Black and African American Therapists in Holmdel, NJ

I am a licensed mental health counselor and licensed professional counselor in NY, NJ, and CT, a national certified counselor, and approved clinical supervisor with a master's degree in Community Counseling and Marriage/Family Therapy. I have 13 years experience in providing mental health treatment to clients with mood , anxiety and trauma related , psychosis , behavior, and substance disorders. I have engaged adult and elderly clients in varying forms of counseling consisting of individual, family, couples', group, crisis, grief, substance, anger management, and vocational counseling in traditional and non-traditional settings.
I am a licensed mental health counselor and licensed professional counselor in NY, NJ, and CT, a national certified counselor, and approved clinical supervisor with a master's degree in Community Counseling and Marriage/Family Therapy. I have 13 years experience in providing mental health treatment to clients with mood , anxiety and trauma related , psychosis , behavior, and substance disorders. I have engaged adult and elderly clients in varying forms of counseling consisting of individual, family, couples', group, crisis, grief, substance, anger management, and vocational counseling in traditional and non-traditional settings.

Whats unique about The Visiting Counselor (TVC) is that I am mobile. I meet the clients in their homes where they are most comfortable and feel the most secure. I also deliver counseling and psychotherapy with compassion and understanding of the person as a whole. I am able to address a wide range of issues from the everyday stresses of life to more complex chronic issues of the mind or the body.
Whats unique about The Visiting Counselor (TVC) is that I am mobile. I meet the clients in their homes where they are most comfortable and feel the most secure. I also deliver counseling and psychotherapy with compassion and understanding of the person as a whole. I am able to address a wide range of issues from the everyday stresses of life to more complex chronic issues of the mind or the body.

Lisa Manns Howard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, difficult emotions, family/interpersonal conflict or low self-esteem? Empowered Life Counseling can collaborate with you to help you formulate strategies and coping skills to heal your past, improve your mental health and set you on the path to wellness.
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, difficult emotions, family/interpersonal conflict or low self-esteem? Empowered Life Counseling can collaborate with you to help you formulate strategies and coping skills to heal your past, improve your mental health and set you on the path to wellness.
More Therapists Nearby

It happens to the best of us and as a Black and BIPOC therapist, I want you to know that it doesn’t always have to be that way.
The therapeutic space you create with me is a safe space, where you can explore and build on strengths, express difficult emotions, build hope and identify obstacles that may be blocking your way, without judgement. I am a New Jersey state Licensed Associate Counselor.
It happens to the best of us and as a Black and BIPOC therapist, I want you to know that it doesn’t always have to be that way.
The therapeutic space you create with me is a safe space, where you can explore and build on strengths, express difficult emotions, build hope and identify obstacles that may be blocking your way, without judgement. I am a New Jersey state Licensed Associate Counselor.

The Weight Room: Therapy for Black and Brown Males
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At The Weight Room, we provide therapy built for Black and Brown men.
You’ve been carrying a lot—stress, relationship struggles, life transitions, or the weight of expectations. Maybe communication keeps breaking down, trust has been shaken, or you feel stuck with no clear direction. You want change, but figuring it out alone feels overwhelming. Deep down, you want peace, clarity, and confidence in your next steps. Whether it’s rebuilding after infidelity, navigating fatherhood, or breaking cycles of frustration, you’re ready for something different. Therapy shouldn’t feel like another burden—it should be a space where you can lay it down, sort through it, and come
back stronger.
At The Weight Room, we provide therapy built for Black and Brown men.
You’ve been carrying a lot—stress, relationship struggles, life transitions, or the weight of expectations. Maybe communication keeps breaking down, trust has been shaken, or you feel stuck with no clear direction. You want change, but figuring it out alone feels overwhelming. Deep down, you want peace, clarity, and confidence in your next steps. Whether it’s rebuilding after infidelity, navigating fatherhood, or breaking cycles of frustration, you’re ready for something different. Therapy shouldn’t feel like another burden—it should be a space where you can lay it down, sort through it, and come
back stronger.

Butterfly Effect Counseling and Consulting LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Matawan, NJ 07747
We help Black professional women who are experiencing Depression and/or Anxiety and who feel stuck in life, to explore ways to implement change; and build confidence to move forward.
Depression and Anxiety are two twins we most commonly treat; however, we have a variety of other specialty areas as well. We can always talk about problem areas, or outcomes/goals for treatment, prior to starting, to make sure my therapeutic style is one you would feel comfortable with and enjoy.
We help Black professional women who are experiencing Depression and/or Anxiety and who feel stuck in life, to explore ways to implement change; and build confidence to move forward.
Depression and Anxiety are two twins we most commonly treat; however, we have a variety of other specialty areas as well. We can always talk about problem areas, or outcomes/goals for treatment, prior to starting, to make sure my therapeutic style is one you would feel comfortable with and enjoy.

Minimah Rush: Couples & Adults
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jersey City, NJ 07306
I'm an African American therapist who loves working with high conflict couples and families as well as adults.
I am part of the team at Resolution Counseling and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, UMR, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, Optum, Oxford, Oscar, and 1199.
I'm an African American therapist who loves working with high conflict couples and families as well as adults.
I am part of the team at Resolution Counseling and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, UMR, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, Optum, Oxford, Oscar, and 1199.

Chrystal Dunkers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I help Black women in midlife release past pain, rebuild self-trust, and create fulfilling relationships—without waiting for their mother to change.
I specialize in helping Black women heal from difficult mother-daughter relationships. I provide a supportive space to process resentment, anger, and unmet needs while developing the tools to trust yourself, regulate emotions, and build fulfilling connections. Together, we’ll break unhelpful patterns so you can show up fully in your life and relationships.
I help Black women in midlife release past pain, rebuild self-trust, and create fulfilling relationships—without waiting for their mother to change.
I specialize in helping Black women heal from difficult mother-daughter relationships. I provide a supportive space to process resentment, anger, and unmet needs while developing the tools to trust yourself, regulate emotions, and build fulfilling connections. Together, we’ll break unhelpful patterns so you can show up fully in your life and relationships.

Dr. Katrina Pinkney
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Specialty populations include: Black/ African American, emerging adults, college students, and vulnerable.
I see folks who are feeling overwhelmed and/or down about life. These feelings may be due to a life transition (e.g., relocation, new job, graduating from college, new relationship) or a developmental phase of life (e.g., moving out of parents home, empty nester syndrome, premenopausal, starting a family, life after a breakup). Others are struggling with being their real or authentic selves versus who society or others expect/want them to be. Within this demographic, individuals are people pleasers with low self-esteem and self-worth; or oppressed and marginalized people who sacrifice their wants and needs for belonging and love.
Specialty populations include: Black/ African American, emerging adults, college students, and vulnerable.
I see folks who are feeling overwhelmed and/or down about life. These feelings may be due to a life transition (e.g., relocation, new job, graduating from college, new relationship) or a developmental phase of life (e.g., moving out of parents home, empty nester syndrome, premenopausal, starting a family, life after a breakup). Others are struggling with being their real or authentic selves versus who society or others expect/want them to be. Within this demographic, individuals are people pleasers with low self-esteem and self-worth; or oppressed and marginalized people who sacrifice their wants and needs for belonging and love.

I’m a licensed therapist in New Jersey, and I help Black women move past anxiety, stress, and fear to live their lives on their own terms.
Are you overwhelmed by the pressures of work and the responsibilities of your life? Do you ever struggle to complete a task or project because you’ve procrastinated or felt consumed by making sure that you’ve done it perfectly? Have you ever awakened in the morning completely exhausted because you spent most of the night overthinking all of the worries in your life? When you’ve struggled with stress and high-functioning anxiety for most of your life and still managed to achieve some measure of success, it can be hard to know when it’s time to reach out for support. You should know that your life does not have to be this way.
I’m a licensed therapist in New Jersey, and I help Black women move past anxiety, stress, and fear to live their lives on their own terms.
Are you overwhelmed by the pressures of work and the responsibilities of your life? Do you ever struggle to complete a task or project because you’ve procrastinated or felt consumed by making sure that you’ve done it perfectly? Have you ever awakened in the morning completely exhausted because you spent most of the night overthinking all of the worries in your life? When you’ve struggled with stress and high-functioning anxiety for most of your life and still managed to achieve some measure of success, it can be hard to know when it’s time to reach out for support. You should know that your life does not have to be this way.

As a queer and Black therapist, I understand the importance of creating a space where everyone feels welcome and cared for.
People have seen me for many reasons and in different therapeutic settings. However, my specialties are in treatment for depression, anxiety, self-harm, sexual abuse or trauma, racial trauma, religious trauma, family communication, and conflict resolution. I believe nature can be one of our greatest tools for healing and have a passion for nature therapy.
As a queer and Black therapist, I understand the importance of creating a space where everyone feels welcome and cared for.
People have seen me for many reasons and in different therapeutic settings. However, my specialties are in treatment for depression, anxiety, self-harm, sexual abuse or trauma, racial trauma, religious trauma, family communication, and conflict resolution. I believe nature can be one of our greatest tools for healing and have a passion for nature therapy.

As an African American woman raised in an urban area in New Jersey; I have experienced many challenges in life.
I am a Licensed Social Worker with over 30 years of experience. What makes me unique is that I have a strong passion to help others in the community. It is not just about making money...it's about helping others function successfully in the community. I do this by providing support to those who have a severe and persistent mental illness as well as those who have marital/relationship issues, low self esteem, day to day stress and more. I help individuals to be able to accomplish their short and long term goals through BMC Counseling and Consulting, LLC.
As an African American woman raised in an urban area in New Jersey; I have experienced many challenges in life.
I am a Licensed Social Worker with over 30 years of experience. What makes me unique is that I have a strong passion to help others in the community. It is not just about making money...it's about helping others function successfully in the community. I do this by providing support to those who have a severe and persistent mental illness as well as those who have marital/relationship issues, low self esteem, day to day stress and more. I help individuals to be able to accomplish their short and long term goals through BMC Counseling and Consulting, LLC.

As an African American male, a retired law enforcement official and now as a licensed professional counselor, I possess a unique set of clinical and interpersonal skills designed to hold the room long enough for men and male teens to drop their shields of armor and speak their truths without fear of judgement or criticism using evidence based theories.
Even strong men struggle. And most times we struggle in silence and suffer alone because we have not been taught the language of emotions. So we retreat into a cave of isolation to process the complexities of life and get lost in that darkness because we do not know how to ask for help. And when a man cannot find the answers to life's dilemnas, he loses his sense of worth and falls into addictions to medicate the pain of depression. And the whole family suffers because he is present but not engaged. And that pathology becomes the only legacy we leave for our wives, sons and daughters.
As an African American male, a retired law enforcement official and now as a licensed professional counselor, I possess a unique set of clinical and interpersonal skills designed to hold the room long enough for men and male teens to drop their shields of armor and speak their truths without fear of judgement or criticism using evidence based theories.
Even strong men struggle. And most times we struggle in silence and suffer alone because we have not been taught the language of emotions. So we retreat into a cave of isolation to process the complexities of life and get lost in that darkness because we do not know how to ask for help. And when a man cannot find the answers to life's dilemnas, he loses his sense of worth and falls into addictions to medicate the pain of depression. And the whole family suffers because he is present but not engaged. And that pathology becomes the only legacy we leave for our wives, sons and daughters.

Natasha Burton: Adults And Couples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Jersey City, NJ 07306
I'm a Black female therapist specializing in working with adults and couples who are navigating challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression grief and loss, and relationship conflict.
We're in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, 1199 plans, most BCBS, and Horizon PPO. We are not able to submit claims for NJ Family Care, Medicaid or Tricare Plans.
I'm a Black female therapist specializing in working with adults and couples who are navigating challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression grief and loss, and relationship conflict.
We're in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, 1199 plans, most BCBS, and Horizon PPO. We are not able to submit claims for NJ Family Care, Medicaid or Tricare Plans.

Hi, my name is Lillian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a proud member of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc (NABSW).
I empower and support my patients through life changes using CBT, PST, DBT, person-centered, relational, psychodynamic approaches, and mindfulness techniques. I specialize in working with BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, geriatric, and LGBTQIA2S+ populations.
Hi, my name is Lillian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a proud member of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc (NABSW).
I empower and support my patients through life changes using CBT, PST, DBT, person-centered, relational, psychodynamic approaches, and mindfulness techniques. I specialize in working with BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, geriatric, and LGBTQIA2S+ populations.

Aaliyah Nurideen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Virtual Only- New Jersey and Maryland- As a Black woman, I believe that our collective healing is revolutionary which requires us to be intentional about the spaces (both physical + emotional) that we occupy and access mind, body and spiritual connection.
Ashé starts with asking the question “What is your intention for yourself in this space?” and we will work together to move your intention from questions, thoughts and ideas to behaviors and practice. I invite you to slow down, ground yourself and most importantly allow yourself grace and patience.
Virtual Only- New Jersey and Maryland- As a Black woman, I believe that our collective healing is revolutionary which requires us to be intentional about the spaces (both physical + emotional) that we occupy and access mind, body and spiritual connection.
Ashé starts with asking the question “What is your intention for yourself in this space?” and we will work together to move your intention from questions, thoughts and ideas to behaviors and practice. I invite you to slow down, ground yourself and most importantly allow yourself grace and patience.

When appropriate, I draw on my experiences as an African American woman of color, parent of two, and artist.
Thank you for finding value in my profile. The therapeutic relationship is a sacred interpersonal bond built on trust. Together, we’ll co-create a space to overcome obstacles, shift lifestyle or behavioral patterns, and tap into your innate capacity for resilience. I view my work through an anti-oppressive social justice lens, which will deepen your understanding of how your environment, family, and community can affect you. We may explore anything from the trickle-down effect of workplace stress to the impact of media violence on children or anything else that may be on your mind.
When appropriate, I draw on my experiences as an African American woman of color, parent of two, and artist.
Thank you for finding value in my profile. The therapeutic relationship is a sacred interpersonal bond built on trust. Together, we’ll co-create a space to overcome obstacles, shift lifestyle or behavioral patterns, and tap into your innate capacity for resilience. I view my work through an anti-oppressive social justice lens, which will deepen your understanding of how your environment, family, and community can affect you. We may explore anything from the trickle-down effect of workplace stress to the impact of media violence on children or anything else that may be on your mind.

I am a Black man in America.
Peace, my name is Davynte Pannell and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. I have experience working with clients of all ages and a variety of presenting issues including autism, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, anger management, substance abuse, low self-esteem, trauma, and stress, to name a few. I offer listening ears to clients and provide a space where you can feel empowered and learn more about yourself.
I am a Black man in America.
Peace, my name is Davynte Pannell and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. I have experience working with clients of all ages and a variety of presenting issues including autism, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, anger management, substance abuse, low self-esteem, trauma, and stress, to name a few. I offer listening ears to clients and provide a space where you can feel empowered and learn more about yourself.

Dr. Christiana Ibilola Awosan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Maplewood, NJ 07040
We're committed to providing high-quality, culturally relevant mental health services to Black and communities of Color.
You don't want to feel beat down, let down, depressed, overwhelmed, out of control, broken or ashamed. But the daily experience of your life being undervalued by society on top of the difficulties of work, relationships, and personal struggles just seems like too much. You feel like relationships won't work, it's impossible to stop circumstances from getting you down, and you can't win for losing. You doubt who you really are. You question the strength within you, the courage you were born with, and the wisdom from those before you.
We're committed to providing high-quality, culturally relevant mental health services to Black and communities of Color.
You don't want to feel beat down, let down, depressed, overwhelmed, out of control, broken or ashamed. But the daily experience of your life being undervalued by society on top of the difficulties of work, relationships, and personal struggles just seems like too much. You feel like relationships won't work, it's impossible to stop circumstances from getting you down, and you can't win for losing. You doubt who you really are. You question the strength within you, the courage you were born with, and the wisdom from those before you.

Dr. LaShaun Daniels-Edney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a down-to-earth therapist, I'm here for black and brown individuals to feel truly seen and valued.
You're here for more than a chat; you're on a quest for someone who gets you and the hurdles you're leaping over—be it women's issues, the tangle of depression and anxiety, body image, or finding your footing in the bariatric world. Your journey is deeply personal, and you're after real change that feels true to who you are. You're not just looking to get by; you're aiming to flourish, powered by understanding, empowerment, and the right tools. Because deep down, you sense a stronger, unbreakable you, waiting to shine through. You're not just on a healing path; you're unraveling your "whys," the core of your being, to truly thrive.
As a down-to-earth therapist, I'm here for black and brown individuals to feel truly seen and valued.
You're here for more than a chat; you're on a quest for someone who gets you and the hurdles you're leaping over—be it women's issues, the tangle of depression and anxiety, body image, or finding your footing in the bariatric world. Your journey is deeply personal, and you're after real change that feels true to who you are. You're not just looking to get by; you're aiming to flourish, powered by understanding, empowerment, and the right tools. Because deep down, you sense a stronger, unbreakable you, waiting to shine through. You're not just on a healing path; you're unraveling your "whys," the core of your being, to truly thrive.
See more therapy options for Holmdel
Nearby African American Therapists Searches for Holmdel
- Asbury Park
- Colts Neck
- Eatontown
- Freehold
- Hazlet
- Matawan
- Middletown
- Old Bridge
- Perth Amboy
- Red Bank
- Sayreville
- Tinton Falls
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.