Black and African American Therapists in California
I want to work with clients who are ready and willing to work hard. Clients that understand that challenges may arise, and the process may be uncomfortable at times. In order to create meaningful progress, they are willing to contribute to the development of the therapeutic relationship. The goal is to improve self-esteem, process, and heal from the trauma, and apply healthy coping skills.
I want to work with clients who are ready and willing to work hard. Clients that understand that challenges may arise, and the process may be uncomfortable at times. In order to create meaningful progress, they are willing to contribute to the development of the therapeutic relationship. The goal is to improve self-esteem, process, and heal from the trauma, and apply healthy coping skills.
Imagine being as kind and reliable to yourself as you are to everyone else. You appear steady and capable to the world, yet inside you feel overextended and disconnected.
If you are tired of the "Shoulds" and the pressure of meeting everyone else’s expectations, we can start changing how that feels. Our sessions are a space to untangle those patterns and learn how to say "No" with confidence and without the guilt.
This process is about moving away from what the world expects of you and towards a deeper sense of self-trust, so you can finally show up fully for yourself.
Imagine being as kind and reliable to yourself as you are to everyone else. You appear steady and capable to the world, yet inside you feel overextended and disconnected.
If you are tired of the "Shoulds" and the pressure of meeting everyone else’s expectations, we can start changing how that feels. Our sessions are a space to untangle those patterns and learn how to say "No" with confidence and without the guilt.
This process is about moving away from what the world expects of you and towards a deeper sense of self-trust, so you can finally show up fully for yourself.
My approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are. Depression, Stress, Anxiety. Navigating through life transitions can be challenging. Nobody wants to face these challenges alone. Having support can help you to weather the storm and regain the strength that you need to not only survive, but THRIVE. Therapy was once a taboo subject, but today your ability to recognize that you need support is applauded! Welcome to the pathway of becoming the best version of you as well as gaining the necessary coping skills to navigate life's challenges.
My approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are. Depression, Stress, Anxiety. Navigating through life transitions can be challenging. Nobody wants to face these challenges alone. Having support can help you to weather the storm and regain the strength that you need to not only survive, but THRIVE. Therapy was once a taboo subject, but today your ability to recognize that you need support is applauded! Welcome to the pathway of becoming the best version of you as well as gaining the necessary coping skills to navigate life's challenges.
I am a pastor, ordained minister, and licensed marital and family therapist with over 25 years of experience working with youth, individuals, couples, and families. I have provided counseling to clients with various concerns including depression, anxiety, family conflict, parenting problems, autism spectrum disorder, anger management, and ADHD. I have also supported couples with premarital and marital counseling. My hope is to create a space where you feel safe, valued, and respected in a way that will allow you to feel comfortable enough to talk about the challenges that have brought you to therapy.
I am a pastor, ordained minister, and licensed marital and family therapist with over 25 years of experience working with youth, individuals, couples, and families. I have provided counseling to clients with various concerns including depression, anxiety, family conflict, parenting problems, autism spectrum disorder, anger management, and ADHD. I have also supported couples with premarital and marital counseling. My hope is to create a space where you feel safe, valued, and respected in a way that will allow you to feel comfortable enough to talk about the challenges that have brought you to therapy.
Are you tired of feeling alone while caring for others in your life? Are you ready to increase feelings of connections with those around you, and increase feeling connected to yourself? Many of the people that I work with are use to taking care of other people while pushing down their own feelings and challenging experiences. Many of the people I work with struggle to share their own challenge, often reporting feeling like a "burden" or that they "have to be the strong one." The people that I work with often have had to be stronger than they should have had to be. Having a space to talk about and focus on you is what I provide.
Are you tired of feeling alone while caring for others in your life? Are you ready to increase feelings of connections with those around you, and increase feeling connected to yourself? Many of the people that I work with are use to taking care of other people while pushing down their own feelings and challenging experiences. Many of the people I work with struggle to share their own challenge, often reporting feeling like a "burden" or that they "have to be the strong one." The people that I work with often have had to be stronger than they should have had to be. Having a space to talk about and focus on you is what I provide.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, high achieving, deeply feeling people who appear capable on the outside but feel anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck internally. You may be neurodivergent, navigating ADHD, masking your needs, struggling with self doubt, or caught in relationship patterns that leave you feeling unseen or disconnected. You may also be carrying the emotional weight of identity, family expectations, grief, or structural stress related to race, gender, sexuality, culture, disability, or belonging. Therapy can be a space where you do not have to perform, minimize your needs, or carry everything alone.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, high achieving, deeply feeling people who appear capable on the outside but feel anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck internally. You may be neurodivergent, navigating ADHD, masking your needs, struggling with self doubt, or caught in relationship patterns that leave you feeling unseen or disconnected. You may also be carrying the emotional weight of identity, family expectations, grief, or structural stress related to race, gender, sexuality, culture, disability, or belonging. Therapy can be a space where you do not have to perform, minimize your needs, or carry everything alone.
In addition, I have provided trainings and seminars with the Bay Area Association of Black Social Workers (BAABSW), Black Family Preservation Symposium, on Eating Disorders (primarily Binge Eating Disorder), Mind, Body & Self-Care, and the Success of Exercise.
I work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including those impacted by trauma and systemic inequities. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and binge eating, feeling overwhelmed or stuck in unhelpful patterns. As a behavioral clinician, I use anevidence-based approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients shift thinking, build coping skills, and improve daily functioning. Through individual, family, and group services, I provide culturally responsive care, psychoeducation, and supportive tools to help clients heal, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence
In addition, I have provided trainings and seminars with the Bay Area Association of Black Social Workers (BAABSW), Black Family Preservation Symposium, on Eating Disorders (primarily Binge Eating Disorder), Mind, Body & Self-Care, and the Success of Exercise.
I work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including those impacted by trauma and systemic inequities. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and binge eating, feeling overwhelmed or stuck in unhelpful patterns. As a behavioral clinician, I use anevidence-based approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients shift thinking, build coping skills, and improve daily functioning. Through individual, family, and group services, I provide culturally responsive care, psychoeducation, and supportive tools to help clients heal, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence
Child & Teen Therapy Programs - English, Tagalog & Arabic Providers
At Fuller Life Concepts, we specialize in helping children and teens (ages 6–17) overcome anxiety, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, and school stress through structured, evidence-based therapy programs.
Parents often reach out when their child is struggling to get to school, withdrawing socially, acting out emotionally, or feeling overwhelmed. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Currently accepting new child and teen clients statewide via telehealth.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn which program is best for your child.
Child & Teen Therapy Programs - English, Tagalog & Arabic Providers
At Fuller Life Concepts, we specialize in helping children and teens (ages 6–17) overcome anxiety, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, and school stress through structured, evidence-based therapy programs.
Parents often reach out when their child is struggling to get to school, withdrawing socially, acting out emotionally, or feeling overwhelmed. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Currently accepting new child and teen clients statewide via telehealth.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn which program is best for your child.
So, when are you two going to have a baby? How many times have you been asked that question while in the middle of struggling to conceive or during infertility treatment, an unsuccessful IUI or IVF cycle, or while actually having a miscarriage? Are you looking for direct and empathetic support with actual tools and techniques to help you and/or your spouse cope and navigate through your journey to parenthood?
So, when are you two going to have a baby? How many times have you been asked that question while in the middle of struggling to conceive or during infertility treatment, an unsuccessful IUI or IVF cycle, or while actually having a miscarriage? Are you looking for direct and empathetic support with actual tools and techniques to help you and/or your spouse cope and navigate through your journey to parenthood?
Rocker Health LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Ph.D, NCC, LCPC, LMHC, LPC
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
My name is Alfred (AJ) McCloud and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience supporting others through life's difficult moments. Whether you come as an individual, couple, or family, let's navigate the challenges together. My integrative approach is rooted in cultural humility and person-centered practices to navigate anxiety, betrayal, depression, high performers' stress, grief, truama, and even racial injustice. Welcome.
My name is Alfred (AJ) McCloud and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience supporting others through life's difficult moments. Whether you come as an individual, couple, or family, let's navigate the challenges together. My integrative approach is rooted in cultural humility and person-centered practices to navigate anxiety, betrayal, depression, high performers' stress, grief, truama, and even racial injustice. Welcome.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from the Grand Canyon University and have been practicing for 3 years. I believe I was born to help others and with my life experience and understanding my purpose lead me to being a therapist. I enjoyed helping young teens, adults struggling with career stress and burnout become the best versions of themselves. I focused on addiction, couples, marriage and improving family structure.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from the Grand Canyon University and have been practicing for 3 years. I believe I was born to help others and with my life experience and understanding my purpose lead me to being a therapist. I enjoyed helping young teens, adults struggling with career stress and burnout become the best versions of themselves. I focused on addiction, couples, marriage and improving family structure.
As a Black woman, I know all too well the need for competent quality healthcare that you can trust in addressing your needs and treating them with compassion.
I have worked with a wide array of disorders and life challenges including but not limited to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, trauma related disorder such as PTSD and CPTSD, relationship or marital stress, existential crises or life transitions, and self-discovery.
As a Black woman, I know all too well the need for competent quality healthcare that you can trust in addressing your needs and treating them with compassion.
I have worked with a wide array of disorders and life challenges including but not limited to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, trauma related disorder such as PTSD and CPTSD, relationship or marital stress, existential crises or life transitions, and self-discovery.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel truly heard, understood, and valued. I believe that this foundational sense of safety is crucial for healing and personal growth. When clients are able to express themselves without fear of judgment, they can begin to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and develop the tools necessary for resilience. By fostering a space grounded in empathy, trust, and respect, I aim to help clients navigate their journey toward self-discovery, healing, and lasting change.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel truly heard, understood, and valued. I believe that this foundational sense of safety is crucial for healing and personal growth. When clients are able to express themselves without fear of judgment, they can begin to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and develop the tools necessary for resilience. By fostering a space grounded in empathy, trust, and respect, I aim to help clients navigate their journey toward self-discovery, healing, and lasting change.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over ten years of experience, I specialize in trauma-informed care, CBT, and DBT to support individuals and couples. I am committed to fostering growth and resilience through a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My dynamic, collaborative approach creates a supportive environment tailored to each client's needs, empowering them to achieve lasting change and reach their full potential.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over ten years of experience, I specialize in trauma-informed care, CBT, and DBT to support individuals and couples. I am committed to fostering growth and resilience through a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My dynamic, collaborative approach creates a supportive environment tailored to each client's needs, empowering them to achieve lasting change and reach their full potential.
I specialize in supporting Black, POC, Queer, and neurodivergent individuals, recognizing how intersecting identities shape mental health.
As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I believe in your capacity to heal and grow. My approach is eclectic and strengths-based, centered on your innate abilities and resources to build resilience. I’m trained in EMDR and incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy to support your unique journey.
I specialize in supporting Black, POC, Queer, and neurodivergent individuals, recognizing how intersecting identities shape mental health.
As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I believe in your capacity to heal and grow. My approach is eclectic and strengths-based, centered on your innate abilities and resources to build resilience. I’m trained in EMDR and incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy to support your unique journey.
You may be the person others rely on. Capable, self-aware, and strong. From the outside, your life may appear stable or even successful—but internally, you may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or burdened by patterns you cannot seem to change.
Perhaps you struggle with anxiety, relationship wounds, or the quiet weight of past experiences that still affect how you see yourself and others. You may find yourself overthinking, carrying unspoken pain, or feeling like you have to hold everything together alone.
You may be the person others rely on. Capable, self-aware, and strong. From the outside, your life may appear stable or even successful—but internally, you may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or burdened by patterns you cannot seem to change.
Perhaps you struggle with anxiety, relationship wounds, or the quiet weight of past experiences that still affect how you see yourself and others. You may find yourself overthinking, carrying unspoken pain, or feeling like you have to hold everything together alone.
Being an African American therapist, a woman, and a Christian, I strive to respect the cultural and traditional practices of my clients while collaboratively creating the best plan for their future.
My focus is on meeting each client where they are and supporting them down the path they deem most appropriate to attaining their ultimate goals. I aim to identify unhealthy behavioral patterns, triggers, and challenges - to then replace them with more productive, stable alternatives.
Being an African American therapist, a woman, and a Christian, I strive to respect the cultural and traditional practices of my clients while collaboratively creating the best plan for their future.
My focus is on meeting each client where they are and supporting them down the path they deem most appropriate to attaining their ultimate goals. I aim to identify unhealthy behavioral patterns, triggers, and challenges - to then replace them with more productive, stable alternatives.
Ruth Alena Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT, ALPCC
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My ideal client is someone carrying the weight of stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma who wants to create a healthier, more balanced life. They may be navigating life transitions, struggling with self-esteem, or facing relationship and family challenges. Many feel disconnected from themselves or their loved ones and are seeking practical strategies to heal and move forward. They want to build resilience, restore energy, and improve communication. Ultimately, they believe change is possible and are ready to feel more empowered, confident, and fulfilled.
My ideal client is someone carrying the weight of stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma who wants to create a healthier, more balanced life. They may be navigating life transitions, struggling with self-esteem, or facing relationship and family challenges. Many feel disconnected from themselves or their loved ones and are seeking practical strategies to heal and move forward. They want to build resilience, restore energy, and improve communication. Ultimately, they believe change is possible and are ready to feel more empowered, confident, and fulfilled.
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
See more therapy options for California
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.