Black and African American Therapists in Davidson County, TN
My personal and professional journey has led me to focus on understanding the impact of negative social influences on the lives of African American boys and men.
Sometimes asking for help can be a difficult task. Whether it's for yourself, your child, or another significant person in your life, we all should be able to ask for help without fear of judgment or stigma. My practice specializes in helping teens and adults process life's difficulties and identify sources of strength to overcome them. All the while taking into account the web of social and cultural barriers to becoming healthy.
My personal and professional journey has led me to focus on understanding the impact of negative social influences on the lives of African American boys and men.
Sometimes asking for help can be a difficult task. Whether it's for yourself, your child, or another significant person in your life, we all should be able to ask for help without fear of judgment or stigma. My practice specializes in helping teens and adults process life's difficulties and identify sources of strength to overcome them. All the while taking into account the web of social and cultural barriers to becoming healthy.
“I dream of never being called resilient again”. Though resilience is a cornerstone of social work practice, my dream is of a life that doesn’t require it as a prerequisite of Black personhood, but here we are. Sometime’s, “life be lifing” and that’s okay! My goal is to help you navigate those moments. Behavior is a form for communication and my goal is to help you tell your story in a way that is authentic and impactful. Things can be hard and sometimes, overwhelming. Let me help you navigate those challenges in a way that empowers you to have confidence in your decision making and build trust in your abilities.
“I dream of never being called resilient again”. Though resilience is a cornerstone of social work practice, my dream is of a life that doesn’t require it as a prerequisite of Black personhood, but here we are. Sometime’s, “life be lifing” and that’s okay! My goal is to help you navigate those moments. Behavior is a form for communication and my goal is to help you tell your story in a way that is authentic and impactful. Things can be hard and sometimes, overwhelming. Let me help you navigate those challenges in a way that empowers you to have confidence in your decision making and build trust in your abilities.
As a Black woman, I relate to the need for safety in vulnerability and provide this to all clients.
You have taken a huge step towards change by initiating therapy. I support women and couples facing challenging seasons in life by offering a safe and welcoming space where they feel seen and understood. I hope to work alongside you in your healing journey as you learn, grow, and increase confidence in your ability to create lasting change. You have the power to change your life’s narrative.
As a Black woman, I relate to the need for safety in vulnerability and provide this to all clients.
You have taken a huge step towards change by initiating therapy. I support women and couples facing challenging seasons in life by offering a safe and welcoming space where they feel seen and understood. I hope to work alongside you in your healing journey as you learn, grow, and increase confidence in your ability to create lasting change. You have the power to change your life’s narrative.
As a queer, black clinician, I specialize in working with folks holding queer, neurodivergent, or other marginalized identities, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and regulating emotion.
Counseling is a place for your authentic self to feel safe, heard, and validated. I seek to co-create a space of exploration, joy, and meaning to let your authentic self speak louder and be heard. Helping to build and expand your agency, inner peace, and self-love is at the core of my work. In the therapeutic space, you are the expert on your own life and experiences. We all find ourselves navigating complex and thoroughly unfair systems, and we all deserve to have someone journey with us through our struggles and triumphs.
As a queer, black clinician, I specialize in working with folks holding queer, neurodivergent, or other marginalized identities, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and regulating emotion.
Counseling is a place for your authentic self to feel safe, heard, and validated. I seek to co-create a space of exploration, joy, and meaning to let your authentic self speak louder and be heard. Helping to build and expand your agency, inner peace, and self-love is at the core of my work. In the therapeutic space, you are the expert on your own life and experiences. We all find ourselves navigating complex and thoroughly unfair systems, and we all deserve to have someone journey with us through our struggles and triumphs.
Willed by Wellness Counseling & Consulting LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212 (Online Only)
It has been our experience, as Black womxn/girls, that we are taught to be strong, independent, and stoic.
Willed by Wellness, LLC was founded by Dr. Courtney Williams and is designed to serve Black womxn and girls specifically on issues of mental health and wellness. We offer services and resources, culturally-responsive for this population. Our clients are aged 13 years old and older. Clients who work with us navigate a wide range of challenges from relationship concerns, mood disorders, grief, role transitions, etc. We offer consultation services and trainings to companies who work with this population. Dr. Williams is a PsyPact approved provider, meaning she can offer telehealth services in over 31 states, APIT 14940
It has been our experience, as Black womxn/girls, that we are taught to be strong, independent, and stoic.
Willed by Wellness, LLC was founded by Dr. Courtney Williams and is designed to serve Black womxn and girls specifically on issues of mental health and wellness. We offer services and resources, culturally-responsive for this population. Our clients are aged 13 years old and older. Clients who work with us navigate a wide range of challenges from relationship concerns, mood disorders, grief, role transitions, etc. We offer consultation services and trainings to companies who work with this population. Dr. Williams is a PsyPact approved provider, meaning she can offer telehealth services in over 31 states, APIT 14940
Rob Rickman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MHS
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
The decision to begin therapy takes courage and a desire to improve one’s life. Having the support of a trusted and trained helper can make a significant difference through the myriad challenges we encounter. No matter what you are going through, I have years of experience helping people cultivate more fulfilling lives through evidence-based treatment. If you want to pursue growth & healthy goals, we would work well together. I am also highly motivated to provide a safe space for people in the Queer, Trans, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, atheist, agnostic & other diverse communities. You are welcome here.
The decision to begin therapy takes courage and a desire to improve one’s life. Having the support of a trusted and trained helper can make a significant difference through the myriad challenges we encounter. No matter what you are going through, I have years of experience helping people cultivate more fulfilling lives through evidence-based treatment. If you want to pursue growth & healthy goals, we would work well together. I am also highly motivated to provide a safe space for people in the Queer, Trans, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, atheist, agnostic & other diverse communities. You are welcome here.
Dr. E Atiya Hodges
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37207
Not accepting new clients
Prioritizing the needs of Black People especially those who experience marginalized treatment (women, non binary), specialize in working with folk who struggle with anxiety, ADHD or a combination of both.
Clients who are looking for support and guidance, not answers or advice. I work best with individuals who are struggling with anxiety and/or ADHD. While this is a collaborative journey, client desire will remain the focus of the work that we do together. People who are open to learning, experimenting and using creative solutions to address the multitude of problems and issues that come up during the lifetime.
Prioritizing the needs of Black People especially those who experience marginalized treatment (women, non binary), specialize in working with folk who struggle with anxiety, ADHD or a combination of both.
Clients who are looking for support and guidance, not answers or advice. I work best with individuals who are struggling with anxiety and/or ADHD. While this is a collaborative journey, client desire will remain the focus of the work that we do together. People who are open to learning, experimenting and using creative solutions to address the multitude of problems and issues that come up during the lifetime.
Tammara Kamei
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37218 (Online Only)
It is my mission to provide effective counseling that is authentic, empathetic and non-judgmental. Increasing awareness of mental health in the black community is a must. I am focused on addressing the impact of primary an secondary trauma in black communities, so that those in need of support know they are not alone. As a supervisor I am also Currently providing supervision to those seeking licensure as a professional counselor.
It is my mission to provide effective counseling that is authentic, empathetic and non-judgmental. Increasing awareness of mental health in the black community is a must. I am focused on addressing the impact of primary an secondary trauma in black communities, so that those in need of support know they are not alone. As a supervisor I am also Currently providing supervision to those seeking licensure as a professional counselor.
As a black woman, I welcome those navigating complex racial climates and the perspectives required to honor those experiences.
I believe everyone possesses a core self. And many times, we look up and realize we are not sure who we are, or how we lost our way. I have learned that to find your way back is to show up for yourself with love and acceptance for all your parts. We can truly transform when we allow someone to see and hear all of us. I am not afraid to sit in the depths of my client’s pain and create safety for the wide range of emotions that take up space in the room. Trauma is a part of many of our stories. Some people act out trauma in destructive ways, and I want to help unpack those experiences to help them reclaim their voices.
As a black woman, I welcome those navigating complex racial climates and the perspectives required to honor those experiences.
I believe everyone possesses a core self. And many times, we look up and realize we are not sure who we are, or how we lost our way. I have learned that to find your way back is to show up for yourself with love and acceptance for all your parts. We can truly transform when we allow someone to see and hear all of us. I am not afraid to sit in the depths of my client’s pain and create safety for the wide range of emotions that take up space in the room. Trauma is a part of many of our stories. Some people act out trauma in destructive ways, and I want to help unpack those experiences to help them reclaim their voices.
Martez Nelson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
My goal is to provide you with a safe, empathetic, and welcoming space to conquer your life challenges and goals. We will work together to identify growth areas and changes that can be made to help with your healing journey. I work from a strengths-based approach and will use this approach to help you explore new ways to cope, and problem solve. I have a passion for helping individuals regain hope and find meaning in life. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and passionate about serving this population, as well as other marginalized groups including, black and brown men and at-risk youth.
My goal is to provide you with a safe, empathetic, and welcoming space to conquer your life challenges and goals. We will work together to identify growth areas and changes that can be made to help with your healing journey. I work from a strengths-based approach and will use this approach to help you explore new ways to cope, and problem solve. I have a passion for helping individuals regain hope and find meaning in life. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and passionate about serving this population, as well as other marginalized groups including, black and brown men and at-risk youth.
Alysia (Nikki) Kirk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37208
Not accepting new clients
Let’s be real; life as a teenager or young adult is complex and hard enough as it is. Add to that the confusion about who you are as a mixed race individual; the frustration of being directly or indirectly labeled “the black girl” in a predominantly white school; or the pressure that comes with being a student athlete trying to balance life on and off the court. The weight of it all can become too heavy to carry alone!
Let’s be real; life as a teenager or young adult is complex and hard enough as it is. Add to that the confusion about who you are as a mixed race individual; the frustration of being directly or indirectly labeled “the black girl” in a predominantly white school; or the pressure that comes with being a student athlete trying to balance life on and off the court. The weight of it all can become too heavy to carry alone!
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As a Black woman, I understand the importance of having a space where you can be seen, heard, honored and supported in your growth, no matter what that looks like.
I help women move forward and rebuild after divorce or difficult breakup, couples find clarity in their relationship, and families dealing with the aftermath of divorce. My passion is supporting clients as they navigate life’s toughest moments, as these life transitions can have you feeling all the things – overwhelmed, scared, sad, angry, and frustrated. Accepting and adjusting to these changes can be hard to handle on your own, so that's where I come in. I support you as you figure out next steps, manage relational conflict or make a life-changing decision. The goal is to empower you to make decisions that will honor you.
As a Black woman, I understand the importance of having a space where you can be seen, heard, honored and supported in your growth, no matter what that looks like.
I help women move forward and rebuild after divorce or difficult breakup, couples find clarity in their relationship, and families dealing with the aftermath of divorce. My passion is supporting clients as they navigate life’s toughest moments, as these life transitions can have you feeling all the things – overwhelmed, scared, sad, angry, and frustrated. Accepting and adjusting to these changes can be hard to handle on your own, so that's where I come in. I support you as you figure out next steps, manage relational conflict or make a life-changing decision. The goal is to empower you to make decisions that will honor you.
With a focus on Family Systems Therapy, I assist black, mixed-race and interracial adoptive families in navigating relationships with empathy and understanding.
Are you someone who's navigating complex emotional challenges and identity issues? You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, or struggling to understand yourself. I work with individuals, couples, and families aged 13 and up, providing guidance and validation as they confront these issues. Overall, my ideal clients want to improve their mental health, deepen their self-understanding and relationships, and find peace and fulfillment. They seek a therapist who specializes in addressing their concerns with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and expertise.
With a focus on Family Systems Therapy, I assist black, mixed-race and interracial adoptive families in navigating relationships with empathy and understanding.
Are you someone who's navigating complex emotional challenges and identity issues? You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, or struggling to understand yourself. I work with individuals, couples, and families aged 13 and up, providing guidance and validation as they confront these issues. Overall, my ideal clients want to improve their mental health, deepen their self-understanding and relationships, and find peace and fulfillment. They seek a therapist who specializes in addressing their concerns with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and expertise.
Being a black woman, I recognize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space.
Soulful Bloom Therapy exists to provide culturally competent and evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We are motivated by a desire to help as many people as possible learn how to have harmony in all relationships whether personal or professional. When people are able to sustain healthy relationships they tend to be more fulfilled in their lives and more empowered to reach their goals. None of us exists in a isolation, but rather within an intricate system of relationships and connections.
Being a black woman, I recognize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space.
Soulful Bloom Therapy exists to provide culturally competent and evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We are motivated by a desire to help as many people as possible learn how to have harmony in all relationships whether personal or professional. When people are able to sustain healthy relationships they tend to be more fulfilled in their lives and more empowered to reach their goals. None of us exists in a isolation, but rather within an intricate system of relationships and connections.
Sasha Cory
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205 (Online Only)
I am Black and mixed race, bilingual (Spanish) from a multicultural background.
Systems of oppression affect all of us. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and affirming space to help you learn to navigate these systems. I am a queer person of color and I work with people of all genders and sexualities. The larger systems we interact with impact our daily life and how we relate to others in relationship. If you struggle with the relationships in your life, I am here to help. I provide an affirming space to people from poly, divorced, and blended families. My practice is sex positive. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I am experienced in working with Trans, BIPOC, and Enby identities.
I am Black and mixed race, bilingual (Spanish) from a multicultural background.
Systems of oppression affect all of us. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and affirming space to help you learn to navigate these systems. I am a queer person of color and I work with people of all genders and sexualities. The larger systems we interact with impact our daily life and how we relate to others in relationship. If you struggle with the relationships in your life, I am here to help. I provide an affirming space to people from poly, divorced, and blended families. My practice is sex positive. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I am experienced in working with Trans, BIPOC, and Enby identities.
Aunge Cory
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCMHSP, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209 (Online Only)
One of my biggest struggles in life has been finding ways to show up authentically. As a Black, non-binary and queer person, finding spaces that validate core aspects of my identity have been challenging. It’s an honor to hold space for individuals who are struggling to find their voice and place in the world. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you feel accepted, respected, and understood. I enjoy working with individuals from marginalized and underserved communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+). My practice is intersectional, collaborative, based in a social justice framework, and sex positive.
One of my biggest struggles in life has been finding ways to show up authentically. As a Black, non-binary and queer person, finding spaces that validate core aspects of my identity have been challenging. It’s an honor to hold space for individuals who are struggling to find their voice and place in the world. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you feel accepted, respected, and understood. I enjoy working with individuals from marginalized and underserved communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+). My practice is intersectional, collaborative, based in a social justice framework, and sex positive.
Robert Jackson IV
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37218 (Online Only)
Robert Jackson IV, LCSW Is a black American, cisgender Male therapist who has worked throughout the social work field for 16 years. For the last seven years, Robert has been working exclusively as an outpatient therapist providing individual, marriage and family, substance-abuse, trauma, anger and anxiety therapy for adults. LGBTQIA+ community are welcome. All races and religions are welcome as well. Robert is a married father of two, who pursued a career in social work after dreams of being a professional football player ended. I look forward to meeting you and helping with your journey.
Robert Jackson IV, LCSW Is a black American, cisgender Male therapist who has worked throughout the social work field for 16 years. For the last seven years, Robert has been working exclusively as an outpatient therapist providing individual, marriage and family, substance-abuse, trauma, anger and anxiety therapy for adults. LGBTQIA+ community are welcome. All races and religions are welcome as well. Robert is a married father of two, who pursued a career in social work after dreams of being a professional football player ended. I look forward to meeting you and helping with your journey.
Have you been stressed and/or anxious from the daily grind? Do you find yourself in arguments and confrontations that are becoming contentious and emotionally taxing? Have you noticed an increase in drinks or personal remedies used to “take off some steam”, or decisions that warrant your concern upon reflection? If any of this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place! As a Black man, I understand and empathize with the unique stressors POC may experience such as imposter syndrome, alienation, and feeling overwhelmed while navigating the professional, often hostile, landscape, and vicarious trauma.
Have you been stressed and/or anxious from the daily grind? Do you find yourself in arguments and confrontations that are becoming contentious and emotionally taxing? Have you noticed an increase in drinks or personal remedies used to “take off some steam”, or decisions that warrant your concern upon reflection? If any of this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place! As a Black man, I understand and empathize with the unique stressors POC may experience such as imposter syndrome, alienation, and feeling overwhelmed while navigating the professional, often hostile, landscape, and vicarious trauma.
Emu Aragon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37201 (Online Only)
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
My special niche is counseling African American men and women and troubled teens.
I am open to counseling all clients. However, I specialize in counseling people with impulse control, behavioral issues, psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, systemic family issues, and challenges regulating self-esteem and self image.
My special niche is counseling African American men and women and troubled teens.
I am open to counseling all clients. However, I specialize in counseling people with impulse control, behavioral issues, psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, systemic family issues, and challenges regulating self-esteem and self image.
See more therapy options for Davidson 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.