Person Of Color (POC) Therapists in Maryland

For individuals of color, connecting with a therapist who shares or deeply understands your experiences can enrich the therapeutic journey. With 11 therapists of color in Maryland, you can access culturally responsive care that honors your unique identity and challenges—whether navigating identity, addressing microaggressions, or managing stress and mental health concerns. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is accepting new clients and offers timely availability, providing inclusive, compassionate support tailored to your needs.

Amir Jahansir

(he/him)

Amir Jahansir, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW-C
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Psychotherapist licensed in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I have been a licensed therapist since 2013. I work with adults challenged by stressors in the present or struggling with old wounds from the past. As a therapist, my focus is to help clients build self awareness, identify their own internal strengths and external resources, and develop new tools and coping skills to face challenges.

Constance Raines LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, CCM

(she/her)

Constance Raines LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, CCM, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LCSW-C
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hello my name is Constance,
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Virginia, Maryland, DC and Florida. I have 11 years of experience employed in behavioral health facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, correctional centers, and also providing medical social work/ therapy to oncology, emergent, and crisis patients in the hospital setting. Focusing on the client through a strength-based approach, building resilience and rapport is key in obtaining a therapeutic relationship and striving for successfully outcome.

Nancy Paz Welsh

(she/her)

Nancy Paz Welsh, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW-C
7 years of experience
Virtual
Nancy Paz Welsh is a first-generation American of Salvadorian descent who is a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. She is a strong advocate and educator in mental health development and insightfulness, while also normalizing the importance of mental health therapy. In her work over the years, she has worked in various settings that have allowed her to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Nancy has helped clients manage and navigate issues such as: trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, parenting, life transitions, immigration, and other life stressors.

Katrina Colleton

(she/her)

Katrina Colleton, LCMFT - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In my 15+ years of experience I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families to identify challenges and use their strengths and values to overcome them. I have experience working with clients who are having mental health or emotional challenges that affect work, school, home, and community relationships and success. I also have experience with athletes being a former professional athlete myself. My goal is always to partner with clients to identify the problem, manage emotions related to the problem and develop and implement strategies to decrease or eliminate the problem.

Ray Smith

(he/him)

Ray Smith, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$135/session
LCSW-C
15 years of experience
Virtual
I have been in the field for over 25 years and received my graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh with an LCSW and QCSW. Blah, Blah, Blah! But those things aren’t as vital as me sharing with you what I bring. As you can see from my pictures, I am very optimistic and happy. I bring this same spirit to the therapeutic process. I strongly believe in healing through humor, so I laugh and help things seem organic in the session. My office is small, quaint, warm, and cozy. It always has an effervescent, calming scent that relaxes the room. You can sit on the couch or in a comfortable chair, and we will casually discuss the week’s challenges. You are the driver of your ship, the master of your life. Please think of me as a passenger in your car, taking directions as you guide each week on how we need to address your treatment needs. Let’s take this trip together!

Sharon Greenidge, MSW, MS

(she/her)

Sharon Greenidge, MSW, MS, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$140/session
LCSW-C
11 years of experience
Virtual
I am an independent licensed clinical/certified Social Worker. I first started my career in Child Welfare in various states/levels of government as an investigator and elevated to a supervisory role. I also hail from the US Department of Veterans Affairs in a Management role. However, it is my pleasure to now serve as Therapist and in my private practice. My main specialty areas include, but are not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, Intimate Partner Violence, Grief and Loss, Narcissism, Codependency, Geriatric, etc.

Mareesa Bruny

(she/her)

Mareesa Bruny, LPC - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$135/session
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Are you looking to improve your communication, strengthen your relationships, and manage conflicts more effectively? Interpersonal skills are the foundation of healthy and thriving relationships—both personal and professional. I am a personal development counselor, currently providing individual and group therapy for adults aged 18 and older. I specialize in personal development and focus on improving your interpersonal skills (communication skills, conflict resolution, anger management, setting boundaries, problem solving skills, etc.). These skills are key parts of your personal growth and development. Strong interpersonal skills allow you to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Whether at work, with family, or in social settings, these skills help you navigate challenges with greater ease, build trust, and foster deeper connections with others. When you change how you show up in your relationships by improving yourself, learning to listen actively, expressing yourself clearly, and managing your emotions, you’ll notice that your relationships become more balanced and stronger. This growth can also reduce stress, boost your confidence, and improve your overall emotional health. I am here to support you every step of the way in achieving healthier and more fulfilling connections. I am licensed in Georgia, and Maryland, schedule an appointment with me to start your wellness journey.

Ronak Makadia

(she/her)

Ronak Makadia, LP - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$135/session
LP
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Ronak Makadia, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist with additional training in social work. As a second-generation, Asian American I quickly learned the stigma and shame attached to attending therapy, especially within the Asian American community. As a cis-gender woman of color, I value and will provide culturally competent services. Please note that I only accept adults and older adults who are high-functioning but need support to overcome barriers. Due to the nature of my private practice, I am unable to accept clients who are seeking treatment for trauma, substance use or severe mental illness. I work alongside patients to overcome any barriers they may be facing. I will always encourage you to create, learn, and consistently use healthy coping mechanisms. To avoid staying stuck, I collaborate with you in developing solutions to aid you in moving forward in your life. We all get stuck sometimes and I am here to help. Therapy does not have to be a painful experience and I will be here to guide you toward improvement in a welcoming, affirmative environment. I support the movement to destigmatize therapy and make mental health care accessible for all. I will continue to support this mission and provide quality counseling. Talk to me about scheduling a first appointment if you are interested in working together. I look forward to working with you!

Tasha M Jeffrey

Tasha M Jeffrey, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW-C
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a new solo mother, private practice owner, and licensed clinical social worker – certified (LCSW-C), with more than 20 years of experience in the Mental Health Field working with a variety of mental and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger and stress management, childhood/adolescent developmental stressors, and life transitional stages. Life and soul work is a difficult but rewarding process that should be experienced in a safe, loving, and understanding environment. Life can be remarkable, but it can also be difficult in some obvious ways or in subtle ways that sometimes sneak up on us, causing us to go through life merely surviving or struggling, often feeling alone. As a holder of your pain, your hope, and your light, let me stand by your side and empower you to face obstacles and challenges. Let us go beyond surviving this life, but healing our hearts and mind so we can love and enjoy the moments we have right now.

Andrea Cennington

(she/her)

Andrea Cennington, LCSW-C - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$165/session
LCSW-C
20 years of experience
Virtual
As a veteran and sought-after trauma and somatic expert, Andrea Cennington leverages the power of education and community outreach to bridge gaps and address disparities. Through storytelling, training, mindfulness, humor, and transparency, she aims to show minds, hearts, and organizations that they can heal and positively impact individuals, families, and communities. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace their inner strength, rewrite narratives, break down barriers, heal ancestral trauma, and cultivate resilience together. From a certified special education teacher to a licensed mobile crisis counselor, her diverse background allows her to approach therapy from multiple paradigms. Combining clinical expertise with a heart-driven and data-based approach, she aims to cultivate a safe space for beings to be vulnerable. As a trusted trainer for PESI®, she's also a licensed therapist, neurodiverse parent, prior Special Education Teacher, and an advocate for mental well-being. I intentionally create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth, insight, and transformation. Collaborating with forward-thinking, intellectual individuals ready to take their self-awareness to another level is deeply fulfilling and rewarding for myself and my clients.

Dr. Shannon D. Howard, PsyD, LCPC, LPC, CSOTP

(she/her)

Dr. Shannon D. Howard, PsyD, LCPC, LPC, CSOTP, LPC - Maryland Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LPC
22 years of experience
Virtual
Dr. Shannon Howard is a highly sought-after professional counselor and CEO of SinClair McCoy, LLC. She serves as a sexual relationship specialist who focuses on assisting women and men with healing from childhood trauma surrounding sexual abuse. Her extensive educational background consists of dual degrees in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology with a focus on Philosophy and Women’s Studies. She also possesses specialized training in trauma relating to the treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. She believes that every client is unique in their way and that each person’s story is different. This is the catalyst behind her coaching methodology. Using targeted strategies and personalized coaching approaches, she works with couples and individuals to help them transition from victim to victor. Dr. Howard helps clients face their past trauma by uncovering and resolving the root issue, assessing desired outcomes, and implementing a plan of action that leads them toward living a more optimal life experience. She is the author under the alias Sinclair McCoy of The Alternative book trilogy. She speaks nationally to the masses on a variety of topics including:Life After Sexual Abuse Finding Your Sexy After Sexual Abuse Regaining Your Body Trust She is the owner of a private practice AND co-owner/ managing partner of a group practice in Maryland. She has been in the counseling field since 2002 and is passionate to serve a variety of clientele. Her clients are located in the D. C. and Maryland states. I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships. **I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED SESSION. *NOT WORKING WITH COUPLES AT THIS TIME.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Maryland rather than a city like Baltimore?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Maryland from Hagerstown to Ocean City! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Maryland.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.