Black and African American Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
As a 2Spirited Black man, I understand the multiple layers of oppression and the intersection of multicultural and spiritual backgrounds.
My experience includes 10 years of clinically supporting LGBTQ folx with navigating their identities and spiritual wellbeing. I am especially aware of the trauma and discrimination that a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individual is susceptible to experiencing. Your body has been keeping score of all the trauma. But I am here to help you release and heal yourself.
As a 2Spirited Black man, I understand the multiple layers of oppression and the intersection of multicultural and spiritual backgrounds.
My experience includes 10 years of clinically supporting LGBTQ folx with navigating their identities and spiritual wellbeing. I am especially aware of the trauma and discrimination that a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individual is susceptible to experiencing. Your body has been keeping score of all the trauma. But I am here to help you release and heal yourself.
Kalen Cobb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60603
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 16-35.
I see my work as holding up a mirror to reflect your inner workings and offer support to create a new path forward. I leverage the power of the therapeutic relationship to support the regulation of your nervous system and will give you tools to identify your needs, connect with your body, and create sustainable change in your life.
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 16-35.
I see my work as holding up a mirror to reflect your inner workings and offer support to create a new path forward. I leverage the power of the therapeutic relationship to support the regulation of your nervous system and will give you tools to identify your needs, connect with your body, and create sustainable change in your life.
Navigating life as a black woman comes with many unique challenges; I chose this profession to support and guide others.
I'm so glad you are here! I have 15 years of experience providing therapy to people such as women, caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease, BIPOC and the LGBTQIA+ community. Are you feeling uncertain, helpless or out of control? Do you want to get rid of imposter syndrome or learn how to love yourself? Connect with me to learn how to get past barriers to healing. I have experience working with people attempting to cope with many concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relational issues, career & work situations, self-esteem and difficulties with weight loss. Let's unlock your potential, together.
Navigating life as a black woman comes with many unique challenges; I chose this profession to support and guide others.
I'm so glad you are here! I have 15 years of experience providing therapy to people such as women, caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease, BIPOC and the LGBTQIA+ community. Are you feeling uncertain, helpless or out of control? Do you want to get rid of imposter syndrome or learn how to love yourself? Connect with me to learn how to get past barriers to healing. I have experience working with people attempting to cope with many concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relational issues, career & work situations, self-esteem and difficulties with weight loss. Let's unlock your potential, together.
I specialize in couples therapy, specifically the unique dynamics of interracial and Black relationships.
Hi, I am Briana, your partner in growth and healing!
I am a licensed Couple/Marriage & Family Therapist serving clients in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. With a passion for helping couples, individuals, and families, I strive to foster meaningful change in a safe and supportive environment (with a little joke here and there, too).
In my approach, I believe you are the expert of your own life—no one knows you better than you! I see myself as a co-collaborator, helping you uncover the root causes of your distress and empowering you to create meaningful change.
I specialize in couples therapy, specifically the unique dynamics of interracial and Black relationships.
Hi, I am Briana, your partner in growth and healing!
I am a licensed Couple/Marriage & Family Therapist serving clients in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. With a passion for helping couples, individuals, and families, I strive to foster meaningful change in a safe and supportive environment (with a little joke here and there, too).
In my approach, I believe you are the expert of your own life—no one knows you better than you! I see myself as a co-collaborator, helping you uncover the root causes of your distress and empowering you to create meaningful change.
As a Black man, I am comfortable working with any and all people, and have experience working specifically with Black men and women, LGBTQIA+, and individuals of color.
Growth begins with curiosity and compassion. Whether you're navigating intense emotions, seeking clarity, or finding purpose, I tailor therapy to your needs. Together, we’ll untangle what feels stuck, build resilience, and empower you to live authentically.
As a Black man, I am comfortable working with any and all people, and have experience working specifically with Black men and women, LGBTQIA+, and individuals of color.
Growth begins with curiosity and compassion. Whether you're navigating intense emotions, seeking clarity, or finding purpose, I tailor therapy to your needs. Together, we’ll untangle what feels stuck, build resilience, and empower you to live authentically.
I welcome individuals from all walks of life to engage in therapy with me, and I have a specialized focus on the unique issues of LGBTQ+ folx, college students, Black women and individuals of color.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
I welcome individuals from all walks of life to engage in therapy with me, and I have a specialized focus on the unique issues of LGBTQ+ folx, college students, Black women and individuals of color.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
My passion is to see Black and brown communities well.
You can expect me to be present, non-judgmental, encouraging, creative, analytical, and flexible. I truly enjoy learning more about a person and naturally, have listening and support as strengths. While we work at your pace, I don't shy away from difficult conversations, and we will collaborate to get you where YOU want to be.
My passion is to see Black and brown communities well.
You can expect me to be present, non-judgmental, encouraging, creative, analytical, and flexible. I truly enjoy learning more about a person and naturally, have listening and support as strengths. While we work at your pace, I don't shy away from difficult conversations, and we will collaborate to get you where YOU want to be.
Simeon Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60601
As a Black man, I am passionate about supporting marginalized individuals who navigate systemically oppressive structures.
I believe therapy should be an affirming space where we can explore our lived experiences and how we relate to the world. I believe you are the expert on your life, possessing deep knowledge of your identity, values, and how they interact as you move through life. Through honest dialogue, mindful reflection, and self-compassion, we can develop tools to help you authentically navigate life’s obstacles. I’ve worked with clients to address anxiety, depression, stress, identity exploration, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions. I engage all clients with a culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach.
As a Black man, I am passionate about supporting marginalized individuals who navigate systemically oppressive structures.
I believe therapy should be an affirming space where we can explore our lived experiences and how we relate to the world. I believe you are the expert on your life, possessing deep knowledge of your identity, values, and how they interact as you move through life. Through honest dialogue, mindful reflection, and self-compassion, we can develop tools to help you authentically navigate life’s obstacles. I’ve worked with clients to address anxiety, depression, stress, identity exploration, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions. I engage all clients with a culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach.
Leon Abbey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I deeply value the unique journey of every individual and couple I work with. I believe that understanding your own story and experiences can be transformative, and I’m here to support you in that process. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel safe and understood, respecting your identity and choices throughout our work together. While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
I deeply value the unique journey of every individual and couple I work with. I believe that understanding your own story and experiences can be transformative, and I’m here to support you in that process. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel safe and understood, respecting your identity and choices throughout our work together. While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
Malarie Marquez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you ever feel misunderstood? Do you long for a safe, inclusive space where you can freely express your vulnerabilities and emotions freely, without the fear of judgment? Have you outgrown a past version of yourself that your family and friends are unwilling to let go of and want to learn ways to cope with it? My name is Malarie Marquez and I am a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. I am particularly experienced in helping clients with identity development, developing healthy relationships, complicated grief, intimate relationship trauma, navigating college and education and perinatal mental healthcare.
Do you ever feel misunderstood? Do you long for a safe, inclusive space where you can freely express your vulnerabilities and emotions freely, without the fear of judgment? Have you outgrown a past version of yourself that your family and friends are unwilling to let go of and want to learn ways to cope with it? My name is Malarie Marquez and I am a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. I am particularly experienced in helping clients with identity development, developing healthy relationships, complicated grief, intimate relationship trauma, navigating college and education and perinatal mental healthcare.
Anisa Brazier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I believe that everyone deserves to have a sanctioned space where they can prioritize their needs and goals, in order to process past and present experiences. In a society where we may not be taught or allowed to experience a full range of emotions, I want to ensure that my clients will feel affirmed in their feelings, while simultaneously challenging them to analyze their roots. My primary goal is to support clients in healing from the inside out and tailor the therapeutic relationship to each individual's need, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and collaboration to achieve liberation.
I believe that everyone deserves to have a sanctioned space where they can prioritize their needs and goals, in order to process past and present experiences. In a society where we may not be taught or allowed to experience a full range of emotions, I want to ensure that my clients will feel affirmed in their feelings, while simultaneously challenging them to analyze their roots. My primary goal is to support clients in healing from the inside out and tailor the therapeutic relationship to each individual's need, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and collaboration to achieve liberation.
Meet Our Black and African American Therapists
My goal is to decolonize and destigmatize mental health by dismantling power dynamics and opening the floor to voices that are often silenced or may fall upon deaf ears. Our commitment to rest and rejuvenation, care for self and community, and untying the connections between self-worth and labor production are acts of resistance. In my work with clients, I offer a space to honor their authentic voice. You will not have to filter and censor your true thoughts and emotions in our sessions, as you may have previously in other settings. Come as you are, and I will meet you there.
My goal is to decolonize and destigmatize mental health by dismantling power dynamics and opening the floor to voices that are often silenced or may fall upon deaf ears. Our commitment to rest and rejuvenation, care for self and community, and untying the connections between self-worth and labor production are acts of resistance. In my work with clients, I offer a space to honor their authentic voice. You will not have to filter and censor your true thoughts and emotions in our sessions, as you may have previously in other settings. Come as you are, and I will meet you there.
Are you ready to make substantial change? My focus would be to help you find comfort in emotional vulnerability and healing through introspection of thoughts, behaviors, and values which prompts new action. My ideal client is one who is interested in processing emotions, gaining insight, and using existing/untapped internal and external resources. I'm compassionate, collaborative, and inquisitive with 16 years of experience. Areas of focus include trauma, addiction, depression, relationship issues/divorce, shame, identity issues, racial issues, and simply improving one's well-being. Young adults, Middle-aged adults, and Teens (15+).
Are you ready to make substantial change? My focus would be to help you find comfort in emotional vulnerability and healing through introspection of thoughts, behaviors, and values which prompts new action. My ideal client is one who is interested in processing emotions, gaining insight, and using existing/untapped internal and external resources. I'm compassionate, collaborative, and inquisitive with 16 years of experience. Areas of focus include trauma, addiction, depression, relationship issues/divorce, shame, identity issues, racial issues, and simply improving one's well-being. Young adults, Middle-aged adults, and Teens (15+).
Congratulations on taking the first step to taking care of yourself! I use a trauma-informed and relational approach to support clients navigating mental, emotional, and relational health concerns. Clients learn to become their authentic selves, by focusing on their relationships with themselves, others, and the world, and promote learning and skills building to better navigate life's challenges. I endeavor to provide a judgment-free environment full of acceptance, safety, and security that fosters empowerment, and promotes a sense of agency and capacity for self-advocacy, as they move toward becoming their unique selves.
Congratulations on taking the first step to taking care of yourself! I use a trauma-informed and relational approach to support clients navigating mental, emotional, and relational health concerns. Clients learn to become their authentic selves, by focusing on their relationships with themselves, others, and the world, and promote learning and skills building to better navigate life's challenges. I endeavor to provide a judgment-free environment full of acceptance, safety, and security that fosters empowerment, and promotes a sense of agency and capacity for self-advocacy, as they move toward becoming their unique selves.
Coral Heart Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
It wasn’t always easy growing up or getting through my 20’s. I felt like the world was up against me and I couldn’t make any mistakes, especially as a young professional of color. I focused on trying to be “perfect” so that I could escape harsh judgment that I knew I’d receive anyway. Instead of experiencing triumph from my efforts, I ended up exhausted and burnt out. I soon discovered how my past affected me. Now, I guide others in discovering how parts of themselves and their past have led them to having similar experiences. I assist in showing clients that they can make mistakes to grow and gain life lessons.
It wasn’t always easy growing up or getting through my 20’s. I felt like the world was up against me and I couldn’t make any mistakes, especially as a young professional of color. I focused on trying to be “perfect” so that I could escape harsh judgment that I knew I’d receive anyway. Instead of experiencing triumph from my efforts, I ended up exhausted and burnt out. I soon discovered how my past affected me. Now, I guide others in discovering how parts of themselves and their past have led them to having similar experiences. I assist in showing clients that they can make mistakes to grow and gain life lessons.
The first question most therapists will ask is "what brings you to therapy?" Well, I have a different question to ask, have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same thoughts over and over? Picture this: an event, a conversation, a stressor, playing on repeat in your mind, leaving you mentally drained with no way out.
The first question most therapists will ask is "what brings you to therapy?" Well, I have a different question to ask, have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same thoughts over and over? Picture this: an event, a conversation, a stressor, playing on repeat in your mind, leaving you mentally drained with no way out.
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
My name is David Lewis, and I am a therapist. I am committed to providing you with a safe, healing, non-judgmental, therapeutic space where you can discover more about yourself. My goal is to provide you with therapy tools to reduce relationship anxiety, depression, and stress. I will help you cultivate healthy and functioning relationships and explore various ways to live an authentic life full of meaning and purpose. We can work together to heal and overcome your relationship challenges and life's hurdles, enabling you to attain acceptance and peace.
My name is David Lewis, and I am a therapist. I am committed to providing you with a safe, healing, non-judgmental, therapeutic space where you can discover more about yourself. My goal is to provide you with therapy tools to reduce relationship anxiety, depression, and stress. I will help you cultivate healthy and functioning relationships and explore various ways to live an authentic life full of meaning and purpose. We can work together to heal and overcome your relationship challenges and life's hurdles, enabling you to attain acceptance and peace.
Common issues I can help you with include: forming/maintaining secure relationships, effective communication, high conflict with your partner, fighting over the same issues, family conflict and trauma, attachment and different attachment styles in your relationship, infidelity, dating, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress management, role of spirituality and religion in your relationship, and increasing self-awareness. I also work from a culturally sensitive stance and can help you if you're faced with racism, classism, sexism, colorism, and more.
Common issues I can help you with include: forming/maintaining secure relationships, effective communication, high conflict with your partner, fighting over the same issues, family conflict and trauma, attachment and different attachment styles in your relationship, infidelity, dating, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress management, role of spirituality and religion in your relationship, and increasing self-awareness. I also work from a culturally sensitive stance and can help you if you're faced with racism, classism, sexism, colorism, and more.
At our best we are connected. We are connected with ourselves. We believe that the best is in us and that we can live that authentically. We are connected with our families, friends, communities, and societies. There is congruence. I believe that we experience the deepest sorrows and difficulties when there is disconnection. When we are out of sorts, or disconnected, with a part of ourselves, family, friends, communities, or society, there is incongruence. My belief is that by identifying salient disconnections and working towards reconnection that one is on the path towards healing.
At our best we are connected. We are connected with ourselves. We believe that the best is in us and that we can live that authentically. We are connected with our families, friends, communities, and societies. There is congruence. I believe that we experience the deepest sorrows and difficulties when there is disconnection. When we are out of sorts, or disconnected, with a part of ourselves, family, friends, communities, or society, there is incongruence. My belief is that by identifying salient disconnections and working towards reconnection that one is on the path towards healing.
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
Nearby African American Therapists Searches for River North, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
- Little Italy
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Near West Side
- Printers Row
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- University Village
- West Loop
Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
- Greektown
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
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.