Black and African American Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Our mission is to deliver compassionate care through high quality psychotherapy services that are culturally sensitive and attuned to the needs of our clients and their experience in the world. We recognize that traumatic experience is a thread that runs through many people's lives, and our therapists are informed on best practices for trauma recovery work. Our aim is to support our clients to feel empowered on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and a sense of well-being.
Our mission is to deliver compassionate care through high quality psychotherapy services that are culturally sensitive and attuned to the needs of our clients and their experience in the world. We recognize that traumatic experience is a thread that runs through many people's lives, and our therapists are informed on best practices for trauma recovery work. Our aim is to support our clients to feel empowered on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and a sense of well-being.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Philadelphia. I have experience working with adults in an inpatient and outpatient setting for individuals and groups. I utilize CBT, DBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and narrative therapies. My treatment focus includes depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse use disorders. I especially enjoy working with women who can benefit from additional support to cope with daily health needs, self-worth, relationship issues, and building on their community resources.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Philadelphia. I have experience working with adults in an inpatient and outpatient setting for individuals and groups. I utilize CBT, DBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and narrative therapies. My treatment focus includes depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse use disorders. I especially enjoy working with women who can benefit from additional support to cope with daily health needs, self-worth, relationship issues, and building on their community resources.
I am a licensed associate counselor and music therapist with 15+ years of experience providing trauma-informed, equity-centered care. My clinical background spans medical and community health settings—exploring identity, life transitions, trauma and loss, familial ruptures, mental health and addiction, chronic illness, community violence, and systemic harm. My approach is grounded in culturally sustaining, somatic, and arts-based practices that respect the wisdom we carry in our bodies and the importance of cultural identity.
I am a licensed associate counselor and music therapist with 15+ years of experience providing trauma-informed, equity-centered care. My clinical background spans medical and community health settings—exploring identity, life transitions, trauma and loss, familial ruptures, mental health and addiction, chronic illness, community violence, and systemic harm. My approach is grounded in culturally sustaining, somatic, and arts-based practices that respect the wisdom we carry in our bodies and the importance of cultural identity.
I believe that each of us is inherently worthy and deserves to exist as our fullest selves. Through curiosity, compassion, and radical genuineness, I seek to co-create an affirmative space in which you may explore intersecting identities, process feelings, and cultivate hope and meaning. My therapeutic approach emphasizes centering your lived experiences, meeting you where you are, and moving at your pace.
I believe that each of us is inherently worthy and deserves to exist as our fullest selves. Through curiosity, compassion, and radical genuineness, I seek to co-create an affirmative space in which you may explore intersecting identities, process feelings, and cultivate hope and meaning. My therapeutic approach emphasizes centering your lived experiences, meeting you where you are, and moving at your pace.
To imagine an ideal client, I’d imagine someone that is open and willing to take an honest look at themselves; have a willingness to commit to building a safe space to heal and someone that can work remotely. They want someone who brings good energy to the space and they want to feel valued and heard.
To imagine an ideal client, I’d imagine someone that is open and willing to take an honest look at themselves; have a willingness to commit to building a safe space to heal and someone that can work remotely. They want someone who brings good energy to the space and they want to feel valued and heard.
As a queer, cis, Black/biracial man, I'm particularly passionate about offering an affirming therapeutic space to BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA-identified individuals.
Taking this first step of searching through profiles on Psychology Today demonstrates a certain level of commitment to improve the quality of your mental health. And it can also be quite overwhelming sifting through all the options (hello decision fatigue). Collectively we're all dealing with so much right now as human beings on this planet, and it is critically important for us to attend to our mental health needs. Whether navigating stressors of day-to-day life, or experiencing a more acute crisis, therapy can be an excellent source of support, healing and empowerment.
As a queer, cis, Black/biracial man, I'm particularly passionate about offering an affirming therapeutic space to BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA-identified individuals.
Taking this first step of searching through profiles on Psychology Today demonstrates a certain level of commitment to improve the quality of your mental health. And it can also be quite overwhelming sifting through all the options (hello decision fatigue). Collectively we're all dealing with so much right now as human beings on this planet, and it is critically important for us to attend to our mental health needs. Whether navigating stressors of day-to-day life, or experiencing a more acute crisis, therapy can be an excellent source of support, healing and empowerment.
Welcome to a space where your ambitions are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Life is fast-paced, and for those who are constantly on the move, finding time for self-care and personal growth can be challenging. As your therapist, I understand the demands of a busy life and offer non-traditional hours to ensure that you can prioritize your mental well-being in a way that fits the needs of your schedule.
Welcome to a space where your ambitions are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Life is fast-paced, and for those who are constantly on the move, finding time for self-care and personal growth can be challenging. As your therapist, I understand the demands of a busy life and offer non-traditional hours to ensure that you can prioritize your mental well-being in a way that fits the needs of your schedule.
We help clients facing a wide range of concern, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, issues with intimacy, stress, and life transitions. Each therapist in our practice brings unique expertise and therapeutic styles, allowing us to match you with someone who best fits your personality, goals, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, we’re here to help you build resilience, develop insight, and move toward lasting emotional well-being.
We help clients facing a wide range of concern, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, issues with intimacy, stress, and life transitions. Each therapist in our practice brings unique expertise and therapeutic styles, allowing us to match you with someone who best fits your personality, goals, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, we’re here to help you build resilience, develop insight, and move toward lasting emotional well-being.
Reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating, especially if you are used to handling things on your own. Many people who contact me are the ones others rely on. You may understand everyone else’s feelings but feel anxious, disconnected, or unsure of yourself when you are alone.
I do not see you as broken. I see patterns that once helped you adapt, stay safe, or belong. Overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, or always being the strong one often made sense at some point. In therapy we slow down and gently notice what is happening in the present moment so you can understand yourself rather than fight yourself.
Reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating, especially if you are used to handling things on your own. Many people who contact me are the ones others rely on. You may understand everyone else’s feelings but feel anxious, disconnected, or unsure of yourself when you are alone.
I do not see you as broken. I see patterns that once helped you adapt, stay safe, or belong. Overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, or always being the strong one often made sense at some point. In therapy we slow down and gently notice what is happening in the present moment so you can understand yourself rather than fight yourself.
Therapy doesn’t have to be scary. It can be a space for honest conversation, surprising breakthroughs, and even a few laughs. I work with individuals (14 and older) as well as couples and families. We navigate identity, relationships, life transitions, and relational conflict. Together, we explore patterns and try new strategies that feel practical and sustainable so you are ready to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Therapy doesn’t have to be scary. It can be a space for honest conversation, surprising breakthroughs, and even a few laughs. I work with individuals (14 and older) as well as couples and families. We navigate identity, relationships, life transitions, and relational conflict. Together, we explore patterns and try new strategies that feel practical and sustainable so you are ready to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Ayanna Michelle Gellineau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSc
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19151
You’re the one people lean on.
You get things done, hold it all together, and from the outside it looks like you’re “fine.”
But inside, you’re exhausted from overthinking, old wounds that won’t stay in the past, and feeling like you have to be strong all the time.
As a trauma-informed therapist I specialize in working with adults who are juggling a lot: career, family, faith and values, relationships, and the impact of childhood and relational trauma. Naming and shifting harsh inner narratives, understanding your nervous system and triggers, tending to younger parts of you that feel abandoned or not enough.
You’re the one people lean on.
You get things done, hold it all together, and from the outside it looks like you’re “fine.”
But inside, you’re exhausted from overthinking, old wounds that won’t stay in the past, and feeling like you have to be strong all the time.
As a trauma-informed therapist I specialize in working with adults who are juggling a lot: career, family, faith and values, relationships, and the impact of childhood and relational trauma. Naming and shifting harsh inner narratives, understanding your nervous system and triggers, tending to younger parts of you that feel abandoned or not enough.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of experience, and I’ve dedicated my career to walking alongside children, teens, adults, and families, especially those impacted by trauma. My experiences are around helping people heal from anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and complex family dynamics. I bring a unique combination of clinical expertise, academic training, and lived experience to the therapy space.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of experience, and I’ve dedicated my career to walking alongside children, teens, adults, and families, especially those impacted by trauma. My experiences are around helping people heal from anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and complex family dynamics. I bring a unique combination of clinical expertise, academic training, and lived experience to the therapy space.
Anjé McLish - Non-Monogamy Sex Couples
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, KIC, CNM
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you a pre-licensed therapist in Pennsylvania seeking supervision toward licensure? You may feel overwhelmed by relational trauma or attachment cases, unsure of your clinical voice, or wanting stronger skills and confidence. Maybe you work with non-monogamous relationships and want affirming, ethical guidance. Supervision with me is a space to slow down, reflect, and build both skill and confidence. I aim to create an environment where you can bring uncertainty, stuck points, and questions without fear of judgment.
Are you a pre-licensed therapist in Pennsylvania seeking supervision toward licensure? You may feel overwhelmed by relational trauma or attachment cases, unsure of your clinical voice, or wanting stronger skills and confidence. Maybe you work with non-monogamous relationships and want affirming, ethical guidance. Supervision with me is a space to slow down, reflect, and build both skill and confidence. I aim to create an environment where you can bring uncertainty, stuck points, and questions without fear of judgment.
I’m a United States Veteran working with adults, couples, and families impacted by religious or spiritual abuse, trauma related to authority or institutions, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Many clients come from rigid or controlling environments and feel disconnected after long-term stress or moral injury. I help people question harmful belief systems, recover from shame-based dynamics, and rebuild identity, boundaries, and emotional safety. I provide therapy in Philadelphia and Chestnut Hill.
I’m a United States Veteran working with adults, couples, and families impacted by religious or spiritual abuse, trauma related to authority or institutions, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Many clients come from rigid or controlling environments and feel disconnected after long-term stress or moral injury. I help people question harmful belief systems, recover from shame-based dynamics, and rebuild identity, boundaries, and emotional safety. I provide therapy in Philadelphia and Chestnut Hill.
Have you been struggling with a lot of stress in your life often feeling overwhelmed of burned out? Are you struggling with anxious thoughts that consume you? Do you feel alone or like you just can’t get motivated? Do you want to be proactive in the success of your daily life? Whether you are working on building coping skills, changing maladaptive thought patterns, learning emotional regulation tools or exploring personal goals, we’ll work together to create a plan that is achievable and empowers you to create sustained holistic wellness.
Have you been struggling with a lot of stress in your life often feeling overwhelmed of burned out? Are you struggling with anxious thoughts that consume you? Do you feel alone or like you just can’t get motivated? Do you want to be proactive in the success of your daily life? Whether you are working on building coping skills, changing maladaptive thought patterns, learning emotional regulation tools or exploring personal goals, we’ll work together to create a plan that is achievable and empowers you to create sustained holistic wellness.
Our practice works with Black clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress management to process the origins of their concerns through a racially-sensitive lens.
We are a practice of Black therapists who strive to understand the needs of our clients in order to create an optimized approach to meet their goals. We specialize in working with clients of all ages to help them deal with issues such as infidelity, communication, stress management, anger management, relationship building, sexuality, etc.
Our practice works with Black clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress management to process the origins of their concerns through a racially-sensitive lens.
We are a practice of Black therapists who strive to understand the needs of our clients in order to create an optimized approach to meet their goals. We specialize in working with clients of all ages to help them deal with issues such as infidelity, communication, stress management, anger management, relationship building, sexuality, etc.
I'm a licensed therapist based in Pennsylvania, and I help people work through a wide range of challenges—from everyday stress and relationship struggles to more serious concerns like PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Some areas I’m especially passionate about include navigating life changes, building confidence, strengthening communication, setting healthy boundaries, healing from trauma, and supporting people through anxiety, depression, and tough relationships. I also care deeply about how culture and identity shape our experiences.
I'm a licensed therapist based in Pennsylvania, and I help people work through a wide range of challenges—from everyday stress and relationship struggles to more serious concerns like PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Some areas I’m especially passionate about include navigating life changes, building confidence, strengthening communication, setting healthy boundaries, healing from trauma, and supporting people through anxiety, depression, and tough relationships. I also care deeply about how culture and identity shape our experiences.
I enjoy treating adults, teens, couples (married or otherwise), and families who are suffering from a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, illness, recent loss, drug and substance abuse and/or a history of trauma (emotional, physical and mental).I specialize in working with couples (married or otherwise). The relational dynamic and negative reinforcement cycles intimate partners find themselves trapped in are the things I have a strong knack for noticing and interrupting to allow couples to find new ways to improve their relationship quality.
I enjoy treating adults, teens, couples (married or otherwise), and families who are suffering from a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, illness, recent loss, drug and substance abuse and/or a history of trauma (emotional, physical and mental).I specialize in working with couples (married or otherwise). The relational dynamic and negative reinforcement cycles intimate partners find themselves trapped in are the things I have a strong knack for noticing and interrupting to allow couples to find new ways to improve their relationship quality.
We specialize in providing affirming, knowledgeable, and compassionate care for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Our therapists are committed to creating a non-judgmental, supportive space where all identities are respected and celebrated.
We offer both short-term, solution-focused therapy and longer-term, in-depth psychotherapy tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking to navigate identity exploration, heal from trauma, or improve your relationships, our goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, reduce distress, and create lasting, meaningful change.
We specialize in providing affirming, knowledgeable, and compassionate care for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Our therapists are committed to creating a non-judgmental, supportive space where all identities are respected and celebrated.
We offer both short-term, solution-focused therapy and longer-term, in-depth psychotherapy tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking to navigate identity exploration, heal from trauma, or improve your relationships, our goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, reduce distress, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Dr. Jeff J. Rocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPC, LMHC, LCPC
Philadelphia, PA 19103
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
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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.