Black and African American Therapists in Greenville, SC
![Photo of Ashley Harp, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89d3a035-f7a2-46f9-9930-69d6ff1906a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Harp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615 (Online Only)
I particularly love working with young adult women, teenagers 13 and up, black men and survivors of intimate partner violence and narcissistic abuse.
I believe it is my calling to help my clients get to a better place and live happier, more fulfilled lives. I hope to help you see your worth, understand your past and how you got to the present, and explore the possibilities for your future! I specialize in attachment theory and use a psychoanalytic approach which simply means that I will listen to your story from childhood up through adulthood to get an understanding of what has happened over your life that may be manifesting today and causing challenges for you. Then we do the work to heal the parts that maybe aren't so whole right now.
I particularly love working with young adult women, teenagers 13 and up, black men and survivors of intimate partner violence and narcissistic abuse.
I believe it is my calling to help my clients get to a better place and live happier, more fulfilled lives. I hope to help you see your worth, understand your past and how you got to the present, and explore the possibilities for your future! I specialize in attachment theory and use a psychoanalytic approach which simply means that I will listen to your story from childhood up through adulthood to get an understanding of what has happened over your life that may be manifesting today and causing challenges for you. Then we do the work to heal the parts that maybe aren't so whole right now.
![Photo of Emme Smith, MPA, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b7d3e52-6cb8-4e19-bfaf-0aa5222790bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emme Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPA, MEd
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
We understand that not everything in life is black or white and we work to help you bring clarity to the gray areas.
Are you a high performing professional experiencing anxiety? Do career demands often leave you stressed and fatigued? Has work/life balance become difficult to juggle? Is high stress and anxiety your new normal? Are you looking for an outlet to vent some of life's frustrations? If you've found yourself in a space that feels a little out of the ordinary, we 're holding space for you to heal.
We understand that not everything in life is black or white and we work to help you bring clarity to the gray areas.
Are you a high performing professional experiencing anxiety? Do career demands often leave you stressed and fatigued? Has work/life balance become difficult to juggle? Is high stress and anxiety your new normal? Are you looking for an outlet to vent some of life's frustrations? If you've found yourself in a space that feels a little out of the ordinary, we 're holding space for you to heal.
![Photo of Alexa Williams, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1967fc5a-54aa-401a-aca7-2796ec4146ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29602 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am Alexa Williams from Essence of Balance Counseling. I provide telehealth therapy in the states of South Carolina, Florida, and Delaware. I have worked with clients from various diverse backgrounds and life circumstances in my career for the past 8 years. I primarily work with individuals and couples from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. Providing services for individual, pre-marital, and couples therapy. I am a LGBTQ+ affirming provider. You will go through the therapy process feeling rejuvenated and heard!
Welcome! I am Alexa Williams from Essence of Balance Counseling. I provide telehealth therapy in the states of South Carolina, Florida, and Delaware. I have worked with clients from various diverse backgrounds and life circumstances in my career for the past 8 years. I primarily work with individuals and couples from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. Providing services for individual, pre-marital, and couples therapy. I am a LGBTQ+ affirming provider. You will go through the therapy process feeling rejuvenated and heard!
![Photo of Dr. Tia D. Buchanan - Dr. Tia Buchanan, LPCS, LAC, M.A/PhD., NBCC, CCMHC, PhD, LPCLPCS, LAC, NBCCNCC, CCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cc29ef2-32b6-47cb-8c39-686a6ec9bbed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tia Buchanan, LPCS, LAC, M.A/PhD., NBCC, CCMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCLPCS, LAC, NBCCNCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29602 (Online Only)
I am an LPC, LPCS, LAC in SC, and LPC in Vermont. I have earned M.A. Counseling; M.A. Professional Mental Health Clinical Mental Health (CACREP); M.S. Forensic Psychology: Pediatrics Mental Health Population (Liberty University); Ph.D.; Play Therapy Certification (Capella); Master Black-Belt Six Sigma Certification (Purdue University). I am NBCC Board Certified NCE/National Certified Counselor, NCMHCE/Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am located in Zama Middle High School, Japan where I serve as ASCAS to provide clinical mental health on-site to all ZMHS student ID card holders, 6-12 grades and families.
I am an LPC, LPCS, LAC in SC, and LPC in Vermont. I have earned M.A. Counseling; M.A. Professional Mental Health Clinical Mental Health (CACREP); M.S. Forensic Psychology: Pediatrics Mental Health Population (Liberty University); Ph.D.; Play Therapy Certification (Capella); Master Black-Belt Six Sigma Certification (Purdue University). I am NBCC Board Certified NCE/National Certified Counselor, NCMHCE/Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am located in Zama Middle High School, Japan where I serve as ASCAS to provide clinical mental health on-site to all ZMHS student ID card holders, 6-12 grades and families.
![Photo of Akacia Voorhies, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae974426-3c17-4bde-848c-0ae5d1c6a76f/2/320x400.png)
Akacia Voorhies
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601
As a Black therapist, I enjoy supporting individuals who identify as people of color but also enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or not like your usual self? Could you use support in navigating recent changes and life experiences, such as becoming a new parent or recently ending a relationship? Are you in a season of life where you are trying to succeed in new or existing roles? Have you been through something traumatic and need help processing your experience? Maybe you just need a safe space with someone you can talk to? If that is you, first, I want to say you are not alone and second, I am happy you are here searching for someone who can help you.
As a Black therapist, I enjoy supporting individuals who identify as people of color but also enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or not like your usual self? Could you use support in navigating recent changes and life experiences, such as becoming a new parent or recently ending a relationship? Are you in a season of life where you are trying to succeed in new or existing roles? Have you been through something traumatic and need help processing your experience? Maybe you just need a safe space with someone you can talk to? If that is you, first, I want to say you are not alone and second, I am happy you are here searching for someone who can help you.
![Photo of Kris Hampton, EdS, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05ca6bd3-eb6b-47ff-b209-e3abc2004bd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kris Hampton
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, EdS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601 (Online Only)
As a Black genderqueer individual from the South, I recognize the rich complexity of identity and how it profoundly shapes our experiences and worldview.
Stories are powerful and have the ability to shape our lives. The stories we tell ourselves about our relationships, their effects, and their context have implications for past, present, and future actions. Together, we'll explore the narratives that shape who you are, understand how they influence your experiences, and work towards crafting a story that aligns with your values and beliefs. Working with individuals who embody various intersections of identity is a core focus of my work, with an emphasis on historically excluded individuals and communities. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for exploration.
As a Black genderqueer individual from the South, I recognize the rich complexity of identity and how it profoundly shapes our experiences and worldview.
Stories are powerful and have the ability to shape our lives. The stories we tell ourselves about our relationships, their effects, and their context have implications for past, present, and future actions. Together, we'll explore the narratives that shape who you are, understand how they influence your experiences, and work towards crafting a story that aligns with your values and beliefs. Working with individuals who embody various intersections of identity is a core focus of my work, with an emphasis on historically excluded individuals and communities. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for exploration.
![Photo of Suntia Smith, MSW, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/274e807e-da7f-4013-b8f6-543a4130fbd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you’re dealing with low self confidence, relationship challenges, navigating a difficult transition in your life, or struggling to heal past traumas, you don’t have to face your problems alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Couples Therapist who works with teens, individuals and couples who want to create better lives and healthier relationships. Not only do I offer 1:1 therapy and marriage counseling, but I also offer virtual relationship coaching and HIPAA compliant tele-mental health services, so you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. No office visit required!
Whether you’re dealing with low self confidence, relationship challenges, navigating a difficult transition in your life, or struggling to heal past traumas, you don’t have to face your problems alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Couples Therapist who works with teens, individuals and couples who want to create better lives and healthier relationships. Not only do I offer 1:1 therapy and marriage counseling, but I also offer virtual relationship coaching and HIPAA compliant tele-mental health services, so you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. No office visit required!
![Photo of Angelica Perez - LUMIN - Modern Therapy Practice in Greenville, PhD, MBA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b077cb34-acdf-40c8-9542-eec686cc48b9/1/320x400.png)
LUMIN - Modern Therapy Practice in Greenville
Psychologist, PhD, MBA
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29605
LUMIN is not your typical therapy practice: We use a fresh, down-to-earth, and positive approach to help you confidently deal with life, work and family. We focus on your strengths and your potential while helping you overcome the challenges that bring you to therapy. We combine traditional therapy with education and other resources to empower you beyond your sessions. We also offer career coaching for professionals and entrepreneurs to help them achieve success, wellness, and work-life balance.
LUMIN is not your typical therapy practice: We use a fresh, down-to-earth, and positive approach to help you confidently deal with life, work and family. We focus on your strengths and your potential while helping you overcome the challenges that bring you to therapy. We combine traditional therapy with education and other resources to empower you beyond your sessions. We also offer career coaching for professionals and entrepreneurs to help them achieve success, wellness, and work-life balance.
![Photo of Jordan Hemphill, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65dc17a7-889f-40e6-9710-241490ceda09/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're dealing with anxiety that keeps you second-guessing everything, past traumas and hurts that you struggle to move forward from, or reeling with a loss that has left you feeling empty, these challenges feel too heavy to carry alone. Together, we will work to uncover underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and promote positive change in your life. Expect a warm and welcoming environment where you are free to relax. You can express yourself openly and honestly, without judgement as we work together towards personal growth.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety that keeps you second-guessing everything, past traumas and hurts that you struggle to move forward from, or reeling with a loss that has left you feeling empty, these challenges feel too heavy to carry alone. Together, we will work to uncover underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and promote positive change in your life. Expect a warm and welcoming environment where you are free to relax. You can express yourself openly and honestly, without judgement as we work together towards personal growth.
![Photo of Deneisha S Scott-Poe, PhD, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9bae6f91-67d4-4013-8904-0d82c0754c46/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deneisha S Scott-Poe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29609
Do you find yourself in the throws of a life transition? Whether you are aging, caring for an aging family member, navigating intimate relationships, or unsure where you are going in life. If these things are causing you distress and you need help sorting it out, Dr. Deneisha Scott-Poe’s got you. She has a range of experiences working with adult individuals and couples of all ages and has helped numerous clients reach their therapeutic goals.
Do you find yourself in the throws of a life transition? Whether you are aging, caring for an aging family member, navigating intimate relationships, or unsure where you are going in life. If these things are causing you distress and you need help sorting it out, Dr. Deneisha Scott-Poe’s got you. She has a range of experiences working with adult individuals and couples of all ages and has helped numerous clients reach their therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Diamond T Crider, LPC-A, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3c158c8-482a-47ed-b9eb-f1b7284c5c41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I am a License Professional Counselor Associate who works with adolescents and adults. I believe counseling is a cohesive relationship that helps individuals, couples, families, and groups accomplish mental health wellness and career/life goals. I really connect well with older adolescences and young adults who need help adjusting to all the changes (both positive and negative in life). Additionally, I have experience working with adults who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD and couples with premarital counseling and couples counseling.
Hi, I am a License Professional Counselor Associate who works with adolescents and adults. I believe counseling is a cohesive relationship that helps individuals, couples, families, and groups accomplish mental health wellness and career/life goals. I really connect well with older adolescences and young adults who need help adjusting to all the changes (both positive and negative in life). Additionally, I have experience working with adults who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD and couples with premarital counseling and couples counseling.
15 Second Videos
Ashley Harp
Alexa Williams
Lakita Allen
Shakirie Simmons
Monika L Scott-Rogers
Nilly Barr
Imani N. Byers-Quarterman
Giovanna Burgess Geathers
Anisha R Blanding Supervisor
Anjanette Chege
Sarah Leitner
Perfect Peace Counseling, LLC
Dalvina Phillips
Ricky A Speller
![Photo of Madison Vislocky, MEd, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd0fd148-1840-411f-93eb-a05a2bacc371/2/320x400.jpeg)
Madison Vislocky
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Welcome! I am grateful you have taken a moment to prioritize your needs. Coming to therapy isn't always easy, so if this is your first or hundreth time, my goal is to help you feel heard, safe, and seen with our work together. I am passionate about working with people who have a desire for positive change, and are willing to do the work. I recognize I cannot fix most challenges, but I desire to hold space with you, if you'll allow. Together we'll work on why life is dysfunctional - behaviors, feelings, emotions, relationships, etc.
Welcome! I am grateful you have taken a moment to prioritize your needs. Coming to therapy isn't always easy, so if this is your first or hundreth time, my goal is to help you feel heard, safe, and seen with our work together. I am passionate about working with people who have a desire for positive change, and are willing to do the work. I recognize I cannot fix most challenges, but I desire to hold space with you, if you'll allow. Together we'll work on why life is dysfunctional - behaviors, feelings, emotions, relationships, etc.
![Photo of Nicole Wardell, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9944143b-cc70-4e5e-9113-201b07364ab3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals ages 12 and up, regardless of background, gender, or race. I work specifically with individuals who present with behavioral issues, mental health problems, emotional problems, low self-esteem, anger issues, and/or phase of life problems. If your goal is to learn healthy and effective ways to understand your teen's behavioral and emotional problems and decrease problems in your home and/or school environment, I can help. If your goal is to learn how to express your feelings, manage your depression and/or anxiety, address past traumatic life events, and/or overcome difficult life situations, I can help.
I work with individuals ages 12 and up, regardless of background, gender, or race. I work specifically with individuals who present with behavioral issues, mental health problems, emotional problems, low self-esteem, anger issues, and/or phase of life problems. If your goal is to learn healthy and effective ways to understand your teen's behavioral and emotional problems and decrease problems in your home and/or school environment, I can help. If your goal is to learn how to express your feelings, manage your depression and/or anxiety, address past traumatic life events, and/or overcome difficult life situations, I can help.
![Photo of Audrey Terkelsen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/201b6cae-d869-42e5-aa73-81828c2df568/3/320x400.jpeg)
Audrey Terkelsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601 (Online Only)
The first time looking through Psychology Today profiles can be overwhelming. It can still be overwhelming even if you’ve done it many times. You may already be feeling so stuck, so low, so unmotivated and maybe even be asking yourself the question, “what’s wrong with me?”. If that’s the case, combing through these profiles with so many words can feel like a lot. There is no shame in feeling that way and you are certainly not alone. My hope for you and everyone looking for help is that you can find a space where you feel safe and connected to work on why you are struggling.
The first time looking through Psychology Today profiles can be overwhelming. It can still be overwhelming even if you’ve done it many times. You may already be feeling so stuck, so low, so unmotivated and maybe even be asking yourself the question, “what’s wrong with me?”. If that’s the case, combing through these profiles with so many words can feel like a lot. There is no shame in feeling that way and you are certainly not alone. My hope for you and everyone looking for help is that you can find a space where you feel safe and connected to work on why you are struggling.
![Photo of Traci Ballou-Broadnax, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/615d4b01-d21d-4327-b62b-a392906f886b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Far too often, life does not go as we hope or plan. It is at those times that we can truly benefit from supportive others showing us that we are not alone, and the powerful experience of someone validating, while also empowering us to overcome, our challenges. I believe that therapy is a space that can offer this support, and I value the chance to help individuals navigate life's transitions and obstacles. Through my training and work experiences, I have learned to empathize, and work effectively, with college students and individuals across the lifespan, from diverse backgrounds, and with a wide-range of concerns.
Far too often, life does not go as we hope or plan. It is at those times that we can truly benefit from supportive others showing us that we are not alone, and the powerful experience of someone validating, while also empowering us to overcome, our challenges. I believe that therapy is a space that can offer this support, and I value the chance to help individuals navigate life's transitions and obstacles. Through my training and work experiences, I have learned to empathize, and work effectively, with college students and individuals across the lifespan, from diverse backgrounds, and with a wide-range of concerns.
![Photo of Lakita Allen, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f78a9f9-1f7d-4437-956e-228143be9352/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lakita Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29615
Only accepting children ages 2 - 12 yrs old. Welcome! I am so PROUD of you for taking these first steps! It is such a blessing to be able to provide a safe, caring, and supportive space for my clients where I can enable them to live a more productive and satisfying life, help cope with new situations, challenges, or emotions, promote good decision making skills and improve relationships. When working with individuals and families, my goal is to assist with improving interactions and conflicts with others, diagnose and treat psychological disorders, guide clients through crises, address problematic relational or behavioral patterns.
Only accepting children ages 2 - 12 yrs old. Welcome! I am so PROUD of you for taking these first steps! It is such a blessing to be able to provide a safe, caring, and supportive space for my clients where I can enable them to live a more productive and satisfying life, help cope with new situations, challenges, or emotions, promote good decision making skills and improve relationships. When working with individuals and families, my goal is to assist with improving interactions and conflicts with others, diagnose and treat psychological disorders, guide clients through crises, address problematic relational or behavioral patterns.
![Photo of M. Susannah Baldwin - Reproductive Journey Counseling & Support, MEd, LPC, PMH-C](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed34af4d-dd24-4426-9537-a4fa841650a1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reproductive Journey Counseling & Support
MEd, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Bundle of joy? Becoming a parent is so much more than labor and delivery. In fact, the transition begins long before the due date. For most, the journey begins with the idea of creating family. Even your outlook on the world can change once you've embarked on some part of this path. And while imagined to be only wondrous, becoming parents can also present significant challenges. If you have concerns around fertility, loss, pregnancy / postpartum distress, childbirth, hormonal changes, adoption or the many other topics during this phase of life- we can help.
Bundle of joy? Becoming a parent is so much more than labor and delivery. In fact, the transition begins long before the due date. For most, the journey begins with the idea of creating family. Even your outlook on the world can change once you've embarked on some part of this path. And while imagined to be only wondrous, becoming parents can also present significant challenges. If you have concerns around fertility, loss, pregnancy / postpartum distress, childbirth, hormonal changes, adoption or the many other topics during this phase of life- we can help.
![Photo of Barbara Lester - Upstate Counseling Center, LLC, MA, LPC, NCC, TF-CBT, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9820726-3004-4419-80d8-4bc8bb97543a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Upstate Counseling Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, TF-CBT, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, groups, children, adults, and adolescents.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, groups, children, adults, and adolescents.
![Photo of Andrele Jean-Charles, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/604e1d5a-1ad1-45a1-9285-0cfc2355e3ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrele Jean-Charles
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607 (Online Only)
Immediate openings, accepting new clients!
Immediate openings, accepting new clients!
Deborah Downs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, LLC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29609
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stress of life? Has life come at you, and you feel hopeless,worthless, stuck, broken, depleted, or depressed? Are you dealing with unhealthy habits or past trauma that you feel is hindering you from being your best self, or do you desire to gain more purpose for your life? I will work with you in a supportive manner to find solutions, direction, balance, and help you gain a better perspective on your life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stress of life? Has life come at you, and you feel hopeless,worthless, stuck, broken, depleted, or depressed? Are you dealing with unhealthy habits or past trauma that you feel is hindering you from being your best self, or do you desire to gain more purpose for your life? I will work with you in a supportive manner to find solutions, direction, balance, and help you gain a better perspective on your life.
See more therapy options for Greenville
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for Greenville
See More Black and African American TherapistsNearby Searches for Greenville
See More TherapistsBlack 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.