Black and African American Therapists in California
Julia Childs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I'm a Black woman who is dedicated to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
You're a highly sensitive, creative, and empathic person who is ready to heal. You dream of an integrated life where your emotions, intuition, and spirit coexist. A life where healthy relationships flourish and the trauma of your past is finally laid to rest. You may feel exhausted by the pain of your childhood, old relationships, and even current circumstances. In turn, this has created a hunger for a safe space where you can show up as your full self. Welcome. You're home.
I'm a Black woman who is dedicated to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
You're a highly sensitive, creative, and empathic person who is ready to heal. You dream of an integrated life where your emotions, intuition, and spirit coexist. A life where healthy relationships flourish and the trauma of your past is finally laid to rest. You may feel exhausted by the pain of your childhood, old relationships, and even current circumstances. In turn, this has created a hunger for a safe space where you can show up as your full self. Welcome. You're home.
Carly Tolbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IFECMHS, RPF II
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230 (Online Only)
As a Black woman and mother, I have integrated my lived experiences with my formal training as in infant-family mental health professional to facilitate groups intentionally built with you in mind.
Hello, I am the founder of Kaftan Collective; an organization grounded in the practice of embodied awareness as a pathway to communal healing for Black, Indigenous and POC folks. My practice is oriented around supporting parents feel more balanced and connected with their children and with themselves. Challenges associated with parenting while facing systemic oppression can activate feelings stress, anxiety, shame, and isolation. My aim is to help my clients to better understand the sources of their pain and to cultivate resource and resilience so that they may continue to navigate their parenting journeys with compassion and love.
As a Black woman and mother, I have integrated my lived experiences with my formal training as in infant-family mental health professional to facilitate groups intentionally built with you in mind.
Hello, I am the founder of Kaftan Collective; an organization grounded in the practice of embodied awareness as a pathway to communal healing for Black, Indigenous and POC folks. My practice is oriented around supporting parents feel more balanced and connected with their children and with themselves. Challenges associated with parenting while facing systemic oppression can activate feelings stress, anxiety, shame, and isolation. My aim is to help my clients to better understand the sources of their pain and to cultivate resource and resilience so that they may continue to navigate their parenting journeys with compassion and love.
Jennifer Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
Waitlist for new clients
My undergraduate degrees are in Sociology and Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
I’m so glad you’re showing up for yourself. You may have arrived here today because you feel a nudge in your spirit to lean into healing and growth. You realize the weight of the life experiences you’ve been carrying are hindering you, stealing your peace and joy, and disrupting your connection with yourself and the people you care for most. You are ready to explore the root causes, and you want support as you learn and unlearn, and become more yourself. Shame has eaten away at your insecurities and wounds. You know you can’t do it alone, but you feel alone. I want you to know: You are not alone. We were created for connection.
My undergraduate degrees are in Sociology and Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
I’m so glad you’re showing up for yourself. You may have arrived here today because you feel a nudge in your spirit to lean into healing and growth. You realize the weight of the life experiences you’ve been carrying are hindering you, stealing your peace and joy, and disrupting your connection with yourself and the people you care for most. You are ready to explore the root causes, and you want support as you learn and unlearn, and become more yourself. Shame has eaten away at your insecurities and wounds. You know you can’t do it alone, but you feel alone. I want you to know: You are not alone. We were created for connection.
William Stallworth
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583
Hi, I'm William! As a Black, male, and associate therapist who has worked within the school system for many years, I have an affinity towards working with teenagers and young adults from many different backgrounds navigating their ever changing world. Observation is a core strength you can expect from me because I notice what you express and what's your unspoken truth. I listen attentively to all, creating a space where you can feel heard and understood. As an advocate for those who identify as or seek guidance for someone LGBTQ+, I believe in fostering support systems where individuals can feel valued and be their authentic self.
Hi, I'm William! As a Black, male, and associate therapist who has worked within the school system for many years, I have an affinity towards working with teenagers and young adults from many different backgrounds navigating their ever changing world. Observation is a core strength you can expect from me because I notice what you express and what's your unspoken truth. I listen attentively to all, creating a space where you can feel heard and understood. As an advocate for those who identify as or seek guidance for someone LGBTQ+, I believe in fostering support systems where individuals can feel valued and be their authentic self.
Marisa K Padilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
As a Black and Latinx therapist, creating a safe and inclusive space is a top priority for me.
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with new connections, dating, relationship insecurity, or enduring relationship changes? Do you wonder how your relationships could be better? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurities & changes. Whether you are navigating divorce, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-esteem, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security and confidence in your relationships.
As a Black and Latinx therapist, creating a safe and inclusive space is a top priority for me.
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with new connections, dating, relationship insecurity, or enduring relationship changes? Do you wonder how your relationships could be better? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurities & changes. Whether you are navigating divorce, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-esteem, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security and confidence in your relationships.
Meredith Holmes
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
I have lived experience as a Black biracial nonbinary queer neurodivergent person in long-term recovery.
I am an earnestly dedicated and empathetic mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. I build strong rapport with my clients, including those with negative past therapy experiences or are new to therapy. I use humor and creativity in therapy when it is useful for clients.
I have lived experience as a Black biracial nonbinary queer neurodivergent person in long-term recovery.
I am an earnestly dedicated and empathetic mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. I build strong rapport with my clients, including those with negative past therapy experiences or are new to therapy. I use humor and creativity in therapy when it is useful for clients.
Michelé Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90065 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a therapist who is culturally competent and understands the unique challenges you may face? Have you experienced challenges in an interracial relationship due to family expectations? Have you experienced cultural isolation or microaggressions in the workplace? If you have experienced any challenges, stress, or trauma and are looking for a therapist who sees you fully we may be a good fit. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to providing culturally responsive therapy to Black and Brown individuals, and diverse populations, that deserves a therapeutic approach that validates your experience.
Are you seeking a therapist who is culturally competent and understands the unique challenges you may face? Have you experienced challenges in an interracial relationship due to family expectations? Have you experienced cultural isolation or microaggressions in the workplace? If you have experienced any challenges, stress, or trauma and are looking for a therapist who sees you fully we may be a good fit. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to providing culturally responsive therapy to Black and Brown individuals, and diverse populations, that deserves a therapeutic approach that validates your experience.
As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.
As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.
Kimberly Tyler-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807 (Online Only)
Whether you searched “EMDR therapists near me”, “ Black therapists in Long Beach”, or “Couples counseling”, you’re in the right place.
I know that it can be hard sometimes to ask for help. Are you feeling the pressure to be everything to everyone, and not having the same support? Do you have feelings of not being enough, and hearing that inner critic remind you of your past? Have you been suppressing your emotions and find yourself being emotional "out of the blue" and unable to understand why? Are you feeling unappreciated, underestimated, unworthy, or unbalanced? Taking the first steps on the road to heal can be scary, I am here to support, encourage & empower you. To support you as you release the anger, release the stress and restore the love.
Whether you searched “EMDR therapists near me”, “ Black therapists in Long Beach”, or “Couples counseling”, you’re in the right place.
I know that it can be hard sometimes to ask for help. Are you feeling the pressure to be everything to everyone, and not having the same support? Do you have feelings of not being enough, and hearing that inner critic remind you of your past? Have you been suppressing your emotions and find yourself being emotional "out of the blue" and unable to understand why? Are you feeling unappreciated, underestimated, unworthy, or unbalanced? Taking the first steps on the road to heal can be scary, I am here to support, encourage & empower you. To support you as you release the anger, release the stress and restore the love.
Shirin Shoai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, L3 IFS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I welcome motivated, self-reflective clients of any identity to my practice, with a particular affinity with those identifying as empathic, highly sensitive, creative, Black, and/or multiracial.
If you often find yourself feeling out of place or struggling inside—even though other people think you have it all together—I can help. I work with individual adults who are familiar with psychotherapy and want deeper, root-level healing for symptoms related to anxiety and relational trauma. This can include concerns around relationships, life transitions, overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns, boundaries, and self-criticism. My style is active, spacious, and focused on supporting you in slowing down, tuning into yourself, and feeling the healing wisdom that thrives within you.
I welcome motivated, self-reflective clients of any identity to my practice, with a particular affinity with those identifying as empathic, highly sensitive, creative, Black, and/or multiracial.
If you often find yourself feeling out of place or struggling inside—even though other people think you have it all together—I can help. I work with individual adults who are familiar with psychotherapy and want deeper, root-level healing for symptoms related to anxiety and relational trauma. This can include concerns around relationships, life transitions, overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns, boundaries, and self-criticism. My style is active, spacious, and focused on supporting you in slowing down, tuning into yourself, and feeling the healing wisdom that thrives within you.
Natasha A. Bailey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about holding a safe healing space for Black and indigenous people of color to process past traumas, parental wounds, relationship issues, phase of life issues, career transitions, and various other issues.
Seeking counseling services can often be a hard decision, and I commend you for the courage and strength it takes to get help. I use a unique variety of clinical skills tailored to you and your situation. My perspective is simple: provide great treatment, follow through on all of my commitments. I will work with you on issues you want to address. If you are struggling with personal relationships I see individuals, families and couples with a range of issues, including depression, interpersonal problems, premarital, special needs, social justice and aging issues. Visit my website: www.mind2mend.com for more information.
I am passionate about holding a safe healing space for Black and indigenous people of color to process past traumas, parental wounds, relationship issues, phase of life issues, career transitions, and various other issues.
Seeking counseling services can often be a hard decision, and I commend you for the courage and strength it takes to get help. I use a unique variety of clinical skills tailored to you and your situation. My perspective is simple: provide great treatment, follow through on all of my commitments. I will work with you on issues you want to address. If you are struggling with personal relationships I see individuals, families and couples with a range of issues, including depression, interpersonal problems, premarital, special needs, social justice and aging issues. Visit my website: www.mind2mend.com for more information.
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Ali Pagan Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601 (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.
Before that, I earned my undergraduate degree in 2000 from Harvard University, majoring in African-American studies.
Telehealth Only - As a psychotherapist, it’s an honor to be a witness and facilitator to client transformation, resilience, and growth. My perceptiveness, compassion, and holding of a nonjudgmental space allow discovery and observation of patterns that may no longer be helpful. I see my work through a social justice perspective and understand oppression itself as a form of stress and trauma. As a mixed-race and multicultural person of African-American and Jewish ancestry, I honor experiences of intersecting identities and am deeply interested in intergenerational trauma and resilience.
Before that, I earned my undergraduate degree in 2000 from Harvard University, majoring in African-American studies.
Telehealth Only - As a psychotherapist, it’s an honor to be a witness and facilitator to client transformation, resilience, and growth. My perceptiveness, compassion, and holding of a nonjudgmental space allow discovery and observation of patterns that may no longer be helpful. I see my work through a social justice perspective and understand oppression itself as a form of stress and trauma. As a mixed-race and multicultural person of African-American and Jewish ancestry, I honor experiences of intersecting identities and am deeply interested in intergenerational trauma and resilience.
Marcelle Craig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94544 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Black female therapist supporting Texas and California BIPOC individuals and couples.
Let's improve your connection to yourself, your future, and to others with a mix of empathy and accountability. Together, we'll help you feel more empowered through the changes in your life.
I am a Black female therapist supporting Texas and California BIPOC individuals and couples.
Let's improve your connection to yourself, your future, and to others with a mix of empathy and accountability. Together, we'll help you feel more empowered through the changes in your life.
David Alexander Summerhill
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92011 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I identify as Black or African American.
Please Note: My practice is Virtual Only. Our beliefs and how we see the world are influenced by things we don’t get to choose, like our families or the circumstances we’re born into. Even if we don’t get to choose these things, we have the ability to change in the ways we want to. Therapy can help us become more free. If you want to begin that journey in self discovery, I’m here to walk with you. We will explore the circumstances that shaped you. We will explore the past, present, and imagine the future. I will help serve as a navigator down the path to your answers, your destinations, and ultimately, your truth.
I identify as Black or African American.
Please Note: My practice is Virtual Only. Our beliefs and how we see the world are influenced by things we don’t get to choose, like our families or the circumstances we’re born into. Even if we don’t get to choose these things, we have the ability to change in the ways we want to. Therapy can help us become more free. If you want to begin that journey in self discovery, I’m here to walk with you. We will explore the circumstances that shaped you. We will explore the past, present, and imagine the future. I will help serve as a navigator down the path to your answers, your destinations, and ultimately, your truth.
Previous Presentations: 1) Managing Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19 (UWSOM), 2) Healing for Black Community (King County Library system).
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.
Previous Presentations: 1) Managing Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19 (UWSOM), 2) Healing for Black Community (King County Library system).
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.
Ashton Marshall
Pre-Licensed Professional, BS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
As a practicing therapist, I aim to provide the mental health support I want for my wife, family, friends, and myself. Therapy that is rooted in love. As a Black Trans-Masculine, I know how hard it can be to understand, love, and believe in yourself when surrounding environments reject uniqueness. Every person and situation is different, but I aim to walk with you as you build the strength and resiliency needed to conquer life’s battles. You should have the privilege of understanding that peace is gained from being resilient and knowing that you have the strength to handle your future and set your standards for happiness.
As a practicing therapist, I aim to provide the mental health support I want for my wife, family, friends, and myself. Therapy that is rooted in love. As a Black Trans-Masculine, I know how hard it can be to understand, love, and believe in yourself when surrounding environments reject uniqueness. Every person and situation is different, but I aim to walk with you as you build the strength and resiliency needed to conquer life’s battles. You should have the privilege of understanding that peace is gained from being resilient and knowing that you have the strength to handle your future and set your standards for happiness.
Ceshaun Hankins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
As a Black biracial woman I understand the impact of lived experience on our healing.
You're looking to be understood in your experience. You struggle with questioning if you are the issue or if it's the world around you. You live and work in high-stress and demanding environments where you're underrepresented. You've begun to realize your old ways of coping aren't working the same anymore. You may have even tried standard talk therapy in the past - and while helpful - you still find yourself troubled by disturbing experiences or memories.
As a Black biracial woman I understand the impact of lived experience on our healing.
You're looking to be understood in your experience. You struggle with questioning if you are the issue or if it's the world around you. You live and work in high-stress and demanding environments where you're underrepresented. You've begun to realize your old ways of coping aren't working the same anymore. You may have even tried standard talk therapy in the past - and while helpful - you still find yourself troubled by disturbing experiences or memories.
Clarity Counseling & Coaching LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91301
I have several years of experience working with military individuals creating a safe space for personal growth, working with adults and kiddos who have ADHD and Autism, helping clients with chronic pain/illness, and providing support for black-identifying individuals.
Hello! My private practice offers holistic services blend therapy, life coaching, and career counseling, all tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. With a culturally sensitive and non-judgmental approach, I honor your individuality, creating a haven for exploration and growth. I am here to guide you through life's ups and downs, fostering resilience and empowerment. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of being mindful and listening to your body, recognizing how pain can affect your emotional and mental healing. Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and thrive? I am here for you!
I have several years of experience working with military individuals creating a safe space for personal growth, working with adults and kiddos who have ADHD and Autism, helping clients with chronic pain/illness, and providing support for black-identifying individuals.
Hello! My private practice offers holistic services blend therapy, life coaching, and career counseling, all tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. With a culturally sensitive and non-judgmental approach, I honor your individuality, creating a haven for exploration and growth. I am here to guide you through life's ups and downs, fostering resilience and empowerment. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of being mindful and listening to your body, recognizing how pain can affect your emotional and mental healing. Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and thrive? I am here for you!
Alycia Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Since obtaining my license, I have worked full time at a Community Health Clinic where I provide therapy to black and brown people in Oakland with diagnosis of mostly PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. My therapy style involves using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for clients to gain insight into how their thoughts influence their emotions and behavior. I also used a strength-based approach to help clients gain insight into what their strengths are and what is going well in their lives.
Since obtaining my license, I have worked full time at a Community Health Clinic where I provide therapy to black and brown people in Oakland with diagnosis of mostly PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. My therapy style involves using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for clients to gain insight into how their thoughts influence their emotions and behavior. I also used a strength-based approach to help clients gain insight into what their strengths are and what is going well in their lives.
