Black and African American Therapists in Minnesota
![Photo of Marlee James - Reviving Roots Therapy & Wellness, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53fabf3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reviving Roots Therapy & Wellness
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Reviving Roots in Minneapolis is a holistic hub for Black wellness, offering therapy, massage, mindful movement, and co-working spaces.
Our ideal client seeks a holistic approach to healing, navigating trauma, stress, and societal pressures. They desire wellness practices that honor their cultural identity, aiming for peace, resilience, and self-discovery. At Reviving Roots, they find a community and strategies rooted in a deep understanding of the Black experience, seeking to thrive mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Reviving Roots in Minneapolis is a holistic hub for Black wellness, offering therapy, massage, mindful movement, and co-working spaces.
Our ideal client seeks a holistic approach to healing, navigating trauma, stress, and societal pressures. They desire wellness practices that honor their cultural identity, aiming for peace, resilience, and self-discovery. At Reviving Roots, they find a community and strategies rooted in a deep understanding of the Black experience, seeking to thrive mentally, physically, and spiritually.
![Photo of Tamiko Ralston - Protective Factors Integrated, LPCC, RN, PHN, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/810cab86-766b-4491-b7cb-1b525557a0f2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Protective Factors Integrated
Counselor, LPCC, RN, PHN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbury, MN 55125
Trained through the African American Child Wellness Institute, I offer a strength-based approach that honors the whole-self, including mind, body and spirit.
Are you in a life transition & would like a sounding board to reflect on your personal journey, growth or overall purpose? Do you desire improved communication in relationships, better quality of sleep, work/life BALANCE, time management or self-care? Would you like the flexibility of virtual teletherapy options? If you answered yes to any questions here, let's CONNECT!
Trained through the African American Child Wellness Institute, I offer a strength-based approach that honors the whole-self, including mind, body and spirit.
Are you in a life transition & would like a sounding board to reflect on your personal journey, growth or overall purpose? Do you desire improved communication in relationships, better quality of sleep, work/life BALANCE, time management or self-care? Would you like the flexibility of virtual teletherapy options? If you answered yes to any questions here, let's CONNECT!
![Photo of Mari Weigel, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/669a37fe-0d82-45fd-b039-303b36f5c50d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mari Weigel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Maple Grove, MN 55369 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Mari (she/her) and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing out of Minnesota. I am a queer, black, cis, neurotypical and fat woman. My passion areas are for young adults, adults, older generations and couples. I enjoy exploring developmental concerns in all ages as folks navigate adjustment issues while exploring identities of who you are and who you want to be. I specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression, couples/relationships and transitions across life stages. I strive to create environments where folks feel seen, heard and appreciated for who they are.
Hi! I'm Mari (she/her) and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing out of Minnesota. I am a queer, black, cis, neurotypical and fat woman. My passion areas are for young adults, adults, older generations and couples. I enjoy exploring developmental concerns in all ages as folks navigate adjustment issues while exploring identities of who you are and who you want to be. I specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression, couples/relationships and transitions across life stages. I strive to create environments where folks feel seen, heard and appreciated for who they are.
![Photo of Brandy T Fountain, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41bc54e3-5452-4d5d-9cd1-6fdaa88f4f27/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brandy T Fountain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Online Only)
Collaboration and teamwork are paramount to achieving positive change, and I foster such an environment in my sessions. As an African American female, I am passionate about raising awareness of how mental health affects our daily lives and committed to providing mental health services to underrepresented communities. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Counseling, I am continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to serve my clients better.
Collaboration and teamwork are paramount to achieving positive change, and I foster such an environment in my sessions. As an African American female, I am passionate about raising awareness of how mental health affects our daily lives and committed to providing mental health services to underrepresented communities. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Counseling, I am continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to serve my clients better.
![Photo of Petronellah Thoko Thomas - Kesma Flame Lily LLC, MSc, LPCC, S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/487ad00d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a special interest in Black Women's wellness and I use strength-based modalities in my therapeutic interventions.
We are a Private Group Practice that adolescents and adults provide therapy to individuals with the diagnosis of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, self-image/esteem, gambling, difficulty adjusting to life stress, and trauma. We hold a dual license and experience in both mental health and chemical dependency.
I have a special interest in Black Women's wellness and I use strength-based modalities in my therapeutic interventions.
We are a Private Group Practice that adolescents and adults provide therapy to individuals with the diagnosis of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, self-image/esteem, gambling, difficulty adjusting to life stress, and trauma. We hold a dual license and experience in both mental health and chemical dependency.
![Photo of Antonio Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae1b0c5-dfc3-4ddb-ac42-1ce882d91371/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am here to tell you that seeking help and guidance regarding your mental and emotional health is okay. As a Bi-Racial Black and Mexican, Heterosexual, male, who grew up in a multicultural home, I understand the many barriers and stigmas associated with seeking mental health treatment. I had to challenge many of those cultural barriers, giving me a unique life experience and the ability to offer insight and perspective to those facing similar circumstances.
I am here to tell you that seeking help and guidance regarding your mental and emotional health is okay. As a Bi-Racial Black and Mexican, Heterosexual, male, who grew up in a multicultural home, I understand the many barriers and stigmas associated with seeking mental health treatment. I had to challenge many of those cultural barriers, giving me a unique life experience and the ability to offer insight and perspective to those facing similar circumstances.
![Photo of Dionne Trice, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4397ddb5-dde6-4705-8f05-a619a4cd5960/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dionne Trice
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist, I bring nearly 20 yrs working with domestic violence, 30 yrs of ministry, community activism, nearly 40 yrs of marriage & the tragic loss of a child. Through it, I've grown in my understanding of the impact of systems, trauma and loss on people. As an African American therapist I specialize in working with minority stress and other trauma related to being part of an marginalized group. My areas of focus include: grief & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, perinatal mental health, communication issues, Interpersonal Violence, spiritual abuse/trauma, and stress management.
As a therapist, I bring nearly 20 yrs working with domestic violence, 30 yrs of ministry, community activism, nearly 40 yrs of marriage & the tragic loss of a child. Through it, I've grown in my understanding of the impact of systems, trauma and loss on people. As an African American therapist I specialize in working with minority stress and other trauma related to being part of an marginalized group. My areas of focus include: grief & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, perinatal mental health, communication issues, Interpersonal Violence, spiritual abuse/trauma, and stress management.
![Photo of Karyn Cave, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/152e1d99-8307-4082-b109-7dce6074f393/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karyn Cave
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55423
As a Black queer woman, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.
I offer a relational, conversational, and sometimes humorous approach, fostering a low-pressure environment. My approach will gently challenge you, when appropriate, to help you move towards your goals. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your well-being and growth.
As a Black queer woman, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.
I offer a relational, conversational, and sometimes humorous approach, fostering a low-pressure environment. My approach will gently challenge you, when appropriate, to help you move towards your goals. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your well-being and growth.
![Photo of Natallie Chivers-Lockhart, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22f9d1a7-1f79-486d-a2f4-6ae61d72a67b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Natallie Chivers-Lockhart
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55413 (Online Only)
I am passionate about the dynamic of the Black/African American family as it pertains to mental health, intimate partner violence, intrapersonal relations, self-worth/self-confidence and the place they hold in society.
When working with clients, I use a collaborative approach. With this in mind, I want to make sure the relational aspect as well as interpersonal aspects of a person are an important part of the process. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples struggling with interpersonal issues, relational discord, life transitions, familial conflict, body imaging struggles, trauma and other stressors that may arise. I have experience working with adults and adolescents in generational poverty, domestic violence survivors, teen pregnancy, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, sexual trauma and social justice concerns.
I am passionate about the dynamic of the Black/African American family as it pertains to mental health, intimate partner violence, intrapersonal relations, self-worth/self-confidence and the place they hold in society.
When working with clients, I use a collaborative approach. With this in mind, I want to make sure the relational aspect as well as interpersonal aspects of a person are an important part of the process. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples struggling with interpersonal issues, relational discord, life transitions, familial conflict, body imaging struggles, trauma and other stressors that may arise. I have experience working with adults and adolescents in generational poverty, domestic violence survivors, teen pregnancy, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, sexual trauma and social justice concerns.
![Photo of Azania Tripp - Reviving Roots Therapy and Wellness, MSW, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b9e01c1-f367-419b-825f-797d17cbeea0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reviving Roots Therapy and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Life is full of ongoing changes. I am Azania (she/her), an LGSW that uses Black-Centered care to support clients in therapy. I specialize in working with BIPOC, queer & trans/non-binary individuals who are adults (18+) that are navigating intergenerational/historical traumas, sexual violence, are first-generation, artists, entrepreneurship, and career development. I integrate my professional training and therapeutic skills with my lived experience as a pansexual-identified person with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and who is mixed race Black/Singaporean Eurasian person.
Life is full of ongoing changes. I am Azania (she/her), an LGSW that uses Black-Centered care to support clients in therapy. I specialize in working with BIPOC, queer & trans/non-binary individuals who are adults (18+) that are navigating intergenerational/historical traumas, sexual violence, are first-generation, artists, entrepreneurship, and career development. I integrate my professional training and therapeutic skills with my lived experience as a pansexual-identified person with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and who is mixed race Black/Singaporean Eurasian person.
![Photo of Andria Daniel, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf96dd2c-7254-4aed-89cb-6047fc2baec4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andria Daniel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Golden Valley, MN 55426 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with Black, Indigenous and people of color who need support with depression and trauma.
It is important to normalize conversations around mental health so people can feel empowered to get the help they need. I help clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, grief and relationship distress. My approach is person-center providing care that is respectful and responsive. Evening hours are available.
I specialize in working with Black, Indigenous and people of color who need support with depression and trauma.
It is important to normalize conversations around mental health so people can feel empowered to get the help they need. I help clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, grief and relationship distress. My approach is person-center providing care that is respectful and responsive. Evening hours are available.
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![Photo of Alexandria Grim, MS, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44cd7c5e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandria Grim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55430 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with African American women.
My name is Alexandria Grim or Lexy for short. I am a licensed professional counselor and owner of Breaking Free Counseling and Consulting Services. I have a B.A. in African American Studies and a minor in Sociology from the University of Mn. I also have a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. My counseling style is eclectic, integrative and intuitive in nature. Specifically, my approach blends a balance between influences of Adlerian therapy, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT and EFT. I am also a spiritual counselor working toward certification. I believe in a holistic/mind,body, spirit approach to therapy.
I specialize in working with African American women.
My name is Alexandria Grim or Lexy for short. I am a licensed professional counselor and owner of Breaking Free Counseling and Consulting Services. I have a B.A. in African American Studies and a minor in Sociology from the University of Mn. I also have a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. My counseling style is eclectic, integrative and intuitive in nature. Specifically, my approach blends a balance between influences of Adlerian therapy, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT and EFT. I am also a spiritual counselor working toward certification. I believe in a holistic/mind,body, spirit approach to therapy.
![Photo of Taquoia Hammick, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53b61784-183e-49e3-ab93-70d2c8ee67a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I’m so happy you’ve found your way here. My name is TaQuoia (they/them) but folks can also call me Tee. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and I have six years of experience helping children and families from diverse backgrounds navigate challenges and develop the skills they need to achieve their goals. As a Black, Queer and Non-Binary therapist I know how important it is to validate the intersectional identities of my clients and create a space that is inclusive and affirming to all.
Welcome! I’m so happy you’ve found your way here. My name is TaQuoia (they/them) but folks can also call me Tee. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and I have six years of experience helping children and families from diverse backgrounds navigate challenges and develop the skills they need to achieve their goals. As a Black, Queer and Non-Binary therapist I know how important it is to validate the intersectional identities of my clients and create a space that is inclusive and affirming to all.
![Photo of Tanesha Saxon, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cac56837-ab2b-4bd3-a837-7aca3467792d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tanesha Saxon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbury, MN 55125 (Online Only)
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
![Photo of Cerise Lewis, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, CTMH, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a6c3f35-8bde-4fc5-8edc-8936b363d99b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cerise Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, CTMH, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with communities of color, specifically Black/African Americans, married couples, and families.
Life’s circumstances can sometimes feel like a heavy burden, leaving us powerless to change our situation. My passion lies in building confidence and empowering individuals, couples and families. Every day, people grapple with stress, trauma, and challenging problems that can be overwhelming to face alone. I’m here to help you navigate these difficulties and discover sustainable solutions, allowing you to heal, thrive, and become your best self.
I specialize in working with communities of color, specifically Black/African Americans, married couples, and families.
Life’s circumstances can sometimes feel like a heavy burden, leaving us powerless to change our situation. My passion lies in building confidence and empowering individuals, couples and families. Every day, people grapple with stress, trauma, and challenging problems that can be overwhelming to face alone. I’m here to help you navigate these difficulties and discover sustainable solutions, allowing you to heal, thrive, and become your best self.
![Photo of Brockman Schumacher Jr, MS, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bee0e78-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The son of interracial parents, I grew up in an African-American community in Saint Louis during Jim Crow segregation.
For more than 30 years I have counseled men, women, and teens addressing a crisis, a tragedy, something troubling they are struggling with now or from the past. My work with you will focus on developing your own skills to address current and past issues. Your work with me will be empowering and deliberate and will enable you to have a more fulfilling future. Our work together will include, but not necessarily be limited to consideration and assessments of how particular issues are affecting you and/or those you care about. You may bring a partner, friend, or family member to our sessions.
The son of interracial parents, I grew up in an African-American community in Saint Louis during Jim Crow segregation.
For more than 30 years I have counseled men, women, and teens addressing a crisis, a tragedy, something troubling they are struggling with now or from the past. My work with you will focus on developing your own skills to address current and past issues. Your work with me will be empowering and deliberate and will enable you to have a more fulfilling future. Our work together will include, but not necessarily be limited to consideration and assessments of how particular issues are affecting you and/or those you care about. You may bring a partner, friend, or family member to our sessions.
![Photo of Ella Bonner Ramos, MHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d01a22d4-4937-482c-a7a5-2fe408a3bf6e/1/320x400.png)
I am a Black American, female, Christian-identified therapist.
I am passionate about developing self-identity, maternal mental health, and serving parents who are seeking to strengthen their parental skills and relationships with their children. I am devoted to utilizing cultural enrichment, exploring generational connections and patterns with clients, and healing places of trauma within the BIPOC community.
I am a Black American, female, Christian-identified therapist.
I am passionate about developing self-identity, maternal mental health, and serving parents who are seeking to strengthen their parental skills and relationships with their children. I am devoted to utilizing cultural enrichment, exploring generational connections and patterns with clients, and healing places of trauma within the BIPOC community.
![Photo of Marcus Scott Manning, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d6f010-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marcus Scott Manning
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55416 (Online Only)
As a Transracial adoptee my life experience overlaps the boundary between Caucasian and African-American cultures and gives me an uncommonly unique multicultural perspective on life and living.
I have an intense curiosity about human behavior and why people make the decisions they do. As a therapist I use that as a way to help people gain insight and understanding about their lives, ultimately finding greater contentment, happiness and fulfillment. I'm committed to helping my clients live their best lives. My specialties are counseling with Adult Adoptees, Adult ADHD/ADD, Couples /Interracial Couples. I also work with individuals to help them navigate their way through Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Stress Management.
As a Transracial adoptee my life experience overlaps the boundary between Caucasian and African-American cultures and gives me an uncommonly unique multicultural perspective on life and living.
I have an intense curiosity about human behavior and why people make the decisions they do. As a therapist I use that as a way to help people gain insight and understanding about their lives, ultimately finding greater contentment, happiness and fulfillment. I'm committed to helping my clients live their best lives. My specialties are counseling with Adult Adoptees, Adult ADHD/ADD, Couples /Interracial Couples. I also work with individuals to help them navigate their way through Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Stress Management.
![Photo of Albert N Brown, JD, MA, PCC, LADC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85425433-75e5-4704-a68f-2fc23063f220/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with African American males 15 and older.
I have 20 years' combined experience working with culturally, ethnically and generationally diverse clients in therapy, chemical use, restorative justice, and counseling children and families in need. I'm dedicated to enthusiastic, respectful and dynamic interactions as a means of creating and nurturing community interest. As a psychotherapist and LADC, I've worked with adults, adolescents, and families from all walks of life. My goal is to foster well-being in individuals and families. I seek to eliminate the stigma of shame and guilt associated with mental health and substance use, which leads to understanding, respectful conversations that enable healing.
I specialize in working with African American males 15 and older.
I have 20 years' combined experience working with culturally, ethnically and generationally diverse clients in therapy, chemical use, restorative justice, and counseling children and families in need. I'm dedicated to enthusiastic, respectful and dynamic interactions as a means of creating and nurturing community interest. As a psychotherapist and LADC, I've worked with adults, adolescents, and families from all walks of life. My goal is to foster well-being in individuals and families. I seek to eliminate the stigma of shame and guilt associated with mental health and substance use, which leads to understanding, respectful conversations that enable healing.
![Photo of Bravada M Garrett-Akinsanya, PhD, LP, LICSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d40335-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the areas of diversity, developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology and African-American mental health.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 40+ years of experience. I have written, presented, and consulted extensively about diversity, developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology, childhood abuse, trauma, sexual assault, community/domestic violence and African-American mental health. I believe everyone has a right to wellness & use strategies that promote humor, hard work, experiential learning resilience. There is a saying: "You do not have to teach a cut how to heal, you just have to create the best environment for healing to take place." My goal is to create a loving space for healing to take place.
I specialize in the areas of diversity, developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology and African-American mental health.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 40+ years of experience. I have written, presented, and consulted extensively about diversity, developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology, childhood abuse, trauma, sexual assault, community/domestic violence and African-American mental health. I believe everyone has a right to wellness & use strategies that promote humor, hard work, experiential learning resilience. There is a saying: "You do not have to teach a cut how to heal, you just have to create the best environment for healing to take place." My goal is to create a loving space for healing to take place.
See more therapy options for Minnesota
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.