Black and African American Therapists in Washington, DC

My practice is dedicated to supporting Black women and men facing life transitions, anxiety, relational difficulties, and trauma.
Hi I'm Jaylynne, and I'm dedicated to supporting adults navigating personal and relational challenges. Using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based approach, I help clients develop the skills they need to heal and thrive. I'm passionate about creating a safe space where you can be seen, heard, and empowered to do "life's work."
My practice is dedicated to supporting Black women and men facing life transitions, anxiety, relational difficulties, and trauma.
Hi I'm Jaylynne, and I'm dedicated to supporting adults navigating personal and relational challenges. Using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based approach, I help clients develop the skills they need to heal and thrive. I'm passionate about creating a safe space where you can be seen, heard, and empowered to do "life's work."

I am a Black female LPC intern who has a array of experience working with community-based organizations supporting families with their immediate needs.
Do you feel overwhelmed, lost or stuck in life? Are you worrying too much with life's challenges or responsibilities? Do you concern yourself about others? Family? work? relationships? Any past or present negative events that are impacting your wellbeing? If you are currently experiencing, or have experienced some of life's challenges and would like some help along your journey. Seeking therapy is one of the first steps of self- care. You are already taking a brave step forward. Let's connect to begin your journey.
I am under the clinical supervision of Dr. Samantha Knox
I am a Black female LPC intern who has a array of experience working with community-based organizations supporting families with their immediate needs.
Do you feel overwhelmed, lost or stuck in life? Are you worrying too much with life's challenges or responsibilities? Do you concern yourself about others? Family? work? relationships? Any past or present negative events that are impacting your wellbeing? If you are currently experiencing, or have experienced some of life's challenges and would like some help along your journey. Seeking therapy is one of the first steps of self- care. You are already taking a brave step forward. Let's connect to begin your journey.
I am under the clinical supervision of Dr. Samantha Knox

As a black woman, identity, inclusion, equity, and belonging are focal points for me.
I serve adults, birthing people, adolescents, and children with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and race-based stress/trauma. I help clients access their own inner wisdom, and guide them through their healing journey, illuminated by the resilience of the human body and spirit.
As a black woman, identity, inclusion, equity, and belonging are focal points for me.
I serve adults, birthing people, adolescents, and children with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and race-based stress/trauma. I help clients access their own inner wisdom, and guide them through their healing journey, illuminated by the resilience of the human body and spirit.

As a Black therapist I also support clients who experience exclusion.
Hello, it is so good to connect with you! Welcome to my practice! You may be ready to explore your life in an intentional environment. To engage in a space where you can fully embrace yourself, your journey, and your gifts. I believe in your ability to process, validate, and overcome life's unexpected events, such as grief, breakups, career or academic setbacks, relationship disconnection, and loneliness. Let's work together to uncover your inner strength and build a foundation for your well-being.
As a Black therapist I also support clients who experience exclusion.
Hello, it is so good to connect with you! Welcome to my practice! You may be ready to explore your life in an intentional environment. To engage in a space where you can fully embrace yourself, your journey, and your gifts. I believe in your ability to process, validate, and overcome life's unexpected events, such as grief, breakups, career or academic setbacks, relationship disconnection, and loneliness. Let's work together to uncover your inner strength and build a foundation for your well-being.

My clinical work and research focus on working through and healing from Queer, Racial, and Religious Trauma(s) among Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ communities.
Affirmative Spaces specializes in providing psychotherapy to LGBTQIA+ people of color and other marginalized groups. In treatment, I utilize a culturally informed approach and strive to create a space where you are free to be your unapologetic, authentic self and ensure your experiences are honored, affirmed, and handled with care. Additionally, I utilize a theoretical approach that explores the influence of early relationships on current functioning. In each therapy relationship, I collaborate with clients to gain insight into their unique experiences and how these experiences contribute to the current distress experienced.
My clinical work and research focus on working through and healing from Queer, Racial, and Religious Trauma(s) among Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ communities.
Affirmative Spaces specializes in providing psychotherapy to LGBTQIA+ people of color and other marginalized groups. In treatment, I utilize a culturally informed approach and strive to create a space where you are free to be your unapologetic, authentic self and ensure your experiences are honored, affirmed, and handled with care. Additionally, I utilize a theoretical approach that explores the influence of early relationships on current functioning. In each therapy relationship, I collaborate with clients to gain insight into their unique experiences and how these experiences contribute to the current distress experienced.

I use the foundations of CBT, DBT, ACT, solution focused, motivational interviewing to support clients from Black/ African-American, Asian, Latinx, Middle Eastern and other backgrounds
I work with men and women living with with persistent anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD, substance use. We'll explore how transitions, family-of-origin and relationships, roles and responsibilities, trauma and identity affect your mental health. Well then collaborate to identify adaptive, relational, strength-based, cognitive, behavioral and emotional strategies to manage stress, distress and improve functioning. We'll explore where you are and where you want to be. I ask thoughtful and insightful questions to help you dig deep beyond the surface. I embrace my clients with compassion and also challenge them.
I use the foundations of CBT, DBT, ACT, solution focused, motivational interviewing to support clients from Black/ African-American, Asian, Latinx, Middle Eastern and other backgrounds
I work with men and women living with with persistent anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD, substance use. We'll explore how transitions, family-of-origin and relationships, roles and responsibilities, trauma and identity affect your mental health. Well then collaborate to identify adaptive, relational, strength-based, cognitive, behavioral and emotional strategies to manage stress, distress and improve functioning. We'll explore where you are and where you want to be. I ask thoughtful and insightful questions to help you dig deep beyond the surface. I embrace my clients with compassion and also challenge them.

I'm Jenn (they/them), a Black, queer, nonbinary, Brooklyn native with Bajan roots.
I am trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). My specialties are supporting people through grief, trauma (including birth trauma), and identity exploration. I invite clients into a welcoming, safe space to journey through the healing process.
I'm Jenn (they/them), a Black, queer, nonbinary, Brooklyn native with Bajan roots.
I am trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). My specialties are supporting people through grief, trauma (including birth trauma), and identity exploration. I invite clients into a welcoming, safe space to journey through the healing process.

I am particularly experienced in working with African-American and multi-racial, multi-cultural individuals and couples.
Are you struggling in your relationship or marriage? Looking to feel connected again? Are you a teen struggling with anxiety? There is hope. I believe we all have a fascinating and compelling story to tell about our lives. The joy of my work is coming to know my clients through these complex stories and collaborating with individuals and couples to find the connection they have been missing. I help adults and teens work through the anxiety and depression that holds them back from their goals. I'm a licensed psychologist in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.
I am particularly experienced in working with African-American and multi-racial, multi-cultural individuals and couples.
Are you struggling in your relationship or marriage? Looking to feel connected again? Are you a teen struggling with anxiety? There is hope. I believe we all have a fascinating and compelling story to tell about our lives. The joy of my work is coming to know my clients through these complex stories and collaborating with individuals and couples to find the connection they have been missing. I help adults and teens work through the anxiety and depression that holds them back from their goals. I'm a licensed psychologist in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.

My goal is to help Black, Brown and other BIPOC adults (18 and older) navigate day to day life difficulties including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships and identity related concerns.
I use a person-centered and humanistic approach, allowing the client to take the lead in the therapuetic space. While providing the client autonomy in their healing journey, I incorporate mindfulness practices, expressive arts and cognitive processing techniques into our work together.
My goal is to help Black, Brown and other BIPOC adults (18 and older) navigate day to day life difficulties including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships and identity related concerns.
I use a person-centered and humanistic approach, allowing the client to take the lead in the therapuetic space. While providing the client autonomy in their healing journey, I incorporate mindfulness practices, expressive arts and cognitive processing techniques into our work together.

Dr. Malachi Richardson
Psychologist, PhD, MEd
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20004
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Black male clinical psychologist providing therapeutic services across the DMV.
I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach that integrates an understanding of early childhood experiences and family dynamics in explaining and modifying behavior. I focus on helping clients to identify the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and collaborate with them to disrupt maladaptive behavior patterns.
I am a Black male clinical psychologist providing therapeutic services across the DMV.
I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach that integrates an understanding of early childhood experiences and family dynamics in explaining and modifying behavior. I focus on helping clients to identify the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and collaborate with them to disrupt maladaptive behavior patterns.

I may not know your whole story yet, but with me, you don’t have to worry about explaining what it means to be Black, LGBTQIA+, or if I will mess up your pronouns.
Maybe you are unsure if you will ever be able to let go of the past or move forward from the people and events that have hurt you. You also may have realized that things from your past continue to affect you in the present, but are unsure how to address this. Healing from trauma can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. I believe you already have everything you need inside you to heal, and I will work with you to help you (re)discover that power. Working with me means that you will learn ways to tackle your triggers, break harmful patterns, and let go of what is holding you back.
I may not know your whole story yet, but with me, you don’t have to worry about explaining what it means to be Black, LGBTQIA+, or if I will mess up your pronouns.
Maybe you are unsure if you will ever be able to let go of the past or move forward from the people and events that have hurt you. You also may have realized that things from your past continue to affect you in the present, but are unsure how to address this. Healing from trauma can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. I believe you already have everything you need inside you to heal, and I will work with you to help you (re)discover that power. Working with me means that you will learn ways to tackle your triggers, break harmful patterns, and let go of what is holding you back.

As a Black, Queer, therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D
If you are interested in exploring concerns related to anxiety, depression, and other various life transitions, I am here to help! I also work with clients around ADHD, Autism, and/or gender/sexual identity exploration. Building trust is the foundation of my work as a therapist.
As a Black, Queer, therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D
If you are interested in exploring concerns related to anxiety, depression, and other various life transitions, I am here to help! I also work with clients around ADHD, Autism, and/or gender/sexual identity exploration. Building trust is the foundation of my work as a therapist.

Rose Colored Counseling + Wellness is a mental health and wellness practice that specializes in supporting Black women ages 18 - 40.
I use emotion focused and strengths based strategies to help you identify what you're feeling and work through it to heal. I also take time to help you identify your best strengths and how we can use those to work through your current challenges. I offer teletherapy and walk and talk therapy for individuals. I also offer couples therapy virtually.
Rose Colored Counseling + Wellness is a mental health and wellness practice that specializes in supporting Black women ages 18 - 40.
I use emotion focused and strengths based strategies to help you identify what you're feeling and work through it to heal. I also take time to help you identify your best strengths and how we can use those to work through your current challenges. I offer teletherapy and walk and talk therapy for individuals. I also offer couples therapy virtually.

He is particularly interested in working with black adults, those in and around the LGBTQ+ community, and those navigating issues related to building and maintaining relationships.
Dwayne utilizes a variety of techniques informed by Relational-Cultural Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy, and more. Dwayne is licensed to practice in Washington, DC, and is being supervised at Heartwerq by Danielle Currie, LICSW
He is particularly interested in working with black adults, those in and around the LGBTQ+ community, and those navigating issues related to building and maintaining relationships.
Dwayne utilizes a variety of techniques informed by Relational-Cultural Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy, and more. Dwayne is licensed to practice in Washington, DC, and is being supervised at Heartwerq by Danielle Currie, LICSW

I work with clients of all backgrounds with an intentional focus on men and women of color, those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and specifically black men; I utilize traditional counseling methods, coaching models as well as spiritual practice tools to support clients in gaining clarity, developing new insights and awareness and to hold themselves accountable.
I specialize in supporting clients in navigating transition and change while developing coping strategies for managing anxiety, stress triggers, new health diagnosis, interpersonal conflict, and relationship management.
I work with clients of all backgrounds with an intentional focus on men and women of color, those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and specifically black men; I utilize traditional counseling methods, coaching models as well as spiritual practice tools to support clients in gaining clarity, developing new insights and awareness and to hold themselves accountable.
I specialize in supporting clients in navigating transition and change while developing coping strategies for managing anxiety, stress triggers, new health diagnosis, interpersonal conflict, and relationship management.

I am well-versed in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families, and specialize in Black and POC communities.
My approach to therapy is warm, welcoming, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual, family, or couple. I prioritize the clinical relationship by creating a space free of judgment and a calming atmosphere, where genuine compassion and understanding guide my work. In working with couples, I incorporate Gottman method techniques and emotion-focused techniques to enhance communication, deepen connection and strengthen relationships. I support relationships of all types, including newer dating relationships, premarital, married couples, poly, domestic partnerships, and couples navigating decoupling or discernment counseling.
I am well-versed in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families, and specialize in Black and POC communities.
My approach to therapy is warm, welcoming, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual, family, or couple. I prioritize the clinical relationship by creating a space free of judgment and a calming atmosphere, where genuine compassion and understanding guide my work. In working with couples, I incorporate Gottman method techniques and emotion-focused techniques to enhance communication, deepen connection and strengthen relationships. I support relationships of all types, including newer dating relationships, premarital, married couples, poly, domestic partnerships, and couples navigating decoupling or discernment counseling.

Our psychology boutique is a Minority Woman & Black-Owned holistic business.
Whether you’re stuck in a job that drains your energy or in relationships that feel lonely on an existential level, deep down you want to live with more authenticity, direction, and purpose. You are ready to break free from patterns of unworthiness, anxiety, and (often subconscious) self-sabotage.
If you want to wake up feeling more energized by your daily life, fulfilled by the work you do and surrounded by supportive communities, our specialized and holistic approach to psychotherapy, will equip you with a toolbox to turn emotional obstacles into powerful opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
Our psychology boutique is a Minority Woman & Black-Owned holistic business.
Whether you’re stuck in a job that drains your energy or in relationships that feel lonely on an existential level, deep down you want to live with more authenticity, direction, and purpose. You are ready to break free from patterns of unworthiness, anxiety, and (often subconscious) self-sabotage.
If you want to wake up feeling more energized by your daily life, fulfilled by the work you do and surrounded by supportive communities, our specialized and holistic approach to psychotherapy, will equip you with a toolbox to turn emotional obstacles into powerful opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

I am passionate about reducing stigma, increasing access to care in Black communities, and providing culturally integrated services.
As founder of Healing Generations Psychological Services and Consultation Center, LLC, and Black Mental Wellness, Corp., my work is grounded in evidence-based strategies, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to helping clients navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity. I also serve as a speaker and media contributor for mental wellness.
I am passionate about reducing stigma, increasing access to care in Black communities, and providing culturally integrated services.
As founder of Healing Generations Psychological Services and Consultation Center, LLC, and Black Mental Wellness, Corp., my work is grounded in evidence-based strategies, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to helping clients navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity. I also serve as a speaker and media contributor for mental wellness.

I specialize in supporting Black, Indigenous, POC individuals and couples (18+) navigating stress or trauma related to relationships (I.e., family, work, friends, etc.), identity, or self-esteem.
You’re tired, drained, and unsure how to move forward, despite your best efforts. You’ve been pushing down your emotions for years, trying to survive the pain that opening up only seemed to deepen. But dodging past traumas and navigating complicated relationships has left you feeling stuck, disconnected, and questioning your worth. You’re no longer feeling like the person you want to be, and the self-doubt and critical voices won’t quiet down. Your relationships are suffering, and so are you. It doesn’t have to stay this way. Together, we’ll break this cycle, heal old wounds, and help you reconnect with yourself and your life.
I specialize in supporting Black, Indigenous, POC individuals and couples (18+) navigating stress or trauma related to relationships (I.e., family, work, friends, etc.), identity, or self-esteem.
You’re tired, drained, and unsure how to move forward, despite your best efforts. You’ve been pushing down your emotions for years, trying to survive the pain that opening up only seemed to deepen. But dodging past traumas and navigating complicated relationships has left you feeling stuck, disconnected, and questioning your worth. You’re no longer feeling like the person you want to be, and the self-doubt and critical voices won’t quiet down. Your relationships are suffering, and so are you. It doesn’t have to stay this way. Together, we’ll break this cycle, heal old wounds, and help you reconnect with yourself and your life.

My work with Latinx, black/ African-American, Middle Eastern, Asian, and other backgrounds focuses on the waste in which culture and identity affect mental health.
I'm Trained in CBT/DBT, person-centered, strength-based, culturally sensitive and solution-focused therapies to support clients as we explore, understand, identify and apply mental strategies to help address mental health disorders or prevent stress from becoming a disorder. I've developed skills for working with trauma, identity, school and career issues, grief and loss, mood changes, transitions including relocation, career, caretaking and parenting and stage-of-life challenges that affect mental health. My clients will identify triggers and address faulty thinking, replace hehaviors, learn effective communication and more.
My work with Latinx, black/ African-American, Middle Eastern, Asian, and other backgrounds focuses on the waste in which culture and identity affect mental health.
I'm Trained in CBT/DBT, person-centered, strength-based, culturally sensitive and solution-focused therapies to support clients as we explore, understand, identify and apply mental strategies to help address mental health disorders or prevent stress from becoming a disorder. I've developed skills for working with trauma, identity, school and career issues, grief and loss, mood changes, transitions including relocation, career, caretaking and parenting and stage-of-life challenges that affect mental health. My clients will identify triggers and address faulty thinking, replace hehaviors, learn effective communication and more.
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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.