Black and African American Therapists in Massachusetts
As a therapist and African American man in Boston, I understand the subtle challenges faced in school and work, especially in marginalized communities.
Growing up in Boston and spending my formative years in Haiti has instilled in me a deep sense of cultural humility and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with both children and adults in various roles—as a business owner, real estate professional, restaurant staff, and a team member in public and private schools. These experiences have allowed me to help others shift mindsets, develop new coping skills, and achieve goals, one step at a time. My work as an educator in has provided me with insights to support not only academic growth, but personal growth as well.
As a therapist and African American man in Boston, I understand the subtle challenges faced in school and work, especially in marginalized communities.
Growing up in Boston and spending my formative years in Haiti has instilled in me a deep sense of cultural humility and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with both children and adults in various roles—as a business owner, real estate professional, restaurant staff, and a team member in public and private schools. These experiences have allowed me to help others shift mindsets, develop new coping skills, and achieve goals, one step at a time. My work as an educator in has provided me with insights to support not only academic growth, but personal growth as well.
As a Bi-racial/ Black man, I have an interest in exploring and embodying liberating forms of masculinity for Men of Color.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories with a focus on facilitating insight and healing. I seek to understand the heart of one’s challenges and how present struggles are tied to one’s past and current environment, relationships, and identity development. My clinical work is informed by cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness, trauma, Buddhism, social identity, and oppression. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and curious, and I deeply value co-creating a therapeutic space with clients that invites authenticity and vulnerability.
As a Bi-racial/ Black man, I have an interest in exploring and embodying liberating forms of masculinity for Men of Color.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories with a focus on facilitating insight and healing. I seek to understand the heart of one’s challenges and how present struggles are tied to one’s past and current environment, relationships, and identity development. My clinical work is informed by cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness, trauma, Buddhism, social identity, and oppression. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and curious, and I deeply value co-creating a therapeutic space with clients that invites authenticity and vulnerability.
Dr. Richelene Cesar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Richelene Cesar, and I am a Black, queer, and neurodivergent licensed clinical psychologist offering therapy (individual and group) and consultation services to diverse and routinely-marginalized communities.
My specialties include identity development, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness (i.e., relationships), Black mental health, & acculturative stress related to being an immigrant or an adult child of immigrants. My goal is to empower my clients by helping them attune to their values, and create healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Richelene Cesar, and I am a Black, queer, and neurodivergent licensed clinical psychologist offering therapy (individual and group) and consultation services to diverse and routinely-marginalized communities.
My specialties include identity development, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness (i.e., relationships), Black mental health, & acculturative stress related to being an immigrant or an adult child of immigrants. My goal is to empower my clients by helping them attune to their values, and create healthier relationships with themselves and others.
I support black and brown minority women, in navigating the challenges and expectations imposed on them by the fallacy of the strong black women.
Life challenges and uncontrolled circumstances, made you become a woman of resilience. Through the good times, and especially through the tough times, you are strong for yourself and everyone else in your circle, yet you never feel the same support during your own time of need. This life has become exhausting. You are ready to increase self-worth, stop people pleasing, stop placing unrealistic demands on yourself, and you want to release your perfectionist and over-achieving tendencies. The constant pressure brings on stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. These things no longer serve you and your are ready for change.
I support black and brown minority women, in navigating the challenges and expectations imposed on them by the fallacy of the strong black women.
Life challenges and uncontrolled circumstances, made you become a woman of resilience. Through the good times, and especially through the tough times, you are strong for yourself and everyone else in your circle, yet you never feel the same support during your own time of need. This life has become exhausting. You are ready to increase self-worth, stop people pleasing, stop placing unrealistic demands on yourself, and you want to release your perfectionist and over-achieving tendencies. The constant pressure brings on stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. These things no longer serve you and your are ready for change.
As a Black queer woman, I am deeply committed to advocating for and celebrating diverse identities, fostering a space where clients can feel validated, empowered, and seen.
Dedicated to reimagining traditional therapeutic practices, I aim to cultivate a warm and inclusive space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and valued. My approach is holistic and collaborative, addressing the whole person—not just their symptoms—to foster meaningful growth and healing.
As a Black queer woman, I am deeply committed to advocating for and celebrating diverse identities, fostering a space where clients can feel validated, empowered, and seen.
Dedicated to reimagining traditional therapeutic practices, I aim to cultivate a warm and inclusive space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and valued. My approach is holistic and collaborative, addressing the whole person—not just their symptoms—to foster meaningful growth and healing.
I offer individual and couples tele-therapy and child and adolescent counseling with specialities delivering LGBTQIA2S Affirmative therapy to Black, Latinx and immigrant communities.
Embracing Healing Justice (HJ) is a transformative journey towards dismantling the oppressive structures that affect our mental well-being. This framework, intricately woven with threads of racial, disability, and economic justice, empowers us to interrupt the chains of systemic oppression. My commitment lies in championing vulnerable populations, employing a person-centered, holistic and solution-focused approach. I support my clients in navigating the intricate tapestry of social identities to foster healing, resilience and transformative change.
I offer individual and couples tele-therapy and child and adolescent counseling with specialities delivering LGBTQIA2S Affirmative therapy to Black, Latinx and immigrant communities.
Embracing Healing Justice (HJ) is a transformative journey towards dismantling the oppressive structures that affect our mental well-being. This framework, intricately woven with threads of racial, disability, and economic justice, empowers us to interrupt the chains of systemic oppression. My commitment lies in championing vulnerable populations, employing a person-centered, holistic and solution-focused approach. I support my clients in navigating the intricate tapestry of social identities to foster healing, resilience and transformative change.
I am a black woman with 8+ years of experience helping clients with anxiety related to complicated life transitions, work/school issues, self-esteem, and interpersonal/relationship issues.
Ever feel consumed by worry, anxiousness or a need to have it all figured out? Hoping for more balance while dealing with life's challenges? Or maybe you want to make a change and just aren’t sure where to start? If any of these apply to you, then you would likely benefit from a collaborate therapy approach. Sometimes we will talk ourselves out of things, not fully trusting ourselves or end up in situations that don’t serve us well due to concerns for what others might think or where we feel we should be in life. A collaborative, interactive therapy space could help you better connect with your inner voice. Read more on this below.
I am a black woman with 8+ years of experience helping clients with anxiety related to complicated life transitions, work/school issues, self-esteem, and interpersonal/relationship issues.
Ever feel consumed by worry, anxiousness or a need to have it all figured out? Hoping for more balance while dealing with life's challenges? Or maybe you want to make a change and just aren’t sure where to start? If any of these apply to you, then you would likely benefit from a collaborate therapy approach. Sometimes we will talk ourselves out of things, not fully trusting ourselves or end up in situations that don’t serve us well due to concerns for what others might think or where we feel we should be in life. A collaborative, interactive therapy space could help you better connect with your inner voice. Read more on this below.
As a therapist and a Black woman, my unwavering commitment lies in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including men, families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
My approach to therapy is rooted in nurturing and affirming your unique experiences. Together, we will work collaboratively to overcome the complexities of your journey and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience that will allow you to thrive.
As a therapist and a Black woman, my unwavering commitment lies in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including men, families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
My approach to therapy is rooted in nurturing and affirming your unique experiences. Together, we will work collaboratively to overcome the complexities of your journey and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience that will allow you to thrive.
Zarinah is very passionate about helping alleviate symptoms of mental illness while promoting health and wellness especially for Black and Brown communities.
Zarinah understands how life stressors can weigh on how individuals function in life. She helps clients become their best selves with CBT, Solution Focused, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities. She can help lessen the stigma of receiving mental health services with psycho-education and cultural competence.
Zarinah is very passionate about helping alleviate symptoms of mental illness while promoting health and wellness especially for Black and Brown communities.
Zarinah understands how life stressors can weigh on how individuals function in life. She helps clients become their best selves with CBT, Solution Focused, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities. She can help lessen the stigma of receiving mental health services with psycho-education and cultural competence.
I also work with relational issues, cultural issues with a focus of African-American and Haitian cultural sensitivities and experiences.
Hello Massachusetts! I'm an MSW graduate from Simmons School of Social Work and have been licensed in the field for 8 years, but working in this field for over a decade. I have worked in various settings including hospitals, community mental health centers & city shelters. I have experience working with family systems, DV survivors, folks with various mental health struggles, homeless individuals, African-Americans and Haitian individuals with struggles that require cultural knowledge, considerations & responsiveness. I have also done extensive work with adolescents with trauma backgrounds, supporting them through life transitions
I also work with relational issues, cultural issues with a focus of African-American and Haitian cultural sensitivities and experiences.
Hello Massachusetts! I'm an MSW graduate from Simmons School of Social Work and have been licensed in the field for 8 years, but working in this field for over a decade. I have worked in various settings including hospitals, community mental health centers & city shelters. I have experience working with family systems, DV survivors, folks with various mental health struggles, homeless individuals, African-Americans and Haitian individuals with struggles that require cultural knowledge, considerations & responsiveness. I have also done extensive work with adolescents with trauma backgrounds, supporting them through life transitions
I am a bi-racial ( black/white) female who works with individuals 18 years old through geriatric using telehealth services only.
I use motivational interviewing skills to meet the client where they are at. It is about the goals they want for themselves and not what I feel is best for them. I am just one part of their journey.
I am a bi-racial ( black/white) female who works with individuals 18 years old through geriatric using telehealth services only.
I use motivational interviewing skills to meet the client where they are at. It is about the goals they want for themselves and not what I feel is best for them. I am just one part of their journey.
Meet Our Black and African American Therapists
Bria Bromell-Holeman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My Podcast, Harmony Hour for Black Girls is available wherever you listen.
Welcome! You are invited to breathe and take gentle embrace of your mind, body, and soul. I specialize in trauma recovery, maternal mental health, and intergenerational healing, helping humans who feel stuck, unseen, or burdened by unresolved memories. Whether you’re a new mom struggling with postpartum challenges, someone navigating the weight of familial trauma, or just a human working through anxiety and disconnection, I’m here to support your healing journey.
My Podcast, Harmony Hour for Black Girls is available wherever you listen.
Welcome! You are invited to breathe and take gentle embrace of your mind, body, and soul. I specialize in trauma recovery, maternal mental health, and intergenerational healing, helping humans who feel stuck, unseen, or burdened by unresolved memories. Whether you’re a new mom struggling with postpartum challenges, someone navigating the weight of familial trauma, or just a human working through anxiety and disconnection, I’m here to support your healing journey.
As a Black woman therapist, she brings deep understanding of how cultural identity and life experiences shape our journey and relationships.
In the therapeutic space, Emauni creates a sanctuary where clients can fully be themselves. Her style is compassionate and culturally-attuned, offering both gentle support and empowering guidance. Sessions feel like a collaborative journey where clients discover their inner wisdom and strength while feeling truly seen, heard, and understood.
As a Black woman therapist, she brings deep understanding of how cultural identity and life experiences shape our journey and relationships.
In the therapeutic space, Emauni creates a sanctuary where clients can fully be themselves. Her style is compassionate and culturally-attuned, offering both gentle support and empowering guidance. Sessions feel like a collaborative journey where clients discover their inner wisdom and strength while feeling truly seen, heard, and understood.
I practice from a liberation f I prioritize working with black and brown communities , LGBTQIA+ communities, and individuals who exist at the intersection of these identities.
I utilized an eclectic therapy style to meet clients where they are, integrating solution-focused behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, liberation health model, somatic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
I practice from a liberation f I prioritize working with black and brown communities , LGBTQIA+ communities, and individuals who exist at the intersection of these identities.
I utilized an eclectic therapy style to meet clients where they are, integrating solution-focused behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, liberation health model, somatic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Christian D Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CT-LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Black male therapist, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating identity, systemic inequities, and societal expectations.
I specialize in stress management, ADHD, and racial trauma, offering compassionate, nonjudgmental care. I also treat depression and help clients navigate complex mental health challenges. My approach is trauma-informed, using motivational interviewing and skill-building to provide practical tools for meaningful progress and lasting change.
As a Black male therapist, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating identity, systemic inequities, and societal expectations.
I specialize in stress management, ADHD, and racial trauma, offering compassionate, nonjudgmental care. I also treat depression and help clients navigate complex mental health challenges. My approach is trauma-informed, using motivational interviewing and skill-building to provide practical tools for meaningful progress and lasting change.
Jasmine T Dowery
Counselor, R-D/MT, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
She values a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, and she seeks out culturally relevant therapeutic practices that resonate with her lived experiences as a Black woman.
As a Southern Black Woman & Dance/Movement Therapist, I specialize in radical compassion and solution focused support with navigating to heal from trauma. Through a blend of talk therapy, movement, and cultural healing practices, I empower clients to release burdens, reclaim joy, & rehumanize their lives and their community.
She values a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, and she seeks out culturally relevant therapeutic practices that resonate with her lived experiences as a Black woman.
As a Southern Black Woman & Dance/Movement Therapist, I specialize in radical compassion and solution focused support with navigating to heal from trauma. Through a blend of talk therapy, movement, and cultural healing practices, I empower clients to release burdens, reclaim joy, & rehumanize their lives and their community.
I have a special interest in working with Black and Brown people who have complicated relationships with their parents that affect how they feel about themselves.
I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is secure and reflective. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to therapy with a mission to join with you on your journey of personal growth. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and anti-racist.
I have a special interest in working with Black and Brown people who have complicated relationships with their parents that affect how they feel about themselves.
I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is secure and reflective. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to therapy with a mission to join with you on your journey of personal growth. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and anti-racist.
I provide culturally sensitive therapy for Black individuals, couples, and children.
Chaylese is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while prioritizing mental wellness, especially within BIPOC communities. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands the power of resilience and is committed to providing accessible, culturally responsive therapy that meets people where they are.
With a Master’s in Secondary Education from Eastern Nazarene College, and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College, Chaylese blends education, clinical expertise, and real-world experience to support her clients holistically.
I provide culturally sensitive therapy for Black individuals, couples, and children.
Chaylese is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while prioritizing mental wellness, especially within BIPOC communities. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands the power of resilience and is committed to providing accessible, culturally responsive therapy that meets people where they are.
With a Master’s in Secondary Education from Eastern Nazarene College, and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College, Chaylese blends education, clinical expertise, and real-world experience to support her clients holistically.
We are all one step away from the next unexpected crisis or life-affirming experience; its outcomes are ultimately determined by how we perceive and move through or around each situation. As a long-standing African- American mental health practitioner and social worker, I would love to offer you a therapeutic space that helps you bear witness to, contemplate, and even begin to address safely and at a self-driven pace the reason you seek therapy in the first place that contributions to your current circumstances or compromises your ability to live a life of purpose, value, and belonging.
We are all one step away from the next unexpected crisis or life-affirming experience; its outcomes are ultimately determined by how we perceive and move through or around each situation. As a long-standing African- American mental health practitioner and social worker, I would love to offer you a therapeutic space that helps you bear witness to, contemplate, and even begin to address safely and at a self-driven pace the reason you seek therapy in the first place that contributions to your current circumstances or compromises your ability to live a life of purpose, value, and belonging.
The Black experience is incorporated into all of our services and all voices – LGBTQIA+, POC, and Indiginous, are uplifted and celebrated.
Social Work is political. At Kujichagulia Wellness Center we take a stance of anti oppression. We create a culturally affirming environment and practice therapy from a decolonized point of view. Our clients come first and we work with them to delve into psycho-social-spiritual healing practices. Code switching and dimming your own light are not encouraged.
The Black experience is incorporated into all of our services and all voices – LGBTQIA+, POC, and Indiginous, are uplifted and celebrated.
Social Work is political. At Kujichagulia Wellness Center we take a stance of anti oppression. We create a culturally affirming environment and practice therapy from a decolonized point of view. Our clients come first and we work with them to delve into psycho-social-spiritual healing practices. Code switching and dimming your own light are not encouraged.
See more therapy options for Massachusetts
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.