Black and African American Therapists in King County, WA
While I treat individuals from all socioeconomic, racial and cultural backgrounds, I have dedicated my career to providing quality therapeutic services to marginalized communities, including black single-mothers, justice-involved individuals and those that struggle with navigating the daily challenges faced by living in metropolitan areas.
I am delighted that you have encountered my profile and taken an active, and courageous step in your healing journey. I bring a down-to-earth, approachable presence to therapy and place the utmost importance on fostering a warm and friendly, yet professional relationship with you. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation that will support you as we explore pathways toward your healing, develop adaptive and functional coping skills, improve your emotional regulation, and help you experience a fulfilling life, rather than just exist.
While I treat individuals from all socioeconomic, racial and cultural backgrounds, I have dedicated my career to providing quality therapeutic services to marginalized communities, including black single-mothers, justice-involved individuals and those that struggle with navigating the daily challenges faced by living in metropolitan areas.
I am delighted that you have encountered my profile and taken an active, and courageous step in your healing journey. I bring a down-to-earth, approachable presence to therapy and place the utmost importance on fostering a warm and friendly, yet professional relationship with you. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation that will support you as we explore pathways toward your healing, develop adaptive and functional coping skills, improve your emotional regulation, and help you experience a fulfilling life, rather than just exist.
I specialize in supporting Black women who are ready to find balance, cultivate stronger connections, and embrace self-love.
Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step to Taking Care of Everyone Else. You’re a millennial woman carrying the weight of many roles—partner, mother, professional, friend, daughter, and the list goes on. But underneath it all, you feel the anxiety of trying to juggle everything. You feel the stress of strained relationships with your partner, parents, and colleagues. Hey sis, you can't be everything for everybody. How do you prioritize yourself in the mix? We're entering a new season of growth. Are you ready to quiet the self-doubt, find your intuition, and speak your truth to strengthen your relationships? Let's go!
I specialize in supporting Black women who are ready to find balance, cultivate stronger connections, and embrace self-love.
Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step to Taking Care of Everyone Else. You’re a millennial woman carrying the weight of many roles—partner, mother, professional, friend, daughter, and the list goes on. But underneath it all, you feel the anxiety of trying to juggle everything. You feel the stress of strained relationships with your partner, parents, and colleagues. Hey sis, you can't be everything for everybody. How do you prioritize yourself in the mix? We're entering a new season of growth. Are you ready to quiet the self-doubt, find your intuition, and speak your truth to strengthen your relationships? Let's go!
As a black therapist, one of my key areas of focus is the intersectionality of mental health and race. People of color often face unique stressors and systemic barriers that can make mental health challenges much more prevalent. The stigma associated with seeking therapy within many communities of color can make it even more difficult to reach out for help. Consequently, I am dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations within these communities and ensuring culturally competent care for my clients
As a black therapist, one of my key areas of focus is the intersectionality of mental health and race. People of color often face unique stressors and systemic barriers that can make mental health challenges much more prevalent. The stigma associated with seeking therapy within many communities of color can make it even more difficult to reach out for help. Consequently, I am dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations within these communities and ensuring culturally competent care for my clients
Accepting New Clients: Having difficulty finding a therapist of color who understands your experience? I understand your struggle. As an African American male, I too had trouble finding a therapist of my own. Being a person of color in our society comes with its own unique experience, along with the everyday struggles and challenges we all face. It’s difficult and frustrating to have to explain this unique experience to someone before you can even address your reason for being there. But you continue searching because you know you need someone who understands your experience and can help you with life’s struggles.
Accepting New Clients: Having difficulty finding a therapist of color who understands your experience? I understand your struggle. As an African American male, I too had trouble finding a therapist of my own. Being a person of color in our society comes with its own unique experience, along with the everyday struggles and challenges we all face. It’s difficult and frustrating to have to explain this unique experience to someone before you can even address your reason for being there. But you continue searching because you know you need someone who understands your experience and can help you with life’s struggles.
I strive to promote the well-being of Black individuals' and dedicate my practice to helping young adults unlock their Black girl, Black boy, and Black person magic.
I believe everyone deserves a chance to find peace and joy in their lives. My personal experience of being a plus-size Black woman has given me insight into how oppression and internalized oppression can shape our experiences and view of the world, and stop us from reaching our fullest potential. No matter the circumstance, you deserve a safe space to discuss the pressures, stigmas, trauma, shame, hurt, loss, and oppressive systems you have to navigate every day. Therapy should serve as a space for you to explore your many intersectional identities and start the journey to becoming your best self.
I strive to promote the well-being of Black individuals' and dedicate my practice to helping young adults unlock their Black girl, Black boy, and Black person magic.
I believe everyone deserves a chance to find peace and joy in their lives. My personal experience of being a plus-size Black woman has given me insight into how oppression and internalized oppression can shape our experiences and view of the world, and stop us from reaching our fullest potential. No matter the circumstance, you deserve a safe space to discuss the pressures, stigmas, trauma, shame, hurt, loss, and oppressive systems you have to navigate every day. Therapy should serve as a space for you to explore your many intersectional identities and start the journey to becoming your best self.
As a Black, queer, neurodivergent therapist, I can not only offer the support & insights imparted on me through formal education & training, but through lived experiences as well.
I am passionate about supporting folks of historically marginalized identities, as they navigate the world around them. I work to create a warm, empowering, and non-judgmental space; where clients can feel safe processing challenging experiences, adopting new perspectives, & building practices that suit them and their community.
Folks struggling with anxious thoughts, burnout, depressed mood, executive dysfunction, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship difficulties, and much more are welcome.
As a Black, queer, neurodivergent therapist, I can not only offer the support & insights imparted on me through formal education & training, but through lived experiences as well.
I am passionate about supporting folks of historically marginalized identities, as they navigate the world around them. I work to create a warm, empowering, and non-judgmental space; where clients can feel safe processing challenging experiences, adopting new perspectives, & building practices that suit them and their community.
Folks struggling with anxious thoughts, burnout, depressed mood, executive dysfunction, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship difficulties, and much more are welcome.
As a black woman who is also an immigrant, I do understand the reality of suppression, silencing and de-integration.
I am passionate about offering counseling and therapy services to women and femmes of color experiencing anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and issues around spirituality. Through interpersonal, contextualized therapy and mindfulness (paying attention to our whole bodies), I aim to facilitate spaces where healing and wellness can be experienced and intentionally re-integrated. I have also expanded my practice to include Immigration/Psychological Evaluations for community members who need this service. This includes Asylum, Extreme Hardship, VAWA, U and T Visas. Please contact for fees on this service.
As a black woman who is also an immigrant, I do understand the reality of suppression, silencing and de-integration.
I am passionate about offering counseling and therapy services to women and femmes of color experiencing anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and issues around spirituality. Through interpersonal, contextualized therapy and mindfulness (paying attention to our whole bodies), I aim to facilitate spaces where healing and wellness can be experienced and intentionally re-integrated. I have also expanded my practice to include Immigration/Psychological Evaluations for community members who need this service. This includes Asylum, Extreme Hardship, VAWA, U and T Visas. Please contact for fees on this service.
Recent Presentations: Healing for Black Community -King County Library system, The Impact of Creativity on Belief, Emotions and Stress in the Context of the Death of George Floyd, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work Couples Program.
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
Recent Presentations: Healing for Black Community -King County Library system, The Impact of Creativity on Belief, Emotions and Stress in the Context of the Death of George Floyd, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work Couples Program.
I work with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, issues of personal identity (race/gender/sexuality orientation), and life transitions (relational/ academic/professional). Navigating into the depths of who we are reveals we are so much more than what we sense at the surface. Having support on our journey can allow us to develop tolerance for our full range of emotions, gain awareness of what we feel in our bodies, discover new insights into past events, expand our ability to discuss fears, increase empathy for ourselves, experience more meaningful relationships.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you to improve relationships, problem-solve, or reduce your suffering.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you to improve relationships, problem-solve, or reduce your suffering.
David Parks
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104
Waitlist for new clients
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.
I believe that everyone has the ability to transform their lives. I’m just a vehicle to help you understand and interpret your experiences in a way that helps you achieve the things you want. My goal is to empower others through their own strengths. Being a Black woman with personal experience navigating life in a society as a minority, I feel that it is imperative to incorporate your cultural values into the therapeutic process at a level you feel comfortable with. And as a former athlete, I have first-hand experience with high level stress and pressure, as well as the sometimes difficult transition to life after sport.
I believe that everyone has the ability to transform their lives. I’m just a vehicle to help you understand and interpret your experiences in a way that helps you achieve the things you want. My goal is to empower others through their own strengths. Being a Black woman with personal experience navigating life in a society as a minority, I feel that it is imperative to incorporate your cultural values into the therapeutic process at a level you feel comfortable with. And as a former athlete, I have first-hand experience with high level stress and pressure, as well as the sometimes difficult transition to life after sport.
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I offer clinical supervision, individual therapy, and coaching services. For therapy, my areas of focus include, but are not limited to, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, adjustment to change, and life challenges faced by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. For coaching, my areas of focus include workplace wellness, relationships, and confidence. I am competent and experienced in providing clinical supervision for those engaged in clinical mental health counseling and those working in healthcare settings.
I offer clinical supervision, individual therapy, and coaching services. For therapy, my areas of focus include, but are not limited to, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, adjustment to change, and life challenges faced by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. For coaching, my areas of focus include workplace wellness, relationships, and confidence. I am competent and experienced in providing clinical supervision for those engaged in clinical mental health counseling and those working in healthcare settings.
Soulful Journey Therapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Our passion is to create a safe space for everyone, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color(BIPOC) and refugee & immigrant communities, through the lens of equity and social justice.
We often think we are alone, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed, but we are not alone. Many people experience mental health stressors. Mental health is a state of well-being in which individuals understand their abilities, cope with life's everyday stresses, work productively and abundantly, and contribute to their community. At Soulful Journey Therapy, we are here to help. We aim to provide a safe and therapeutic place to process your emotions, mindfulness stress reduction, and cognitive-behavioral and existential theories.
Our passion is to create a safe space for everyone, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color(BIPOC) and refugee & immigrant communities, through the lens of equity and social justice.
We often think we are alone, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed, but we are not alone. Many people experience mental health stressors. Mental health is a state of well-being in which individuals understand their abilities, cope with life's everyday stresses, work productively and abundantly, and contribute to their community. At Soulful Journey Therapy, we are here to help. We aim to provide a safe and therapeutic place to process your emotions, mindfulness stress reduction, and cognitive-behavioral and existential theories.
I'm Justin Talkish, a therapist with 20 years of experience, including the last 4 years in private practice. I'm deeply devoted to helping clients rebuild their lives after trauma, grief, or loss. My therapeutic approach draws extensively from my own lived experiences, fostering a safe, supportive space where vulnerability, resilience, and healing are shared and nurtured together. I’m especially committed to serving those often overlooked in therapy, including Black Americans, LGBTQ individuals, and those impacted by religious trauma. Overcoming personal challenges, I offer unique support to those who might otherwise feel unseen.
I'm Justin Talkish, a therapist with 20 years of experience, including the last 4 years in private practice. I'm deeply devoted to helping clients rebuild their lives after trauma, grief, or loss. My therapeutic approach draws extensively from my own lived experiences, fostering a safe, supportive space where vulnerability, resilience, and healing are shared and nurtured together. I’m especially committed to serving those often overlooked in therapy, including Black Americans, LGBTQ individuals, and those impacted by religious trauma. Overcoming personal challenges, I offer unique support to those who might otherwise feel unseen.
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
Ali Pagan Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space for you to re-connect with your whole self (body included!) as well as your strengths, and to process through emotions and experiences that feel challenging to face and sort through on your own. As a black mixed race person of color myself, my racial identity is a lens through which I see the work and how I show up in the therapeutic space. I have a special interest in processing through grief for those who have experienced loss of any kind. I utilize calm, reflective listening, somatic awareness, social justice and systems focus, and a strengths-based approach.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space for you to re-connect with your whole self (body included!) as well as your strengths, and to process through emotions and experiences that feel challenging to face and sort through on your own. As a black mixed race person of color myself, my racial identity is a lens through which I see the work and how I show up in the therapeutic space. I have a special interest in processing through grief for those who have experienced loss of any kind. I utilize calm, reflective listening, somatic awareness, social justice and systems focus, and a strengths-based approach.
As an African American therapist, I prioritize treating racial trauma, strengthening community, and cultivating wellness.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
As an African American therapist, I prioritize treating racial trauma, strengthening community, and cultivating wellness.
Therapy is a vehicle of exploration of your higher self. Clients are encouraged to assess their overall functioning across the life domains to identify their healing/wellness opportunities. Trauma exposures are often stored in the body and can manifest in maladaptive ways such as low self-esteem, shame, anger, interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, stagnation, anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Accordingly, I approach therapy from a collaborative perspective encouraging clients to discover their medicine by honoring their truth and intrinsic value.
Leah Hayes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98023
As a Black therapist, I provide a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to address the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals.
I work with young adults, teens, families, and individuals from the BIPOC community who are navigating various mental health concerns such as anxiety, mood disorders, relationship struggles, life transitions, multicultural challenges, and family conflicts. Many of my clients find it difficult to connect with someone who truly understands the unique experiences and pressures they face. They seek a safe, supportive space where they can be seen, understood, and valued. Together, we focus on building resilience, enhancing relationships, and cultivating self-compassion, empowering them to share their stories and pursue personal growth.
As a Black therapist, I provide a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to address the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals.
I work with young adults, teens, families, and individuals from the BIPOC community who are navigating various mental health concerns such as anxiety, mood disorders, relationship struggles, life transitions, multicultural challenges, and family conflicts. Many of my clients find it difficult to connect with someone who truly understands the unique experiences and pressures they face. They seek a safe, supportive space where they can be seen, understood, and valued. Together, we focus on building resilience, enhancing relationships, and cultivating self-compassion, empowering them to share their stories and pursue personal growth.
As a licensed therapist and clergy, my aim is to provide my clients with the utmost understanding of their diverse needs. With my background as a black, immigrant, and Muslim individual, I bring a unique perspective to the table that fosters cultural humility. My approach is personalized and family-centered, valuing the stories of each and every client. I create a supportive environment that embraces all identities, and I help my clients navigate their mental health journeys with confidence, using evidence-based practices and cultural competency.
As a licensed therapist and clergy, my aim is to provide my clients with the utmost understanding of their diverse needs. With my background as a black, immigrant, and Muslim individual, I bring a unique perspective to the table that fosters cultural humility. My approach is personalized and family-centered, valuing the stories of each and every client. I create a supportive environment that embraces all identities, and I help my clients navigate their mental health journeys with confidence, using evidence-based practices and cultural competency.
Welcome to my profile! My name is Dr. Freeman, I am a Black psychologist, and I am excited to offer you compassionate, skilled, and effective therapy. I support clients managing anxiety and trauma, so if you have a fear of persons, situations, and life events that restricts your well-being and quality of life, get in touch with me. I will assist you in becoming more confident in overcoming these concerns in hopes of easing your journey to recovery. In addition to therapy, I offer comprehensive, affirming evaluations for trauma, ADHD, and autism. This process supports understanding strengths and areas of growth.
Welcome to my profile! My name is Dr. Freeman, I am a Black psychologist, and I am excited to offer you compassionate, skilled, and effective therapy. I support clients managing anxiety and trauma, so if you have a fear of persons, situations, and life events that restricts your well-being and quality of life, get in touch with me. I will assist you in becoming more confident in overcoming these concerns in hopes of easing your journey to recovery. In addition to therapy, I offer comprehensive, affirming evaluations for trauma, ADHD, and autism. This process supports understanding strengths and areas of growth.
See more therapy options for King County
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.