If you’re searching for a ‘Black Christian therapist near me’, finding a therapist who understands your unique perspective and cultural background is essential.
Being African American myself, I know how much it shapes your identity and impacts how you see the world.
I’ve written this genuinely comprehensive guide to help you find the best Black Christian therapist.
Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.
Elisabeth Elliot
Finding a Good Black Christian Therapist Near Me or Online

When searching for a ‘Black Christian therapist near me’ you are probably wondering – Will this help me?
Well, I found a study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology (source: Thompson, V. L. S. 2016) that discovered that culturally-responsive counseling services can help improve self-esteem and reduce hopelessness among African American individuals.
The research also points to counseling effectively addressing stress related to racism and discrimination.
Working with a therapist who can relate to your experiences and provide tailored support to help you navigate life’s challenges is crucial.
The specialist service that I recommend, BetterHelp.com, is easy to use, and its therapists are highly effective in providing the support and guidance you need.
Honesty is crucial to Christian beliefs, and BetterHelp’s counselors get my recommendation because they challenge individuals to be truthful about their impact on themselves and their relationships with others.
Get Matched With the Best Black Christian Therapist Near Me
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Price Comparison: In-Person Vs. Online African-American Christian therapy
Let’s compare the costs of in-person sessions versus the more affordable online options.
In-person therapy for our community ranges from $150 to $250 for 45 to 60-minute individual sessions.
For couples, expect to pay between $250 and $350 for 75 to 90-minute sessions.
Here’s the good news: BetterHelp offers a wallet-friendly alternative, with therapy starting from $65 per week or around $260 monthly for four sessions, depending on your plan.
While the therapists are a group of practicing Christians, it’s important to note that therapist availability varies.
Service | In-Person Price | In-Person Length | BetterHelp Price | BetterHelp Sessions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Individual | $150 – $250 per session | 45-60 minutes | $65-100 per week | 4 sessions (30 to 45 min) |
Couples | $250 – $350 per session | 75-90 minutes | $260-400 per month | 4 sessions (30 to 45 min) |
What Makes Inclusive Teletherapy Stand Out?

When you sign up for counseling services on BetterHelp, you’ll be matched with a professional, local, State-certified therapist who will provide the guidance and support you need during any phase of your life and help you find the strength to move forward.
BetterHelp.com offers a diverse selection of faith-based counselors and online counseling services that can be accessed through web-based interaction, phone, and you can message your therapist anytime in between sessions.
Benefits of Doing Counseling with African American Christian Counselors
African American Christian Counseling can provide valuable support for your beliefs and values, which are integral to your identity and relationships.
By aligning with your biblical values, Christian Counseling creates an environment that enables you to explore your struggles and find solutions that best suit your individual or couple’s needs.
It presents a unique opportunity for individuals to understand themselves better, their inner world, emotions, and relational needs.
By working with a counselor who asks insightful questions, individuals can gain clarity and self-awareness, leading to better communication and the ability to express their needs to their partner.
Invites individuals to embark on a journey of change by encouraging them to be willing to work on changing their behaviors and perceptions to connect in a more emotionally healthy manner with themselves and others.
Why Match With a Therapist on BetterHelp?

Culturally responsive and inclusive therapy is critical for Black individuals seeking mental health care.
A BetterHelp therapist creates a supportive environment for clients to express themselves and address their mental health concerns.
This approach involves recognizing and addressing African-American individuals and communities’ unique experiences, cultural values, and beliefs.
For example, this may involve incorporating culturally relevant practices, such as music or art therapy, into the therapy process.
How Does It Work?
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concern, their extensive directory of specialized therapists can help you work through your challenges and find the strength to move forward.
The counselors at BetterHelp are trained to help individuals explore their faith and use it as a tool for healing and growth.
They provide a supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and will work with you to develop strategies to help you manage your concerns.
With their online counseling services, you can get the support and guidance you need no matter where you are in the world.
How To Get Matched With the Right Therapist?

In BetterHelp counseling sessions, you can expect to be welcomed into an environment of care and compassion.
Your counselor’s top priority is ensuring you feel cared for and supported throughout the process.
When you arrive on the BetterHelp website, you’ll be asked a few questions about yourself and your goals, including your religion.
Once completed, you’ll be matched to the ideal therapist for you in as little as 48 hours (based on your location and preferences).
They will work tirelessly to help you feel better and act as a source of encouragement as you navigate difficult decisions and work toward personal growth.
By providing an open space to explore your emotions and struggles, your counselor will empower you to make positive changes in your life.
Together, you will work to identify a wise path forward and develop a clear plan of action that will guide you toward healthy, vibrant relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Tips For Selecting the Right African American Therapist Online
You’ve set out to find a ‘Black Christian therapist near me,’ but finding the right licensed therapist can be daunting, especially when looking for a specialized therapist.
You might find it challenging to find a counselor who is both Black and Christian or perhaps you’re looking for an African American therapist who follows the Catholic faith.
Linda Johnson, Counselor
With online or virtual Christian therapy, it’s possible to find a counselor who easily meets all your requirements.
Online therapy offers you personalized counseling that is tailored to your specific needs. This type of therapy is designed to help you work through your problems in a way that aligns with your beliefs.
It can be a highly effective solution for people of faith, as it allows them to receive the help they need in a way that meets their needs and aligns with their values.
The convenience of online therapy also makes it easier for people to access therapy from the comfort of their homes.
Besides being affordable and convenient, BetterHelp allows you to receive the help you need on your terms.
You can schedule sessions at a time that works best for you, and you can choose a counselor or provider who understands your needs and shares your beliefs.
This type of therapy is an excellent solution for people looking for a specialized therapist. It allows you to access quality care without compromising your faith or values.
What To Expect From Online Christian Therapy?

During your online Christian Therapy sessions, you can expect to have a judgment-free space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Your therapist will listen to you without judgment and work with you to develop strategies to help you manage your concerns. Together, you will identify goals for your therapy and work towards achieving them.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concern, online counseling can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate life’s challenges.
With its flexibility, affordability, and focus on faith-based healing, teletherapy can be an excellent option for anyone seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
Aligning Expectations
Talk – When you participate in therapy, you will work with a trained therapist face-to-face or online. Treatment aims to discuss your problems and find ways to work through them.
Discover – At the beginning of your therapy sessions; the therapist will ask you questions about your problems. They will also ask about other aspects of your life, such as your family, school, and health.
Feelings – During therapy sessions, you can express your thoughts and emotions. You’ll gain more self-awareness and insight into your situation by putting your feelings into words.
Connection – The therapist will guide you to understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, choices, and actions.
Teach – Therapists teach lessons about emotions, thoughts, coping skills, facing fears, and more. What each person learns about in therapy depends on what they need help with.
New Skills – In therapy, you’ll learn new skills to help you manage your emotions and face your fears. These skills may include mindfulness, positive self-talk, and calming breathing techniques.
Practice – During therapy sessions, you can practice your learning skills. By practicing these skills, you’ll be better equipped to use them in real-life situations.
Work it out – Your therapist will ask how problems affect you at home and school. You’ll discuss this and use your learning skills to solve problems.
Inner strength – Therapy can help you build inner strengths like courage and confidence. It can help you realize your capabilities, leading to increased happiness.
How long therapy lasts depends on your goals. A therapist usually wants to meet with you as their client once weekly for a few months to achieve the best results.
However, the length of therapy will ultimately depend on your specific needs and goals.
Is Insurance Accepted?

It’s important to carefully review your insurance coverage if you’re considering using it for mental health services.
You can do this by asking several key questions, such as:
- Whether you have mental health insurance benefits
- What is your deductible, and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does your insurance cover?
- What the coverage amount is per therapy session?
Access to mental health care has never been more crucial, as Black individuals may face barriers to accessing care due to various factors.
For example, mental health issues’ stigma can prevent individuals from seeking treatment.
Lack of access to insurance or financial resources can also be a barrier to care, as can a shortage of mental health professionals in certain areas.
Advocating for increased access to mental health care and promoting awareness of the importance of mental health treatment within Black communities is essential.
Financial Assistance from BetterHelp
If you’re concerned about the cost of therapy, BetterHelp offers affordable pricing options often similar to or less than the co-pays associated with most insurance plans and financial aid options (offered on the payment sign-up page).
This means you can get the help and support you need without breaking the bank.
With their professional multicultural Christian therapists network and flexible online counseling services, you can receive the care you need to overcome your challenges and improve your mental health and well-being.
Mental Health in the Black Community
Mental health is vital to our overall well-being, but for many African-American Christians, seeking help for their mental health concerns can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the Black community has a long-standing history of mistrust towards the medical establishment, and this mistrust can be compounded for those who are also Christians.
This mistrust can be attributed to various factors, including the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, where Black men were unknowingly infected with syphilis and left untreated for 40 years, and the history of forced medical experimentation on enslaved Africans.
The stigma surrounding mental health is another significant obstacle many African Americans may encounter when seeking mental health services.
Mental illness is often seen as a weakness in the Black community, and seeking help for mental health concerns can be seen as a sign of personal failure or weakness.
As a result, many Black Christians may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they need help. They may avoid seeking mental health services altogether.
Erica Barnes, Sr Researcher
Lastly, systemic barriers to healthcare can also make it difficult for Black Christians to access mental health services.
For example, many may face financial challenges preventing them from accessing mental health services. In contrast, others may have limited access to mental health providers in their communities.
This can be even more true for those who live in rural areas or areas with high poverty rates.
Additionally, the lack of diversity in mental health providers can make it challenging for Black Christians to find a therapist who can understand and relate to their unique experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Stigma
Mental health stigma is a pervasive issue in our society, and unfortunately, it can be even more prevalent in the Black community.
Mental illness is often seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith, leading to shame and embarrassment for those struggling.
This stigma can make it challenging for Black Christians to seek help for their mental health concerns, leading to a cycle of silence and suffering.
Dr Azhar Qureshi
However, it’s important to remember that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, nor are they a reflection of a lack of faith. Seeking help for mental health concerns is a brave and courageous act that should be celebrated, not stigmatized.
We must work to break down the barriers that prevent Black Christians from seeking help for their mental health concerns and create a culture that supports and empowers individuals to prioritize their mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Black Psychology (source: Jones, R. L., & Chatters, L. M. 2011) found that Black individuals who received counseling reported significantly more improved mental health than those who did not.
The study also found that counseling helped to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve overall life satisfaction.
Verdict: Work With the Right Black Christian Therapist

Research has shown (source: Woodward, A. T. 2017) that culturally sensitive counseling can be particularly effective for Black individuals.
Culturally sensitive counseling involves understanding and acknowledging Black individuals’ unique experiences and challenges and incorporating this understanding into the counseling process.
An essential aspect of mental health treatment and therapy for the Black community is the impact of discrimination and racial trauma on mental health and well-being.
The effects of these factors can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
For example, experiencing racism and discrimination can lead to chronic stress, which can cause physical and mental health problems over time. It’s crucial for therapists to acknowledge and address these issues in therapy, including by helping clients develop coping strategies and resilience.
Helen Kaminski, MSc
In conclusion, it’s essential also to keep in mind the broader societal and cultural factors that impact mental health for the Black community.
This can include managing the effects of racism and discrimination, promoting culturally responsive and inclusive therapy, and addressing barriers to access to mental health care.
References
- Jones, R. L., & Chatters, L. M. (2011). “Counseling and Mental Health Services for African Americans: A Review of Literature.” Journal of Counseling & Development, 89(3), 331-336. DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2011.tb00092.x
- Thompson, V. L. S. (2016). “The Role of Mental Health Counselors in Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Black Clients: An Overview of Empirical Evidence.” Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 26(1), 1-10. DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2015.1097575
- Watkins, D. C. (2012). “Depression Over the Adult Life Course for African American Men: Toward a Framework for Research and Practice.” American Journal of Men’s Health, 6(3), 194-210. DOI: 10.1177/1557988311430403
- Woodward, A. T. (2017). “The Effects of Racism on African American Mental Health: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 27(3), 250-262. DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2016.1273948
- Whaley, A. L. (2001). “Cultural Mistrust and Mental Health Services for African Americans: A Review and Meta-Analysis.” Counseling Psychologist, 29(4), 513-531. DOI: 10.1177/0011000001294002
- Whaley, A. L. (2003). “Cultural Competence and Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health Services for Ethnic Minorities.” Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 25(3), 260-268. DOI: 10.17744/mehc.25.3.4vum5hm5y6n5lv6u
- Whaley, A. L., & Davis, K. E. (2007). “Cultural Competence and Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health Services: A Complementary Perspective.” American Psychologist, 62(6), 563-574. DOI: 10.1037/0003-066X.62.6.563
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There are valid concerns about online therapy limitations compared to in-person rapport. For communities facing complex cultural barriers, perhaps virtual options should be used cautiously unless found to adequately address unique needs.
Appreciate the thoughtful overview of why culturally-informed therapy can be so valuable for African Americans seeking counseling. The tips on vetting BetterHelp providers seem helpful for finding someone who fits your needs and background. As the author notes, representation matters in mental healthcare.
It’s encouraging to see a focus on making therapy more accessible and tailored to the Black community’s experiences. The pricing comparisons make clear the benefits of exploring quality online options. More initiatives like this to reduce barriers are important for communities of color.
While well-intentioned, the article lacks substantive evidence on BetterHelp’s actual effectiveness for the Black Christian community. More data specifically evaluating its culturally-informed services could better inform readers.
The author makes a compassionate case for why mental health outreach deserves focused attention in the Black church and neighborhoods. By promoting open dialog and diverse counseling options, perhaps stigmas can lessen over time. A caring perspective on an important issue. More of this please.
I appreciate how the author stresses the importance of finding a therapist who understands the cultural context for African American Christians. Having that shared framework could help build trust and rapport in counseling.