Black / African American Therapists in Virginia

Welcome, I'm glad you are here! I'm Aline and I empower you to reconnect with your authentic self, and achieve your goals in counseling. I believe you already possess within you the capacity and resources to resolve your own issues and just need the support in therapy to tap into your strengths to enhance your mental wellness. My goal is to provide a safe therapeutic environment for exploration, understanding of current unhelpful patterns, collaborative problem solving, and building of skills that foster growth.

Are you a young adult navigating life's twists and turns, seeking clarity and empowerment? I'm here to guide you on your journey to a brighter future. As a licensed clinical psychologist based in Virginia, with a background that includes a master's in professional counseling from Carlow University and a doctorate in counseling psychology from West Virginia University, I bring expertise and passion to my practice. My training at the APA-accredited internship site at Texas Woman's University's counseling center has equipped me to assist young adults like you in managing the diverse challenges and transitions life throws your way. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating major life decisions, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Together, we'll work collaboratively to develop practical strategies and coping skills tailored to your unique needs and strengths. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with a focus on building resilience and fostering personal growth. If you're ready to take control of your life and create positive change, I'm here to help you every step of the way. Let's embark on this transformative journey together and unlock your full potential.

I'm bilingual independent Clinical social worker with background public health. Working in physical and mental health sector for about 17 years. I specifically working on mental health therapy for the last 6 years. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them increase self-awareness, understand the interpersonal and emotional aspects of change and growth, and identify patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that impact their day-to-day activities. I will help you in building better coping skills to overcome difficulties that have impacted your life. I speak Amharic language.

I am a licensed mental health professional with several years of experience working with individuals facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive and safe environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their healing process. I employ evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and person-centered therapy, to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we work to identify patterns that may be holding them back and develop practical strategies to improve their overall well-being. I am committed to meeting each client where they are and guiding them toward meaningful, lasting change at their own pace.

I am a person-centered therapist with a deep commitment to creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own experiences and that our work together should revolve around your needs and goals. As a sex-positive therapist, my goal is to create an environment that is open and affirming towards discussions surrounding sexuality, traditional and nontraditional relationships, and sexual identity. As a geek-aware therapist, I understand the power of pop culture, gaming, technology, and all things nerdy. I embrace your passions, whether it's delving into the world of comic books, discussing the latest sci-fi TV series, or exploring video game narratives. Geek culture provides a rich tapestry of themes and references that we can utilize to deepen our therapeutic conversations and make the process more engaging and relatable to you. My passions lie in working with young adults, and couples, and with the challenges and pressures men face.

I’m a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based support. I work with children and adults seeking to address anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, ADHD, anger, or relationship concerns, tailoring my approach to each person’s unique circumstances. Through therapy, I aim to foster self-awareness, build coping strategies, and strengthen resilience, ultimately helping you find greater balance and fulfillment in your everyday life.

I am a Graduate of Howard University and UNC Charlotte, I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I have a passion for working with individuals, couples and families who seek change to become happier, healthier and gain control over obstacles that are weighing them down. I have several years of experience in working with children, adults, and families, on a broad array of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, schizophrenia, substance abuse and trauma. I provide culturally competent care and use a Strength Based Approach when working with clients. I also specialize in helping African American males deal with oppressive systems and obstacles.

My name is Alicia Thompson, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia. I deeply believe in the power of therapy to support individuals through good times and the bad, and I’m passionate about helping my clients develop skills to address challenges such as trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to empower clients to care for themselves in ways that are both healthy and productive.

Hi there, I'm Allana Taylor. I've been doing this work for over 20 years, so you and/or your family member are in good hands! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with individuals and families in private practice and community mental health settings. I strongly believe that a successful therapeutic experience should focus less on the bad choices you have made in your life and more on the right choices that you decide to makes going forward. Our therapeutic relationship will focus on building skills and tools to help you navigate life's challenges.

My goal is to provide a safe space for healing. I prioritize my client’s confidentiality and comfort when providing care to meet their needs. In addition, I treat each client as a unique individual with specific issues and needs. After earning my master’s degree from the University of Southern California, I began my counseling career with the Shenandoah Public School. I also worked as a Crisis Intervention Therapist for two years and as a substance abuse therapist for another two years. After obtaining my couples therapy and sex therapy licenses, I began working with couples.

Hello Everyone! My name is Lyndal Bedford and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My role is to come alongside you as you discover the peace, hope, and joy of life that you were always meant to have. I work to provide a safe space to process thoughts and emotions that can be overwhelming. If you feel stuck and do not know how to move forward, come talk with me!

You are enough! I'm Vanessa, a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) in Virginia. I received my Master's from Liberty University and have been in the mental health field for 9 years. I assist individuals with overcoming and managing depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and phase-of-life issues to develop a positive self-image by rebuilding self-esteem and developing practical techniques and skills for relationship problems.

I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children and adolescents. With a deep understanding of the challenges that young people face, I provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. My approach is child-centered, emphasizing empathy, patience, and trust as we work together to navigate life’s challenges.

Welcome! My name is Shabria Mayne, and I have over 10 years of experience as a professional counselor. I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. I am a Virginia licensed professional Counselor and a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. My objective entails goals centered around developing the mental health and functional well-being of women, men, and teens of diverse cultural backgrounds.

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience providing mental health services to youth and adults. I have a passion for promoting and making mental health services accessible to all. I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and stress management. I often utilize a solution focused approach, however, sessions are tailored to the individualized needs of each client.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia. I received my Masters from Radford University and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adolescents and adults struggling with regulating their emotions and going through difficult life situations. My goal in providing therapy is to support the client in living their best life by achieving their identified goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in VA with 14+ years of experience in the field of mental health serving all over the state. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Education Degree in Family Therapy from The College of William and Mary. Additionally, I am a Registered Clinical Supervisor for LPC Residents. My clients have described me as relatable and knowledgeable during our work together. I have experience working with children, teens, young adults, older adults, and families to support them through crises, life changes, behavioral challenges, emotional issues, and a variety of other stressors. I am most passionate about empowering those who don't feel seen or like they have a voice.

Are you going through challenging situations, uncertain what to do, or how to navigate the difficulties of life? Are you in the valley of life? Is this season a low point where you are facing relationship challenges? emotional struggles? psychological distress? Sometimes it is in the valley of your life where you can decide to reclaim the power of your story, and you will see the most growth and progress towards your life goals. Are you ready to take the next step, and learn how to thrive and not just survive? I’m not going to tell you it will be easy. But know I have been doing this work for over 15 years working in varies settings as a crisis worker, human services supervisor, and clinician, and most recently in private practice and I will guide, support and gently challenge you in your journey out the “valley of life.” My name is Tonya Gardner, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I utilize a compassion focused approach with cognitive and behavioral strategies to empower you to grow and develop into your true authentic self. Together we can set goals to determine where you want to be emotionally, physically and mentally. It is no coincidence that you are here and considering your next steps with me. You made a decision to do something different, allow me to meet you wherever you are without judgement, genuineness , and unconditional positive regard as you begin the pathway to your healing. Let’s get started.

I am a licensed professional counselor who also specializes in substance use treatment. I have experience with working with individuals who have experienced various transitions within their lives. I implement a very person-centered approach which allows clients to navigate their therapy journey with the support of a non-biased therapist. I like to incorporate levels of comfort that allow individuals to recognize that our sessions are a safe space for sharing.

Today you are one step closer to a new you, feeling empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy and a solution-focused therapist, I aim to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Welcome, my name is Sylvia. I am a licensed mental health clinician in Virginia. I have 20 years of experience working in various mental health settings providing services to diverse populations. I use a combination of modalities such as CBT, Client-centered, and Strength-based Therapy to create the best outcome for clients based on their individual and unique needs. I support clients to identify, develop and utilize positive skills to better manage emotional challenges in their lives. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can begin to focus on improving your well-being. I am here to support you on your journey toward resilience and self-discovery.

Hi, I’m Diane Brown. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages — from toddlers to older adults, ages 3 to 84 and beyond. With over 32 years of experience in the field, I bring a compassionate, strength-based approach to help people navigate trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. I’m passionate about supporting you on your journey toward becoming your best self. My goal is to help you find your voice and feel truly entitled to a life filled with peace, purpose, and happiness. I earned both my BSW and MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and I am a Trauma-Certified Therapist as well as a Registered Play Therapist. My therapy techniques are personalized to meet your unique needs, and I provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel empowered to express yourself and grow.

We are all responsible for our own choices, and some people are responsible for making choices for others. As these choices can become daunting, there is change happening within that comes with the choices that are made. This is what make us unique. This is what makes us authentic. When life becomes daunting, it can become really hard to ask for help, yet when that choice is made, the first steps to making authentic changes in your life has begun. My goal is to assist individuals with achieving an authentic life, embracing the good, bad, and the ugly that happens. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor servicing the state of Virginia via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, coping skills, life transitions, and stress management. I primarily use Existential Therapy coupled with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to assist my clients with achieving their goals for therapy.

Hello, my name is Crystal. Are you depressed? Have anxiety? But you don’t know the root cause? I provide a safe and therapeutic environment and will guide you on your journey to understanding your feelings, thoughts, actions and relationships and how to grow. For the past 13 years, I have counseled individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We will explore together how to help you move forward. You may feel as though you don’t have the time due to career, family, your partner and many other aspects of your life. Finding time to heal will equip you with the tools to improve yourself and your relationships. This is about making your life better.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with experience in the mental health field, working with adults and teens challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal dynamics, and life transitions. I specialize in Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I champion adopting a "Knightly" approach to treatment, empowering individuals to manage the waves of life.

Do you sometimes feel weighed down by worry, sadness, or self-doubt? You might be questioning your self-worth or feeling stuck in a place that’s hard to move forward from. You're not alone—and you don't have to navigate it by yourself. Together, we can create a path toward clarity, emotional relief, and genuine self-acceptance. Your well-being is important, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and a more balanced life.

Hi, I’m Makayla Martin, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP) with over five years of experience dedicated to supporting underserved and vulnerable communities. I genuinely enjoy working with individuals facing mental health challenges, trauma, and life’s many transitions, across all ages and backgrounds. My approach is warm, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from a variety of proven therapies—including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy—to help you find effective ways to heal past hurts, build resilience, and discover your inner strength. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges and move toward growth and healing.

I graduated from Alabama State University in 2011 with my MS in Clinical Mental health counseling. I have done a vast amount of work in all treatment modalities as well as various populations. Primarily I have worked with families, in the community, crisis and trauma-centered work, as well as substance use and severe mental health illness. My drive in this field is to help individuals who are struggling to mentally get to a place of peace and be that ear that can help one's process and sort out whatever struggles they may be facing where accessing family and friends is not an option. I'm so happy that you are reaching out for help. I am Johne Mitchell, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name on this page. I look forward to working with you to resolve the issues you are experiencing and hope that in this process you will be able to find balance.

Hi! My name is LaPetra Whigham. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 20 yrs of experience working with individuals and families. I'm a highly skilled and compassionate therapist who works with individuals with issues ranging from trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, emotional eating, psuedoseizures and women issues. I utilizied different therapuetic models to empower clients to make the necessary changes to impove their quality of life.

Dwyana Smithen-Lewis, MA, LPC, Certified Holistic Practitioner Who am I? I am HER: Hopeful, Empowered, Resilient. I am great. I am divine. I deeply believe that every one of us embodies the same greatness, the same divine essence. My mission is to help individuals recognize their own potential, embrace their unique strengths, and step boldly into a brighter, more fulfilling future. My therapeutic approach is built on compassion, cultural understanding, and a commitment to personal growth. Drawing from both my West Indian heritage and my 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy, I bring a well-rounded perspective that acknowledges the challenges people face and the resilience they possess. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, empowering individuals to push beyond their comfort zones, learn from life’s trials, and create lasting change through new habits and patterns. In my practice, I focus on helping clients cultivate emotional wellness, navigate major life transitions, and build the skills needed to thrive in the face of adversity. Whether it’s developing healthy coping strategies, improving communication, or fostering a sense of inner strength, my goal is to guide clients on a path toward greater self-discovery and personal empowerment.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with over 15 years of experience working in counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. I have worked with various populations, targeting issues related to depression, anxiety, mood instability, ADHD, and grief. In addition to helping through life transitions while addressing relationship, parenting or military issues. I use a collaborative approach to help reach success.

Hello there ! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. I have been practicing since 2016. I love assisting children, young adults, and adults struggling with various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, various traumas, and so much more work towards their goals and overcome difficulties. I look forward to working with you !

Hello, My name is Natalie Lewis and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. My educational background is in psychology, marriage and family therapy, and industrial organizational psychology. I specialize in providing counseling to individuals, groups, children, teenagers, young adults, couples, and married couples. I work on issues of anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD and family discord etc.

Hello, I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. I received my Masters from Fordham University and I am also a Ph.D. student. I enjoy helping clients rewire their brains and the body to alleviate anxiety, relational conflict, depression, or trauma. My dream clients have a hard time controlling their thoughts or behaviors and want a better understanding of how to make lasting changes.

You keep seeing everyone posting about being their best self, and showing up for themselves. Meanwhile you are just trying to be. Whatever that be, may be for the day. I believe that in order to be your best self, you must be authentic. What does that even look like? You must be true to what you’ve endured, the things that you have overcome…the good, the bad, and even the ugly moments. I help women to embrace them all. Then we take it a step further and look at building you up as a WHOLE. So your best self starts with where you are today and then we create a plan on where you want to be and who you want to become.

Hello I'm Sherie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker i Virginia with over 20 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, woman's issues, career challenges, OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma and abuse issues. Do you struggle with Depression and Anxiety? Do you struggle to understand why you do certain things and and think certain ways. Do you feel like your life is not the same as it used to be? I can help you to understand the source of your issues, so that you feel like you can live your best life. I invest a lot of time and effort in my clients well being, I will be there for you when no one else will. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!

I have always had the conscious goal of supporting others with being able to overcome their hardships and internal challenges that prevents them from being successful. I am a firm believer that in life we have all experienced some type of challenge that will impact our thoughts and emotions. For some people the challenge is more difficult than others and they will experience greater hardship and internal challenges that will send them on a spiral to the unknown. Being a therapist has always been a desire of mine to support others with understanding their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors associated with how they feel.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with nearly 20 years of experience helping individuals work through anxiety, depression, and life stressors. My passion for behavioral health comes from a deep desire to help others break free from the burdens holding them back and preventing them from fully enjoying life. We all face struggles, and sometimes, we just need someone to talk to—someone who can provide support, guidance, and help us develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Virginia. I received my Masters from South University of Florida and have been practicing for 10 years. I would love to assist you in your journey to wellness. I have experience working with individuals struggling with chronic pain, using CBT to address cognitive factors contributing to pain perception. I strive to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker based in the State of Virginia. I received my Masters degree from NC A&T State University & UNC Greensboro Joint Social Work Masters Program . I have been practicing 16 years. I have worked with children, adults, and Geriatric populations. My practice also includes caring for family members diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, grief, and bereavement matters. I help clients to become empowered, and less alone.

Hi there! I'm Krystie Do you find yourself stuck in your head; struggling to make healthy decisions? Are you struggling to find fulfillment in your relationships, career or in your personal life? Are there days when you feel like blocking out the world? If the answer is yes; I can help. As a licensed professional counselor, I am someone who strives to create healthy changes in the lives of my clients. I find that we spend a lot of our lives in our heads; focused on what has happened or what isn't happening. If you feel that you are struggling with silencing the negative thoughts, feeling alone, or being unable to move forward in your life, I can work with you to get past the mental blocks, fears, rejections, and past traumas/experiences that have you feeling stuck. My overall goal is to help you feel more in control of your emotions and thoughts resulting in you being excited about life again. Therapy can feel scary and even overwhelming, but trust me you are making the best choice for you. Within this safe and compassionate space, I hope to work with you to achieve the best version of you! Welcome to therapy!

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over twenty-six years experience in both the macro and clinical areas of counseling. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, multicultural issues, and behavioral issues. Regardless of the area of service, my goal is to ensure that resources to clients are accessible and that clients feel supported while navigating the journey to healing.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. I specialize in helping adults navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With a compassionate and person centered approach, I work collaboratively with individuals to understand their unique struggles and develop strategies to improve their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you are coping with overwhelming stress, grappling with feelings of sadness, or navigating a significant life change, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences and build resilience. My therapeutic style is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches, all tailored to meet your specific needs.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based out of Virginia. I have 11 years of experience working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety and life transitions. My passion is to assist those in need of developing positive self esteem, eliminating negative thoughts related to past experiences and nurturing positive ideas regarding their future. I am a military veteran who served for 20 years which has exposed me to interacting with a vast group of individuals.

Hi, I'm Amanda, I am grateful to assist clients work through trauma and emotional dysregulation. I am currently licensed in Kentucky, Virginia, Texas and Florida and reside in Lexington, KY. I specialize in trauma therapy, specifically surrounding attachment and early childhood traumas, as well as specific traumatic events. I have 8 years experience working with people of all ages, and I am currently working specifically with adults. I utilize an integrative combination of Attachment, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and Mindfulness.

Hi, I am Chalita. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the field and providing mental health clinical services for a variety of settings including home-based services, community-based services, school settings, correctional, and residential group homes. Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? Do you feel pulled in many different directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!

Hello. I am Dr. C. Thank you so much for being here! You are not here by accident and I do not take your presence for granted.​ I'm thrilled to meet you on this journey. Your decision to seek support is a powerful one, and I'm here to walk this path with you. I bring over a decade of experience working with people from all walks of life. In cities, diversity thrives, and I've had the privilege of connecting with individuals of various ages and backgrounds in both clinical and volunteer roles within the mental health field. I'm genuinely excited to work with you, to help you become a healthier, happier version of yourself. Starting this journey is a significant step, and I want to thank you for your openness and trust. I know that this process can be tough, but together, we can navigate it. I can't wait to connect with you soon and begin this important chapter!

I'm an Integrative Wellness Practitioner and a certified Trauma Therapist. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to come to learn healthy coping strategies to manage daily stressors. I would be honored to be a part of your healing, your growth and your journey to Total Wellness. I have more than a decade of counseling and Life Coach experience. I am a strength's based, person-centered clinician with a passion to share my knowledge and expertise with you to create your path to living your best life. I will guide you in enhancing self awareness and increasing your ability to identify strengths and resources to manage stressors, overcome challenges and practice self-loving practices. As we work together, you will increase self-awareness, learn healthy coping strategies to manage stressors, remove barriers, heal from trauma, find inner peace and begin living the life you deserve. If you are looking to enhance your quality of life, I would be delighted to be a part of your journey to Wellness. I am here to help. Contact me to get started on your journey to living a balanced life filled with self-love, prosperity, peace and purpose.

I provide a client centered approach that is compassionate with a judgement free zone that empowers you to make the changes in your life that you desire. I am simply a guide and supportive entity that helps you create your new life. I have years of experience providing services to individuals struggling with mental illness, addictions and transitioning from the prison system. I believe diversity is the heart of American culture and love providing services to individuals from various cultural and social economic backgrounds.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in mental health. I am qualified to work with all ages. I love working with the elderly, couples who suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. I have experience working with the severely mentally ill for more than thirty years. But my passion is the elderly. They do not get the attention they deserve, in my opinion. Considering that they have worked and contributed to society most of their lives.