Black and African American Therapists in San Diego, CA
I don't want to be your therapist. I don't want you in therapy. I want you to learn how to step into your own power, embrace your authenticity, and to cultivate meaningful community. My role is to help you find your voice, identify your needs, recognize what stands in your way, and examine the self-limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.
I don't want to be your therapist. I don't want you in therapy. I want you to learn how to step into your own power, embrace your authenticity, and to cultivate meaningful community. My role is to help you find your voice, identify your needs, recognize what stands in your way, and examine the self-limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.
Fear and anxiety can create feelings of vulnerability and self-doubt that lead us to withdraw and lose connection with our inner strengths. In these moments, negative thought patterns can take hold, reinforcing cycles of anxiety or depression. When we intentionally reconnect ourselves to our self-awareness, we’re able to find our path to healing and authentic selves. Through purposeful reflection and vulnerability, we can build a deeper understanding of who we are and move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
Fear and anxiety can create feelings of vulnerability and self-doubt that lead us to withdraw and lose connection with our inner strengths. In these moments, negative thought patterns can take hold, reinforcing cycles of anxiety or depression. When we intentionally reconnect ourselves to our self-awareness, we’re able to find our path to healing and authentic selves. Through purposeful reflection and vulnerability, we can build a deeper understanding of who we are and move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
Accepting new clients and taking insurance. Are you feeling stuck, tormented by anxiety, depression, or traumatic experiences? I would love to provide support by facilitating the discovery of new choices and tools for skill-building. There is nothing more loving than to be seen from heart-centered space and to experience a safe space where one can share deeply personal issues. My style is conversational, collaborative, intuitive, and with a dash of humor.
Accepting new clients and taking insurance. Are you feeling stuck, tormented by anxiety, depression, or traumatic experiences? I would love to provide support by facilitating the discovery of new choices and tools for skill-building. There is nothing more loving than to be seen from heart-centered space and to experience a safe space where one can share deeply personal issues. My style is conversational, collaborative, intuitive, and with a dash of humor.
I believe therapy should feel like a genuine conversation where you can be yourself without judgment. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with a warm, collaborative approach to anxiety, life transitions, relationships, performance-based confidence, and feeling stuck. With 15+ years as a behavioral specialist in schools and 30+ years as the unofficial “house therapist” for a family, friends, coworkers and the occasional stranger on the plane, I’ve had plenty of practice listening, problem-solving, and helping people find their way forward. Together, we’ll build insight, resilience, and practical tools for life’s next chapter.
I believe therapy should feel like a genuine conversation where you can be yourself without judgment. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with a warm, collaborative approach to anxiety, life transitions, relationships, performance-based confidence, and feeling stuck. With 15+ years as a behavioral specialist in schools and 30+ years as the unofficial “house therapist” for a family, friends, coworkers and the occasional stranger on the plane, I’ve had plenty of practice listening, problem-solving, and helping people find their way forward. Together, we’ll build insight, resilience, and practical tools for life’s next chapter.
La Cresheia Lee, MA MFT, LMFT I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California, with over 12 years of experience (combined licensed and intern hours), and I hold BA degrees in Psychology and Africana Studies. I have worked with diverse clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, cultural & racial identity, stress management, and grief and loss. I have also helped many clients who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and those struggling with suicide ideation and co-occurring disorders.
La Cresheia Lee, MA MFT, LMFT I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California, with over 12 years of experience (combined licensed and intern hours), and I hold BA degrees in Psychology and Africana Studies. I have worked with diverse clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, cultural & racial identity, stress management, and grief and loss. I have also helped many clients who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and those struggling with suicide ideation and co-occurring disorders.
I help people feel safer and more connected in their relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families, and consensually non-monogamous partnerships. In our sessions, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a well-researched approach to strengthening relationships — along with somatic tools that help calm and regulate your body, not just your mind. Many of my clients come to me after difficult or painful experiences, and my approach is trauma-informed, meaning we move at a pace that feels safe for you. I also support families through pregnancy, postpartum, and the early stages of parenthood.
I help people feel safer and more connected in their relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families, and consensually non-monogamous partnerships. In our sessions, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a well-researched approach to strengthening relationships — along with somatic tools that help calm and regulate your body, not just your mind. Many of my clients come to me after difficult or painful experiences, and my approach is trauma-informed, meaning we move at a pace that feels safe for you. I also support families through pregnancy, postpartum, and the early stages of parenthood.
I'm Alexis, a queer, black, biracial, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Owner of Queer Cocoon Therapy.
I work with adults, teens and families and am passionate about working with queer and trans communities, BIPOC communities, as well as walking alongside those on a journey of finding body acceptance, body liberation, & cultivating self-compassion. My specialties include LGBTQ+ Issues, Identity Exploration, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem and Trauma.
I'm Alexis, a queer, black, biracial, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Owner of Queer Cocoon Therapy.
I work with adults, teens and families and am passionate about working with queer and trans communities, BIPOC communities, as well as walking alongside those on a journey of finding body acceptance, body liberation, & cultivating self-compassion. My specialties include LGBTQ+ Issues, Identity Exploration, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem and Trauma.
Hi, I’m glad you're here. Right now you may be at a point where you’re tired of being "strong” all the time, people-pleasing, and struggling with low self-esteem. You're the type of person who doesn't ask for help and you're probably pretty good at “having it all together.” I can imagine how exhausted you must feel. I would love to help ease your burdens. With my empathetic and easy-going nature, I'll help you let your guard down, reconnect to your body and emotions, heal from your past, and learn to love yourself. Whether you’re a teen or adult (ages 12-35), I would love to help you experience the joy and freedom you deserve.
Hi, I’m glad you're here. Right now you may be at a point where you’re tired of being "strong” all the time, people-pleasing, and struggling with low self-esteem. You're the type of person who doesn't ask for help and you're probably pretty good at “having it all together.” I can imagine how exhausted you must feel. I would love to help ease your burdens. With my empathetic and easy-going nature, I'll help you let your guard down, reconnect to your body and emotions, heal from your past, and learn to love yourself. Whether you’re a teen or adult (ages 12-35), I would love to help you experience the joy and freedom you deserve.
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
Hello! My name is Adrian Stanley. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland and California with a Masters in Professional Counseling. I work with children and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, as well as psychotic & mood disorders. I also work with couples for premarital, relationship & life transition issues and divorce counseling.
Hello! My name is Adrian Stanley. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland and California with a Masters in Professional Counseling. I work with children and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, as well as psychotic & mood disorders. I also work with couples for premarital, relationship & life transition issues and divorce counseling.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.
Life transitions and unexpected stressors can leave us feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can untangle anxious thoughts and develop sustainable coping strategies. You don’t have to carry heavy burdens alone. Using a client-centered, CBT, and brief solutions approach, I provide a safe environment. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels empowering and doable—so you can move forward with clarity and momentum.
Life transitions and unexpected stressors can leave us feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can untangle anxious thoughts and develop sustainable coping strategies. You don’t have to carry heavy burdens alone. Using a client-centered, CBT, and brief solutions approach, I provide a safe environment. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels empowering and doable—so you can move forward with clarity and momentum.
We’re all doing the best we can with what we have to work with. Sometimes we can use some extra tools in our toolbox to support us in managing when life occurrences seem to pile up and we just need a break. Amber has experience in treating a range of symptoms, including those related to PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Amber is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist and consultant, a Gottman Institute Certified Gottman Therapist, and a Certified Sex Therapist. She provides therapy to both the general population and high-profile, public-facing and celebrity clients. Amber is licensed in California, Iowa and Oregon.
We’re all doing the best we can with what we have to work with. Sometimes we can use some extra tools in our toolbox to support us in managing when life occurrences seem to pile up and we just need a break. Amber has experience in treating a range of symptoms, including those related to PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Amber is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist and consultant, a Gottman Institute Certified Gottman Therapist, and a Certified Sex Therapist. She provides therapy to both the general population and high-profile, public-facing and celebrity clients. Amber is licensed in California, Iowa and Oregon.
Thrive offers a multicultural approach to mental health. Although we treat vast varieties of issues, we specialize in the treatment of childhood, family, and social trauma. You don't have to be a child to benefit from processing your own childhood/family of origin trauma. We treat adults, youth, couples, and families. We also facilitate various group therapy. Through use of trauma-informed solutions-focused positive psychology theories and mindfulness practices amongst others, you and your clinician will develop specialized sessions to aid you in processing issues, overcoming obstacles, and achieving therapeutic goals.
Thrive offers a multicultural approach to mental health. Although we treat vast varieties of issues, we specialize in the treatment of childhood, family, and social trauma. You don't have to be a child to benefit from processing your own childhood/family of origin trauma. We treat adults, youth, couples, and families. We also facilitate various group therapy. Through use of trauma-informed solutions-focused positive psychology theories and mindfulness practices amongst others, you and your clinician will develop specialized sessions to aid you in processing issues, overcoming obstacles, and achieving therapeutic goals.
You are more than a diagnosis, a difficult season, or the symptoms that brought you to therapy. I believe effective therapy begins with understanding the whole person, not simply identifying what appears to be wrong.
With more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field and 10 years as a therapist, I bring extensive clinical experience, insight, and compassion to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My training as a Marriage and Family Therapist included thousand of hours of supervised clinical experience and prepared me to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns while also looking beyond symptoms.
You are more than a diagnosis, a difficult season, or the symptoms that brought you to therapy. I believe effective therapy begins with understanding the whole person, not simply identifying what appears to be wrong.
With more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field and 10 years as a therapist, I bring extensive clinical experience, insight, and compassion to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My training as a Marriage and Family Therapist included thousand of hours of supervised clinical experience and prepared me to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns while also looking beyond symptoms.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, or life transitions, I work alongside my clients to identify strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful, sustainable change. My work integrates culturally responsive practices that honor clients’ lived experiences, fostering resilience, empowerment, and long-term well-being. I strive to create a safe, respectful space where clients feel understood and empowered to build resilience and emotional well-being.
Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, or life transitions, I work alongside my clients to identify strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful, sustainable change. My work integrates culturally responsive practices that honor clients’ lived experiences, fostering resilience, empowerment, and long-term well-being. I strive to create a safe, respectful space where clients feel understood and empowered to build resilience and emotional well-being.
I work with women, couples, and mothers and daughters who feel caught in patterns they understand intellectually but can't seem to change. They may struggle with people-pleasing, boundaries, emotional overwhelm, conflict, shutdown, over-functioning, or losing themselves in relationships. I especially welcome highly sensitive, intuitive, creative, and emotionally perceptive women. Together, we slow the pattern down, reconnect with what you actually know and feel, and build more choice without asking you to become someone you're not.
I work with women, couples, and mothers and daughters who feel caught in patterns they understand intellectually but can't seem to change. They may struggle with people-pleasing, boundaries, emotional overwhelm, conflict, shutdown, over-functioning, or losing themselves in relationships. I especially welcome highly sensitive, intuitive, creative, and emotionally perceptive women. Together, we slow the pattern down, reconnect with what you actually know and feel, and build more choice without asking you to become someone you're not.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress? Do past experiences, unhealthy patterns, or the weight of bias and devaluation in everyday life leave you feeling unseen and unheard? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
I’m Dr. Trinese Clark, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience walking alongside individuals navigating stress, unresolved trauma, and systemic barriers. My work is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and the belief that every person deserves to feel whole, valued, and free from shame, stress, and strife.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress? Do past experiences, unhealthy patterns, or the weight of bias and devaluation in everyday life leave you feeling unseen and unheard? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
I’m Dr. Trinese Clark, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience walking alongside individuals navigating stress, unresolved trauma, and systemic barriers. My work is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and the belief that every person deserves to feel whole, valued, and free from shame, stress, and strife.
I specialize in men's issues, particularly supporting Black men and men of color.
A lot of the men I work with are high functioning on the outside. They show up for work, family, and responsibility, yet internally, they’re carrying stress, anger, anxiety, identity pressure, or relationship tension they’ve never really had space to unpack. Many were taught to perform, not process.
I specialize in men's issues, particularly supporting Black men and men of color.
A lot of the men I work with are high functioning on the outside. They show up for work, family, and responsibility, yet internally, they’re carrying stress, anger, anxiety, identity pressure, or relationship tension they’ve never really had space to unpack. Many were taught to perform, not process.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
FAQ - Black and African American Counselling
As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?
Working with an African American therapist can often mean that you start from a place of shared understanding with a therapist rather than having to explain your experience from scratch. A therapist who shares your racial identity is more likely to understand the specific pressures shaping your mental health, including navigating racism, cultural identity, and the overall experience of being Black in the United States. They are also more likely to understand the role that family, community, and cultural expectations play in your life without requiring a lengthy explanation. This shared foundation can create a greater sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship and make it easier to open up at the start of therapy.
Are there Black therapists who specialize in working with Black men or Black women?
Yes, many Black therapists have specific experience working with Black men or Black women. While therapists who work with Black clients broadly address concerns relevant to all genders, like anxiety or depression, those with a gender-specific focus are equipped to work with you on the particular ways that race and gender may intersect. For example, some therapists may specialize in working with Black women on topics like body image or maternal mental health, while other therapists may work with Black men on topics such as relationships or masculinity.
Do Black therapists offer marriage and couples counseling?
Yes, many Black therapists are trained in couples and marriage counseling and can work with partners navigating a wide range of relationship challenges. Therapists who identify as Black may have a better understanding of the cultural dynamics surrounding marriage, family roles, and conflict that are specific to African American communities and can work with you and your partner without making assumptions about your background.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black clients?
The initial consultation, which is typically a brief phone or video call, is the right time to raise a therapist’s experience working with Black clients. You can ask specific questions, such as "Do you have experience working with Black clients?" or more broad questions, such as "How do you approach cultural identity in your practice?". During the initial consultation, you can also ask whether they have undertaken training in cultural competence and how they would handle a situation where a cultural misunderstanding arose in therapy. A therapist who responds to these questions thoughtfully and without defensiveness is a good sign they are equipped to work with you effectively.
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.