Black and African American Therapists in King County, WA
I am dedicated to guiding individuals and families on their journey toward healing and wholeness through faith-based counseling. Rooted in Christian principles, I strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment where you can explore your challenges, discover your God-given purpose, and cultivate deeper relationships with yourself, others, and God. My mission is to empower each person to experience transformation, hope, and renewed strength in their life’s journey.
I am dedicated to guiding individuals and families on their journey toward healing and wholeness through faith-based counseling. Rooted in Christian principles, I strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment where you can explore your challenges, discover your God-given purpose, and cultivate deeper relationships with yourself, others, and God. My mission is to empower each person to experience transformation, hope, and renewed strength in their life’s journey.
The specialties I thrive in my work with are clients with anxiety, self-esteem issues, tough life transitions, relationship issues with family, friends, & romantic partners, intimacy issues, along with numerous daily life stressors related to job performance and work life balance. I love clients that are willing to try different therapeutic techniques & remain transparent along the journey. If you would like to take positive steps towards something that you are struggling with, I am right here to walk with you.
The specialties I thrive in my work with are clients with anxiety, self-esteem issues, tough life transitions, relationship issues with family, friends, & romantic partners, intimacy issues, along with numerous daily life stressors related to job performance and work life balance. I love clients that are willing to try different therapeutic techniques & remain transparent along the journey. If you would like to take positive steps towards something that you are struggling with, I am right here to walk with you.
Do you sometimes feel alone, overlooked, or unheard in your relationship? Are you desiring a deeper connection and more meaningful communication? At times, relationships can feel imbalanced or disconnected, leaving individuals feeling uncertain and vulnerable. When trust or respect erodes, couples can lose their sense of direction and purpose.
Do you sometimes feel alone, overlooked, or unheard in your relationship? Are you desiring a deeper connection and more meaningful communication? At times, relationships can feel imbalanced or disconnected, leaving individuals feeling uncertain and vulnerable. When trust or respect erodes, couples can lose their sense of direction and purpose.
Being Black, queer, and neurodivergent, I have had the same struggles.
Many of us feel out of step with others around us. Difficulties with completing tasks and organization lead to struggles and frustration in relationships. Difficulty with social skills and anxiety make it hard to reach out to others for friendship or dating. Some of us feel shame and isolation from ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity. Our unique hobbies or interests keep us out of step. Shame keeps us from exploring who we are in friendships, dating, and sexually. People often do not see us. We feel alone. This manifests as depression, anxiety, and difficulty regulating our emotions.
Being Black, queer, and neurodivergent, I have had the same struggles.
Many of us feel out of step with others around us. Difficulties with completing tasks and organization lead to struggles and frustration in relationships. Difficulty with social skills and anxiety make it hard to reach out to others for friendship or dating. Some of us feel shame and isolation from ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity. Our unique hobbies or interests keep us out of step. Shame keeps us from exploring who we are in friendships, dating, and sexually. People often do not see us. We feel alone. This manifests as depression, anxiety, and difficulty regulating our emotions.
As a Black biracial woman, spouse of 15 years, and mother, I understand the complexity of navigating life transitions while trying to stay connected to yourself.
I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can explore anxiety, stress, identity concerns, and life transitions. Using Reality Therapy, CBT, MI, and trauma‑informed tools, I help you manage intrusive thoughts, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with your values so you can move forward with more balance and confidence.
As a Black biracial woman, spouse of 15 years, and mother, I understand the complexity of navigating life transitions while trying to stay connected to yourself.
I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can explore anxiety, stress, identity concerns, and life transitions. Using Reality Therapy, CBT, MI, and trauma‑informed tools, I help you manage intrusive thoughts, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with your values so you can move forward with more balance and confidence.
NOTE: Currently welcoming therapy intensives only. Many high-capacity women and couples are carrying far more than the world realizes — balancing demanding careers, caregiving, relationships, identity shifts, emotional labor, and the quiet pressure to keep performing no matter what life brings. Over time, even successful people can find themselves feeling disconnected, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed in relationships, or unsure how to move forward in a way that actually feels sustainable.
NOTE: Currently welcoming therapy intensives only. Many high-capacity women and couples are carrying far more than the world realizes — balancing demanding careers, caregiving, relationships, identity shifts, emotional labor, and the quiet pressure to keep performing no matter what life brings. Over time, even successful people can find themselves feeling disconnected, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed in relationships, or unsure how to move forward in a way that actually feels sustainable.
Are you or someone you care for interested in reigniting your innate capacity for healing and growth? At Inner Refuge Counseling, though we do not accept insurance or voucher of any kind, our focused attention to the development of individualized therapeutic frameworks is done in a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment that helps to facilitate a safe guided exploration of self, within the context of social justice discrimination, cultural identity and acceptance, relational systems, and professional trauma. We work primarily with teenagers and adults (13-65yrs).
Are you or someone you care for interested in reigniting your innate capacity for healing and growth? At Inner Refuge Counseling, though we do not accept insurance or voucher of any kind, our focused attention to the development of individualized therapeutic frameworks is done in a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment that helps to facilitate a safe guided exploration of self, within the context of social justice discrimination, cultural identity and acceptance, relational systems, and professional trauma. We work primarily with teenagers and adults (13-65yrs).
Board-certified in psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy. Celebrity Therapist for Women, with 24 years of combined experiences in mental health. I work with WNBA athletes and high profile clients in both the Movie and Music Industries. My approach is supportive, empathetic and, above all, pragmatic. Our sessions are discreetly held via telehealth and catered to you. Book your appointment on my website: www. moodbykim. com
Board-certified in psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy. Celebrity Therapist for Women, with 24 years of combined experiences in mental health. I work with WNBA athletes and high profile clients in both the Movie and Music Industries. My approach is supportive, empathetic and, above all, pragmatic. Our sessions are discreetly held via telehealth and catered to you. Book your appointment on my website: www. moodbykim. com
Every person holds a story worth telling and reclaiming. In my practice, I create a safe space for reflection, curiosity, and meaning-making, where experiences are honored and your voice leads toward healing and hope. Your story matters—and it deserves to be heard with compassion. I'm here to walk alongside you if you are ready to explore your story with care and compassion. Let's begin where you are.
My approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationships—when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and safe. I bring a calm, nonjudgmental presence to each session, meeting you with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
Every person holds a story worth telling and reclaiming. In my practice, I create a safe space for reflection, curiosity, and meaning-making, where experiences are honored and your voice leads toward healing and hope. Your story matters—and it deserves to be heard with compassion. I'm here to walk alongside you if you are ready to explore your story with care and compassion. Let's begin where you are.
My approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationships—when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and safe. I bring a calm, nonjudgmental presence to each session, meeting you with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
You may be the one everyone relies on—capable, thoughtful, and high-functioning on the outside—but internally feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck. Many of my clients are navigating ADHD, trauma, cultural stress, or major life transitions while balancing demanding careers, family expectations, or identity transformation.
I specialize in working with working professionals, immigrants, college students, and individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities who want therapy that is both culturally responsive and deeply affirming.
You may be the one everyone relies on—capable, thoughtful, and high-functioning on the outside—but internally feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck. Many of my clients are navigating ADHD, trauma, cultural stress, or major life transitions while balancing demanding careers, family expectations, or identity transformation.
I specialize in working with working professionals, immigrants, college students, and individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities who want therapy that is both culturally responsive and deeply affirming.
Everyone should have the mental health resources to live their best lives, which includes a strong sexual voice and confident gender expression. There is an immense amount of guilt and shame in our culture that negatively affects how we perceive and receive sex, sexuality, and gender. Vulnerable populations have been targeted with specific, hurtful sexual and gendered stereotypes that can increase psychological distress. As a person of color, I am happy to contribute my perspective and lived experience to the field and your choice of therapists. Sex affects everyone, and it merits focused attention in the mental health field.
Everyone should have the mental health resources to live their best lives, which includes a strong sexual voice and confident gender expression. There is an immense amount of guilt and shame in our culture that negatively affects how we perceive and receive sex, sexuality, and gender. Vulnerable populations have been targeted with specific, hurtful sexual and gendered stereotypes that can increase psychological distress. As a person of color, I am happy to contribute my perspective and lived experience to the field and your choice of therapists. Sex affects everyone, and it merits focused attention in the mental health field.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+.
Children: 25+ yrs of experience (14 yrs Educator & School counselor) Certified 0-5 Early Childhood Specialist (IMH-E) trained in Attachment, CPP, PCIT, TF-CBT to empower caregivers' integral role in helping children health and cope with trauma - including abuse, adoption issues, anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional behavior, ADHD, or relating to others.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+.
Children: 25+ yrs of experience (14 yrs Educator & School counselor) Certified 0-5 Early Childhood Specialist (IMH-E) trained in Attachment, CPP, PCIT, TF-CBT to empower caregivers' integral role in helping children health and cope with trauma - including abuse, adoption issues, anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional behavior, ADHD, or relating to others.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, or attachment-related issues? If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Many of my clients face similar challenges, and I'm here to support you. Whether you're dealing with the aftereffects of past trauma, navigating anxiety, or trying to understand and heal attachment wounds, my goal is to help you find healing and emotional balance. With my experience working across a variety of settings—including inpatient, IOP, and DFCS—I offer a versatile, client-centered approach that adapts to your individual needs.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, or attachment-related issues? If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Many of my clients face similar challenges, and I'm here to support you. Whether you're dealing with the aftereffects of past trauma, navigating anxiety, or trying to understand and heal attachment wounds, my goal is to help you find healing and emotional balance. With my experience working across a variety of settings—including inpatient, IOP, and DFCS—I offer a versatile, client-centered approach that adapts to your individual needs.
Whether you are feeling burnt out from years of masking, managing the ongoing impacts of trauma, systemic harm, or chronic stress, I strive to create a collaborative, affirming space where you feel seen, heard, and validated. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to reconnect with your authentic self, what brings you joy, and tap into your innate wisdom in order to transform the ways you relate to yourself, others and the world. You have spent long enough just surviving. You deserve to thrive!
Whether you are feeling burnt out from years of masking, managing the ongoing impacts of trauma, systemic harm, or chronic stress, I strive to create a collaborative, affirming space where you feel seen, heard, and validated. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to reconnect with your authentic self, what brings you joy, and tap into your innate wisdom in order to transform the ways you relate to yourself, others and the world. You have spent long enough just surviving. You deserve to thrive!
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington State with graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington. Since 2008, I’ve supported individuals and families across medical, mental health, child welfare, and crisis settings. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, offering a compassionate, culturally humble space to navigate challenges, build insight, and move toward meaningful change.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington State with graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington. Since 2008, I’ve supported individuals and families across medical, mental health, child welfare, and crisis settings. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, offering a compassionate, culturally humble space to navigate challenges, build insight, and move toward meaningful change.
Seeking professional help takes courage & self awareness. You recognize your need to delve deeper, wanting to address your concerns so that you’re able to heal. You want to show up as the highest version of yourself. Living a life of quality is the ultimate goal.
Seeking professional help takes courage & self awareness. You recognize your need to delve deeper, wanting to address your concerns so that you’re able to heal. You want to show up as the highest version of yourself. Living a life of quality is the ultimate goal.
Dr. Shine here! My ideal client feels stuck, anxious, or emotionally exhausted, often carrying the weight of past trauma, self-doubt, and people-pleasing behaviors. They struggle with setting boundaries, overthinking, or feeling unworthy, leading to patterns that no longer serve them. They crave emotional healing, self-trust, and confidence, but may feel unsure where to start. Their goal is to break free from anxiety, process past wounds, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic. They want to let go of guilt, develop healthier relationships, and navigate life transitions with clarity, feeling at peace within themselves.
Dr. Shine here! My ideal client feels stuck, anxious, or emotionally exhausted, often carrying the weight of past trauma, self-doubt, and people-pleasing behaviors. They struggle with setting boundaries, overthinking, or feeling unworthy, leading to patterns that no longer serve them. They crave emotional healing, self-trust, and confidence, but may feel unsure where to start. Their goal is to break free from anxiety, process past wounds, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic. They want to let go of guilt, develop healthier relationships, and navigate life transitions with clarity, feeling at peace within themselves.
Now Accepting Clients! Relationships are at the heart of our lives, and when they feel strained, it can be overwhelming, lonely, and painful. You don’t have to navigate this alone. It’s an honor to support couples through their struggles, creating a safe space for healing and reconnection. Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck, break unhealthy patterns, and rebuild trust. There is hope, and a new path forward is possible. With compassion and guidance, I’m here to help you embrace it with clarity, courage, and strength.
Now Accepting Clients! Relationships are at the heart of our lives, and when they feel strained, it can be overwhelming, lonely, and painful. You don’t have to navigate this alone. It’s an honor to support couples through their struggles, creating a safe space for healing and reconnection. Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck, break unhealthy patterns, and rebuild trust. There is hope, and a new path forward is possible. With compassion and guidance, I’m here to help you embrace it with clarity, courage, and strength.
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them especially in dating, career, relationships, and family. Some challenges you experience may include impostor syndrome, low self esteem, low confidence, anxiety, worry, perfectionism, and poor self image. What you want is validation / knowing you're enough and the correcting perspectives you wish you had in your past experiences. This work can be so empowering for engaging all relationships (with yourself and work or career), dating life, partnerships, and family life!
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them especially in dating, career, relationships, and family. Some challenges you experience may include impostor syndrome, low self esteem, low confidence, anxiety, worry, perfectionism, and poor self image. What you want is validation / knowing you're enough and the correcting perspectives you wish you had in your past experiences. This work can be so empowering for engaging all relationships (with yourself and work or career), dating life, partnerships, and family life!
Dr. Estella Williamson| EW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, MSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
Choosing to obtain therapy is one of the most important decisions a person will make in their life. Congratulations on deciding to address this important part of your healthcare! Trusting someone with the care of one’s mental health can be frightening. It was frightening for me when I began my own therapeutic journey years ago. Yet, it was the best decision I made in my life… one that influenced my own professional decision to become a licensed mental health therapist. Welcome to my profile!
Choosing to obtain therapy is one of the most important decisions a person will make in their life. Congratulations on deciding to address this important part of your healthcare! Trusting someone with the care of one’s mental health can be frightening. It was frightening for me when I began my own therapeutic journey years ago. Yet, it was the best decision I made in my life… one that influenced my own professional decision to become a licensed mental health therapist. Welcome to my profile!
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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.