Black and African American Therapists in Glendale, NY

Photo of Daphne St Valliere, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Daphne St Valliere
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, NY 11385  (Online Only)
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, or traumatic childhood experiences, you're not alone. I believe that every person has a unique story to tell, and I'm here to listen. Together, we can explore changing negative behavior patterns by shifting your perspective towards more positive decision-making. I know that past or current relationships can have a significant impact on your life, and I'm here to help you navigate any challenges that might be hindering the establishment or maintenance of positive relationships.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, or traumatic childhood experiences, you're not alone. I believe that every person has a unique story to tell, and I'm here to listen. Together, we can explore changing negative behavior patterns by shifting your perspective towards more positive decision-making. I know that past or current relationships can have a significant impact on your life, and I'm here to help you navigate any challenges that might be hindering the establishment or maintenance of positive relationships.
(347) 871-5931 View (347) 871-5931
Photo of Honour Odigie, LMSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Honour Odigie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, NY 11385  (Online Only)
Do you feel like past hurts trigger current patterns in your life? Are you tired of carrying the weight of the past and want increased freedom in how you express yourself to those around you? As a clinician with years of training in post-trauma recovery and growth, I've guided many on their journey of self-discovery, transforming relationship with self/others and healing pain that hinders self-expression. My own journey allows me to understand the pain you are feeling and to offer you the support needed to feel better. Therapy at first glance might seem daunting but together we can create a space where you feel safe, free, and seen.
Do you feel like past hurts trigger current patterns in your life? Are you tired of carrying the weight of the past and want increased freedom in how you express yourself to those around you? As a clinician with years of training in post-trauma recovery and growth, I've guided many on their journey of self-discovery, transforming relationship with self/others and healing pain that hinders self-expression. My own journey allows me to understand the pain you are feeling and to offer you the support needed to feel better. Therapy at first glance might seem daunting but together we can create a space where you feel safe, free, and seen.
(929) 538-3637 View (929) 538-3637
Photo of Collette Jacobs, LMSW
Collette Jacobs
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, NY 11385  (Online Only)
I want to begin by affirming something essential: you are worthy and deserving of a fulfilling life, filled with happiness and purpose. As a therapist, my mission is to help you navigate the complexities of your unique journey. I specialize in working with individuals from marginalized identities, as well as those dealing with trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges. In our sessions, your unique history, background, and identity will not only be recognized but celebrated. Together, we will explore your strengths and empower you to transform your life and relationships in meaningful ways.
I want to begin by affirming something essential: you are worthy and deserving of a fulfilling life, filled with happiness and purpose. As a therapist, my mission is to help you navigate the complexities of your unique journey. I specialize in working with individuals from marginalized identities, as well as those dealing with trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges. In our sessions, your unique history, background, and identity will not only be recognized but celebrated. Together, we will explore your strengths and empower you to transform your life and relationships in meaningful ways.
(929) 345-3646 View (929) 345-3646
Photo of Bethly C. Abreu, LMHC, MSEd, Counselor
Bethly C. Abreu
Counselor, LMHC, MSEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, NY 11385
Embarking on a journey to self-growth can be uncomfortable and distressing. It can uncover a lot unfamiliar feelings and thoughts. The journey of self-acceptance and growth may be difficult, but it does not have to be done alone. As a licensed mental health counselor, we can work together toward reaching your goals of self-acceptance and personal growth that may be hindered by anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, or stress brought up by significant life changes. Through our therapeutic alliance, we can gain insight into your feelings and reactions to identify relevant goals that facilitate positive change.
Embarking on a journey to self-growth can be uncomfortable and distressing. It can uncover a lot unfamiliar feelings and thoughts. The journey of self-acceptance and growth may be difficult, but it does not have to be done alone. As a licensed mental health counselor, we can work together toward reaching your goals of self-acceptance and personal growth that may be hindered by anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, or stress brought up by significant life changes. Through our therapeutic alliance, we can gain insight into your feelings and reactions to identify relevant goals that facilitate positive change.
(929) 822-6583 View (929) 822-6583

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Unique Grier, MHC-LP
Unique Grier
MHC-LP
Verified Verified
Ridgewood, NY 11385  (Online Only)
I am a Black woman who understands the experience of a person of color, a woman, a mother, and a partner, so I am able to bring my experience into the therapeutic process.
Are you an individual who is experiencing anxiety, prenatal, parenting, trauma, depression, or low self-esteem? I can help! I have experience working with individuals from multicultural backgrounds. In addition, I have worked with individual who have newly arrived from the Carribbean in the U.S. who are trying to assimilate to Westernized culture. Furthermore, I have worked with individuals who have experienced Domestic Violence and their families.
I am a Black woman who understands the experience of a person of color, a woman, a mother, and a partner, so I am able to bring my experience into the therapeutic process.
Are you an individual who is experiencing anxiety, prenatal, parenting, trauma, depression, or low self-esteem? I can help! I have experience working with individuals from multicultural backgrounds. In addition, I have worked with individual who have newly arrived from the Carribbean in the U.S. who are trying to assimilate to Westernized culture. Furthermore, I have worked with individuals who have experienced Domestic Violence and their families.
(347) 826-5793 View (347) 826-5793
Photo of Dr. Gary Dillon, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Gary Dillon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest Hills, NY 11375  (Online Only)
As a Black male integrative therapist, I honor your uniqueness by specifically tailoring my approach to who you are, as well as your needs and goals.
Frustrated, stuck, or unfulfilled in an area of your life? You're not alone. Amid a global pandemic, along with the current social and political climate, knowing how to begin healing can be a challenge. Life is complicated and it can be difficult to reach out to gain the support and encouragement that you need to succeed. But don’t worry, I’ll be your ally on this journey - supporting and helping you along the way. As a Black male therapist in NYC, I specialize in working with individuals & couples, who at times feel powerless and are often marginalized - including immigrants, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
As a Black male integrative therapist, I honor your uniqueness by specifically tailoring my approach to who you are, as well as your needs and goals.
Frustrated, stuck, or unfulfilled in an area of your life? You're not alone. Amid a global pandemic, along with the current social and political climate, knowing how to begin healing can be a challenge. Life is complicated and it can be difficult to reach out to gain the support and encouragement that you need to succeed. But don’t worry, I’ll be your ally on this journey - supporting and helping you along the way. As a Black male therapist in NYC, I specialize in working with individuals & couples, who at times feel powerless and are often marginalized - including immigrants, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
(929) 357-2228 View (929) 357-2228
Photo of H. C. Cristina, LMHC
H. C. Cristina
LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ridgewood, NY 11385  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My own queer Black identity impacts my work with clients in a world where mental health providers do not commonly mirror various marginalized identities.
Working with LGBTQ/GNC clients, especially clients of color, is what I've always been passionate about. As a queer, trans-masculine, Black clinician, I am dedicated to not only working with the communities that mirror my own marginalized identities, but also those who fall within, between, and among populations facing oppression and discrimination. Clients are often in the throes of identify formation, large life changes, processing trauma, and navigating difficult relational dynamics, leading to the desire to be seen and heard. To be human is to experience pain, but within that pain is a vast space to learn, process, and heal.
My own queer Black identity impacts my work with clients in a world where mental health providers do not commonly mirror various marginalized identities.
Working with LGBTQ/GNC clients, especially clients of color, is what I've always been passionate about. As a queer, trans-masculine, Black clinician, I am dedicated to not only working with the communities that mirror my own marginalized identities, but also those who fall within, between, and among populations facing oppression and discrimination. Clients are often in the throes of identify formation, large life changes, processing trauma, and navigating difficult relational dynamics, leading to the desire to be seen and heard. To be human is to experience pain, but within that pain is a vast space to learn, process, and heal.
(646) 970-1093 View (646) 970-1093
Photo of Tacha Fletcher - Wellness Tree Counseling Lcsw PLLC, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wellness Tree Counseling Lcsw PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rego Park, NY 11374
We specialize in working with Black, Indigenous, & Women of color experiecing depression, anxiety and trauma related symptoms.
Woke up feeling unsure about yourself? Struggling with major life changes or decisions? Feeling stuck? Or you've lost your purpose? Is the weight on your shoulders too much to bear leaving you questioning ‘why’? Let’s start by saying, you’ve come to the right place. We all face times when we are overwhelmed by our situations. We're here to listen without judgment and help you to sort out life challenges. When you find yourself in a vulnerable place, it’s our goal to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere for you to delve deeper into your feelings of sadness, emptiness, loss, anxiety, worry or despair.
We specialize in working with Black, Indigenous, & Women of color experiecing depression, anxiety and trauma related symptoms.
Woke up feeling unsure about yourself? Struggling with major life changes or decisions? Feeling stuck? Or you've lost your purpose? Is the weight on your shoulders too much to bear leaving you questioning ‘why’? Let’s start by saying, you’ve come to the right place. We all face times when we are overwhelmed by our situations. We're here to listen without judgment and help you to sort out life challenges. When you find yourself in a vulnerable place, it’s our goal to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere for you to delve deeper into your feelings of sadness, emptiness, loss, anxiety, worry or despair.
(347) 761-7325 View (347) 761-7325
Nyita Hanley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Flushing, NY 11385  (Online Only)
As a seasoned Clinical Social Worker with a comprehensive background spanning eight years, I possess a wealth of expertise in providing specialized care to individuals from a myriad of backgrounds, notably within the LGBTQIA community, while also addressing areas such as grief, depression, and PTSD. My professional journey has honed my proficiency in treating pervasive conditions like depression and anxiety, alongside addressing a spectrum of concerns including self-esteem, sexual orientations, trauma, and the nuanced intersectionality of identity, particularly within the black lesbian community.
As a seasoned Clinical Social Worker with a comprehensive background spanning eight years, I possess a wealth of expertise in providing specialized care to individuals from a myriad of backgrounds, notably within the LGBTQIA community, while also addressing areas such as grief, depression, and PTSD. My professional journey has honed my proficiency in treating pervasive conditions like depression and anxiety, alongside addressing a spectrum of concerns including self-esteem, sexual orientations, trauma, and the nuanced intersectionality of identity, particularly within the black lesbian community.
(914) 687-1843 View (914) 687-1843
Photo of Nadja Taffe, MS, LCMHC
Nadja Taffe
MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest Hills, NY 11375  (Online Only)
I can relate to clients of various backgrounds and different walks of life as a young African American woman raised in the Southside of Jamaica Queens.
I may look like your homegirl and will at times feel like your friend. Although I am not either, I am a down-to-earth and personable therapist who provides a judgement-free free safe space for all my clients. I also allow sessions to be open and free while implementing healthy boundaries so the healing process can be done harmoniously and efficiently.
I can relate to clients of various backgrounds and different walks of life as a young African American woman raised in the Southside of Jamaica Queens.
I may look like your homegirl and will at times feel like your friend. Although I am not either, I am a down-to-earth and personable therapist who provides a judgement-free free safe space for all my clients. I also allow sessions to be open and free while implementing healthy boundaries so the healing process can be done harmoniously and efficiently.
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Photo of Natalie Schettini, LMHC, MS, Counselor
Natalie Schettini
Counselor, LMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11216  (Online Only)
Hey there! I am a bilingual (English and Haitian Creole) Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Through my time as a research assistant aiding to conduct studies on the effects of racial discrimination, I became motivated to be a direct support for those in need of mental health resources. As a child of Black immigrants, I believe in the importance of being able to provide clients with a counselor who is culturally sensitive. I make it my primary mission to foster a warm environment with a client first in order to ensure safety and trust. I promote a safe healing environment for individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Hey there! I am a bilingual (English and Haitian Creole) Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Through my time as a research assistant aiding to conduct studies on the effects of racial discrimination, I became motivated to be a direct support for those in need of mental health resources. As a child of Black immigrants, I believe in the importance of being able to provide clients with a counselor who is culturally sensitive. I make it my primary mission to foster a warm environment with a client first in order to ensure safety and trust. I promote a safe healing environment for individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds.
(347) 657-6731 View (347) 657-6731
Photo of Darrell Dadzie, Pre-Licensed Professional
Darrell Dadzie
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Flushing, NY 11374
I am a multi-cultural competent Counselor, working as an intern. My ideal focus is an adult working with anxiety, depression, and low self- esteem who wants to build their self-worth and work on finding purpose in life. I have worked with adults and children of diverse cultures, working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and identity crisis. I am also passionate about working with Black/ African Americans and LGBTQIA+ communities on self-acceptance and openly expressing themselves without fear of judgment. I have a client-centered approach that provides unconditional positive regard and provide cognitive behavioral therapy.
I am a multi-cultural competent Counselor, working as an intern. My ideal focus is an adult working with anxiety, depression, and low self- esteem who wants to build their self-worth and work on finding purpose in life. I have worked with adults and children of diverse cultures, working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and identity crisis. I am also passionate about working with Black/ African Americans and LGBTQIA+ communities on self-acceptance and openly expressing themselves without fear of judgment. I have a client-centered approach that provides unconditional positive regard and provide cognitive behavioral therapy.
(929) 470-1240 View (929) 470-1240
Photo of Bianca Landy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bianca Landy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10037  (Online Only)
I'm a dedicated therapist committed to empowering Black women on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. My practice focuses specifically on serving Black women ages 21 and older who are navigating the complexities of life while grappling with mental health issues. With a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach, I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and self-esteem challenges. I recognize that societal pressures, systemic inequities, and cultural dynamics can significantly impact one's mental and emotional state.
I'm a dedicated therapist committed to empowering Black women on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. My practice focuses specifically on serving Black women ages 21 and older who are navigating the complexities of life while grappling with mental health issues. With a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach, I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and self-esteem challenges. I recognize that societal pressures, systemic inequities, and cultural dynamics can significantly impact one's mental and emotional state.
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Photo of Heydi Hurtado, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heydi Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11237  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there! I’m Heydi Hurtado, licensed therapist and founder of Peace Cove Counseling: a faith-based therapeutic space to empower black + brown folk on their journey of healing. Are you burnt out and feeling as if you're "running on empty"? Do you find yourself incessantly preoccupied with the opinions of others? Do you often experience the fear of rejection/abandonment, and have difficulty expressing your feelings + needs? Do you struggle with setting healthy boundaries with others?
Hi there! I’m Heydi Hurtado, licensed therapist and founder of Peace Cove Counseling: a faith-based therapeutic space to empower black + brown folk on their journey of healing. Are you burnt out and feeling as if you're "running on empty"? Do you find yourself incessantly preoccupied with the opinions of others? Do you often experience the fear of rejection/abandonment, and have difficulty expressing your feelings + needs? Do you struggle with setting healthy boundaries with others?
(718) 550-4656 View (718) 550-4656
Photo of Vaughn Jenkins, LMHC, Counselor
Vaughn Jenkins
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11216  (Online Only)
I help Black men overcome barriers between themselves and loving to their fullest capacity so they can create their most fulfilling relationships.
As Black men a lot of us have been socialized in ways that makes maintaining deep relationships a challenge. Whether the cause is unresolved trauma, communication skills that need improvement, socialized masculinity or anything else, allowing the issue to go unresolved creates tension with others where there should be harmony. A lot of us developed defenses for remaining safe in a world we feel isn’t safe for us. However, we create worlds within our relationships and when we continue to deploy defenses in spaces that are safe for us we prevent ourselves from loving and receiving love to the best of our ability.
I help Black men overcome barriers between themselves and loving to their fullest capacity so they can create their most fulfilling relationships.
As Black men a lot of us have been socialized in ways that makes maintaining deep relationships a challenge. Whether the cause is unresolved trauma, communication skills that need improvement, socialized masculinity or anything else, allowing the issue to go unresolved creates tension with others where there should be harmony. A lot of us developed defenses for remaining safe in a world we feel isn’t safe for us. However, we create worlds within our relationships and when we continue to deploy defenses in spaces that are safe for us we prevent ourselves from loving and receiving love to the best of our ability.
(646) 663-5849 View (646) 663-5849
Photo of Samantha Hill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11206  (Online Only)
I have experience working with college students/young adults coping with professional or life transitions, first-generation Americans, African-American or Caribbean-American men and women, adult/geriatric individuals with acute and/or chronic medical illnesses.
I have experience working with college students/young adults coping with professional or life transitions, first-generation Americans, African-American or Caribbean-American men and women, adult/geriatric individuals with acute and/or chronic medical illnesses.
(332) 239-7191 View (332) 239-7191
Photo of Ashley C. Whiteside, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley C. Whiteside
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11212
Again, I center and prioritize Black and Brown Femmes! Our space is unapologetically Black, Queer, and Loving (PERIODT).
My name is Ashley and I am a healer, therapist, doula, and educator. I am fueled by my charge: to walk alongside Black and Brown femmes as they continue on the ever-evolving process of self-discovery, making adjustments to live in alignment with their desires and express themselves the most authentically. I believe that choosing to heal is a radical act of self-love. I am a Licensed Social Worker and in my practice, I center and prioritize the experiences and healing of Black and Brown Femmes (women, girls). I serve as a guide as clients navigate back to a space of remembering the inherent truths of who they are and desire to be.
Again, I center and prioritize Black and Brown Femmes! Our space is unapologetically Black, Queer, and Loving (PERIODT).
My name is Ashley and I am a healer, therapist, doula, and educator. I am fueled by my charge: to walk alongside Black and Brown femmes as they continue on the ever-evolving process of self-discovery, making adjustments to live in alignment with their desires and express themselves the most authentically. I believe that choosing to heal is a radical act of self-love. I am a Licensed Social Worker and in my practice, I center and prioritize the experiences and healing of Black and Brown Femmes (women, girls). I serve as a guide as clients navigate back to a space of remembering the inherent truths of who they are and desire to be.
(518) 625-8425 View (518) 625-8425
Photo of Shari Simon, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shari Simon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11233  (Online Only)
Clients describe me as empathetic, supportive, humorous, attentive, and authentic. I have spent years supporting individuals, couples & families navigating interpersonal challenges, anxiety, depression, infidelity, trauma, stress, self-esteem, work challenges, and life transitions. I also provide premarital counseling. I have expertise supporting the unique challenges of marginalized communities including Black, POC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, poly, etc. I am passionate about providing therapy because I know firsthand that finding a culturally aware therapist is not an easy feat.
Clients describe me as empathetic, supportive, humorous, attentive, and authentic. I have spent years supporting individuals, couples & families navigating interpersonal challenges, anxiety, depression, infidelity, trauma, stress, self-esteem, work challenges, and life transitions. I also provide premarital counseling. I have expertise supporting the unique challenges of marginalized communities including Black, POC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, poly, etc. I am passionate about providing therapy because I know firsthand that finding a culturally aware therapist is not an easy feat.
(929) 552-3366 View (929) 552-3366
Photo of Mackinson Exilus, LMHC , Counselor
Mackinson Exilus
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206  (Online Only)
Through these experiences, Mack‘s interest lies in intergenerational trauma, multiculturalism, racial identity as it relates to black men and working with people of color to unpack social / emotional pressures of society.
Mack uses a holistic, creative and collaborative approach with his clients, ranging from person centered, Reality Therapy, ACT and other empirical methods. He believes that healing is an ongoing process. “Clients are experts of self and I help them gain more insight on undiscovered paths of their journey.” Mack guides clients to explore topics not limited to trauma, depression, relationships and anxiety.
Through these experiences, Mack‘s interest lies in intergenerational trauma, multiculturalism, racial identity as it relates to black men and working with people of color to unpack social / emotional pressures of society.
Mack uses a holistic, creative and collaborative approach with his clients, ranging from person centered, Reality Therapy, ACT and other empirical methods. He believes that healing is an ongoing process. “Clients are experts of self and I help them gain more insight on undiscovered paths of their journey.” Mack guides clients to explore topics not limited to trauma, depression, relationships and anxiety.
(347) 695-8297 View (347) 695-8297
Photo of Cy Valdez, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cy Valdez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11233  (Online Only)
As a Black, queer, Caribbean/LatinX individual who practices therapy from a non-oppressive and radically authentic lens I draw on over ten years of experience working with women, children and communities of color around topics of equity, sexuality, education, LGBTQ+, and trauma. I use my knowledge and background to analyze issues with a strong understanding of the systems, personal history and survival skills that influence your identity today. I am interested in understanding 'personal language' (emotions and perspective) to address the current design of your relationships and encourage transformations better suited for your goals
As a Black, queer, Caribbean/LatinX individual who practices therapy from a non-oppressive and radically authentic lens I draw on over ten years of experience working with women, children and communities of color around topics of equity, sexuality, education, LGBTQ+, and trauma. I use my knowledge and background to analyze issues with a strong understanding of the systems, personal history and survival skills that influence your identity today. I am interested in understanding 'personal language' (emotions and perspective) to address the current design of your relationships and encourage transformations better suited for your goals
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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.