacy by learning the barriers to communication, self-worth and exploring wholesome ways to manage communicate and adapt to personal struggles. Our feelings are ours and only ours, so why do we blame other when we experience an unpleasant feeling? (You pissed me off!)
(760) 309-6938 View (760) 309-6938
Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist
Monika - Grace
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
(619) 430-4996 View (619) 430-4996
David J Cain
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, CGP
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
I PREFER TO WORK WITH ADULTS AND COUPLES WHO ARE INVESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AS A MEANS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS THEY CURRENTLY EXPERIENCE. I VIEW PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND SEE MY ROLE AS HELPING YOU DRAW ON YOUR PERSONAL RESOURCES TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU WISH TO BE.I HAVE WORKED WITH ALL AGE GROUPS AND MOST ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS IN CLINICAL, UNIVERSITY AND PRIVATE PRACTICE SETTINGS. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TEACHING AND SUPERVISING PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL THERAPISTS, WRITING, EDITING, PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS AND SERVICE TO MY PROFESSION.
I PREFER TO WORK WITH ADULTS AND COUPLES WHO ARE INVESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AS A MEANS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS THEY CURRENTLY EXPERIENCE. I VIEW PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND SEE MY ROLE AS HELPING YOU DRAW ON YOUR PERSONAL RESOURCES TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU WISH TO BE.I HAVE WORKED WITH ALL AGE GROUPS AND MOST ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS IN CLINICAL, UNIVERSITY AND PRIVATE PRACTICE SETTINGS. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TEACHING AND SUPERVISING PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL THERAPISTS, WRITING, EDITING, PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS AND SERVICE TO MY PROFESSION.
(760) 530-4786 View (760) 530-4786
Photo of Rita Romero, PhD, Psychologist
Rita Romero
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025
Selected as one of the Three Best Rated Psychologists in San Diego in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and Woman of Distinction in 2023.. With 25 years of experience, I have been able to successfully empower individuals to identify and transform their personal, relational and professional challenges and reach their desired goals. I will bring compassion, respect and unique insight into our work together. My license is at the doctoral level as a psychologist, as well as having been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Treatment will be uniquely tailored to your personality to effectively alleviate discomfort and maximize your goals.
Selected as one of the Three Best Rated Psychologists in San Diego in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and Woman of Distinction in 2023.. With 25 years of experience, I have been able to successfully empower individuals to identify and transform their personal, relational and professional challenges and reach their desired goals. I will bring compassion, respect and unique insight into our work together. My license is at the doctoral level as a psychologist, as well as having been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Treatment will be uniquely tailored to your personality to effectively alleviate discomfort and maximize your goals.
(760) 303-4783 View (760) 303-4783
Photo of Sara Tynes, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sara Tynes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Sara Tynes. I have been practicing for 8 years and have experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples. I am dedicated to helping people who seek improvement, are willing to embrace vulnerability, and desire a sense of connection—those who don’t want to face challenges alone. Life can be tough, but having someone to walk alongside you during difficult seasons can make all the difference.
Hi, my name is Sara Tynes. I have been practicing for 8 years and have experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples. I am dedicated to helping people who seek improvement, are willing to embrace vulnerability, and desire a sense of connection—those who don’t want to face challenges alone. Life can be tough, but having someone to walk alongside you during difficult seasons can make all the difference.
(858) 544-3890 View (858) 544-3890
Photo of Melee K Pal, PsyD, Psychologist
Melee K Pal
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025  (Online Only)
My clinical experience includes providing individual, family, and group therapy to individuals across the lifespan and with varying cultural backgrounds and presenting concerns. I have experience in working within varying levels of care within the hospital system as well as private outpatient practice. My research background has focused upon multicultural/acculturation issues, bicultural identity development, and utilizing integrative approaches to maintaining wellness. My years of experience and training allow me to utilize evidence based treatments in the treatment of health related conditions, mood disorders, and trauma.
My clinical experience includes providing individual, family, and group therapy to individuals across the lifespan and with varying cultural backgrounds and presenting concerns. I have experience in working within varying levels of care within the hospital system as well as private outpatient practice. My research background has focused upon multicultural/acculturation issues, bicultural identity development, and utilizing integrative approaches to maintaining wellness. My years of experience and training allow me to utilize evidence based treatments in the treatment of health related conditions, mood disorders, and trauma.
(442) 300-9395 View (442) 300-9395
Photo of Dr. Heather Alvarado Ph.d. : Mindful Neuron Center - Neuropsychology, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Heather Alvarado Ph.d. : Mindful Neuron Center - Neuropsychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92026
At Mindful Neuron, we know it's tough finding the right help for your child's education. We get that you want the best support for them to do well in school. You need to understand their strengths and struggles and get personalized help that fits their needs. That's where we come in! Our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way, making sure they get the help they need in a way that respects their cultural background and language.
At Mindful Neuron, we know it's tough finding the right help for your child's education. We get that you want the best support for them to do well in school. You need to understand their strengths and struggles and get personalized help that fits their needs. That's where we come in! Our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way, making sure they get the help they need in a way that respects their cultural background and language.
(562) 573-6919 View (562) 573-6919
Photo of Therese Brooks, LPCC, Counselor
Therese Brooks
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92029
I work with women - mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and children, to help facilitate and enjoy healthy, loving relationships. Together we develop the insight and skills necessary to experience the pleasure of love. We may explore trauma, loss, grief, anger, repressed desire, lack of vitality, and current challenging relationships. My orientation is analytical, depth/archetypal, and feminist. I take into consideration the presence and power of the unconscious, and how it works to encourage our growth and renewal. I am committed to supporting women and women's empowerment, self-esteem, and capacity for love, peace, and ease.
I work with women - mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and children, to help facilitate and enjoy healthy, loving relationships. Together we develop the insight and skills necessary to experience the pleasure of love. We may explore trauma, loss, grief, anger, repressed desire, lack of vitality, and current challenging relationships. My orientation is analytical, depth/archetypal, and feminist. I take into consideration the presence and power of the unconscious, and how it works to encourage our growth and renewal. I am committed to supporting women and women's empowerment, self-esteem, and capacity for love, peace, and ease.
(760) 388-9683 View (760) 388-9683
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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.