Black and African American Therapists in California
As a Black, queer clinician, I have witnessed the mental health challenges that can arise while existing in environments that do not affirm our identities. My practice is dedicated to uplifting the lives and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. My aim is to promote resilience, empowerment, and authenticity by cultivating an affirmative therapeutic relationship. We will utilize tools to help you gain insight into your life and relationships, and deepen your capacity to be present with distressing emotions.
As a Black, queer clinician, I have witnessed the mental health challenges that can arise while existing in environments that do not affirm our identities. My practice is dedicated to uplifting the lives and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. My aim is to promote resilience, empowerment, and authenticity by cultivating an affirmative therapeutic relationship. We will utilize tools to help you gain insight into your life and relationships, and deepen your capacity to be present with distressing emotions.
Dr. Miguel Frank
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power?
In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power?
Hollis Theon Rogers
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Bernardino, CA 92405
I am Hollis 'Theon" Rogers, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am also a certified substance abuse counselor with many years of experience. I utilize mainly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions focused as my approach. My focus is on Black/ African American and Hispanic cultures and the specific issues that come from the group. I also address military issues including trauma and help with getting the benefit military personnel deserve. I typically work with the military and veterans and people of color. I have experience with addressing domestic violence issues.
I am Hollis 'Theon" Rogers, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am also a certified substance abuse counselor with many years of experience. I utilize mainly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions focused as my approach. My focus is on Black/ African American and Hispanic cultures and the specific issues that come from the group. I also address military issues including trauma and help with getting the benefit military personnel deserve. I typically work with the military and veterans and people of color. I have experience with addressing domestic violence issues.
I work with individuals and couples in the areas of conflict, stress, anger control, PTSD, depression and anxiety, as well as marital distress and breakdown. My primary approach combines evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with motivational as well as spiritual approaches to change. I also work with veterans and others dealing with traumatic memories, with the assistance of my trained and certified service dog - a gentle black Labrador. I am a certified professional trauma therapist and conduct evaluations and treatment for PTSD, and a certified professional life coach, and can work remotely via Internet in for a lower fee
I work with individuals and couples in the areas of conflict, stress, anger control, PTSD, depression and anxiety, as well as marital distress and breakdown. My primary approach combines evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with motivational as well as spiritual approaches to change. I also work with veterans and others dealing with traumatic memories, with the assistance of my trained and certified service dog - a gentle black Labrador. I am a certified professional trauma therapist and conduct evaluations and treatment for PTSD, and a certified professional life coach, and can work remotely via Internet in for a lower fee
Rachel Mauricio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
I specialize in Somatic therapy for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. My work as a somatic therapist is oriented towards facilitating change and supporting a sense of belonging to yourself, your people, and the earth by listening to the language of your body-heart-mind. Being fluent in your body's language is a spiritual activism that synthesizes your inner metamorphosis with how you move into the world- allowing you to hear what was previously unheard, challenge injustice, and deepen relational resources.
I specialize in Somatic therapy for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. My work as a somatic therapist is oriented towards facilitating change and supporting a sense of belonging to yourself, your people, and the earth by listening to the language of your body-heart-mind. Being fluent in your body's language is a spiritual activism that synthesizes your inner metamorphosis with how you move into the world- allowing you to hear what was previously unheard, challenge injustice, and deepen relational resources.
Jovantae Holloway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Online Only)
My therapies are informed by my perspective being mixed with Black and Vietnamese and growing up poor in L.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with people-pleasing, co-dependency, social anxiety, childhood trauma, and self-doubt. If you are having issues with intimacy, authenticity, and connection with friends, family, or lovers, I work to help you build the introspection and the communication skills to show up genuinely and feel enough as you are in your relationships.
My therapies are informed by my perspective being mixed with Black and Vietnamese and growing up poor in L.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with people-pleasing, co-dependency, social anxiety, childhood trauma, and self-doubt. If you are having issues with intimacy, authenticity, and connection with friends, family, or lovers, I work to help you build the introspection and the communication skills to show up genuinely and feel enough as you are in your relationships.
Rochele Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Suisun City, CA 94585
Hello, Miss No Gray here. When you mix black and white together, you get gray. Many people live in the "gray areas" because they don't want to face their truth. Words like maybe, sometimes, pretend, make-believe, or "it's complicated" are how questions are answered instead of saying yes or no. We cannot change past events; we can only change the impact that the past events have had on us. I'm here to support you as you discover the strength already inside of you! Are you ready to stop living in the gray? If so, call today to schedule your 30-minute free consultation today.
Hello, Miss No Gray here. When you mix black and white together, you get gray. Many people live in the "gray areas" because they don't want to face their truth. Words like maybe, sometimes, pretend, make-believe, or "it's complicated" are how questions are answered instead of saying yes or no. We cannot change past events; we can only change the impact that the past events have had on us. I'm here to support you as you discover the strength already inside of you! Are you ready to stop living in the gray? If so, call today to schedule your 30-minute free consultation today.
Michael Postell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vallejo, CA 94590
As a African American Male I am culturally sensitive to others cultural needs, while working with you from a strengths based approach.
Ever find yourself in life, wondering how to continue your path to success while dealing with obstacles of construction? Whether you have had therapy in the past or this would be your first experience, I would like to be a resource of direction to help you navigate through this process.
As a African American Male I am culturally sensitive to others cultural needs, while working with you from a strengths based approach.
Ever find yourself in life, wondering how to continue your path to success while dealing with obstacles of construction? Whether you have had therapy in the past or this would be your first experience, I would like to be a resource of direction to help you navigate through this process.
Carla Marie Felten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Your bravery has led you here - welcome! If you’re navigating life transitions, grief/loss, depression & anxiety, the impact of trauma (i.e. abuse, racial, adoption) there is hope for healing. Working with diverse people as a biracial Black woman has shown me how powerful it is to navigate life with the support of a person from a shared set of experiences and understanding. I ask to be a partner in your journey, and commit to provide a safe space to discuss challenges. I offer my reflection and guidance, and accept that your story & culture is uniquely yours and I am only in your life by your invitation to help you meet your goals.
Your bravery has led you here - welcome! If you’re navigating life transitions, grief/loss, depression & anxiety, the impact of trauma (i.e. abuse, racial, adoption) there is hope for healing. Working with diverse people as a biracial Black woman has shown me how powerful it is to navigate life with the support of a person from a shared set of experiences and understanding. I ask to be a partner in your journey, and commit to provide a safe space to discuss challenges. I offer my reflection and guidance, and accept that your story & culture is uniquely yours and I am only in your life by your invitation to help you meet your goals.
I am a Black therapist with about 10 years of experience working with a wide breadth of clients from various cultural backgrounds and diversities. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background looking at how your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors and developing coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. My main goal in therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide treatment and support based on the goals and needs of the client. I am very energetic, positive, and down to earth while also being mindful to match my client’s energy and personality.
I am a Black therapist with about 10 years of experience working with a wide breadth of clients from various cultural backgrounds and diversities. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background looking at how your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors and developing coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. My main goal in therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide treatment and support based on the goals and needs of the client. I am very energetic, positive, and down to earth while also being mindful to match my client’s energy and personality.
My commitment as a psychotherapist, social worker, and social justice advocate is to explore the depths of transgenerational trauma and peel off the layers of oppression and cultural conditioning so that we can relate to our true self. My experience is working with Black, Indegenious, People of Color (BIPOC), Veterans, immigrant and refugees from Iraq and Syria, foster youth, and LGBTQIA struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and relational issues. I am committed to treating trauma and am certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My commitment as a psychotherapist, social worker, and social justice advocate is to explore the depths of transgenerational trauma and peel off the layers of oppression and cultural conditioning so that we can relate to our true self. My experience is working with Black, Indegenious, People of Color (BIPOC), Veterans, immigrant and refugees from Iraq and Syria, foster youth, and LGBTQIA struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and relational issues. I am committed to treating trauma and am certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Early in my career, I spent a number of years working only with Latino and Black teens, adults, and families with time in the gang districts of San Diego.
Thought leader in mental health and high performance Assistance in Performance and Sport Psychology. If you're struggling with mood disorders (i.e. anxiety & depression), sports injuries, trauma and PTSD and WRITERS with blocks or focus difficulties, then, I'm a psychologist that can help you. Benefit from my 30 years of experience as a clinical and sport psychologist, we will work together to help you to improve your work or general life and/or sport experience.
Early in my career, I spent a number of years working only with Latino and Black teens, adults, and families with time in the gang districts of San Diego.
Thought leader in mental health and high performance Assistance in Performance and Sport Psychology. If you're struggling with mood disorders (i.e. anxiety & depression), sports injuries, trauma and PTSD and WRITERS with blocks or focus difficulties, then, I'm a psychologist that can help you. Benefit from my 30 years of experience as a clinical and sport psychologist, we will work together to help you to improve your work or general life and/or sport experience.
I have been successful in supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, creativity, cultural issues, and racial trauma. I work with clients from all paths of life, including, artists/ creatives, adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am committed to being a part of the collective effort to make mental health services more accessible for marginalized communities; therefore, I especially welcome clients who are Black, Indigenous, or who are of color.
I have been successful in supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, creativity, cultural issues, and racial trauma. I work with clients from all paths of life, including, artists/ creatives, adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am committed to being a part of the collective effort to make mental health services more accessible for marginalized communities; therefore, I especially welcome clients who are Black, Indigenous, or who are of color.
As a Black queer trans man, my focus is on creating an affirming, compassionate, open, and explorative space that meets people where they are and only serves to assist them in getting themselves where they want to be.
I hold the belief that we grow and change through relationships and because of that my style is relational, trauma informed, collaborative and social justice centered. It is not my job or purpose to help create tools for capitalism. I believe there are no predetermined paths or timelines for healing, and that the best way to get where you want is to focus on what keeps you safe, allows you time to rest and helps you create the community you want and need to thrive.
As a Black queer trans man, my focus is on creating an affirming, compassionate, open, and explorative space that meets people where they are and only serves to assist them in getting themselves where they want to be.
I hold the belief that we grow and change through relationships and because of that my style is relational, trauma informed, collaborative and social justice centered. It is not my job or purpose to help create tools for capitalism. I believe there are no predetermined paths or timelines for healing, and that the best way to get where you want is to focus on what keeps you safe, allows you time to rest and helps you create the community you want and need to thrive.
Gayle Whitlock, LMFT 84009. My approach to therapy is rooted in the recognition of the challenges faced by Black Women, Women of Color, and all Women who are navigating the intersectionality of race and culture while also managing depression, anxiety and simply trying to find a place of balance. I utilize an evidence-based approach as well as the propensity to call out the B.S. that is getting in the way of you living your best life. I will help you challenge societal stereotypes, generational narratives that hold you back while you learn to forge towards authentic self-discovery.
Gayle Whitlock, LMFT 84009. My approach to therapy is rooted in the recognition of the challenges faced by Black Women, Women of Color, and all Women who are navigating the intersectionality of race and culture while also managing depression, anxiety and simply trying to find a place of balance. I utilize an evidence-based approach as well as the propensity to call out the B.S. that is getting in the way of you living your best life. I will help you challenge societal stereotypes, generational narratives that hold you back while you learn to forge towards authentic self-discovery.
Tabitha Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
My specialization includes working with women of color, specifically African American women, church hurt, and how to move forward to acquiring a healthy sense of self.
Are you tired of living each day on an emotional roller coaster, not knowing how you'll feel from one moment to the next? Do you wonder if you’re living your best Christian and/or spiritual life. Has life become so stressful that you wonder how you'll make it to the next day? Do you feel sad, tired, and anxious often? Are you giving yourself grace and embracing your spiritual beliefs to live your best life. Just know that you are not alone. Healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is the first step. Living and healing from the inside out is a journey of healing from old wounds. It’s a choice and takes practice.
My specialization includes working with women of color, specifically African American women, church hurt, and how to move forward to acquiring a healthy sense of self.
Are you tired of living each day on an emotional roller coaster, not knowing how you'll feel from one moment to the next? Do you wonder if you’re living your best Christian and/or spiritual life. Has life become so stressful that you wonder how you'll make it to the next day? Do you feel sad, tired, and anxious often? Are you giving yourself grace and embracing your spiritual beliefs to live your best life. Just know that you are not alone. Healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is the first step. Living and healing from the inside out is a journey of healing from old wounds. It’s a choice and takes practice.
Compassionate by nature and by nurture, Val is a licensed clinical psychologist with a heart for people, a mind for science, and a welcoming sense of humor. Her training and experience is based in cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral medicine, with additional interests in positive psychology and Black women’s mental health. Val values a collaborative approach to therapy, and fosters an environment where clients feel seen and heard as they journey towards meeting their goals.
Compassionate by nature and by nurture, Val is a licensed clinical psychologist with a heart for people, a mind for science, and a welcoming sense of humor. Her training and experience is based in cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral medicine, with additional interests in positive psychology and Black women’s mental health. Val values a collaborative approach to therapy, and fosters an environment where clients feel seen and heard as they journey towards meeting their goals.
As an African American therapist and a Professor of Psychology I understand many of the challenges that are central to feeling accepted, loved, trusted and understood. My office is a place to begin the journey toward better understanding yourself and others. It's a place to resolve conflict, clear up confusion, improve communication, address feelings and develop strategies for coping with life's many stressors.
As an African American therapist and a Professor of Psychology I understand many of the challenges that are central to feeling accepted, loved, trusted and understood. My office is a place to begin the journey toward better understanding yourself and others. It's a place to resolve conflict, clear up confusion, improve communication, address feelings and develop strategies for coping with life's many stressors.
Tay Richardson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where folks can openly explore their identities and lived experiences. I aim to help you discover your strengths and push you in your areas of growth towards healing. I have experience working with a variety of ages, identities, and backgrounds. I am specifically passionate about working with neurodiverse populations, queer and trans communities, people of color, and non traditional relationship dynamics (non-monogamy/kink).
I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where folks can openly explore their identities and lived experiences. I aim to help you discover your strengths and push you in your areas of growth towards healing. I have experience working with a variety of ages, identities, and backgrounds. I am specifically passionate about working with neurodiverse populations, queer and trans communities, people of color, and non traditional relationship dynamics (non-monogamy/kink).
Keary Johns Jr.
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Online Only)
As an African American male, I am constantly using culturally-sensitive therapeutic exercises to assist.
Giving you the tools to navigate work, environment, and family is very important to me. Being the best version of yourself is something we can work on together.
As an African American male, I am constantly using culturally-sensitive therapeutic exercises to assist.
Giving you the tools to navigate work, environment, and family is very important to me. Being the best version of yourself is something we can work on together.
See more therapy options for California
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.