Black and African American Therapists in California
Sometimes life can be overwhelming, my goal as a therapist is to help you create and find ways to manage the stress, frustration, or anxiety you may be experiencing. By providing a nonjudgemental environment I believe we can work together to remove the barriers trauma has placed in your life.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming, my goal as a therapist is to help you create and find ways to manage the stress, frustration, or anxiety you may be experiencing. By providing a nonjudgemental environment I believe we can work together to remove the barriers trauma has placed in your life.
I am the author of: "Emotionally Focused Therapy with African American Couples: Love Heals.
Welcome! REPAIR emotional injuries, RECOVER from harm, and RENEW relationships! I am an Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where I have taught EFT. I have been a consultant and instructor to the National Football League, the Oakland Raiders football team, and a consultant to the Sacramento Kings Professional basketball team.
I am the author of: "Emotionally Focused Therapy with African American Couples: Love Heals.
Welcome! REPAIR emotional injuries, RECOVER from harm, and RENEW relationships! I am an Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where I have taught EFT. I have been a consultant and instructor to the National Football League, the Oakland Raiders football team, and a consultant to the Sacramento Kings Professional basketball team.
Is your child looking for a safe, supportive space to explore their thoughts and emotions? I specialize in working with children ages 6–12, including those with disabilities who face behavioral and social-emotional challenges. I also support adolescents 13–17, and young adults navigating trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal thoughts. These formative years can be filled with joy, discovery, and growth. But for many young people, they’re overshadowed by overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, or worry. My goal is to help your child heal, grow, and build the resilience they need.
Is your child looking for a safe, supportive space to explore their thoughts and emotions? I specialize in working with children ages 6–12, including those with disabilities who face behavioral and social-emotional challenges. I also support adolescents 13–17, and young adults navigating trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal thoughts. These formative years can be filled with joy, discovery, and growth. But for many young people, they’re overshadowed by overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, or worry. My goal is to help your child heal, grow, and build the resilience they need.
In the midst of life's challenges, the profound gift of understanding shine brightest. Have you ever felt misunderstood or unheard? In those moments, seeking help is not just okay, it's a courageous step towards, growth. You, as a human, deserve support tailored to your unique journey. Having navigated the challenging path to therapy, you've already shown incredible strength. Now, let's embark on this transformative journey together. As a compassionate clinical therapist under the direct supervision of Dr. Edna Abney, I bring warmth and engagement to our sessions.
In the midst of life's challenges, the profound gift of understanding shine brightest. Have you ever felt misunderstood or unheard? In those moments, seeking help is not just okay, it's a courageous step towards, growth. You, as a human, deserve support tailored to your unique journey. Having navigated the challenging path to therapy, you've already shown incredible strength. Now, let's embark on this transformative journey together. As a compassionate clinical therapist under the direct supervision of Dr. Edna Abney, I bring warmth and engagement to our sessions.
Does it feel like you or your child are doing your best, but things still feel hard?
Maybe your child is having big emotions, shutting down, or struggling at school. Maybe your teen feels overwhelmed or hard to reach. Or maybe you’re the one holding everything together while feeling anxious, stuck in overthinking, or burnt out.
You might be wondering if things could feel more manageable or more like yourself again. Right now, many children, teens, and adults are feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to meet their needs while also showing up for others.
Does it feel like you or your child are doing your best, but things still feel hard?
Maybe your child is having big emotions, shutting down, or struggling at school. Maybe your teen feels overwhelmed or hard to reach. Or maybe you’re the one holding everything together while feeling anxious, stuck in overthinking, or burnt out.
You might be wondering if things could feel more manageable or more like yourself again. Right now, many children, teens, and adults are feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to meet their needs while also showing up for others.
You’re the dependable one. The strong one. The one everyone relies on. But lately, you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or quietly resentful. You love your family deeply—yet you’re exhausted from carrying the invisible load. You look like you’re managing, but inside you feel stretched thin.
I specialize in working with postpartum and high-achieving women navigating identity shifts, nervous system overload, trauma, burnout, and relationship strain. Together, we focus on emotional regulation, boundaries, and reducing resentment so you can feel grounded—not just functional.
You don’t have to overfunction to be worthy of care.
You’re the dependable one. The strong one. The one everyone relies on. But lately, you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or quietly resentful. You love your family deeply—yet you’re exhausted from carrying the invisible load. You look like you’re managing, but inside you feel stretched thin.
I specialize in working with postpartum and high-achieving women navigating identity shifts, nervous system overload, trauma, burnout, and relationship strain. Together, we focus on emotional regulation, boundaries, and reducing resentment so you can feel grounded—not just functional.
You don’t have to overfunction to be worthy of care.
Jonathan W. Thompson II
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, CCTP-II, CSAM
7 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I’m an experienced Black mental health clinician with over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, parents, and families, including resource (foster) parents.
You’re doing the hard work of seeking out therapy in 2026, and that’s truly commendable. The past few years may have been the catalyst for you to realize that now is the perfect time to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and improve your relationships. Therapy can be the first step in identifying goals and addressing needs that may have been neglected during the pandemic and possibly throughout your life. Are you living your best possible life? If so, maybe there are a few small things that need minor adjustments. If not, let’s start this journey together towards the best days of your life.
I’m an experienced Black mental health clinician with over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, parents, and families, including resource (foster) parents.
You’re doing the hard work of seeking out therapy in 2026, and that’s truly commendable. The past few years may have been the catalyst for you to realize that now is the perfect time to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and improve your relationships. Therapy can be the first step in identifying goals and addressing needs that may have been neglected during the pandemic and possibly throughout your life. Are you living your best possible life? If so, maybe there are a few small things that need minor adjustments. If not, let’s start this journey together towards the best days of your life.
The ideal client may be someone feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or past trauma, longing for relief and a sense of balance. They may be navigating a major life transition, struggling in relationships, or simply feeling stuck and unsure of the next step. What they want most is to feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to manage challenges with greater ease. Their goal is not only to reduce distress, but also to build confidence, resilience, and a more meaningful connection to themselves and the life they hope to create.
The ideal client may be someone feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or past trauma, longing for relief and a sense of balance. They may be navigating a major life transition, struggling in relationships, or simply feeling stuck and unsure of the next step. What they want most is to feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to manage challenges with greater ease. Their goal is not only to reduce distress, but also to build confidence, resilience, and a more meaningful connection to themselves and the life they hope to create.
Change invites us to hold both tension and a sense of possibility. Together we can create a space that honors your unique pace, experiences and embodied wisdom— helping you (re)connect with resources that support sustainable, meaningful change.
Change invites us to hold both tension and a sense of possibility. Together we can create a space that honors your unique pace, experiences and embodied wisdom— helping you (re)connect with resources that support sustainable, meaningful change.
I enjoy working with individuals and families, helping them to be the best version of themselves. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. If you desire to be in control of your mental, physical, emotional, and financial well-being... Let's work together to set and achieve goals, build healthy coping skills, and develop practical solutions that can empower you in your daily living. My Motto: Be the “BOSS” of your life, so you can be the best version of yourself.
I enjoy working with individuals and families, helping them to be the best version of themselves. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. If you desire to be in control of your mental, physical, emotional, and financial well-being... Let's work together to set and achieve goals, build healthy coping skills, and develop practical solutions that can empower you in your daily living. My Motto: Be the “BOSS” of your life, so you can be the best version of yourself.
I provide an expertise in psychology, sexuality, relationships, couples counseling, and gender issues. Treatment for both couples and individuals. 15 minute sex-therapy consultations available now. There is no shame in your thoughts or sexuality, so remove the stigmas now! Correct issues like differing libidos within a couple, sexual dysfunction for both men and women, and relationship/intimacy issues (single or coupled). I am confident your problems can be resolved, in less time than you think!
I provide an expertise in psychology, sexuality, relationships, couples counseling, and gender issues. Treatment for both couples and individuals. 15 minute sex-therapy consultations available now. There is no shame in your thoughts or sexuality, so remove the stigmas now! Correct issues like differing libidos within a couple, sexual dysfunction for both men and women, and relationship/intimacy issues (single or coupled). I am confident your problems can be resolved, in less time than you think!
With over 6 years of experience as a mental health professional, I am passionate about helping individuals step into their full potential. I specialize in trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA and issues related to culture & identity. My work centers on empowerment, healing from trauma, and supporting those navigating complex life transitions.
With over 6 years of experience as a mental health professional, I am passionate about helping individuals step into their full potential. I specialize in trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA and issues related to culture & identity. My work centers on empowerment, healing from trauma, and supporting those navigating complex life transitions.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups dealing with a wide array of challenges. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems such as codependency, infidelity, or other concerns, trauma, anger, grief, addiction, or other issues, I would be honored to walk with you to discover a better way forward in life.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups dealing with a wide array of challenges. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems such as codependency, infidelity, or other concerns, trauma, anger, grief, addiction, or other issues, I would be honored to walk with you to discover a better way forward in life.
Downtown Mind Wellness is a collection of the best mental health providers in Los Angeles! We are a practice offering both psychotherapy and psychiatry services. We have an incredibly diverse staff of professionals who value each individual patient and their specific needs. Yes, we take insurance!
Downtown Mind Wellness is a collection of the best mental health providers in Los Angeles! We are a practice offering both psychotherapy and psychiatry services. We have an incredibly diverse staff of professionals who value each individual patient and their specific needs. Yes, we take insurance!
I believe we all hold the answers to healing within. However, at times, life stressors, environmental factors, and traumatic events leave us feeling ‘stuck’, overwhelmed, and lost on our path. I take a collaborative, integrative approach, blending ideas from various modalities in order to support you in reconnecting with your true north. I believe the mind-body connection plays a significant role in growth and healing, and work to increase awareness of embodied responses while broadening your toolbox of strategies for coping.
I believe we all hold the answers to healing within. However, at times, life stressors, environmental factors, and traumatic events leave us feeling ‘stuck’, overwhelmed, and lost on our path. I take a collaborative, integrative approach, blending ideas from various modalities in order to support you in reconnecting with your true north. I believe the mind-body connection plays a significant role in growth and healing, and work to increase awareness of embodied responses while broadening your toolbox of strategies for coping.
Are you ready to start your journey to joy and improve your overall wellness? Do you feel disconnected from those around you and alone with your problems or life concerns? Are you tired of being the “strong friend” and ready to build a network of true support? Do you find yourself repeatedly in unhealthy patterns in relationships? Does vulnerability sound scary even though you know it is important? Have you experienced discrimination, harassment, or oppression due to your racial, gender, or sexual identity? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in the right place. Welcome! I am here to listen and support.
Are you ready to start your journey to joy and improve your overall wellness? Do you feel disconnected from those around you and alone with your problems or life concerns? Are you tired of being the “strong friend” and ready to build a network of true support? Do you find yourself repeatedly in unhealthy patterns in relationships? Does vulnerability sound scary even though you know it is important? Have you experienced discrimination, harassment, or oppression due to your racial, gender, or sexual identity? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in the right place. Welcome! I am here to listen and support.
People who feel that they are not good enough and who are struggling to close the gap between who they are and who they believe they should be - women navigating postpartum, trauma survivors feeling stripped of their power, men suppressing emotion, creatives paralyzed by internalized doubt, Black people navigating spaces that were never designed for them to thrive, neurodiverse individuals masking to feel "normal" and LGBTQ+ individuals fighting to simply exist.
My style is direct, warm, and real. I'm not the therapist who sits in silence waiting for you to figure it out; I'm an active collaborator. We'll dig into what's actually going on, build tools that fit your brain and life, and move at a pace that works for you. I use a trauma-informed lens and pull from EMDR, DBT, ACT, EFT, and somatic approaches.
People who feel that they are not good enough and who are struggling to close the gap between who they are and who they believe they should be - women navigating postpartum, trauma survivors feeling stripped of their power, men suppressing emotion, creatives paralyzed by internalized doubt, Black people navigating spaces that were never designed for them to thrive, neurodiverse individuals masking to feel "normal" and LGBTQ+ individuals fighting to simply exist.
My style is direct, warm, and real. I'm not the therapist who sits in silence waiting for you to figure it out; I'm an active collaborator. We'll dig into what's actually going on, build tools that fit your brain and life, and move at a pace that works for you. I use a trauma-informed lens and pull from EMDR, DBT, ACT, EFT, and somatic approaches.
Hi, I’m Raeven. I specialize in helping people navigate the 'in-between' stages of life—those times when you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in a cycle of anxiety or depression. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I provide a collaborative space where we move past just 'getting by' and start building a life that feels grounded and authentic. Whether you’re battling burnout or a major life shift, I’m here to ensure you walk away not just feeling supported, but equipped with the practical tools to reclaim your voice and handle whatever comes next.
Hi, I’m Raeven. I specialize in helping people navigate the 'in-between' stages of life—those times when you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in a cycle of anxiety or depression. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I provide a collaborative space where we move past just 'getting by' and start building a life that feels grounded and authentic. Whether you’re battling burnout or a major life shift, I’m here to ensure you walk away not just feeling supported, but equipped with the practical tools to reclaim your voice and handle whatever comes next.
I’m Jaime Reeves, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author, and healing practitioner who blends clinical expertise with spiritual depth. I help individuals, couples, and families break free from emotional patterns, build stronger boundaries, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My work is rooted in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, ancestral healing, and integrative mind-body practices—offering you a space to grow, heal, and transform from the inside out.
I’m Jaime Reeves, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author, and healing practitioner who blends clinical expertise with spiritual depth. I help individuals, couples, and families break free from emotional patterns, build stronger boundaries, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My work is rooted in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, ancestral healing, and integrative mind-body practices—offering you a space to grow, heal, and transform from the inside out.
Therapy is a powerful, team-driven approach to help you tackle the challenges that are holding you back. Therapy gives you the tools to break through obstacles and build the life you deserve. It’s time to take control, get the support you need, and create the future you want.
Therapy is a powerful, team-driven approach to help you tackle the challenges that are holding you back. Therapy gives you the tools to break through obstacles and build the life you deserve. It’s time to take control, get the support you need, and create the future you want.
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.