Black and African American Therapists in New York, NY
Is it hard for you to say no? Do you have challenges identifying and articulating your needs and boundaries? Are you afraid to voice your true feelings and concerns with significant others and colleagues either because you feel guilt and shame for taking the space or because the people in your life will guilt and shame you for your requests? Do you usually put yourself last because you do not want to upset those around you? Good News: It is not your fault and you have the power to change it.
Is it hard for you to say no? Do you have challenges identifying and articulating your needs and boundaries? Are you afraid to voice your true feelings and concerns with significant others and colleagues either because you feel guilt and shame for taking the space or because the people in your life will guilt and shame you for your requests? Do you usually put yourself last because you do not want to upset those around you? Good News: It is not your fault and you have the power to change it.
As a Certified Trauma-Informed Professional, BIPOC ( African-American, Asian, Latino and other minorities of color), SGL affirming therapist with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in complex trauma (C-PTSD), ethnic stress, and addiction.
Past experiences can feel like invisible barriers to your mental health. My approach blends Psychodynamic depth with CBT and Motivational Interviewing, moving beyond surface symptoms toward true healing. Whether navigating racial trauma or the weight of a hidden history, we will work together to reclaim your life and break cycles that no longer serve you.
As a Certified Trauma-Informed Professional, BIPOC ( African-American, Asian, Latino and other minorities of color), SGL affirming therapist with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in complex trauma (C-PTSD), ethnic stress, and addiction.
Past experiences can feel like invisible barriers to your mental health. My approach blends Psychodynamic depth with CBT and Motivational Interviewing, moving beyond surface symptoms toward true healing. Whether navigating racial trauma or the weight of a hidden history, we will work together to reclaim your life and break cycles that no longer serve you.
As Megan Thee Stallion says “Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too”. Have you been feeling stressed and anxious about life? Do you feel you have to be everything to everybody and then not take care of yourself? If any of this sounds familiar, I'm here to help you. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive atmosphere that will allow you to express yourself & uncover the negative thoughts & behaviors that are interfering with the realization of your hopes & dreams.
As Megan Thee Stallion says “Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too”. Have you been feeling stressed and anxious about life? Do you feel you have to be everything to everybody and then not take care of yourself? If any of this sounds familiar, I'm here to help you. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive atmosphere that will allow you to express yourself & uncover the negative thoughts & behaviors that are interfering with the realization of your hopes & dreams.
I am also co-founder of a collective of Black Mental health practitioners based in Paris and continue to promote Art therapy/ecotherapy through other NGO work.
My clients are postcolonial, queer, subaltern, disabled, invisibilised survivors of everyday microagressions or complex trauma. Like my clients I am polycultural, multilingual, queer and attuned to queries on acculturation, multiple social identities, identity shifting, parenting minority or neuroatypical children, intercultural couples, as well as accidental, disabling or climacteric transitions. My clients want to come to terms with their complexities — those invalidated because of primary or secondary socialisation. Exploring symbolic language allows for production of new knowledge of self and self-(re)actualisation. Paris based.
I am also co-founder of a collective of Black Mental health practitioners based in Paris and continue to promote Art therapy/ecotherapy through other NGO work.
My clients are postcolonial, queer, subaltern, disabled, invisibilised survivors of everyday microagressions or complex trauma. Like my clients I am polycultural, multilingual, queer and attuned to queries on acculturation, multiple social identities, identity shifting, parenting minority or neuroatypical children, intercultural couples, as well as accidental, disabling or climacteric transitions. My clients want to come to terms with their complexities — those invalidated because of primary or secondary socialisation. Exploring symbolic language allows for production of new knowledge of self and self-(re)actualisation. Paris based.
At times we all struggle to navigate our relationships in a healthy way. I specialize in working with adults and couples who struggle with thoughts and behaviors that hold them back from successfully navigating their relationships and lives. During our sessions, we will peel back the layers that represent your core values, beliefs, needs and fears that contribute to how you see yourself and others. I also offer guidance on overcoming negative thinking patterns that get in the way of finding success. If you need to set boundaries, express your needs, connect with your partner or manage anxiety/depression, welcome!
At times we all struggle to navigate our relationships in a healthy way. I specialize in working with adults and couples who struggle with thoughts and behaviors that hold them back from successfully navigating their relationships and lives. During our sessions, we will peel back the layers that represent your core values, beliefs, needs and fears that contribute to how you see yourself and others. I also offer guidance on overcoming negative thinking patterns that get in the way of finding success. If you need to set boundaries, express your needs, connect with your partner or manage anxiety/depression, welcome!
Healthy Minds NYC | April Grigsby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10018
Ready to experience a breakthrough in your mental health? I would be privileged to help you beat anxiety, depression, or other challenges as you translate insight into a manageable and actionable plan. I specialize in caring for individuals and couples who want to address anxiety, trauma, conflict resolution, work stress, spirituality, grief, and more. As your therapist, I will be an empathetic listener, helping you build on your strengths to change your circumstances and solve the problems that keep you from having better health. I will meet you where you are and patiently partner with you to reach your life goals.
Ready to experience a breakthrough in your mental health? I would be privileged to help you beat anxiety, depression, or other challenges as you translate insight into a manageable and actionable plan. I specialize in caring for individuals and couples who want to address anxiety, trauma, conflict resolution, work stress, spirituality, grief, and more. As your therapist, I will be an empathetic listener, helping you build on your strengths to change your circumstances and solve the problems that keep you from having better health. I will meet you where you are and patiently partner with you to reach your life goals.
My name is Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and have a Doctorate in Clinical-School Psychology from Pace University. I also received a certificate in Crisis Management from Long Island University. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a school setting for over 30 years,
My name is Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and have a Doctorate in Clinical-School Psychology from Pace University. I also received a certificate in Crisis Management from Long Island University. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a school setting for over 30 years,
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I help individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds deal with a variety of life challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, career-related stress, relationship issues, and life transitions.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I help individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds deal with a variety of life challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, career-related stress, relationship issues, and life transitions.
I believe that trust and vulnerability are extremely important, and I place a large emphasis on the relationship between us. My goal is for us to develop a relationship in which you feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing some of your most intimate feelings. My hope is that you trust that I will be able to accept, support, and guide you along the way. No topic is too big or too small, and my hope is that you can feel comfortable discussing anything with me.
I believe that trust and vulnerability are extremely important, and I place a large emphasis on the relationship between us. My goal is for us to develop a relationship in which you feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing some of your most intimate feelings. My hope is that you trust that I will be able to accept, support, and guide you along the way. No topic is too big or too small, and my hope is that you can feel comfortable discussing anything with me.
If you are seeking to make meaningful change in your life and break cycles, come to our practice where we offer counseling that bears witness to your past struggles while working towards a hopeful future. My clients are often BIPOC, queer, trans, neurodivergent etc. and looking for a space to process old and new emotions.
If you are seeking to make meaningful change in your life and break cycles, come to our practice where we offer counseling that bears witness to your past struggles while working towards a hopeful future. My clients are often BIPOC, queer, trans, neurodivergent etc. and looking for a space to process old and new emotions.
Hey, Welcome! I'm Brittany a Christian-based therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting high-achieving women as they navigate professional, personal, and spiritual demands. I help clients build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, improve communication, and cultivate healthy relationships while managing stress, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral, insight oriented and solution focused interventions with Christian-based principles, empowering women to honor their beliefs while creating balance, growth, and a more fulfilling quality of life.
Hey, Welcome! I'm Brittany a Christian-based therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting high-achieving women as they navigate professional, personal, and spiritual demands. I help clients build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, improve communication, and cultivate healthy relationships while managing stress, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral, insight oriented and solution focused interventions with Christian-based principles, empowering women to honor their beliefs while creating balance, growth, and a more fulfilling quality of life.
I built the foundation of my therapeutic approach helping young adults work through relational and family stressors, anxiety, ADHD, identity and cultural complexities, and depression. Additionally, I have experience providing support to older adults in the community.
I built the foundation of my therapeutic approach helping young adults work through relational and family stressors, anxiety, ADHD, identity and cultural complexities, and depression. Additionally, I have experience providing support to older adults in the community.
Everyone deserves an opportunity for growth. The therapeutic relationship is a trusting process. I use empathy, humor, and positive regard to create a safe space to discuss distress people experience throughout the course of life. I encourage my clients to identify and focus on the things they can control when dealing with depression and anxiety. Change is challenging and often unavoidable. I work with adults (over age 21) who are looking to overcome fears and struggles by helping them learn effective ways to cope and set and maintain boundaries. My goal is to guide individuals on the road to healing, empowerment, and success.
Everyone deserves an opportunity for growth. The therapeutic relationship is a trusting process. I use empathy, humor, and positive regard to create a safe space to discuss distress people experience throughout the course of life. I encourage my clients to identify and focus on the things they can control when dealing with depression and anxiety. Change is challenging and often unavoidable. I work with adults (over age 21) who are looking to overcome fears and struggles by helping them learn effective ways to cope and set and maintain boundaries. My goal is to guide individuals on the road to healing, empowerment, and success.
What would change if you felt more confident, connected, and fulfilled? I work with adults and couples seeking meaningful change, greater clarity, and a more fulfilling life. My clients often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, emotionally stuck in the past, or disconnected in relationships. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build skills to manage difficult emotions and life’s challenges, and work toward changes that feel meaningful and sustainable. I also work with Spanish-speaking clients and couples from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
What would change if you felt more confident, connected, and fulfilled? I work with adults and couples seeking meaningful change, greater clarity, and a more fulfilling life. My clients often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, emotionally stuck in the past, or disconnected in relationships. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build skills to manage difficult emotions and life’s challenges, and work toward changes that feel meaningful and sustainable. I also work with Spanish-speaking clients and couples from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision. You want someone who can understand where you are, listen without judgment, and bring both compassion and clinical experience to the work. With more than 35 years of experience in behavioral health, I bring a depth of perspective that can help you make sense of difficult experiences, recognize patterns that may be holding you back, and move toward meaningful change. You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision. You want someone who can understand where you are, listen without judgment, and bring both compassion and clinical experience to the work. With more than 35 years of experience in behavioral health, I bring a depth of perspective that can help you make sense of difficult experiences, recognize patterns that may be holding you back, and move toward meaningful change. You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.
Evette Dunlap, MFT-Limited Permit holder, earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University in 2024, building on a background in Psychology and Education. As a mental health counselor at Homeward NYC, she supports clients facing substance abuse and severe mental illness.
Dedicated to an empathetic, safe, and positive therapeutic environment, Evette empowers individuals, couples, and adolescents to build resilience and achieve goals. Her integrative approach uses Evidence-Based Practices—including CBT, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Evette Dunlap, MFT-Limited Permit holder, earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University in 2024, building on a background in Psychology and Education. As a mental health counselor at Homeward NYC, she supports clients facing substance abuse and severe mental illness.
Dedicated to an empathetic, safe, and positive therapeutic environment, Evette empowers individuals, couples, and adolescents to build resilience and achieve goals. Her integrative approach uses Evidence-Based Practices—including CBT, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. My training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I specialize in trauma-informed practices. I offer training and consultation on mental health and community-based programming. I have experience helping individuals facing challenges such as depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, stress management, difficulty regulating emotions for healthier decision-making, and PTSD. I aim to create safe spaces where you can share your thoughts and feelings, working together to find solutions that promote positive change and improve your mental well-being and quality of life.
I am licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. My training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I specialize in trauma-informed practices. I offer training and consultation on mental health and community-based programming. I have experience helping individuals facing challenges such as depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, stress management, difficulty regulating emotions for healthier decision-making, and PTSD. I aim to create safe spaces where you can share your thoughts and feelings, working together to find solutions that promote positive change and improve your mental well-being and quality of life.
As a clinical therapist my best approach in the helping process is through empathy, active listening as well as a supportive environment. I believe that my enthusiasm, and commitment comes from my positive results of working with patients who were going through bereavement, children in crises, domestic violence and addiction of all types.
As a clinical therapist my best approach in the helping process is through empathy, active listening as well as a supportive environment. I believe that my enthusiasm, and commitment comes from my positive results of working with patients who were going through bereavement, children in crises, domestic violence and addiction of all types.
If not NOW then when? Are you tired of just surviving? Are you exhausted from not finding a solid footing while having things you thought would make you happy? Is life endless cosplay?
I support high-achievers in pressured settings that juggle success with silent struggles—anxious thoughts, burnout, self-doubt, or trauma they’ve learned to hide well. They crave clarity and meaningful success. They are tired of "powering through." They want tools that work, not just talk therapy. In our work together, we focus on developing emotional agility, creating sustainable strategies, and releasing what is no longer theirs to carry.
If not NOW then when? Are you tired of just surviving? Are you exhausted from not finding a solid footing while having things you thought would make you happy? Is life endless cosplay?
I support high-achievers in pressured settings that juggle success with silent struggles—anxious thoughts, burnout, self-doubt, or trauma they’ve learned to hide well. They crave clarity and meaningful success. They are tired of "powering through." They want tools that work, not just talk therapy. In our work together, we focus on developing emotional agility, creating sustainable strategies, and releasing what is no longer theirs to carry.
Hi, my name is Ms. Garvin. I have 20 yrs. of experience as a LCSW and a NYS Psychotherapist. I have a great respect for all cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. My primary goal is to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem to improve client’s daily function. I am extremely open-minded, a great listener and solution oriented. My greatest strength is to “help clients look beyond the surface and look within to find a greater sense of inner peace.”
Hi, my name is Ms. Garvin. I have 20 yrs. of experience as a LCSW and a NYS Psychotherapist. I have a great respect for all cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. My primary goal is to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem to improve client’s daily function. I am extremely open-minded, a great listener and solution oriented. My greatest strength is to “help clients look beyond the surface and look within to find a greater sense of inner peace.”
See more therapy options for New York
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for New York
- Astoria
- Brooklyn
- Corona
- East Elmhurst
- Glendale
- Jackson Heights
- Long Island City
- Middle Village
- Rego Park
- Ridgewood
- Sunnyside
- Woodside
FAQ - Black and African American Counselling
As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?
Working with an African American therapist can often mean that you start from a place of shared understanding with a therapist rather than having to explain your experience from scratch. A therapist who shares your racial identity is more likely to understand the specific pressures shaping your mental health, including navigating racism, cultural identity, and the overall experience of being Black in the United States. They are also more likely to understand the role that family, community, and cultural expectations play in your life without requiring a lengthy explanation. This shared foundation can create a greater sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship and make it easier to open up at the start of therapy.
Are there Black therapists who specialize in working with Black men or Black women?
Yes, many Black therapists have specific experience working with Black men or Black women. While therapists who work with Black clients broadly address concerns relevant to all genders, like anxiety or depression, those with a gender-specific focus are equipped to work with you on the particular ways that race and gender may intersect. For example, some therapists may specialize in working with Black women on topics like body image or maternal mental health, while other therapists may work with Black men on topics such as relationships or masculinity.
Do Black therapists offer marriage and couples counseling?
Yes, many Black therapists are trained in couples and marriage counseling and can work with partners navigating a wide range of relationship challenges. Therapists who identify as Black may have a better understanding of the cultural dynamics surrounding marriage, family roles, and conflict that are specific to African American communities and can work with you and your partner without making assumptions about your background.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black clients?
The initial consultation, which is typically a brief phone or video call, is the right time to raise a therapist’s experience working with Black clients. You can ask specific questions, such as "Do you have experience working with Black clients?" or more broad questions, such as "How do you approach cultural identity in your practice?". During the initial consultation, you can also ask whether they have undertaken training in cultural competence and how they would handle a situation where a cultural misunderstanding arose in therapy. A therapist who responds to these questions thoughtfully and without defensiveness is a good sign they are equipped to work with you effectively.
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.