Book 100+ of the best Black / African American therapists in California

Hi, I’m Jahvon (juh-von) Pierre or you can call me "Jae". I graduated from Cal State University, East Bay in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and in 2020, I earned my Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Diego State University. I have an extensive history in psychology and human development and I have been practicing for a little over 6 years.

Hello future clients. My name is Kawanna Gritney and I am here to assist you with drastically decreasing your depression and anxiety and help you improve how you show up in and deal with issues that arise in your intimate relationships. If you have been dealing with issues from your past that you have not dealt with and you feel that those issues are holding you back I can assist you with getting past those issues as well and begin the process of building a better version of yourself.

As an ABOLITIONIST, I believe in *literally* abolishing police, prisons, & all other forms of state violence. I am happy to discuss in-depth but for now, know that I am most heavily oriented in the work of folx like Project Nia; Interrupting Criminalization; Equitable Care Certification, and Survived & Punished. Of course, I am still deepening my learning and praxis, as one ought. As a RESOURCE MAVEN, I facilitate linkages to information & resources to support people’s wellbeing. Meaning I actually make the calls with you, etc., if wanted/needed. This type of support is a major source of joy for me & something that I’m happy to help with! I’m a FACILITATOR of JOY because, as a Queer, Disabled, Neurodivergent, fat, Gender Nonconforming Black person, I place special emphasis on helping marginalized folx find and (re)create joy in a world that denies us joy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is on understanding the environmental and contextual factors at play in your life. I come to therapy with a trauma-informed/healing-centered perspective and work collaboratively with you on determining what kinds of interventions are best suited for your needs. My approach is laid back and can be viewed as “coachy,” meaning I ask questions and provide feedback to help you figure out solutions that will work for your life. I also encourage you to bring your creative and spiritual practices to therapy, so if you want to include art, tarot, crystals, ancestor reverence, etc., we can do that!

Welcome! I'm Lanelle P. Laws, LMFT. For over 15 years, I've had the privilege of helping people overcome challenges related to trauma, incarceration, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ identity. My passion is empowering individuals to build their self-esteem and thrive. I offer an environment that is non-judgmental, comfortable, and encouraging but from a BIPOC approach. I'm a unique therapist because my lived experience gives me relatability that others do not have. I have dedicated my life to breaking generational traumas that have plagued most underserved communities and I aim to bring voices to marginalized populations that have been misrepresented. I always say, "I'm not your average therapist!" I don't say this because I'm better...I say this because my approach has been elevated to attract individuals that have fallen through the cracks due to unhealthy relationships with therapy. I know what it's like to need help and not be able to find it...let me "Change Ur Narrative".

My name is Adeola Adelabu-Soule and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the San Diego area. I have always had a passion for empowering others. I work with adults and specialize in Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, and Domestic Violence. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused therapy to help patients progress with their mental wellness goals.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

Hey there! I'm Ashleigh, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping people navigate through life's ups and downs. I understand that life can throw some major curveballs and it's not always easy to navigate through them. That's where I come in! I'm here to support and empower you as you tackle life's challenges and work towards your goals. Life is a journey of growth and learning, and I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey together and create positive change in your life. I look forward to meeting you, and I am honored to be a part of your transformative process.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker in California with a demonstrated ability to develop rapport with people from various backgrounds. As a social worker, I have had the opportunity to work in various settings from medical and psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies and the criminal justice system (juveniles and adults). I have also worked with individuals challenged by addiction. Through the use of interpersonal dynamics, I can support individuals in accessing various psychological parts of themselves while focusing on the past, present and future.

I am a dedicated psychotherapist committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, improve emotional well-being, and foster personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, or life transitions, I integrate evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights to create lasting change and live a more fulfilling life.

Hello, my name is Carla. Are you having difficulty with getting through the day without feeling sadness, anxiety, stress, difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships, overwhelming frustration so much so that its difficult to enjoy life or simply balance day to day life? Are you struggling to feel good about yourself? If you are reading this profile you have made a brave step in the direction of taking care of YOU and that's huge. It can be hard to seek therapy or just ask for help in general so let me just say I am proud of you for taking this step!

I'm Yashica a LMFT located in Simi Valley, California. I am a seasoned mental health therapist with over two decades of clinical knowledge and experience. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that hope is the catalyst for change. By helping you challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, I aim to set you free to embrace transformation.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I assist individuals, couples, and families in finding healthy alternatives and solutions by identifying and addressing patterns that may be impacting their well-being and hindering growth. My focus is on helping clients become the best versions of themselves through meaningful and effective interventions.

Therapy is a journey, and as your therapist, I step into the role of being your journeyman walking alongside you as we navigate the path together. We’ll take time to explore your life experiences and the challenges that brought you here, working in a way that honors your unique perspective and language. I aim to create a safe, collaborative space free from judgment or bias, where you can feel supported and truly understood. As your journeyman, I’m here to help you develop the skills and utilize the tools you need to manage life’s stressors in healthier, more fulfilling ways. Together, we’ll move toward clarity, growth, and balance.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that everyone is inherently valuable and deserves to be heard and treated with dignity and respect. I strive to create a non-judgmental, compassionate space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. I prioritize honoring clients' legal rights to confidentiality and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. I aim to build a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering clients to navigate challenges, develop resilience, and achieve personal and relational goals.

Welcome! Being vulnerable and open to change is not easy, but you are in the right place. My name is Bianca Jamerson (she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As LCSW, I am highly attuned to how each client's role in their unique environment impacts their everyday life. With this framework, and a touch of humor, I provide a safe and culturally humble space for my clients to explore and process the issues that prompted them to seek therapy. In the therapeutic space, we will use the strengths that you already possess to navigate problems and achieve your personal goals. I look forward to working and developing an authentic relationship with you to address the underlying cause of your challenges.

Greetings. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I am a graduate of California Baptist University and I have 25 years experience and licensed 18 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. However for approximately the past seven (8) years I am working with adults only; ages 18-65. I assist them with acknowledging challenges they are facing and learning new ways of coping.

Hello and welcome! My name is Monique, and I am a clinical therapist. I am looking forward to meeting people where they are and becoming a small, but meaningful part of their journeys. I’ve been doing this work for a while now and I know the importance of research to finding an appropriate fit. My goal is to be of service and to help people that are looking to grow and heal. I have extensive training and experience in evidence-based modalities such as CBT and trauma-informed care. I have worked with several populations, including but not limited to; veterans, college students, people who struggle with addiction, couples, families, people struggling with marginalized identities as well as those looking to improve their quality of life, by way of personal growth, or trauma resolution. The approach that I employ is from a humanistic perspective. I understand the importance of respect and safety to the explorative process of being in therapy. CBT is utilized as a proven and effective way to treat a myriad of disorders, or simply to grow in perspective as an individual or as a member of a family unit/romantic partnership. I wish you only the best on your journey to wellness, even if our paths do not cross, best of luck. If you are interested in the services that I provide, please do not hesitate to reach out and start the process. I hope to hear from you soon.

You are grieving, heartbroken, or lost. You didn’t get the job, you broke up with your partner, someone important has died. Grief is normal and exquisite and painful. You want to talk about it, but you don’t want to burden anyone. Here you have permission to be a burden. To be messy, seen, repetitive, and stuck. I’ll meet you there, but won’t leave you there. We work towards managing the unimaginable. Reckoning with the stories we tell and the paths lost, in order to reconcile with where we truly are. There you will find possibility. New stories, new love, new hope. There you will find the courage to start again.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my masters from the University of Central Florida and have been practicing for over 14 years. I am licensed in Florida, Maine, Virginia, Arizona and Colorado. I resides in Florida. I help adults cope with various challenges impacting their lives. I help clients recognize their own strengths to make the changes they need.

My clinical approach is aligned with "Radical Healing Theory," which encompasses a holistic approach to healing beyond physical health and addresses the underlying causes of suffering and inequality. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of various social, economic, political, and environmental systems and their impact on individual and collective well-being. Radical healing is rooted in critical theory and social justice frameworks. It challenges traditional notions of health and healing by centering marginalized voices and experiences. It seeks to dismantle oppressive structures and promote equity, justice, and liberation.

My name is Tomekia Edwards. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Texas and California) with over 14 years of experience. I've worked in inpatient behavioral health, mobile psychiatric assessment, and HIV case management capacities. I've also worked with service members and their families around issues related to military life. Typical concerns I address through counseling include anxiety, depression, work/school stressors, and relationship stressors. I provide services based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused approaches with years of experience working with adults, children, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Hi my name is Mylan (Me-lawn) Allen. I approach therapy with authenticity and curiosity using person centered and cognitive based therapeutic modalities. My clients develop a deeper sense of self and understanding of their environment when working with me. I help my clients build their resilience by learning to challenge their thoughts, identify their feelings and recognize patterns and behaviors.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

Hello. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology who has been practicing for 10 years. I have experience with all types of clients, including families, children, and individuals who are looking to understand what they are going through and how to get through it.

Life can be full of uncertainty, disappointment, loss, and unanswered questions. At times it may seem no one can possibly understand or help us through a difficult or painful situation. We may even question how the past, present, and future can be simultaneously daunting. Yes, painful life experiences can seem never-ending, but I want you to know there is hope. The hurts of life do not have to leave a permanent scar on your mind, body, or soul. I have found therapy to be an effective tool in healing the deepest of wounds. You are not defined by the wound, but the healing. For nearly a decade, I have served many facing marital, familial and parental distress, drug/alcohol addiction, challenging mental health diagnoses, trauma, and various cancer types. I take great pride in providing therapeutic services and advocating for students with school staff. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and possess a Nutrition for Mental Health certification. Take heart and take joy for there is nothing you cannot overcome.

Kaiser client you need a referral from Kaiser first then Kaiser will send you a link to book a session with me. I specialized in treating grief, anxiety depression, anger issues, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. Are you experiencing anxiety? Is this impacting your relationships and overall happiness? Depression manifests various forms but is among the most common issues faced by individuals today. If you do find a time in your schedule, please contact me to see if I can adjust my availability

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia focused on providing services to individuals and families. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work and a PhD. in Social Work: Policy, Planning and Administration and have over 10 years of experience providing clinical services to children, teens and families. The onset of my career began with helping children and families within a community mental health setting as well as those involved in the child welfare system. My clients have a wide range of concerns including: Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I've also worked with clients who have experienced trauma and abuse. I believe in a humanistic, person-centered, cognitive behavioral approach to therapy where the focus is on helping clients develop a stronger sense of self within a non-judgmental therapeutic setting. I am a proponent in addressing factors that contribute to the healing of the spirit, mind and body. I am happy that you have taken the first step in your healing process and I look forward to working with you.

Welcome! I'm Liz. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD). Have you noticed your outlook on your life growing increasingly grim? Perhaps struggling in your self-confidence, your ability to trust yourself or others in relationships, or enact positive change in your circumstances. I am a person-centered, integrative therapist that will instill hope to guide you to live a life rooted in your personal beliefs and values successfully. Whether you may be struggling with PTSD/trauma (including racial stress and acculturation), depression, anxiety, stress management, painful emotions, relationship difficulties, or making a healthy behavior change, I am here to tailor your treatment to you. I am an evidence-based therapist, who uses a multicultural approach to understand you, what has influenced your beliefs/values, and how your perspectives and life journey has evolved. I will partner with you on guiding you to a life worthy of you, using techniques that are proven to improve symptoms and achieve an optimal quality of life. I'm ready to collaborate with you!

Hello I have 37-years of clinical experience including, trauma-informed therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Anger Management, Domestic Violence Intervention ,victims of sex and child abuse. Other areas of expertise include performing Immigration Evaluations, Marriage Annulments and evaluations for applicants for seminary studies. I am compassionate and empathetic. I am fluent in both English and Spanish.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor enjoying what I do. I have been helping people improve their lives for over seven years. I help couples and individuals to navigate different challenges involving romantic, familial and other interpersonal relationship dynamics. I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past five years. It’s helped so many of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other that keep you in unhealthy cycles.

As a black female school-based therapist, my dream client is one who approaches therapy with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the process of self-discovery and growth. My dream client understands the importance of mental health and values the support that therapy can provide in navigating the challenges of adolescence. Ideally, my dream client is someone who is eager to explore their identity, including aspects of race, culture, and gender, in a safe and affirming space. They are open to discussing sensitive topics and are willing to challenge societal norms and expectations that may be impacting their well-being. My dream client is proactive in their approach to therapy, actively participating in sessions, completing assigned tasks or homework, and practicing coping skills outside of our sessions. They understand that therapy is a collaborative effort and are committed to working together to achieve their goals. Additionally, my dream client is respectful, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and support within the therapeutic environment. They are open to learning from different perspectives and are willing to engage in discussions around social justice, equity, and inclusion. Overall, my dream client is someone who is committed to their personal growth and development, embraces their uniqueness, and values the power of therapy in fostering resilience and well-being.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). I have been providing therapy for 5+ years. As a therapist, I work to create and hold a supportive space for individuals to be seen, felt, and heard. I lead with curiosity, meet clients where they are at, and encourage clients to engage in a reflective process. I believe can tap into our greatest strengths and potential when we take the time to process our thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences.

I help individuals, couples, and families develop a balanced mindset that allows faster progress through challenges that foster a deeper understanding of self and others. I work collaboratively with my clients, nurturing curiosity and processing thoughts and feelings at their self-determined pace. For me, therapy is exceptionally helpful for uncovering our identity, healing past wounds, and fortifying our capacity to live more fully. With extensive experience in trauma work, I am deeply committed to teaching and especially motivated to support youth. Having spent much of my career assisting traumatized adolescents, I also serve as a diplomatic mediator and coach for couples and families.

I have been licensed as Marriage Family Therapist since April 3,2003. My area of clinical practice has focused on addressing the underlining causes of anxiety, addiction and depressive disorders. In addition, I have acquired a fundamental understanding of crisis that affects the struggle involving martial relationships. As a Marriage Therapist, I have expertise in the utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It my clinical experience that if you can effectively change your thoughts process your life will radically change for the better.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in California. For the past 10 years I have worked with children and adults to address issues with trauma, self esteem, anger management, crisis management, suicide ideation, relationships, anxiety and depression. In Addition, I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Functional Family Therapy and as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Southern California. I have 6 years experience in working with adults and families. My therapeutic style includes an unwavering commitment to working together in pursuit of your mental well-being. My communication style is personable, relaxed and encouraging. My goal is to create a safe space to process your thoughts without judgement.

My ideal client is someone who needs help reaching their highest potential and decrease emotional suffering. They should be ready and willing to begin receiving guidance on how to reach their peak. I believe in self-determination and that individuals can find solutions with the right support. I offer a person centered approach that relies on the client's self-determination. I am experienced working those with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, and anxiety compassionately to help them manage symptoms. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions. I am always willing to answer questions to make sure my services are a good fit.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am a client-centered therapist who values empowerment and highlighting an individual’s unique strengths. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, family systems, relational issues, disordered eating, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. I am inspired by the resiliency of those I work with and feel honored to be invited on a person’s journey for self-reflection and betterment. I come with a background of various therapeutic methods as I believe treatment should be individualized. I have knowledge in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. I look forward to our work together as we develop a relationship full of trust and understanding and create a safe space to achieve insight and growth on your journey towards healing.

Hi, my name is Natasha! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have been practicing for 12 years. I help people with depression, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, and several other areas so people become the best versions of themselves. I am certified in CBT, DBT, Trauma-informed care, Domestic Violence, Seeking Safety, and CBT for PTSD. I look forward to connecting with you!

I have 23 years of experience working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I'm privileged to have worked with a multitude of cultures, communities and organizations aimed to address both personal and environmental stressors which lead to unique feelings and responses. I provide coping skills to manage anger behaviors that arise from life events, relationships and traumas. I provide therapeutic homework which allows you to practice independently the skills that are taught in therapy.

Hello, I am April Jordan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, in 2005. I am a wife, mother of young children and understand the stressors linked with trying to balance life. I specialize in Women issues, Postpartum, anxiety,ADHD, depressive disorders, relationship stressors and career transitions. My Therapeutic approach is strength-based , solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My Professional experience I have worked years in mental health, medical social work, family services and with the criminal justice system. In addition I am a first responder myself working in the emergency room as a medical social worker I understand the dynamics of caring for others especially during a Pandemic. During these unprecedented times, were all feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I am a therapist that likes to look at restoring you back to feeling better and providing you with real life therapeutic tools needed to get back to a sense of normalcy.

Bio: Demetric Marsh, LCSW, JD “Dee” is a dedicated behavioral health professional with over 25 years of experience. Her experience includes Psychotherapist; Program Director; Manager/Supervisor of Clinical Services; Adjunct Professor; Consultant; and LCSW Clinical Supervision. She has a Juris Doctor Law Degree from the Jacob D. Fuschberg Law School in NY and she is a multistate licensed LCSW. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the Adelphi University- School of Social Work in NY with a specialization in mental health and addictions She holds a BA from Hofstra University in NY with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Political Science and French Language/Culture. Dee has direct practice experience with individuals, families, couples and group work. Practice specialties include foster care/adoptions; anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, spirituality, employment/workplace issues; addictions; grief/loss; court-ordered assessments/recommendations; diversity/inclusion/cultural issues.

Greetings, my name is Robyn and I am here to welcome you to your therapeutic journey. Perhaps you are grieving, sad, or feeling anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or your health. Are you a new parent, or just feel that you need help living the life you want to live? Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-reflection, and in my sessions, I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a mindset shift and the adoption of new thoughts.

Hi, I’m Marvin West, a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist with training in Expressive Arts. I believe therapy is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and self-discovery. You are the expert of your own experience, and my role is to meet you where you are—through the highs and the lows—offering guidance and support along the way. Let’s take this journey together to create a brighter, healthier future for you.

Hi! I am Whitnii - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) here to support you! I received may Masters from the University of Southern California (USC) and have 8+ years of experience supporting young adults through life challenges and stressors. I specialize in helping millennial women and men of various ethnic backgrounds manage anxiety, navigate life transitions, and work through unreserved conflict.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my master's from California State University Long Beach and my undergraduate from Grambling State University. I have been practicing for 30 years. I help adults ages 18+ who are struggling with anxiety, depression, managing emotions, symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder, career, school, relational, family and/or various other concerns.

Welcome, I'm Shirell Bunch-Lipscomb, a mother of 4 and a grandmother to 3 children. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is committed to helping individuals and families overcome various challenges and heal from trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. My mission is to help you build stronger, more connected relationships while fostering emotional growth and resilience. My passion is also working with the youth populations and help guide them to become stronger individuals.

Hello, I am Dion Smotherman. Are you discovering that your plans for making tomorrow better seem to fade shortly after your day get going? Maybe you feel your creativity and enthusiasm have taken a vacation. Have you noticed your relationships are becoming harder to maintain and you long for the return of your creative self. I enjoy working with families, couples, young adults and adolescents. I specialize in working with you through marital conflict, grief, loss. anxiety, depression and trauma. There are a few art materials you will need to purchase. I will provide a list. A beginning investment of $50 of supplies should work fine. Let’s creatively work together towards making positive changes using Art Therapy and CBT.

I'm Julie Loeb, a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist specializing in guiding adult clients struggling with depression and anxiety through life transitions. With 20 years in mental health, including 13 years as a psychotherapist, I offer virtual-based therapy which is empathetic support and a judgment-free space for you to be heard. My experience spans private practice and public mental health clinics, honing my clinical skills and delivering successful outcomes. Get the tools you need today to thrive not just survive.

As a licensed clinician, I can support you with leaving a cycle of uncertainty becoming more confident in your decision making. With my trauma focused background, I help clients understand how they've been affected by things that have happened to them and how life experiences shape core beliefs. As part of your overall self-care routine, therapy can be a useful tool for strengthening both coping skills and emotional regulation.