Black and African American Therapists in Carol Stream, IL

Photo of Dr. Loren Williams, EdD, LCPC
Dr. Loren Williams
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Carol Stream, IL 60188  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed by things that have happened to you? You're not alone—many people feel this way after experiencing trauma. I'm Loren, an experienced therapist who helps individuals and couples deal with trauma, domestic violence, and grief. My goal is to offer a caring and supportive space where you can safely explore your feelings and start to heal. Whether you want to rebuild your life after trauma, break free from domestic violence, or find comfort during a time of deep grief, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed by things that have happened to you? You're not alone—many people feel this way after experiencing trauma. I'm Loren, an experienced therapist who helps individuals and couples deal with trauma, domestic violence, and grief. My goal is to offer a caring and supportive space where you can safely explore your feelings and start to heal. Whether you want to rebuild your life after trauma, break free from domestic violence, or find comfort during a time of deep grief, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
(224) 479-1493 View (224) 479-1493
Photo of Jennifer L. Jackson, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer L. Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Hello, my name is Jennifer Lee Jackson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 14 years of clinical experience working with clients living with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Excoriation Disorder, addiction, unhelpful thinking styles, low self-esteem, codependency, poor boundary setting, PMDD, and trauma. I am an eclectic therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical, Eclectic, Psychodynamic, and Couples Therapy during treatment with my clients. I believe in creating an egalitarian relationship with you to foster a safe and empowering environment for long-term recovery and stability.
Hello, my name is Jennifer Lee Jackson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 14 years of clinical experience working with clients living with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Excoriation Disorder, addiction, unhelpful thinking styles, low self-esteem, codependency, poor boundary setting, PMDD, and trauma. I am an eclectic therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical, Eclectic, Psychodynamic, and Couples Therapy during treatment with my clients. I believe in creating an egalitarian relationship with you to foster a safe and empowering environment for long-term recovery and stability.
(618) 205-9340 View (618) 205-9340
Photo of Taylor Hammes, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Taylor Hammes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Are you or someone in your family dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress? I work with ages 7 and up to help them handle these issues. My goal is to support kids, teens, and adults as they go through tough times and heal from trauma and other life stressors. With my background in trauma-informed care, I can help in many areas of life, whether it's guiding children through key developmental stages or helping adults manage their stress. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community where I provide a safe and empowering environment.
Are you or someone in your family dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress? I work with ages 7 and up to help them handle these issues. My goal is to support kids, teens, and adults as they go through tough times and heal from trauma and other life stressors. With my background in trauma-informed care, I can help in many areas of life, whether it's guiding children through key developmental stages or helping adults manage their stress. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community where I provide a safe and empowering environment.
(224) 569-1412 View (224) 569-1412
Photo of Fiona Arthurs, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fiona Arthurs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carol Stream, IL 60188
I believe that healthy human connection has the power to heal and transform relational patterns. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children create healthy human connections. With the integration of faith in therapy, healthy relationships can be formed and broken relationships can be repaired. In working with me, you will receive compassionate, honest and quality care. Let me help you navigate through broken relationships, adjustments in life, marriage, parenting and teenage stuff. I have experience working with multicultural families, ethnic minorities, and ministry families.
I believe that healthy human connection has the power to heal and transform relational patterns. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children create healthy human connections. With the integration of faith in therapy, healthy relationships can be formed and broken relationships can be repaired. In working with me, you will receive compassionate, honest and quality care. Let me help you navigate through broken relationships, adjustments in life, marriage, parenting and teenage stuff. I have experience working with multicultural families, ethnic minorities, and ministry families.
(630) 451-8769 x701 View (630) 451-8769 x701
Photo of Nancy Robin Krtek, ND, LCSW, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nancy Robin Krtek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ND, LCSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
Therapeutic interventions include integrative approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Psycho-Education, as well as Eastern philosophical tenets, and EMDR. If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addiction issues, a Trauma history, Dissociative Disorders or Personality Disorders, you will receive competent, compassionate and empathic care. Treatment needs can be met through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or group therapy. Other issues that I can help you with are Eating Disorders, Weight management, Pain management/somatic issues. as well as Grief/Loss issues. Check out my Facebook page "Nancy Krtek Mind/Body Practitioner."
(630) 282-6959 View (630) 282-6959
Photo of Jasmine Menser-Lust, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Jasmine Menser-Lust
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Waitlist for new clients
I help women who are over-thinkers, over-planners and high achievers who are on the rise professionally and know that they are struggling personally. It's hard to say no or to slow down out of fear of failure or that you will let someone down. You may ask yourself "How do I succeed without burning out?" I help women understand and resolve the core issue of why they put themselves last so that they can be fulfilled in their personal and professional lives.
I help women who are over-thinkers, over-planners and high achievers who are on the rise professionally and know that they are struggling personally. It's hard to say no or to slow down out of fear of failure or that you will let someone down. You may ask yourself "How do I succeed without burning out?" I help women understand and resolve the core issue of why they put themselves last so that they can be fulfilled in their personal and professional lives.
(224) 276-5546 View (224) 276-5546
Photo of Clifton George Burns Jr - Thy X My Therapeutic Services, LLC, LCPC, CCTP, CCATP, Counselor
Thy X My Therapeutic Services, LLC
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP, CCATP
Verified Verified
Carol Stream, IL 60188
I assist clients with changing the narrative of their stories. The client is the expert regarding their life; however, I guide and/or challenge each client by refocusing them back to their targeted goals.
I assist clients with changing the narrative of their stories. The client is the expert regarding their life; however, I guide and/or challenge each client by refocusing them back to their targeted goals.
(630) 324-4486 View (630) 324-4486

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Anthony Rosado, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Anthony Rosado
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lombard, IL 60148
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked in the mental health field since 2015 in both community mental health and private practice settings. I have experience working with individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families processing a myriad of concerns. Being black, Puerto Rican and a part of the LGBTQ community, I recognize the importance culture and background plays in life and in a therapeutic setting. I use client-centered, trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to help clients move towards greater wellbeing and understanding of oneself and the world around them.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked in the mental health field since 2015 in both community mental health and private practice settings. I have experience working with individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families processing a myriad of concerns. Being black, Puerto Rican and a part of the LGBTQ community, I recognize the importance culture and background plays in life and in a therapeutic setting. I use client-centered, trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to help clients move towards greater wellbeing and understanding of oneself and the world around them.
(331) 209-6596 View (331) 209-6596
Photo of Aja Collins, LSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aja Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515
As a Black woman who has worked extensively with others belonging to marginalized communities, I especially believe in taking an intersectional, person-centered, and strengths-based approach for empowering individuals.
Finding the support that you need is no easy feat, and the fact that you are here is a wonderful first step. By consistently cultivating a liberating and judgement-free space, I aim to help you explore personal challenges through an empathic and compassionate lens. My therapeutic style is best described as eclectic; however, I often utilize narrative therapy to help people gain a more holistic understanding of their thought patterns and behaviors.
As a Black woman who has worked extensively with others belonging to marginalized communities, I especially believe in taking an intersectional, person-centered, and strengths-based approach for empowering individuals.
Finding the support that you need is no easy feat, and the fact that you are here is a wonderful first step. By consistently cultivating a liberating and judgement-free space, I aim to help you explore personal challenges through an empathic and compassionate lens. My therapeutic style is best described as eclectic; however, I often utilize narrative therapy to help people gain a more holistic understanding of their thought patterns and behaviors.
(630) 349-5236 View (630) 349-5236
Photo of Lauren Michelle Jackson - Cultivate Your Essence, LCPC,  CDVP, Coach, Counselor
Cultivate Your Essence
Counselor, LCPC, CDVP, Coach
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60540  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to Cultivate Your Essence! Cultivate Your Essence is a group practice that is dedicated to women of color while prioritizing black women’s mental health. Entering an intimate space with yourself is no easy task. But with the help of someone you trust, it makes the journey a bit easier to embrace. It is our job is to help our clients live their absolute best life by unpacking, exploring and examining roadblocks from our past that are preventing us from being present in the now. This awareness helps to foster continual growth & grants access to understanding the story behind our behavior.
Hello and welcome to Cultivate Your Essence! Cultivate Your Essence is a group practice that is dedicated to women of color while prioritizing black women’s mental health. Entering an intimate space with yourself is no easy task. But with the help of someone you trust, it makes the journey a bit easier to embrace. It is our job is to help our clients live their absolute best life by unpacking, exploring and examining roadblocks from our past that are preventing us from being present in the now. This awareness helps to foster continual growth & grants access to understanding the story behind our behavior.
(312) 626-4243 View (312) 626-4243
Photo of Charisma S Pryor - Inspirations of Courage, PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Inspirations of Courage, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
Charisma S. Pryor, LCSW of Inspirations of Courage, PLLC, specializes in counseling individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, marital/partner problems, and more. Her treatment focuses on identifying tools to address the problem(s), improve coping skills, and positively recognize the client’s accomplishments! She brings over 21 years of experience as a Black female therapist, social worker, and counselor treating children, women, and men. Sessions are conducted virtually. I'm available to support you through your journey. Let's work together!
Charisma S. Pryor, LCSW of Inspirations of Courage, PLLC, specializes in counseling individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, marital/partner problems, and more. Her treatment focuses on identifying tools to address the problem(s), improve coping skills, and positively recognize the client’s accomplishments! She brings over 21 years of experience as a Black female therapist, social worker, and counselor treating children, women, and men. Sessions are conducted virtually. I'm available to support you through your journey. Let's work together!
(331) 999-6118 View (331) 999-6118
Photo of Julie McDevitt, LCPC, BCC, LBS, Counselor
Julie McDevitt
Counselor, LCPC, BCC, LBS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Every family is fighting their own battle. Whether it is addiction, depression, or inability to get along, you are not alone. Sometimes those struggles become so overwhelming, that finding support is your best option. If you have decided to stop suffering alone, you are in the right place. I work with Mothers, Fathers and Families to address their individual and family struggles. Individuals who I help are often battling symptoms of: ADHD, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce, Sex and Porn Addiction or Life Transitions. See Personal Client Reviews at HealthGrades.com
Every family is fighting their own battle. Whether it is addiction, depression, or inability to get along, you are not alone. Sometimes those struggles become so overwhelming, that finding support is your best option. If you have decided to stop suffering alone, you are in the right place. I work with Mothers, Fathers and Families to address their individual and family struggles. Individuals who I help are often battling symptoms of: ADHD, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce, Sex and Porn Addiction or Life Transitions. See Personal Client Reviews at HealthGrades.com
(630) 206-3054 View (630) 206-3054
Photo of Jenille Gunter-Harlan, MS, NCC, PEL, Counselor
Jenille Gunter-Harlan
Counselor, MS, NCC, PEL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
I have many years of experience working with youth and families through the education system as well as the church platform. I am extremely passionate about mental health and I believe in building empathic relationships. I do this by actively working with clients to achieve desired results of whole health goals through approaches such as but not limited to Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe it is important to use a client-centered focus to truly engage individuals in effective, positive, and responsive therapy to improve interpersonal relationships.
I have many years of experience working with youth and families through the education system as well as the church platform. I am extremely passionate about mental health and I believe in building empathic relationships. I do this by actively working with clients to achieve desired results of whole health goals through approaches such as but not limited to Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe it is important to use a client-centered focus to truly engage individuals in effective, positive, and responsive therapy to improve interpersonal relationships.
(331) 241-7599 View (331) 241-7599
Photo of Brenda White, LCPC, Counselor
Brenda White
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
I believe there are three major components to a well-balanced state of mind - they are Love, Purpose, and Value. If either is missing, you could experience some level of mental distress. I specialize in working with the average person trying to earn a living and take care of their family. I treat individuals who struggle with anger, depression, self-esteem and other interpersonal concerns.
I believe there are three major components to a well-balanced state of mind - they are Love, Purpose, and Value. If either is missing, you could experience some level of mental distress. I specialize in working with the average person trying to earn a living and take care of their family. I treat individuals who struggle with anger, depression, self-esteem and other interpersonal concerns.
(312) 635-4435 View (312) 635-4435
Photo of LaTreasa D Blackmon, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
LaTreasa D Blackmon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
I embrace William James’ insight: ‘The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.’ As a dedicated mental health partner, my role is to walk alongside clients, guiding them in making choices that lead to emotional well-being. Many individuals grapple with thoughts that contribute to distressing emotions and problematic behaviors. I focus on helping individuals transform their relationship with these thoughts to cultivate a more fulfilling life. I use treatment methods, including ACT, DBT, and EMDR, to accomplish this.
I embrace William James’ insight: ‘The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.’ As a dedicated mental health partner, my role is to walk alongside clients, guiding them in making choices that lead to emotional well-being. Many individuals grapple with thoughts that contribute to distressing emotions and problematic behaviors. I focus on helping individuals transform their relationship with these thoughts to cultivate a more fulfilling life. I use treatment methods, including ACT, DBT, and EMDR, to accomplish this.
(331) 258-3866 View (331) 258-3866
Photo of Tifarah Jackson, MS, Ed, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tifarah Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, Ed, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563  (Online Only)
Support comes in many forms and fashions from people we love. Sometimes people need someone outside of their circle to speak to and get professional help. I am an experienced licensed clinical professional counselor. I have helped many overcome the difficulties that life brings and helped them to learn to thrive despite mental health challenges. Therapy can empower you to set boundaries, grow & change, motivate you to action and improve overall mood and mental health. It can also help you learn coping skills, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, learn triggers, self improvement, repair relationships and much more. I can help with that.
Support comes in many forms and fashions from people we love. Sometimes people need someone outside of their circle to speak to and get professional help. I am an experienced licensed clinical professional counselor. I have helped many overcome the difficulties that life brings and helped them to learn to thrive despite mental health challenges. Therapy can empower you to set boundaries, grow & change, motivate you to action and improve overall mood and mental health. It can also help you learn coping skills, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, learn triggers, self improvement, repair relationships and much more. I can help with that.
(331) 258-8002 View (331) 258-8002
Audrey Peppers
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
l believe people are the best solutions to their problems and with the proper supports, individuals can accomplish anything. I'm comfortable with treating a host of challenges: including sexual and emotional traumas, mood and depression disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, divorce, attention deficits and grief and loss. I love working with children and families and am comfortable working with individuals of all ages: adults, adolescents and children. Although, I specialize in child and adolescent trauma and learning issues, I also work with individuals and couples to identify their emotional needs and support them in f
l believe people are the best solutions to their problems and with the proper supports, individuals can accomplish anything. I'm comfortable with treating a host of challenges: including sexual and emotional traumas, mood and depression disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, divorce, attention deficits and grief and loss. I love working with children and families and am comfortable working with individuals of all ages: adults, adolescents and children. Although, I specialize in child and adolescent trauma and learning issues, I also work with individuals and couples to identify their emotional needs and support them in f
(217) 717-9634 View (217) 717-9634
Photo of Charlotte A Dillon, SEP  , PhD, MPS, DARe , Psychologist
Charlotte A Dillon
Psychologist, SEP , PhD, MPS, DARe
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
How We Treat One Another Matters: For better and for worse, across our whole lives, we operate in relationships. Our views of our "self" and how we relate to others develop from how we have been treated in relationships. Our capacities to love, to learn, to become our best, all emerge optimally within healthy relationships. Likewise, wounds of heart and soul emerge from ways we have been treated and/or choices we have made which have hurt us, sometimes very deeply. Persons who have experienced relational trauma and/or overwhelming life stressors are ideal candidates for clinical services at Gateway.
How We Treat One Another Matters: For better and for worse, across our whole lives, we operate in relationships. Our views of our "self" and how we relate to others develop from how we have been treated in relationships. Our capacities to love, to learn, to become our best, all emerge optimally within healthy relationships. Likewise, wounds of heart and soul emerge from ways we have been treated and/or choices we have made which have hurt us, sometimes very deeply. Persons who have experienced relational trauma and/or overwhelming life stressors are ideal candidates for clinical services at Gateway.
(630) 457-1346 View (630) 457-1346
Photo of Sharon J Depowski, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon J Depowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Villa Park, IL 60181
My ideal client is an adult who is interested in self improvement and willing to do the work to achieve their goals. I will provide encouragement and guide you through your journey. Each session is tailor made to each individual's needs.
My ideal client is an adult who is interested in self improvement and willing to do the work to achieve their goals. I will provide encouragement and guide you through your journey. Each session is tailor made to each individual's needs.
(630) 903-6006 View (630) 903-6006
Photo of Marvin Merriweather, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marvin Merriweather
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540
Waitlist for new clients
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent my entire career working to understand why mental health is just as important as our physical and spiritual health. I enjoy working directly with a wide range of client populations, ages 14 -65+ years old. I am particularly interested in working with clients struggling with post- traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and societal related stressors. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment to help client’s process underlying feelings, emotions, and thoughts in order to minimize stress, mobilize coping skills, and access social resources.
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent my entire career working to understand why mental health is just as important as our physical and spiritual health. I enjoy working directly with a wide range of client populations, ages 14 -65+ years old. I am particularly interested in working with clients struggling with post- traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and societal related stressors. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment to help client’s process underlying feelings, emotions, and thoughts in order to minimize stress, mobilize coping skills, and access social resources.
(217) 979-5645 View (217) 979-5645

See more therapy options for Carol Stream

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.