Black and African American Therapists in Chapel Hill, NC
![Photo of Deja Buckner, LPA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3dabcfa-e4b8-4b7b-b8dd-fb14fb9eb87a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Most of her clients are black and brown women and girls struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, chronic stress, women’s concerns, and executive functioning challenges.
Ms. Buckner is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) who is passionate about encouraging and empowering clients, particularly women of color, to recognize their need of balance. Her clinical practice centers around helping clients understand and adjust maladaptive patterns that lead to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by multi-faceted women, Ms. Buckner provides a compassionate and culturally sensitive therapeutic space that emphasizes stress-reduction, sincerity, and intentionally joyful living.
Most of her clients are black and brown women and girls struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, chronic stress, women’s concerns, and executive functioning challenges.
Ms. Buckner is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) who is passionate about encouraging and empowering clients, particularly women of color, to recognize their need of balance. Her clinical practice centers around helping clients understand and adjust maladaptive patterns that lead to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by multi-faceted women, Ms. Buckner provides a compassionate and culturally sensitive therapeutic space that emphasizes stress-reduction, sincerity, and intentionally joyful living.
![Photo of Leslie Stevens - Congruence Counseling Group, MEd, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de6c48f1-68f2-43e4-a205-2b4314dd42d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Congruence Counseling Group
Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
While we serve all members of our community, we honor and recognize the acute needs of Black People, People of Color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Congruence Counseling Group is currently accepting new clients. We are happy to provide space for you to approach life with curiosity and awareness. We listen to the wisdom in your story and try to reflect that wisdom back to you. We care deeply about our clients and feel honored when you allow us to walk beside you on your journey. We provide a safe therapeutic space that speaks to a variety of experiences. Our trained clinicians include mental health counselors, social workers, and interns who specialize in a myriad of mental health issues and use specific modalities to help clients reach their goals.
While we serve all members of our community, we honor and recognize the acute needs of Black People, People of Color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Congruence Counseling Group is currently accepting new clients. We are happy to provide space for you to approach life with curiosity and awareness. We listen to the wisdom in your story and try to reflect that wisdom back to you. We care deeply about our clients and feel honored when you allow us to walk beside you on your journey. We provide a safe therapeutic space that speaks to a variety of experiences. Our trained clinicians include mental health counselors, social workers, and interns who specialize in a myriad of mental health issues and use specific modalities to help clients reach their goals.
![Photo of Amal McKenzie, MA, LCMHC-A, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa156029-50b3-4ab6-9925-758e7ed7a895/2/320x400.jpeg)
I do my best to have social justice and black feminist perspectives throughout my sessions.
Hello! My name is Amal. I see therapy as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients. As a queer black woman, my goal is to provide space for those like me and others who have felt silenced and marginalized a majority of their lives. I have a passion for working with women of color and LGBTQIA+ identifying folks.
I do my best to have social justice and black feminist perspectives throughout my sessions.
Hello! My name is Amal. I see therapy as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients. As a queer black woman, my goal is to provide space for those like me and others who have felt silenced and marginalized a majority of their lives. I have a passion for working with women of color and LGBTQIA+ identifying folks.
![Photo of Zakiya Futrell, MEd, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1a05249-0f89-4df5-9708-477952cd2629/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zakiya Futrell
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Hello. My name is Zakiya Futrell and I am excited to become a part of your journey. My primary goal as your counselor is to ensure that as my client you feel safe, comfortable, and empowered. I work with late teens, young adults, and older adults utilizing person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches within my counseling practice.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Hello. My name is Zakiya Futrell and I am excited to become a part of your journey. My primary goal as your counselor is to ensure that as my client you feel safe, comfortable, and empowered. I work with late teens, young adults, and older adults utilizing person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches within my counseling practice.
![Photo of Tausha G Watson, PsyD, RPT, TCTSY-F, SEP, RYT-500, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce0311e9-a5b9-4e01-b674-4f6b7f30c6de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tausha G Watson
Psychologist, PsyD, RPT, TCTSY-F, SEP, RYT-500
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
We often feel lost, stuck, and helpless when we struggle to find solutions to our everyday problems. At this point, our problems can become obstacles blocking us from living the best days of our lives. However, psychotherapy can help us overcome these obstacles by teaching us how to cope better with our emotions and thoughts, gain insight into our problems, make impactful changes, communicate effectively, find solutions, and stop engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.
We often feel lost, stuck, and helpless when we struggle to find solutions to our everyday problems. At this point, our problems can become obstacles blocking us from living the best days of our lives. However, psychotherapy can help us overcome these obstacles by teaching us how to cope better with our emotions and thoughts, gain insight into our problems, make impactful changes, communicate effectively, find solutions, and stop engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.
![Photo of Jonora Jones, LCMHC, LPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7816fef0-b607-4730-a3fe-d2666998ddd8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jonora Jones
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
Is your past getting in the way of creating a better future? I’m a potential sherpa on your therapy journey. You are the expert on your life! My work is to teach, ask the right questions, and probe so that your wisdom becomes more accessible to you. My trauma- and mindfulness-informed, culturally responsive approach to counseling is primarily based upon CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, DBT. I am an EMDR Certified (EMDRIA) therapist. I work with adults with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, among others. I work with clients from various backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
Is your past getting in the way of creating a better future? I’m a potential sherpa on your therapy journey. You are the expert on your life! My work is to teach, ask the right questions, and probe so that your wisdom becomes more accessible to you. My trauma- and mindfulness-informed, culturally responsive approach to counseling is primarily based upon CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, DBT. I am an EMDR Certified (EMDRIA) therapist. I work with adults with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, among others. I work with clients from various backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
![Photo of Marlana Elan Peterson Rogers, MPA, LCAS, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e26390d0-df34-47e1-9f35-50e7e6674eb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marlana Elan Peterson Rogers
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MPA, LCAS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am a person-centered therapist who uses the guide-collaborator approach to provide a safe space to empathetically build a therapeutic rapport with clients. My theoretical model of choice is CBT with elements of CPT, NET, and DBT. I meet my clients where they are in their stage of readiness for change. I find this is the optimum approach in being responsive to the individual's needs. This approach allows my techniques to be flexible and integrative. I incorporate psychoeducational components on symptom impact of diagnosis, the influence of negative schemas, porous boundaries, ineffective communication styles, and attachment styles.
I am a person-centered therapist who uses the guide-collaborator approach to provide a safe space to empathetically build a therapeutic rapport with clients. My theoretical model of choice is CBT with elements of CPT, NET, and DBT. I meet my clients where they are in their stage of readiness for change. I find this is the optimum approach in being responsive to the individual's needs. This approach allows my techniques to be flexible and integrative. I incorporate psychoeducational components on symptom impact of diagnosis, the influence of negative schemas, porous boundaries, ineffective communication styles, and attachment styles.
![Photo of Melissa Segal - Melissa Segal (InterHuman Solutions), LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f2b8f09-d4a4-4c16-a03e-e41896391fb3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you navigating challenging situations at work or in your personal life? Are you hoping to further develop skills in management, leadership, or fostering relationships? Are you seeking to build psychological safety and authenticity into your daily interactions? In my coaching practice, I work with clients to build on their strengths, explore areas of potential growth, and practice skills to improve success when interacting with colleagues, managers, supervisees, friends, or family. I also help clients reflect on how to process harmful events, match intent with impact, consider their and others’ needs, and restore relationships.
Are you navigating challenging situations at work or in your personal life? Are you hoping to further develop skills in management, leadership, or fostering relationships? Are you seeking to build psychological safety and authenticity into your daily interactions? In my coaching practice, I work with clients to build on their strengths, explore areas of potential growth, and practice skills to improve success when interacting with colleagues, managers, supervisees, friends, or family. I also help clients reflect on how to process harmful events, match intent with impact, consider their and others’ needs, and restore relationships.
![Photo of Michelle Corbett Brown, EdD, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3631c0c6-0445-4844-83ce-9b77f96c6d01/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Corbett Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Do you feel you have the weight of the world on your shoulders and worry about how to handle the responsibilities in your life? Do you want to feel understood? Are you having trouble communicating your point of view/handling conflict? Anything you are experiencing; you do not have to discover the solutions on your own. With a fresh perspective, you will find your inner power, gain self-confidence, and know you are somebody who is enough. I have a passion to help those who desire a different perspective or want to see their lives through a different set of lenses.
Do you feel you have the weight of the world on your shoulders and worry about how to handle the responsibilities in your life? Do you want to feel understood? Are you having trouble communicating your point of view/handling conflict? Anything you are experiencing; you do not have to discover the solutions on your own. With a fresh perspective, you will find your inner power, gain self-confidence, and know you are somebody who is enough. I have a passion to help those who desire a different perspective or want to see their lives through a different set of lenses.
![Photo of Alleta Alexander, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16337b76-6b26-43a8-b5f2-ec99880330a3/1/320x400.png)
Alleta Alexander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
You deserve to THRIVE and not just SURVIVE. Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless? Maybe you’ve encountered recent changes that caused you to feel off-balanced, hyper-distracted, disorganized, or unmotivated. Whatever roadblocks you are currently facing, let’s figure out together what works for you on your journey at your pace. I am licensed with experience in treating stress management, depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug use, esteem, relationships, and more.
You deserve to THRIVE and not just SURVIVE. Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless? Maybe you’ve encountered recent changes that caused you to feel off-balanced, hyper-distracted, disorganized, or unmotivated. Whatever roadblocks you are currently facing, let’s figure out together what works for you on your journey at your pace. I am licensed with experience in treating stress management, depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug use, esteem, relationships, and more.
![Photo of Zena Chase, MS, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f8b692b-cc0d-49b9-9a01-01c647dfe2db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zena Chase
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing awareness, and fostering resilience.
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing awareness, and fostering resilience.
15 Second Videos
Jonora Jones
Beatrice Parker
Coleman Child Psychology, PLLC
Present Therapy
Awakenings Counseling for Couples and Sex Therapy
Shawnta Wright
Mindful Collaboration
The Armstrong Center for Hope
Leslie Wondra
Audrina Jones Bunton
Ariel Harris
Quintisha China
NRG-Coaching, PLLC
Jennifer M Bynum
Alex Alvarez Rivas
Lisa Lund, MFT, Certified Gottman Couple Therapist
Rachelle Evans Burrell
Tiffany Guy
Natalie Ma
Courtney Hart
Destinee Burch
![Photo of Larron Lee - Lee Consulting Group of NC, PLLC, MS, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/084cd387-ddac-47b0-b0d3-e67fbfb558be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Consulting Group of NC, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Life happens to all of us, unfortunately, what to do when it does is a question that stumps many of us. Sometimes it's an unexpected phone call or experience that alters the trajectory of life, leaving us gripped by defeat, anxiety, and despair. Other times, it's the pain of past wounds (or sometimes present)/trauma caused by someone who was supposed to love and protect us that weighs on us like a ton of bricks, stifling our ability to move forward. At LCG of NC, we hear you, feel you, and we believe that with the right support, you can achieve, overcome, improve, defy, and ultimately win in life.
Life happens to all of us, unfortunately, what to do when it does is a question that stumps many of us. Sometimes it's an unexpected phone call or experience that alters the trajectory of life, leaving us gripped by defeat, anxiety, and despair. Other times, it's the pain of past wounds (or sometimes present)/trauma caused by someone who was supposed to love and protect us that weighs on us like a ton of bricks, stifling our ability to move forward. At LCG of NC, we hear you, feel you, and we believe that with the right support, you can achieve, overcome, improve, defy, and ultimately win in life.
![Photo of Samara Domanski, MA, NCC, LCMHC, PYC, CCTP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cb355a5-15b5-4caa-bfcc-276d1849cf87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many individuals seeking therapy have had experiences feeling misunderstood, isolated, ignored, or even confused. Navigating mental health is not always easy or comfortable. Regardless of one's presenting issues, my goal as a counselor is to help clients gain a better understanding of their experiences, identity, and conflicts. I have extensive experience working with clients facing racial identity issues, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, perinatal or new parenting issues, and issues related to athletics. Even if you don't fall within these categories, I'd be happy to get to know you and help you through your journey!
Many individuals seeking therapy have had experiences feeling misunderstood, isolated, ignored, or even confused. Navigating mental health is not always easy or comfortable. Regardless of one's presenting issues, my goal as a counselor is to help clients gain a better understanding of their experiences, identity, and conflicts. I have extensive experience working with clients facing racial identity issues, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, perinatal or new parenting issues, and issues related to athletics. Even if you don't fall within these categories, I'd be happy to get to know you and help you through your journey!
![Photo of Uneeka L Weathersby, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea0c1c81-1a7b-44f0-b77b-7efe8018cfc8/1/320x400.png)
Uneeka L Weathersby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Uneek Perspective, LLC was created with you in mind. Too often in mental health you are talked at and not partnered with. At Uneek Perspective, LLC you are part of the treatment team from beginning to end. We use your perspective, our clinical expertise to set mental health goals that matter to you, all focused on you feeling better. We create a safe, non-judgemental space that will allow you to be able to begin the process of recovery, gain acceptance, find purpose and learn skills to navigate your present while creating a healthy future.
Uneek Perspective, LLC was created with you in mind. Too often in mental health you are talked at and not partnered with. At Uneek Perspective, LLC you are part of the treatment team from beginning to end. We use your perspective, our clinical expertise to set mental health goals that matter to you, all focused on you feeling better. We create a safe, non-judgemental space that will allow you to be able to begin the process of recovery, gain acceptance, find purpose and learn skills to navigate your present while creating a healthy future.
![Photo of Sasha Morphis, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46cb3cd6-c7a7-4384-b754-b5db11f15054/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sasha Morphis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I am committed to working with children, teenagers, and young adults to overcome obstacles in their lives. I create a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can explore their issues and increase their well-being and quality of life. My primary approach to therapy is collaborative, and I believe each person's needs are unique and require a different framework. My work is grounded in respect, empathy, and compassion. My goal is to make sure every client leaves feeling empowered and well educated to tackle the various challenges that can arise in their lives.
I am committed to working with children, teenagers, and young adults to overcome obstacles in their lives. I create a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can explore their issues and increase their well-being and quality of life. My primary approach to therapy is collaborative, and I believe each person's needs are unique and require a different framework. My work is grounded in respect, empathy, and compassion. My goal is to make sure every client leaves feeling empowered and well educated to tackle the various challenges that can arise in their lives.
![Photo of Ronald A Zumstein, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bd187ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ronald A Zumstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAT
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Over 20 years of working with individuals and couples, I have developed expertise working with a variety of issues, including: low mood, low motivation, anxiety, creative blocks, feeling "stuck" (in any area of life), relationship issues, work or career issues, anger management, addictions, compulsive behavior, and personal growth. My approach is client-centered and collaborative. Together we will work to clarify your goals, and develop a plan that will help you achieve them as quickly as possible. To help you actualize those goals I utilize a variety of modalities, including mindfulness therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychoeducational approaches.
Over 20 years of working with individuals and couples, I have developed expertise working with a variety of issues, including: low mood, low motivation, anxiety, creative blocks, feeling "stuck" (in any area of life), relationship issues, work or career issues, anger management, addictions, compulsive behavior, and personal growth. My approach is client-centered and collaborative. Together we will work to clarify your goals, and develop a plan that will help you achieve them as quickly as possible. To help you actualize those goals I utilize a variety of modalities, including mindfulness therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychoeducational approaches.
![Photo of Lisa Stevens, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b71dd1c-e03d-458d-9703-b4888e49c511/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you struggle to get your needs met in your relationships? Perhaps you try repeatedly and fail to achieve harmony? I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing unhappiness in their important relationships. When my clients first come in, they may feel they are doing the heavy lifting and hope that things will change. Their relationship dissatisfaction gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the person they strive to be according to their values. They feel like they are failing as a partner and in life. Greater self-confidence and fulfillment are attainable.
Do you struggle to get your needs met in your relationships? Perhaps you try repeatedly and fail to achieve harmony? I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing unhappiness in their important relationships. When my clients first come in, they may feel they are doing the heavy lifting and hope that things will change. Their relationship dissatisfaction gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the person they strive to be according to their values. They feel like they are failing as a partner and in life. Greater self-confidence and fulfillment are attainable.
![Photo of Beatrice Parker, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c4dddcf-9c13-4516-b74c-4bbf20ac25ea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we arrive at a point where we can no longer navigate it alone. At Bea Well, I offer a space to have hard conversations. I invite you to reimagine counseling as a space to dream, explore, revisit, dive deep into the complexities of life. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with yourself and improve your relationships. Once you begin to heal your spirit, mind and body, you will create more JOY. The joy you create serves as a grounding force to propel you into the life you want. Ademas, atiendo personas que hablan Español, a sus órdenes.
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we arrive at a point where we can no longer navigate it alone. At Bea Well, I offer a space to have hard conversations. I invite you to reimagine counseling as a space to dream, explore, revisit, dive deep into the complexities of life. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with yourself and improve your relationships. Once you begin to heal your spirit, mind and body, you will create more JOY. The joy you create serves as a grounding force to propel you into the life you want. Ademas, atiendo personas que hablan Español, a sus órdenes.
![Photo of DeAnna C. Murphy, EdD, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a45fda6-d2fa-4068-8dc9-d386e5d44fd3/3/320x400.jpeg)
DeAnna C. Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Are you living a purpose filled life? A life that you enjoy waking up to and beginning your day with a strategic plan to live on purpose. At one point you felt optimistic about life then out of nowhere you were triggered by a memory from the past which led to your downward spiral of emotions. Now you are questioning your life's purpose and reason for existence. Or perhaps confused as to why you have experienced certain encounters leading you to feelings of stress, distant behavior, agitation, or perhaps hopeless.
Are you living a purpose filled life? A life that you enjoy waking up to and beginning your day with a strategic plan to live on purpose. At one point you felt optimistic about life then out of nowhere you were triggered by a memory from the past which led to your downward spiral of emotions. Now you are questioning your life's purpose and reason for existence. Or perhaps confused as to why you have experienced certain encounters leading you to feelings of stress, distant behavior, agitation, or perhaps hopeless.
![Photo of Zemzem Amme, MA, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d22c003-6ef9-486d-bf50-3133a2a2dd58/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Zemzem Amme, I'm a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate. I have been working in the mental health field for ten years, with both adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. My area of expertise are individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, anger issues, developmental transitions, trauma, OCD, and substance abuse.
My name is Zemzem Amme, I'm a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate. I have been working in the mental health field for ten years, with both adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. My area of expertise are individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, anger issues, developmental transitions, trauma, OCD, and substance abuse.
See more therapy options for Chapel Hill
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for Chapel Hill
- Apex
- Burlington
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Creedmoor
- Durham
- Graham
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Mebane
- Morrisville
- Research Triangle
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.