Black / African American Therapists in Rhode Island

Connecting with a Black therapist who understands the challenges, strengths, and cultural context of the Black community can profoundly support your mental health journey. With 9 Black therapists in Rhode Island, you’ll find culturally attuned care tailored to your needs—whether you’re managing stress, healing from trauma, or building resilience and personal growth. Each Grow Therapy-verified Black therapist listed below is accepting new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, offering timely, compassionate care that honors your unique experiences and identity.

Availability updated: 6/22/2025

Debra Jenkins

Debra Jenkins, LCMHC - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCMHC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there. I'm Debra. I'm a Christian Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions specialist. I graduated in 2018 from Adams State University in Colorado. I was licensed in 2019 and began my private practice in 2022. This happens to be my second career. I enjoy working with those struggling to find direction or overcoming barriers to their mental health and wellbeing.
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Nicole Pearsall

Nicole Pearsall, LCMHC - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$175/session
LCMHC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi I’m a licensed professional counselor based in Georgia, also licensed in California. I received my Masters degree from Argosy University and I have been practicing in a mental health field for over 20 years. I help adults of all ages struggling with everyday stressors, grief, anxiety, depression, issues with addiction, relationship issues, work stress etc. to assist and support in finding ways to manage these issues
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Dr. Latasha McIlwaine

Dr. Latasha McIlwaine, LCMHC - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LCMHC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS based in North Carolina and practicing in NC, SC, GA, ME, RI and NH. I received my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and two Masters from Webster University in Counseling and Health Administration. I have been practicing for over 20 years and enjoy working with a diverse population of people. I have several areas of expertise and enjoy using them to support my clients in their overall life goals and plans for success.
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Julisa Holmes

(she/her)

Julisa Holmes, LCMHC - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$140/session
LCMHC
2 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Julisa. I am a masters level Licensed Professional Counselor, practicing remotely in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. As a Philadelphia native and person of color, I am driven by my desire to provide healthy representation of breaking generational trauma. I aim to get rid of stigmas related to seeking professional help. I am passionate about using my 11 years of experience to help clients feel genuinely seen, without judgement. I work with adult individuals and couples on various issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bi-polar disorders, relationship concerns, body positivity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, women's issues, and life transitions.
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Rossana Mendez Cole

Rossana Mendez Cole, LICSW - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LICSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Florida and Rhode Island. My experience includes working with individuals with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and end of life. I have worked with Clients in a variety of settings such as homes, schools, clinics and agencies. I utilize multiple modalities including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. I enjoy working with diverse populations, and providing client-centered therapeutic services.
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Shaunte Kee

(she/her)

Shaunte Kee, LICSW - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LICSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), currently licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I received my Master's from Boston College and have more than 10 years of Licensed Clinical Behavioral Health experience. My clinical background derives from psychiatric inpatient, corrections, outpatient services, family/school/ community-based programming, and emergency crisis services. Culturally sensitive, I am always eager to serve diversified backgrounds, ages and communities.
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Wendi Shepherd

Wendi Shepherd, LICSW - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LICSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Black/African American woman from the Tri-State area offering well over 15 years of experience in the mental health arena. I have developed a specialty in building a strong, in-depth rapport with clients where they walk away knowing that I get them, that I understand who they are, and as a result, we end up doing some powerful work together. In addition to being a therapist, I have an MBA, and this has allowed me to work well with clients who are in the business, finance, and corporate sectors as they navigate intricate work-related stress issues.
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Ayana Foluke Mckanney

(she/her)

Ayana Foluke Mckanney, LICSW - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LICSW
27 years of experience
Virtual
I am Ayana Foluke McKanney, a seasoned Clinical Social Worker and Life Coach with over 26 years of experience in both public and private sectors, helping individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging circumstances. I hold clinical social worker licenses in New York (#098940), New Jersey (#44SL06739500) and Rhode Island (#ISW04317). I believe that obstacles are opportunities for growth, and I support my clients in reflecting on their experiences, safely processing their feelings, and then choosing empowered ways to move forward. I specialize in supporting individuals as they heal, build fulfilling careers, navigate family dynamics, and create a life of balance and purpose.
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Tonia Zarrella

(she/her)

Tonia Zarrella, LCMHC - Rhode Island Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LCMHC
16 years of experience
Virtual
As a licensed mental health counselor, I am dedicated to supporting women of diverse backgrounds and beliefs on their mental health journeys. With a special focus on women’s mental health, I have extensive experience working with those facing challenges such as depression and anxiety. I understand that these struggles can often be intertwined with hormonal shifts and imbalances, and I am here to help you explore these connections.
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    Frequently asked questions

    Why filter by state rather than a city?

    Why filter by state rather than a city? 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 the entire state. If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near your address.

    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.