Black and African American Therapists in Santee, CA
Hi, my name is Ariane Willis-Smith, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) operating out of San Diego, California and utilizing a telehealth platform. I work with a wide range of ages, from young adults to middle-aged, specializing in anxiety, stress, relationship and work difficulties utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to help improve overall feeling and functioning. I work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that are right for them and sustainable skills to improve overall functioning, self-care, communication, and mood.
Hi, my name is Ariane Willis-Smith, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) operating out of San Diego, California and utilizing a telehealth platform. I work with a wide range of ages, from young adults to middle-aged, specializing in anxiety, stress, relationship and work difficulties utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to help improve overall feeling and functioning. I work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that are right for them and sustainable skills to improve overall functioning, self-care, communication, and mood.
You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Let me tell you something. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I make sure to let you know when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! You’ll be surprised how much a little positivity can help.
You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Let me tell you something. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I make sure to let you know when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! You’ll be surprised how much a little positivity can help.
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I make sure to let you know when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! You’ll be surprised how much a little positivity can help.
You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I make sure to let you know when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! You’ll be surprised how much a little positivity can help.
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a teen struggling with their mood, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a teen struggling with their mood, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
More Therapists Nearby
Finding a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions, experiences, and goals is a powerful step toward healing and growth. In my practice I work with individuals, couples, and families from all cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations seeking connection, balance, and fulfillment. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or challenges in relationships and self-identity. You want clarity, emotional healing, and practical tools to manage life’s difficulties. Together, we work toward greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and empowerment rooted in your unique strengths and values.
Finding a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions, experiences, and goals is a powerful step toward healing and growth. In my practice I work with individuals, couples, and families from all cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations seeking connection, balance, and fulfillment. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or challenges in relationships and self-identity. You want clarity, emotional healing, and practical tools to manage life’s difficulties. Together, we work toward greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and empowerment rooted in your unique strengths and values.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Southern California. I received my Doctor of Psychology degree at the California School of Professional Psychology and have been practicing for 4 years. I strive to help adults across the lifespan address psychological concerns in a person-centered, holistic manner that incorporates all unique factors of one’s experience, including health, culture, and identity.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Southern California. I received my Doctor of Psychology degree at the California School of Professional Psychology and have been practicing for 4 years. I strive to help adults across the lifespan address psychological concerns in a person-centered, holistic manner that incorporates all unique factors of one’s experience, including health, culture, and identity.
Hey there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience supporting women who feel anxious, overextended, or stuck in patterns of people-pleasing. I work with those learning to set boundaries, assert their needs, and prioritize themselves, as well as individuals seeking healing from emotionally distant or challenging family relationships. Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space to build confidence, navigate difficult emotions, and strengthen your relationships.
Hey there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience supporting women who feel anxious, overextended, or stuck in patterns of people-pleasing. I work with those learning to set boundaries, assert their needs, and prioritize themselves, as well as individuals seeking healing from emotionally distant or challenging family relationships. Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space to build confidence, navigate difficult emotions, and strengthen your relationships.
I work with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Afro-Caribbean, Latinx, East and South Asian, and multiracial identities.
Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on when you find yourself seeking change. I applaud you for taking this first step in finding peace. I hope in this moment you choose what's best for your growth, wellness and happiness. Let me help with the part of finding and connecting lost parts and forgotten memories to, again, see the whole picture of self.
I work with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Afro-Caribbean, Latinx, East and South Asian, and multiracial identities.
Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on when you find yourself seeking change. I applaud you for taking this first step in finding peace. I hope in this moment you choose what's best for your growth, wellness and happiness. Let me help with the part of finding and connecting lost parts and forgotten memories to, again, see the whole picture of self.
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.
I work best with those who are wanting to work and make a solid commitment toward themselves. People motivated toward solving today's problems and/or in search for greater self-awareness & insight. A person experiencing therapy for the first time or someone with a longer history who maybe feels stuck. Someone who is motivated to start or feeling hopeless and forced to try. Above all, it's important to understand that consistency is key to recovery of any kind, if you show up I will too!
I work best with those who are wanting to work and make a solid commitment toward themselves. People motivated toward solving today's problems and/or in search for greater self-awareness & insight. A person experiencing therapy for the first time or someone with a longer history who maybe feels stuck. Someone who is motivated to start or feeling hopeless and forced to try. Above all, it's important to understand that consistency is key to recovery of any kind, if you show up I will too!
Couples Therapy Near Me: Atti Moricelli
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You remember how it used to feel, the ease, the laughter, the warmth. Now it’s as if you’re living beside each other instead of with each other, circling the same arguments or avoiding the hard conversations altogether. The distance between you feels painful, confusing, and heavy. When you first met, you never imagined that the person you once felt so connected to would one day feel like a stranger. You find yourself wondering, When did everything change? Can we ever get back to what we had? Something inside you knows this can’t go on the same way. You can feel that things need to shift — but you don't know where to begin.
You remember how it used to feel, the ease, the laughter, the warmth. Now it’s as if you’re living beside each other instead of with each other, circling the same arguments or avoiding the hard conversations altogether. The distance between you feels painful, confusing, and heavy. When you first met, you never imagined that the person you once felt so connected to would one day feel like a stranger. You find yourself wondering, When did everything change? Can we ever get back to what we had? Something inside you knows this can’t go on the same way. You can feel that things need to shift — but you don't know where to begin.
Tay Richardson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, MS, LPCC
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services.
My approach to therapy is centered on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your identity, values, and lived experiences. I believe in helping you uncover your strengths while also challenging you to grow in areas that may feel more difficult. Together, we’ll work to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, navigate challenges,
I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services.
My approach to therapy is centered on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your identity, values, and lived experiences. I believe in helping you uncover your strengths while also challenging you to grow in areas that may feel more difficult. Together, we’ll work to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, navigate challenges,
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and substance use issues. My therapeutic approach primarily integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), aiming to foster meaningful change and enhance overall well-being. I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel empowered to navigate life’s difficulties and achieve personal growth.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and substance use issues. My therapeutic approach primarily integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), aiming to foster meaningful change and enhance overall well-being. I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel empowered to navigate life’s difficulties and achieve personal growth.
Therapy is your space to pause, process, and grow. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and those around them. They may be carrying the weight of trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or facing relationship shifts and life transitions. What they want most is relief, clarity, and a sense of movement forward. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, heal old wounds, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected in everyday life. You don’t have to do this alone—I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Therapy is your space to pause, process, and grow. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and those around them. They may be carrying the weight of trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or facing relationship shifts and life transitions. What they want most is relief, clarity, and a sense of movement forward. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, heal old wounds, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected in everyday life. You don’t have to do this alone—I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Dr. Andrew Harris, founder of California Mental Health Network, is a clinician, advocate, and leader with over a decade of experience in youth corrections, child welfare, community corrections, and behavioral health.
Dr. Harris’s research on racial and cultural concordance explores how provider-client alignment impacts engagement. Through his doctoral studies at the University of Colorado Denver, he is expanding his expertise to improve service delivery models.
Dr. Andrew Harris, founder of California Mental Health Network, is a clinician, advocate, and leader with over a decade of experience in youth corrections, child welfare, community corrections, and behavioral health.
Dr. Harris’s research on racial and cultural concordance explores how provider-client alignment impacts engagement. Through his doctoral studies at the University of Colorado Denver, he is expanding his expertise to improve service delivery models.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist and have been in practice for over 18 years. I specialize in diagnosis of disorders that impact learning such as Dyslexia ADHD, Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Dysgraphia, and social/emotional difficulties (Anxiety, Self-Esteem). If your or your child is frustrated, has difficulty following directions, or has challenges with peers it may be due to an underlying issue and I will work to shed light on and resolve those issues. Through assessment you or your child can be relieved of frustrations and find success at school or in the workplace.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist and have been in practice for over 18 years. I specialize in diagnosis of disorders that impact learning such as Dyslexia ADHD, Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Dysgraphia, and social/emotional difficulties (Anxiety, Self-Esteem). If your or your child is frustrated, has difficulty following directions, or has challenges with peers it may be due to an underlying issue and I will work to shed light on and resolve those issues. Through assessment you or your child can be relieved of frustrations and find success at school or in the workplace.
I specialize in supporting men and women who are navigating stress, life transitions, and the emotional impact of past experiences. I offer a warm, trauma-informed space where clients can feel safe and respected as they explore their challenges. Whether you are coping with anxiety, burnout, or unresolved trauma, I work collaboratively using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, and reclaim your voice—one step at a time.
I specialize in supporting men and women who are navigating stress, life transitions, and the emotional impact of past experiences. I offer a warm, trauma-informed space where clients can feel safe and respected as they explore their challenges. Whether you are coping with anxiety, burnout, or unresolved trauma, I work collaboratively using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, and reclaim your voice—one step at a time.
Revolutionary Women's Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Coach, Mentor, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a radical Black, queer, abolitionist, eco-feminist, freedom worker, therapist and coach devoted to uplifting Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latina/Chicana, Women of Color and LGBTQ+ kin.
Hey, I'm Briana! I help global women break free from burnout, self-doubt, low self-esteem, depression, perfectionism, anxiety, impostor syndrome, people pleasing, generational trauma, racial, political, and cultural stress. Through our work, you'll release habits and patterns that sabotage your joy, unlearn oppressive beliefs you've been taught about everything from body image to your role as a woman, and reclaim yourself from capitalism, supremacy culture, and manufactured urgency. You'll tap into your own power and claim your own liberation. As revolutionary woman Assata Shakur reminds us: "we have nothing to lose but our chains."
I am a radical Black, queer, abolitionist, eco-feminist, freedom worker, therapist and coach devoted to uplifting Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latina/Chicana, Women of Color and LGBTQ+ kin.
Hey, I'm Briana! I help global women break free from burnout, self-doubt, low self-esteem, depression, perfectionism, anxiety, impostor syndrome, people pleasing, generational trauma, racial, political, and cultural stress. Through our work, you'll release habits and patterns that sabotage your joy, unlearn oppressive beliefs you've been taught about everything from body image to your role as a woman, and reclaim yourself from capitalism, supremacy culture, and manufactured urgency. You'll tap into your own power and claim your own liberation. As revolutionary woman Assata Shakur reminds us: "we have nothing to lose but our chains."
Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can go through, physically, emotionally, and mentally. One minute you're googling the safest sleep positions, and the next you're contemplating if you'll ever have time for yourself again. I'm here to help you navigate all of the moments in between, with some practical tools, a lot of understanding, and just enough humor to keep it real.
Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can go through, physically, emotionally, and mentally. One minute you're googling the safest sleep positions, and the next you're contemplating if you'll ever have time for yourself again. I'm here to help you navigate all of the moments in between, with some practical tools, a lot of understanding, and just enough humor to keep it real.
See more therapy options for Santee
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for Santee
- Alpine
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Poway
- San Diego
- Spring Valley
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.