Black and African American Therapists in Amherst, NY
Tara Benson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14226
Waitlist for new clients
Being a parent has its own set of challenges; when you add your child’s behavioral, and or emotional challenges on top, it can become overwhelming for both your family, and your child. It is ok to feel overwhelmed and at the brink of exhaustion. I get this and is here to assist your child, and family work through these challenges; by helping to strengthen your child’s overall well-being.
Being a parent has its own set of challenges; when you add your child’s behavioral, and or emotional challenges on top, it can become overwhelming for both your family, and your child. It is ok to feel overwhelmed and at the brink of exhaustion. I get this and is here to assist your child, and family work through these challenges; by helping to strengthen your child’s overall well-being.
Virronica Dixson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Amherst, NY 14226
I believe that everyone has a purpose. A greatness that is held within them, designed to change the world for the better. In life, we face challenges that sometimes cause us to become forgetful of our power, whether it is within the confines of a romantic relationship or the one of the pinnacles of personal growth.
I believe that everyone has a purpose. A greatness that is held within them, designed to change the world for the better. In life, we face challenges that sometimes cause us to become forgetful of our power, whether it is within the confines of a romantic relationship or the one of the pinnacles of personal growth.
Sherita D Anderson-Bailey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Amherst, NY 14221
Rita is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who serves the community as a licensed ordained Reverend. Rita graduated with her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Medaille College and is currently earning a Doctoral degree in Medical Family Therapy. Her experience with helping families and marriages to thrive extend over a 10 year period in the Western New York region. Rita specializes in couple, individual and child therapy directly targeting areas of Christian counseling, grief and loss, premarital counseling, conflict reduction, communication skills, self-esteem and a variety of related issues plaguing families.
Rita is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who serves the community as a licensed ordained Reverend. Rita graduated with her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Medaille College and is currently earning a Doctoral degree in Medical Family Therapy. Her experience with helping families and marriages to thrive extend over a 10 year period in the Western New York region. Rita specializes in couple, individual and child therapy directly targeting areas of Christian counseling, grief and loss, premarital counseling, conflict reduction, communication skills, self-esteem and a variety of related issues plaguing families.
Kevin Lee Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14228 (Online Only)
"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming things you once thought you couldn't." (Rikki Rogers) I will be the therapist who works for you on any problem you bring to the session. I describe it this way because we work on what is important to you - your goals, hopes and dreams. The starting point is with you. Sometimes people can't even get in touch with that, but trust me, I can help you find those goals, hopes and dreams. I have been at points in my own life where I experienced hopelessness, but I know there is a way out.
"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming things you once thought you couldn't." (Rikki Rogers) I will be the therapist who works for you on any problem you bring to the session. I describe it this way because we work on what is important to you - your goals, hopes and dreams. The starting point is with you. Sometimes people can't even get in touch with that, but trust me, I can help you find those goals, hopes and dreams. I have been at points in my own life where I experienced hopelessness, but I know there is a way out.
Essence Porter-McDowell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14221 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing relationship issues? Extreme stress? Difficulty with setting boundaries? I help individuals motivated to change their lives or relationships--to break unhealthy patterns, or lessen/eliminate emotional pain. With deep respect and tender regard, I will help you draw on your strength, foster emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and reshape your identity to live the life you want to live. With my encouragement, you'll identify barriers/cycles that keep you stuck, release heavy emotions, and make empowering choices that free you from the past and create a promising new future.
Are you experiencing relationship issues? Extreme stress? Difficulty with setting boundaries? I help individuals motivated to change their lives or relationships--to break unhealthy patterns, or lessen/eliminate emotional pain. With deep respect and tender regard, I will help you draw on your strength, foster emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and reshape your identity to live the life you want to live. With my encouragement, you'll identify barriers/cycles that keep you stuck, release heavy emotions, and make empowering choices that free you from the past and create a promising new future.
Jasmine Thorpe
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14228
Being human comes with complexities of great loss, love, curiosities and questions. We may reach a point in their experience where they feel like they are not living as their best and most authentic self. This can leave some feeling depressed, anxious, angry and fearful. As well as having ruminating thoughts, social withdrawal and being overwhelmed by it all. While working alongside a therapist, I believe that you can create a healthier and deeper understanding of the self, learn/practice communication skills, and process trauma to navigate and gain depth and perspective on the complexities of life.
Being human comes with complexities of great loss, love, curiosities and questions. We may reach a point in their experience where they feel like they are not living as their best and most authentic self. This can leave some feeling depressed, anxious, angry and fearful. As well as having ruminating thoughts, social withdrawal and being overwhelmed by it all. While working alongside a therapist, I believe that you can create a healthier and deeper understanding of the self, learn/practice communication skills, and process trauma to navigate and gain depth and perspective on the complexities of life.
Ashley Pinkeney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Amherst, NY 14221
Taking care of your mental health is one of the most compassionate things you can do. Expected, even positive life transitions tend to cause some level of stress and resistance. Those stressors can force us to operate in extreme ways causing experiences of fear or uncertainty, dissatisfaction in relationships, or an erratic relationship with food. Most clients I see are high achievers, perfectionists or people pleasers; To the average eye, they appear as though they have everything yet, they are struggling inside. These are people seeking change but are often fearful of what that will entail or where to start.
Taking care of your mental health is one of the most compassionate things you can do. Expected, even positive life transitions tend to cause some level of stress and resistance. Those stressors can force us to operate in extreme ways causing experiences of fear or uncertainty, dissatisfaction in relationships, or an erratic relationship with food. Most clients I see are high achievers, perfectionists or people pleasers; To the average eye, they appear as though they have everything yet, they are struggling inside. These are people seeking change but are often fearful of what that will entail or where to start.
Shurmatz Counseling LCSW PC
LCSWR
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14221
You haven’t felt good for months. You can’t get out of your head and your thoughts are constantly racing. Your feelings are in the driver’s seat of your life instead of you. You feel like no one understands, and you’re all alone. All you want to do is change this! Yet you feel so restless, you can't be still or concentrate on one thing for very long. We want to offer you hope that it doesn't have to stay this way. It’s possible to feel whole and alive again. Your nightmares don’t have to haunt you into the day. You can have peace and connection, with yourself and with others. Your joy and energy for life aren’t gone forever.
You haven’t felt good for months. You can’t get out of your head and your thoughts are constantly racing. Your feelings are in the driver’s seat of your life instead of you. You feel like no one understands, and you’re all alone. All you want to do is change this! Yet you feel so restless, you can't be still or concentrate on one thing for very long. We want to offer you hope that it doesn't have to stay this way. It’s possible to feel whole and alive again. Your nightmares don’t have to haunt you into the day. You can have peace and connection, with yourself and with others. Your joy and energy for life aren’t gone forever.
Mindi Lobuzzetta
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Amherst, NY 14228 (Online Only)
Do you feel as though life has been full of struggles? Have you had experience with situations that are preventing you from staying on your desired life path? Did you experience a loss or something stressful that you just can’t seem to move past? Sometimes what brings us to counseling isn’t the only thing we need help with. Stress and unaddressed difficult situations can create a perfect storm for maladaptive coping skills and uncontrollable and uncomfortable emotions. Mindi can teach you skills, strategies and tools to better deal with your problems. Therapy is a way to feel empowered to take hold of all that life throws your way.
Do you feel as though life has been full of struggles? Have you had experience with situations that are preventing you from staying on your desired life path? Did you experience a loss or something stressful that you just can’t seem to move past? Sometimes what brings us to counseling isn’t the only thing we need help with. Stress and unaddressed difficult situations can create a perfect storm for maladaptive coping skills and uncontrollable and uncomfortable emotions. Mindi can teach you skills, strategies and tools to better deal with your problems. Therapy is a way to feel empowered to take hold of all that life throws your way.
WNY Psychotherapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14226
Joseph P. Zannoni is the Executive Director of W.N.Y Psychotherapy Services. As an owner since 1988, he works diligently to select private practitioners who are interested in providing high quality, cost effective services utilizing a wide range of treatment modalities for families and individuals in the advancement of emotional health. Our network of providers consists of over twenty independent practitioners with various areas of expertise. Our licensed practitioners include; Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. With diverse backgrounds and specializations we address most patient needs, and provide comprehensive services for children, adults, families and seniors.
Joseph P. Zannoni is the Executive Director of W.N.Y Psychotherapy Services. As an owner since 1988, he works diligently to select private practitioners who are interested in providing high quality, cost effective services utilizing a wide range of treatment modalities for families and individuals in the advancement of emotional health. Our network of providers consists of over twenty independent practitioners with various areas of expertise. Our licensed practitioners include; Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. With diverse backgrounds and specializations we address most patient needs, and provide comprehensive services for children, adults, families and seniors.
Anna Caflisch
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14228
I have had the opportunity to experience working with most age groups and diagnosis/life issues, in a wide variety of settings including behavioral health hospitals, schools, in-home, and clinics. I enjoy working with diverse populations and have experience working with clients from different cultures, clients from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the military community. I am especially interested in helping young adults build self-esteem and work through life transitions.
I have had the opportunity to experience working with most age groups and diagnosis/life issues, in a wide variety of settings including behavioral health hospitals, schools, in-home, and clinics. I enjoy working with diverse populations and have experience working with clients from different cultures, clients from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the military community. I am especially interested in helping young adults build self-esteem and work through life transitions.
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Sherita D Anderson-Bailey
Essence Porter-McDowell
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Nancy Robin Krtek
Nancy Robin Krtek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ND, LCSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14226
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
Wende Birtch
Counselor, MS, LMHC, RYT
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14228
Feeling isolated and alone? I specialize in running online and in-person IFS L-1 and L-2 groups to support a sense of connection, personal growth and professional learning. Although I no longer do individual therapy, I am planning to offer Consultation Groups for therapists, a Women’s Empowerment Group, a weekly online Meditation Circle, Soul Collage workshops and an IFS Healing Circle, all of which offer a safe place to gain more compassion, self-awareness and practice in cultivating Self-leadership traits. Please check out some very special opportunities for you to learn, grow and find your community at www.oneheartcollective.net
Feeling isolated and alone? I specialize in running online and in-person IFS L-1 and L-2 groups to support a sense of connection, personal growth and professional learning. Although I no longer do individual therapy, I am planning to offer Consultation Groups for therapists, a Women’s Empowerment Group, a weekly online Meditation Circle, Soul Collage workshops and an IFS Healing Circle, all of which offer a safe place to gain more compassion, self-awareness and practice in cultivating Self-leadership traits. Please check out some very special opportunities for you to learn, grow and find your community at www.oneheartcollective.net
Nat Kiser-Negron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Amherst, NY 14226
Do you feel uneasy, tense, or unsafe in your own body? Trapped by your own thoughts and emotions, or a nagging feeling or muscular tension that seem unrelated to your emotional state? I know that feeling; that sensation that we try to ignore but just won’t go away. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, the stress of everyday life or the aftermath of trauma, your body is the container that holds it all—thoughts, feelings, sensations—all our lived experiences that make us who we are. Some of these experiences can help us thrive, feel safe and connected and some can make us feel stuck, uncertain, and reactive.
Do you feel uneasy, tense, or unsafe in your own body? Trapped by your own thoughts and emotions, or a nagging feeling or muscular tension that seem unrelated to your emotional state? I know that feeling; that sensation that we try to ignore but just won’t go away. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, the stress of everyday life or the aftermath of trauma, your body is the container that holds it all—thoughts, feelings, sensations—all our lived experiences that make us who we are. Some of these experiences can help us thrive, feel safe and connected and some can make us feel stuck, uncertain, and reactive.
Nikkia Spencer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14226
Not accepting new clients
Whether you are new here or this isn't your first time around, the hardest part is always getting started and finding a therapist who is the right fit. I do my best to offer an accepting, empathetic, honest, and collaborative partnership- usually paired with a level of humor and humility. We owe it to ourselves to have a safe space to process life events and our natural range of emotions.
Whether you are new here or this isn't your first time around, the hardest part is always getting started and finding a therapist who is the right fit. I do my best to offer an accepting, empathetic, honest, and collaborative partnership- usually paired with a level of humor and humility. We owe it to ourselves to have a safe space to process life events and our natural range of emotions.
More Therapists Nearby
Latoya Seals
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14226
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NYS with 10 years of clinical experience working as a clinician. I have worked with individuals who have had various concerns including: depression, drug and alcohol addiction, anxiety, self-esteem, lifestyle changes, relationship issues, grief and loss, as well as various abuse and traumatic experiences. My counseling style is modern and warm. I believe in engaging in active listening and am a firm believer of treating others with respect and displaying compassion and empathy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NYS with 10 years of clinical experience working as a clinician. I have worked with individuals who have had various concerns including: depression, drug and alcohol addiction, anxiety, self-esteem, lifestyle changes, relationship issues, grief and loss, as well as various abuse and traumatic experiences. My counseling style is modern and warm. I believe in engaging in active listening and am a firm believer of treating others with respect and displaying compassion and empathy.
Karen Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR, CASAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14226 (Online Only)
Feeling burnt out, or emotionally drained in your life or your work? Whether you're a behavioral health therapist, a healthcare professional, or simply someone struggling with these emotions, I want you to know that there is help available. As someone who has been through the healing process myself, I know how transformative and life-changing therapy can be. That's why I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their challenges and find the solutions they need.
Feeling burnt out, or emotionally drained in your life or your work? Whether you're a behavioral health therapist, a healthcare professional, or simply someone struggling with these emotions, I want you to know that there is help available. As someone who has been through the healing process myself, I know how transformative and life-changing therapy can be. That's why I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their challenges and find the solutions they need.
WNY Holistic Counseling Center
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Williamsville, NY 14221
Life can often be challenging. You may feel you've gotten "off track" and need some direction. You may be overwhelmed with things and don't know what to do or how to make it better. It may be starting to affect your relationships, and you don't know how to stop it. You may be wondering what's wrong with you and why this keeps happening, or whether you're depressed. Perhaps you're having panic attacks that come out of nowhere. Or maybe you seem to have developed social anxiety. Perhaps you just don't feel like yourself or aren't content with your life. You want things to be different, you just don't know how to make that happen. You might be wondering whether you're always going to feel this way. You've got a lot going for you, you've accomplished quite a bit, but it still feels like there's something missing. You're not sure what else to do. Most of us feel this way at some point in our lives. Especially when trying to handle the stress of life, relationships and the impact of certain events all at once.
Life can often be challenging. You may feel you've gotten "off track" and need some direction. You may be overwhelmed with things and don't know what to do or how to make it better. It may be starting to affect your relationships, and you don't know how to stop it. You may be wondering what's wrong with you and why this keeps happening, or whether you're depressed. Perhaps you're having panic attacks that come out of nowhere. Or maybe you seem to have developed social anxiety. Perhaps you just don't feel like yourself or aren't content with your life. You want things to be different, you just don't know how to make that happen. You might be wondering whether you're always going to feel this way. You've got a lot going for you, you've accomplished quite a bit, but it still feels like there's something missing. You're not sure what else to do. Most of us feel this way at some point in our lives. Especially when trying to handle the stress of life, relationships and the impact of certain events all at once.
Chantae Riley
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14226
Are you feeling overwhelmed, angry, helpless, hopeless, anxious, depressed or struggling to identify how you are feeling? I am here to provide you with the support, tools and encouragement you need to achieve optimum mental health. We will work side by side to develop a treatment plan that works best for you and your level of functioning. Over the next several months we will work at identifying triggers for feelings/behaviors, identifying more effective coping skills, identifying positive supports, unpacking any past trauma that may have a direct effect on your mental health. The goal is to improve your confidence and self image.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, angry, helpless, hopeless, anxious, depressed or struggling to identify how you are feeling? I am here to provide you with the support, tools and encouragement you need to achieve optimum mental health. We will work side by side to develop a treatment plan that works best for you and your level of functioning. Over the next several months we will work at identifying triggers for feelings/behaviors, identifying more effective coping skills, identifying positive supports, unpacking any past trauma that may have a direct effect on your mental health. The goal is to improve your confidence and self image.
Isaiah Mantooth-Jordan
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Welcome! If you're seeking a dedicated and compassionate therapist who can help you navigate through life's challenges, you've come to the right place. I specialize in providing targeted support to individuals within the criminal justice system and those seeking relationship help. Let me tailor my expertise to assist you. Tailored Support for Your Unique Journey: Are you facing the complexities of the criminal justice system or struggling to find harmony in your relationships? I am here to help you overcome these challenges and find the path towards personal growth and fulfillment.
Welcome! If you're seeking a dedicated and compassionate therapist who can help you navigate through life's challenges, you've come to the right place. I specialize in providing targeted support to individuals within the criminal justice system and those seeking relationship help. Let me tailor my expertise to assist you. Tailored Support for Your Unique Journey: Are you facing the complexities of the criminal justice system or struggling to find harmony in your relationships? I am here to help you overcome these challenges and find the path towards personal growth and fulfillment.
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Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for Amherst
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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.