Black and African American Therapists in Iowa
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
Heather Watson
Counselor, MS, LMHC, IADC, CCMHC
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! My name is Heather Watson. I'm a licensed mental health therapist and I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with a spectrum of challenges, including addiction, behavioral and impulse control issues, and environmental obstacles that hinder human development and attachment. Now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about overcoming difficult relationships, working through loss, finding our place in life, or moving through trauma. I am committed to fostering a safe and non judgmental space where you can explore your inner landscape and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness.
Hello! My name is Heather Watson. I'm a licensed mental health therapist and I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with a spectrum of challenges, including addiction, behavioral and impulse control issues, and environmental obstacles that hinder human development and attachment. Now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about overcoming difficult relationships, working through loss, finding our place in life, or moving through trauma. I am committed to fostering a safe and non judgmental space where you can explore your inner landscape and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness.
***Now Accepting New Client's*** Welcome! Life can be overwhelming and sometimes you find yourself needing a little extra help to make it through. Perhaps you find you are feeling sad, worried, angry or overwhelmed. Or you find yourself questioning who you are. Taking that first step to reach out for help can be scary, especially if this is the first time. Sunny is licensed to provide counseling services in Iowa and Texas, and has experience providing services to people of all ages and backgrounds.
***Now Accepting New Client's*** Welcome! Life can be overwhelming and sometimes you find yourself needing a little extra help to make it through. Perhaps you find you are feeling sad, worried, angry or overwhelmed. Or you find yourself questioning who you are. Taking that first step to reach out for help can be scary, especially if this is the first time. Sunny is licensed to provide counseling services in Iowa and Texas, and has experience providing services to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Are you looking for support to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains, including social, work, school, or family relationships. We would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you or your family member. The warm and supportive environment in our office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), job stress, and other life stressors.
Are you looking for support to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains, including social, work, school, or family relationships. We would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you or your family member. The warm and supportive environment in our office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), job stress, and other life stressors.
Experiencing difficulties navigating this "neuro-typical" world? Feeling exhausted and incomplete as you’re working through past/current traumas? As a fellow ADHDer, I am proud to be a neurodiversity-affirming holistic therapist. I am also proud to be a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I use evidence-based holistic interventions to treat the mind, body, and spirit as one connected system. In therapy, you and I will focus on root causes rather than symptoms alone. My philosophy towards therapy stems from my belief that I am your collaborator towards mental wellbeing.
Experiencing difficulties navigating this "neuro-typical" world? Feeling exhausted and incomplete as you’re working through past/current traumas? As a fellow ADHDer, I am proud to be a neurodiversity-affirming holistic therapist. I am also proud to be a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I use evidence-based holistic interventions to treat the mind, body, and spirit as one connected system. In therapy, you and I will focus on root causes rather than symptoms alone. My philosophy towards therapy stems from my belief that I am your collaborator towards mental wellbeing.
I enjoy seeing a range of clients from older adults to elementary age kiddos. It is my job is to help you work on the issues that you want to address. I have a wide range of experience dealing with issues from anxiety and depression to working through traumatic situations. There are a lot of ways to accomplish your goals for therapy so let's work together to find what works for you!
I enjoy seeing a range of clients from older adults to elementary age kiddos. It is my job is to help you work on the issues that you want to address. I have a wide range of experience dealing with issues from anxiety and depression to working through traumatic situations. There are a lot of ways to accomplish your goals for therapy so let's work together to find what works for you!
Navigating life can be difficult. People often feel pressure to be motivated, get enough sleep, be social, save money, succeed professionally, etc. Very seldom are we given the time and space to explore our challenges. This is where I meet you in your journey and offer my expertise as a guide in improving your mental health and quality of life.
Navigating life can be difficult. People often feel pressure to be motivated, get enough sleep, be social, save money, succeed professionally, etc. Very seldom are we given the time and space to explore our challenges. This is where I meet you in your journey and offer my expertise as a guide in improving your mental health and quality of life.
For the past 20 years I have worked with children and families who have been faced with traumas in their lives. I am passionate about helping people move past the difficulties that life has thrown in their paths and move toward living the fullest that life has to offer.
For the past 20 years I have worked with children and families who have been faced with traumas in their lives. I am passionate about helping people move past the difficulties that life has thrown in their paths and move toward living the fullest that life has to offer.
Struggling with internet addiction, anxiety, or feeling emotionally stuck? You don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in serving multicultural men, teens as well as families who may not always see themselves reflected in traditional mental-health settings. I use solutions-focused, evidence-based holistic methods incorporating emotional, physical and mental well-being thoughtfully integrating faith into the therapeutic healing process when desired. I'm Caleb Thomas, MA, LMHC, SPARC a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, ordained Christian minister and Sex/Porn Addiction Recovery Coach who provides warm, prompt, nonjudgmental care.
Struggling with internet addiction, anxiety, or feeling emotionally stuck? You don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in serving multicultural men, teens as well as families who may not always see themselves reflected in traditional mental-health settings. I use solutions-focused, evidence-based holistic methods incorporating emotional, physical and mental well-being thoughtfully integrating faith into the therapeutic healing process when desired. I'm Caleb Thomas, MA, LMHC, SPARC a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, ordained Christian minister and Sex/Porn Addiction Recovery Coach who provides warm, prompt, nonjudgmental care.
Niki Mercado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, IA 50701
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be full of unanticipated events that are demanding, painful and uncomfortable. The healing process takes time and effort. I’m committed to helping adults dealing with challenges. Some challenges include but are not limited to trauma, relationships, boundaries, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, behaviors, and PTSD.
Life can be full of unanticipated events that are demanding, painful and uncomfortable. The healing process takes time and effort. I’m committed to helping adults dealing with challenges. Some challenges include but are not limited to trauma, relationships, boundaries, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, behaviors, and PTSD.
Hello, my name is Tyler Charles! I'm a multi-state licensed mental health clinician. I'm a LMHC through the State of Iowa and a LPCC through the state of Minnesota. When it comes to therapy, I believe in having innate curiosity about the world and experience that the client comes to the therapy space with. Understanding a person and their world allows for an equitable relationship where the client is empowered to lead their mental health experience. I specialize in Stress/Trauma, ADHD & Autism, and Multicultural Issues on Mental Health.
Hello, my name is Tyler Charles! I'm a multi-state licensed mental health clinician. I'm a LMHC through the State of Iowa and a LPCC through the state of Minnesota. When it comes to therapy, I believe in having innate curiosity about the world and experience that the client comes to the therapy space with. Understanding a person and their world allows for an equitable relationship where the client is empowered to lead their mental health experience. I specialize in Stress/Trauma, ADHD & Autism, and Multicultural Issues on Mental Health.
Hello, my name is Shantila and as a therapist I do not believe that there is one counseling approach that works for every person, and for this reason, I take a more eclectic approach to work with my clients and select the method that allows me to best serve the needs of my clients. I am a strength based, person centered, trauma informed care provider.
Hello, my name is Shantila and as a therapist I do not believe that there is one counseling approach that works for every person, and for this reason, I take a more eclectic approach to work with my clients and select the method that allows me to best serve the needs of my clients. I am a strength based, person centered, trauma informed care provider.
Accepting new clients.
Congratulations on searching for help! You have taken the first step to facing or overcoming the concern(s) that led you here. Whether you take your time in making a choice or feel a connection right away, you have already begun processing your own needs.
I work with individuals (14yo or older), families, and have specialized experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Past experiences, external expectations, and marinating thoughts can lead to feeling disconnected or stuck. I am convinced there are tools that work for each of us to be the best version of ourselves.
Accepting new clients.
Congratulations on searching for help! You have taken the first step to facing or overcoming the concern(s) that led you here. Whether you take your time in making a choice or feel a connection right away, you have already begun processing your own needs.
I work with individuals (14yo or older), families, and have specialized experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Past experiences, external expectations, and marinating thoughts can lead to feeling disconnected or stuck. I am convinced there are tools that work for each of us to be the best version of ourselves.
I am stoked to be where I am today, having an opportunity to serve you. I have experience with crisis intervention, primarily serving young adults and families. I consider myself mellow and empathetic. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I strive to provide a safe and unbiased place, where we can partner together in identifying areas of concern in your life and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I also offer telehealth options as part of the response to COVID 19 concerns.
I am stoked to be where I am today, having an opportunity to serve you. I have experience with crisis intervention, primarily serving young adults and families. I consider myself mellow and empathetic. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I strive to provide a safe and unbiased place, where we can partner together in identifying areas of concern in your life and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I also offer telehealth options as part of the response to COVID 19 concerns.
Feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps? Life’s transitions can shake your sense of stability and direction. My role is to help you find clarity, regain confidence, and feel more in control of your path forward. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, uncover new perspectives, and build the tools you need to create meaningful change.
I use an integrative approach tailored to your unique needs—drawing from several therapeutic methods to help you develop greater self-acceptance, shift negative thinking patterns, practice healthier coping strategies, set realistic goals and follow through, improve problem-solving and decision-making
Feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps? Life’s transitions can shake your sense of stability and direction. My role is to help you find clarity, regain confidence, and feel more in control of your path forward. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, uncover new perspectives, and build the tools you need to create meaningful change.
I use an integrative approach tailored to your unique needs—drawing from several therapeutic methods to help you develop greater self-acceptance, shift negative thinking patterns, practice healthier coping strategies, set realistic goals and follow through, improve problem-solving and decision-making
Immediate Openings! Sometimes you find yourself preferring to be alone because you feel unhappy, sad or loss. You feel defeated and overwhelmed by the stressors you have to face everyday. You feel helpless and like your life is out of your control. NOW, Imagine feeling like you are starting to have control over things that are happening in your life. You're not allowing past, current or worry of future experiences to control how you handle your life right now. You have a sense of who you are, who you want to be and how to achieve personal goals. Now, you have found the COURAGE to change things that are not healthy for you.
Immediate Openings! Sometimes you find yourself preferring to be alone because you feel unhappy, sad or loss. You feel defeated and overwhelmed by the stressors you have to face everyday. You feel helpless and like your life is out of your control. NOW, Imagine feeling like you are starting to have control over things that are happening in your life. You're not allowing past, current or worry of future experiences to control how you handle your life right now. You have a sense of who you are, who you want to be and how to achieve personal goals. Now, you have found the COURAGE to change things that are not healthy for you.
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology with a special emphasis in neuropsychology and forensic psychology. I have been licensed in the states of Colorado, Iowa, and Washington, and I have worked in it for the past 15 years. I work with people with ADHD, anger problems, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, interpersonal relationship problems, and schizophrenia, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I assess and help people with dementia, TBI, and numerous brain diseases, including working family members to perform capacity evaluations and completion of a statement of expert evaluation forms for competency hearings.
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology with a special emphasis in neuropsychology and forensic psychology. I have been licensed in the states of Colorado, Iowa, and Washington, and I have worked in it for the past 15 years. I work with people with ADHD, anger problems, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, interpersonal relationship problems, and schizophrenia, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I assess and help people with dementia, TBI, and numerous brain diseases, including working family members to perform capacity evaluations and completion of a statement of expert evaluation forms for competency hearings.
It can be challenging to determine when or where to begin your therapeutic journey. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to ask for help and the weight of stigma that can make those first steps feel even heavier. When we take an active role in our lives and well-being, we can reclaim our inherent creativity, resilience, and curiosity, qualities that allow us to navigate life’s challenges with openness and authenticity. Whether it is your first time or you have been on this journey for some time, I hope to create a space where you can start exploring new possibilities for yourself and relationships.
It can be challenging to determine when or where to begin your therapeutic journey. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to ask for help and the weight of stigma that can make those first steps feel even heavier. When we take an active role in our lives and well-being, we can reclaim our inherent creativity, resilience, and curiosity, qualities that allow us to navigate life’s challenges with openness and authenticity. Whether it is your first time or you have been on this journey for some time, I hope to create a space where you can start exploring new possibilities for yourself and relationships.
I'm an EMDR trained therapist with a master's degree from the University of Michigan. My specialties include eating disorders, body acceptance, anxiety, and depression.
I'm an EMDR trained therapist with a master's degree from the University of Michigan. My specialties include eating disorders, body acceptance, anxiety, and depression.
I identify as a relational therapist who pays special attention to how your different identities have impacted your lived experiences. I pull from different therapeutic methods to tailor treatment specifically to client needs. Within my approach, I pay particular attention to clients’ identities, histories, and strengths to promote empowerment and motivation to make meaningful decisions in the present.
I identify as a relational therapist who pays special attention to how your different identities have impacted your lived experiences. I pull from different therapeutic methods to tailor treatment specifically to client needs. Within my approach, I pay particular attention to clients’ identities, histories, and strengths to promote empowerment and motivation to make meaningful decisions in the present.
See more therapy options for Iowa
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.