Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when seeking someone who understands the unique experiences of Black women.
Access to culturally responsive care helps create a safe space where healing and growth can take place.
In Berkeley, there are professionals and practices that focus on providing this kind of support.
This article highlights therapists and counseling centers in Berkeley that center their work on the needs of Black women.
It introduces individual practitioners as well as group practices, showing the range of options available for those looking for culturally affirming and trauma-informed care.
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1) Shirley Johnson, LMFT – Specializes in culturally affirming therapy for Black women
Shirley Johnson is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Oakland and Berkeley.
She provides support for adults and couples with a focus on culturally affirming care for Black women.
Her work often addresses codependency recovery, intimacy, and communication.
She also integrates somatic healing and mindfulness practices into her sessions.
Learn more on Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and Soulistic Wellness.
2) Stefanie Bell, MA, AMFT – Focuses on trauma-informed care in Berkeley
Stefanie Bell is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Berkeley, California.
She provides counseling and psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor.
Her approach emphasizes trauma-informed care, supporting individuals and families in navigating difficult experiences.
She works with clients of different ages and backgrounds.
More about her practice can be found on her Psychology Today profile and her LinkedIn page.
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
BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Rachael Wilson, JD, LCSW, PMH-C – Offers queer-affirming, trauma-informed therapy
Rachael Wilson is a licensed clinical social worker based in Berkeley, California.
She holds both a JD and an MSW and is certified in perinatal mental health.
She provides therapy that is trauma-informed and queer-affirming, with a focus on supporting BIPOC women navigating complex identities and life challenges.
Learn more on TherapyDen, Psychology Today, and Headway.
4) Intentional Therapy – Known for supporting Black women with mental health needs.
Intentional Therapy focuses on providing care that centers the unique experiences of Black women.
Therapists here aim to create a safe space where clients feel understood and supported.
The practice emphasizes culturally competent care, helping women navigate stress, identity, and wellness.
Many clients seek therapy that acknowledges both personal and social challenges.
Learn more about Therapy for Black Women and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.
5) Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates – Experienced in family and individual therapy
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
The practice focuses on a holistic approach that considers emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
They address concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges.
Services also include support for life transitions and workplace issues.
The Oakland-based practice offers a welcoming environment for diverse clients, including Black women seeking culturally responsive care.
Learn more at Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates, Psychology Today profile, and Therapy for Black Girls listing.
6) Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy – Dedicated to Black mental wellness
Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy provides culturally responsive care that centers the experiences of Black individuals.
Their therapists focus on the impact of race, identity, and community on mental health.
They offer approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
The practice serves clients in Berkeley and the wider Bay Area.
Learn more at Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy and Black Minds Matter on Yelp.
7) New Leaf Counseling – Provides culturally sensitive therapy services
New Leaf Counseling offers therapy that respects cultural identity and lived experiences.
The practice works with individuals, couples, and groups to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
The team emphasizes culturally competent care to support Black women and other clients seeking inclusive mental health services.
Learn more about New Leaf Counseling and Wellness, LLC and GWhitlock- New Leaf Counseling and Psychotherapy.
8) Soul Space Berkeley – Offers free mental health resources tailored to the Black community
Soul Space Berkeley provides no-cost support for Black residents seeking mental health, wellness, and community care.
The program focuses on culturally affirming services that address emotional health, stress, and life challenges.
They offer group sessions, education, and practical tools for individuals navigating difficult situations.
Services also extend to financial stability and substance use prevention support.
Learn more about Soul Space Berkeley and CalVoices Soul Space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right therapist involves considering cultural understanding, affordability, and therapeutic approach.
In Berkeley, several providers and community programs focus on supporting the mental health needs of Black women through individualized care and group resources.
What should I look for when choosing a therapist who understands the cultural experiences of Black women?
A therapist should demonstrate cultural competence, respect for lived experiences, and the ability to address systemic issues that affect mental health.
It helps to ask about their training, experience with racial identity, and how they integrate cultural awareness into treatment.
Can you recommend therapists in Berkeley who specialize in issues faced by Black women?
Options include Shirley Johnson, LMFT, who provides culturally affirming therapy, and Stefanie Bell, MA, AMFT, who focuses on trauma-informed care.
Rachael Wilson, JD, LCSW, PMH-C offers queer-affirming therapy, while Intentional Therapy supports Black women across a range of needs.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates also provide individual and family therapy.
You can browse a broader list of Black and African American therapists in Berkeley.
Are there any support groups for Black women in therapy in the Berkeley area?
Soul Space Berkeley offers free, culturally affirming programs that promote emotional wellness and community support for Black residents.
Their services include group-based resources, prevention programs, and connections to mental health care.
Learn more at Soul Space Berkeley.
How do I find a therapist in Berkeley who is experienced in racial trauma and intersectionality?
Look for therapists who list racial trauma, identity, and intersectionality as areas of focus in their profiles.
Platforms like TherapyTribe’s directory of Black therapists in Berkeley make it easier to filter by specialization and background.
What are the best ways to access affordable mental health services for Black women in Berkeley?
The UC Berkeley Psychology Clinic provides low-cost therapy and assessment services, though availability may be limited to California residents.
Community programs like Soul Space Berkeley also provide free resources.
Sliding scale options are common among private practitioners in the area.
What approaches do therapists in Berkeley use to address the unique mental health needs of Black women?
Therapists often use trauma-informed care, culturally affirming therapy, and intersectional frameworks that account for overlapping identities.
Many also integrate evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness while tailoring sessions to address racial trauma, identity stress, and community-based healing.
