Black and African American Therapists in San Marcos, CA
Brian McCloud
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, APCC
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92078 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
Are you someone who had a difficult childhood and notice it is having negative affects in your life? Are you having troubling developing intimate relationships with others, like dating or making friends because your too cautious or attach to easily. Is your relationship with your intimate partner, children or family members suffering because you are carrying over past hurt, anger or resentment. Are you unable to control worry, thoughts and emotions so you can be more present in your life? I am a experienced therapist who has helped many people navigate these issues.
Are you someone who had a difficult childhood and notice it is having negative affects in your life? Are you having troubling developing intimate relationships with others, like dating or making friends because your too cautious or attach to easily. Is your relationship with your intimate partner, children or family members suffering because you are carrying over past hurt, anger or resentment. Are you unable to control worry, thoughts and emotions so you can be more present in your life? I am a experienced therapist who has helped many people navigate these issues.
My name is Rosalyn Warren. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience as a medical social worker, child welfare social worker, private therapist, and social worker in prisons and on parole. I have worked with children and adolescents in therapy, young adults, adults, and older adults. I have been licensed for 20 years as an LCSW, and I have been an MSW for 30 years. I am currently working on my doctorate degree in Social Work at USC.
My name is Rosalyn Warren. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience as a medical social worker, child welfare social worker, private therapist, and social worker in prisons and on parole. I have worked with children and adolescents in therapy, young adults, adults, and older adults. I have been licensed for 20 years as an LCSW, and I have been an MSW for 30 years. I am currently working on my doctorate degree in Social Work at USC.
Jamillah Pargo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078
Are you experiencing Hopelessness, Sadness, Worthlessness, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, or Fear? Do you lay awake at night WORRYING about EVERYTHING? Are your worries or fears a constant cycle? Do you avoid interaction with loved ones, or maybe you don't want to be a burden to family or friends, so you begin isolating from everyone? Do you ever say, “I can’t take this anymore?” Do you feel alone in your problems? You are not alone, whether you're dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Health Crisis, Midlife Crisis, or just unsure how to move forward in life, assisting adults redefine life is my passion & purpose.
Are you experiencing Hopelessness, Sadness, Worthlessness, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, or Fear? Do you lay awake at night WORRYING about EVERYTHING? Are your worries or fears a constant cycle? Do you avoid interaction with loved ones, or maybe you don't want to be a burden to family or friends, so you begin isolating from everyone? Do you ever say, “I can’t take this anymore?” Do you feel alone in your problems? You are not alone, whether you're dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Health Crisis, Midlife Crisis, or just unsure how to move forward in life, assisting adults redefine life is my passion & purpose.
Hi, my name is Lenny Hughley, California license 112845. I like to create a space that is warm and nonjudgmental where individuals can freely talk about whatever they choose. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management. Through therapy, I learned how to manage depression, anger, anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem. Through my practice I find it rewarding to help clients do the same.
Hi, my name is Lenny Hughley, California license 112845. I like to create a space that is warm and nonjudgmental where individuals can freely talk about whatever they choose. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management. Through therapy, I learned how to manage depression, anger, anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem. Through my practice I find it rewarding to help clients do the same.
My name is Ruth Tyson. As License Marriage Family Child therapy, I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. As a therapist, I help you identify problem areas and patterns that are causing distress, the source(s) of these issues, and ways to enact positive change to find your unique voice. My specialty is partnering with you in finding your life purpose, helping you in the process of self-discovery and leading you to your fullest potential. Together we will explore your upbringing and process feelings associated with your childhood.
My name is Ruth Tyson. As License Marriage Family Child therapy, I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. As a therapist, I help you identify problem areas and patterns that are causing distress, the source(s) of these issues, and ways to enact positive change to find your unique voice. My specialty is partnering with you in finding your life purpose, helping you in the process of self-discovery and leading you to your fullest potential. Together we will explore your upbringing and process feelings associated with your childhood.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for over a decade. I take great pride in restoring hope and optimism in my clients, thus empowering them to improve their life as they see fit. I provide service that is in partnership with you as a client. I am committed to developing a consistent treatment plan that focuses on your specific goals and outcomes.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for over a decade. I take great pride in restoring hope and optimism in my clients, thus empowering them to improve their life as they see fit. I provide service that is in partnership with you as a client. I am committed to developing a consistent treatment plan that focuses on your specific goals and outcomes.
Hello, my name is DaMona and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I use a variety of approaches, tailored to the needs and preferences of my clients.
Hello, my name is DaMona and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I use a variety of approaches, tailored to the needs and preferences of my clients.
Leslie Westbrook
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
Hi, my name is Leslie Westbrook, and I am an LMFT (127260). I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals, and I believe I have the skills and knowledge to do just that. I'm excited to learn more about you and how I can help. My approach to providing therapy is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in taking an integrative approach that draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Hi, my name is Leslie Westbrook, and I am an LMFT (127260). I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals, and I believe I have the skills and knowledge to do just that. I'm excited to learn more about you and how I can help. My approach to providing therapy is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in taking an integrative approach that draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Gather Your Strength Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078
Welcome, my name is Michael Garrett. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are challenged by everyday life stressors. As a Geek therapist, I am able to use the psychology of geek culture in order to better ourselves and avoid unwanted behaviors. Do you find yourself feeling extremely sad, lonely, or have difficulty getting out of bed? Do you feel so anxious that it is difficult to get through each day? Perhaps you or even someone you know is struggling with finding a balance between video games and life. If any of this sounds familiar to you, I’m here to help.
Welcome, my name is Michael Garrett. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are challenged by everyday life stressors. As a Geek therapist, I am able to use the psychology of geek culture in order to better ourselves and avoid unwanted behaviors. Do you find yourself feeling extremely sad, lonely, or have difficulty getting out of bed? Do you feel so anxious that it is difficult to get through each day? Perhaps you or even someone you know is struggling with finding a balance between video games and life. If any of this sounds familiar to you, I’m here to help.
Life can seem to throw us curve balls at times. Whether with work, parenting, or relationships, we can become off-balance. Therapy can help you find that balance. We all strive for peace and calm in our lives. However, life is constantly changing, and it can sometimes be overwhelming. I am here to help you navigate through these challenges in your life. With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy working with people of color struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Life can seem to throw us curve balls at times. Whether with work, parenting, or relationships, we can become off-balance. Therapy can help you find that balance. We all strive for peace and calm in our lives. However, life is constantly changing, and it can sometimes be overwhelming. I am here to help you navigate through these challenges in your life. With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy working with people of color struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, and life transitions.
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Marcella Santamaria
Facetyme Therapy
L.j. Lumpkin
Teri Davis
Facetyme Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92069 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck and find it difficult to move past deeply hurt feelings and inescapable sadness? Are you feeling unheard or misunderstood? Have you been irritable, frustrated, or avoidant of important tasks and increased feelings of overwhelm? You may be suffering from symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD, or trauma responses. You can live the life you deserve and I would love to be the therapist to help you. Type of Therapy: Interpersonal, Coaching, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Strength-Based, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, EMDR Trained Therapist.
Do you feel stuck and find it difficult to move past deeply hurt feelings and inescapable sadness? Are you feeling unheard or misunderstood? Have you been irritable, frustrated, or avoidant of important tasks and increased feelings of overwhelm? You may be suffering from symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD, or trauma responses. You can live the life you deserve and I would love to be the therapist to help you. Type of Therapy: Interpersonal, Coaching, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Strength-Based, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, EMDR Trained Therapist.
L.j. Lumpkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078
Pain and suffering does not need to be a normal way of life. Have you been numbing the symptoms, but not healing the root pain? By letting go of judgment and finding your authentic self, I can help you feel empowered, in finding your own sense of healing. While cultivating an authentic relationship, we can create a healthier way to approach life. I incorporate an integrative model that is rooted in mindfulness practices and can be tailored to your individual needs. By helping you find awareness around the mind-body connection, you can experience life in a more fulfilling way, free of past traumas.
Pain and suffering does not need to be a normal way of life. Have you been numbing the symptoms, but not healing the root pain? By letting go of judgment and finding your authentic self, I can help you feel empowered, in finding your own sense of healing. While cultivating an authentic relationship, we can create a healthier way to approach life. I incorporate an integrative model that is rooted in mindfulness practices and can be tailored to your individual needs. By helping you find awareness around the mind-body connection, you can experience life in a more fulfilling way, free of past traumas.
I work with individuals who struggle with the demands of being human, and yearn for more loving, healthy relationships. Together we develop the insight and skills necessary to experience this pleasure of love. We may explore trauma, loss, grief, anger, repressed desire, lack of vitality, and current challenging relationships. I am especially committed to supporting individuals who desire to know and love themselves and others in a deeper, richer, and more meaningful way.
I work with individuals who struggle with the demands of being human, and yearn for more loving, healthy relationships. Together we develop the insight and skills necessary to experience this pleasure of love. We may explore trauma, loss, grief, anger, repressed desire, lack of vitality, and current challenging relationships. I am especially committed to supporting individuals who desire to know and love themselves and others in a deeper, richer, and more meaningful way.
Dr. Teri Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing anxiety or have history of trauma? I work with individual adults struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, shame, boundary and self-esteem issues. Offering a spiritual, sensitive, holistic, client-centered approach, I can guide those who are seeking a place of healing and stability. Focusing on your strengths we'll work together to uncover insights and unhealthy patterns to discover solutions and help identify new perspectives for building your resilience. Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, you are NOT the rain.
Are you experiencing anxiety or have history of trauma? I work with individual adults struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, shame, boundary and self-esteem issues. Offering a spiritual, sensitive, holistic, client-centered approach, I can guide those who are seeking a place of healing and stability. Focusing on your strengths we'll work together to uncover insights and unhealthy patterns to discover solutions and help identify new perspectives for building your resilience. Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, you are NOT the rain.
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.
Ok 2B Angry Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, ICADC
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92069 (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!)
More Therapists Nearby
David Alexander Summerhill
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92011 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I identify as Black or African American.
Please Note: My practice is Virtual Only. Our beliefs and how we see the world are influenced by things we don’t get to choose, like our families or the circumstances we’re born into. Even if we don’t get to choose these things, we have the ability to change in the ways we want to. Therapy can help us become more free. If you want to begin that journey in self discovery, I’m here to walk with you. We will explore the circumstances that shaped you. We will explore the past, present, and imagine the future. I will help serve as a navigator down the path to your answers, your destinations, and ultimately, your truth.
I identify as Black or African American.
Please Note: My practice is Virtual Only. Our beliefs and how we see the world are influenced by things we don’t get to choose, like our families or the circumstances we’re born into. Even if we don’t get to choose these things, we have the ability to change in the ways we want to. Therapy can help us become more free. If you want to begin that journey in self discovery, I’m here to walk with you. We will explore the circumstances that shaped you. We will explore the past, present, and imagine the future. I will help serve as a navigator down the path to your answers, your destinations, and ultimately, your truth.
Stone Watson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
My ideal clients are couples, men of all ages, teens, and young adults. My clients want to gain better self-understanding, feel "stuck” in their current life situations, are experiencing significant life transitions, suffer from anxiety or depression, believe that life should be better than it is right now, or desire to break generational chains and confront identity-based traumas. As one of few Black male therapists, my lived experiences help me walk with anyone who's experienced marginalization by providing a space to process the pain and the tools to reclaim their dignity. All I need is your commitment to the journey.
My ideal clients are couples, men of all ages, teens, and young adults. My clients want to gain better self-understanding, feel "stuck” in their current life situations, are experiencing significant life transitions, suffer from anxiety or depression, believe that life should be better than it is right now, or desire to break generational chains and confront identity-based traumas. As one of few Black male therapists, my lived experiences help me walk with anyone who's experienced marginalization by providing a space to process the pain and the tools to reclaim their dignity. All I need is your commitment to the journey.
I am a Multicultural therapist who believes you are not simply Black, White or Other, but the product of DNA, nurture and environment.
Do you struggle with negative thoughts affecting your identity, mood or behaviors? Have you been diagnosed with a chronic mental illness? Do you feel stuck in your life due to emotional or physical pain from relationships, traumatic events or marginalization? Do you long for a safe person to process these events or unspoken secrets too unbearable to speak out-loud? Maybe you are having problems in your relationships, communication, or too many non-negotiable areas. Well, you are not alone.
I am a Multicultural therapist who believes you are not simply Black, White or Other, but the product of DNA, nurture and environment.
Do you struggle with negative thoughts affecting your identity, mood or behaviors? Have you been diagnosed with a chronic mental illness? Do you feel stuck in your life due to emotional or physical pain from relationships, traumatic events or marginalization? Do you long for a safe person to process these events or unspoken secrets too unbearable to speak out-loud? Maybe you are having problems in your relationships, communication, or too many non-negotiable areas. Well, you are not alone.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
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.