Find an African American/Black therapist in Richmond, VA

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 2 years of direct clinical experience. I specialize in mental health treatment, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and child behavioral challenges. I also have experience providing crisis support and stabilization for children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to create a safe and affirming space where clients feel supported as they work toward their goals.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. My background includes crisis intervention, stabilization, and long-term support for depression and anxiety. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, and I strive to offer affirming, queer-friendly care tailored to each client.

I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. Whether you are seeking tools to manage daily stressors or support through life’s challenges, I am here to provide compassionate, collaborative care. I encourage you to reach out so we can begin building a plan that feels supportive and meaningful to you.

I am William Watson, a Licensed Social Worker Supervisee with 2 years of experience. Shaped by a working-class, single-parent upbringing, I bring lived experiences and strong clinical training to my work. I support adolescents and adults facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, and life transitions. My goal is to provide steady guidance and practical support as a respectful partner who values honesty, feedback, and collaboration.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Arkansas and blend evidence-informed care with lived experience. My sessions emphasize practical tools, steady structure, and clear goals to help clients build confidence and skills between visits.

I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. That’s why I focus on creating a safe, respectful space where you can move at your own pace. If you are looking for practical strategies and a collaborative therapist who meets you where you are, I welcome you to reach out because you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

Brittany Spak is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 4 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and relationship issues. 

Brittany completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from King’s College, PA, and received her Master's degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University. She utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior, person-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to therapy while finding creative ways to meet an individual’s unique needs.

Brittany seeks to create a caring and validating relationship with you to help assist you in fostering a relationship with yourself and others, building upon your strengths and coping skills, to help you reach your goals while living a fulfilled and meaningful life.

Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges, and trauma. She is a firm believer in creating a mutually respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals.

Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a strength-based counselor, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered approaches. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method couples therapy.

Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her pet.

Sharon Looney is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience in in-home, outpatient, and clinical care. They specialize in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, neurodivergence (including OCD, ADHD, and ASD), and PTSD/trauma. Sharon also provides care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria/transition, and grief. Sharon has experience with behavioral interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy.

Sharon received their Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. They utilize strategies from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.

Beginning therapy may not be an instant fix for life’s challenges, but it is the last step you’ll have to take alone. Sharon is ready to walk with you in this next stage of your recovery. Schedule your initial appointment today!

Annette Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and seniors navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in supporting those facing grief, end-of-life issues, chronic medical conditions, and mental health concerns. With decades of professional and personal experience, Annette offers compassionate guidance and a safe space for growth, healing, and hope.

Annette earned her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. She integrates her clinical expertise with empathy, focusing on client-centered approaches that foster resilience, reflection, and meaningful connections. Her background equips her to guide clients through change with clarity and care.

Annette believes every person deserves support during life’s transitions. Her passion lies in helping clients find strength through struggle and rediscover purpose. Whether you are coping with pain, seeking clarity, or ready to fine-tune your life and relationships, Annette is here to walk alongside you on your journey.

During his professional years as a clinical social work therapist, Graeme Biddle has had the privilege of working with several populations, including clients with terminal illnesses and their family members, as well as children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral instability. Graeme enjoys helping clients identify tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. He also has experience helping clients understand life transitions, as well as better understand periods of grief and loss.

Graeme completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the state of Virginia. Graeme provides a calm, validating approach to therapy, while also remaining direct, and encouraging self-accountability. While using a strengths-based perspective, Graeme utilizes several clinical modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

The process of beginning therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Graeme will strive at helping provide a safe space and facilitate a collaborative approach to help you feel valued and in control of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with Graeme to begin the steps of accomplishing your personal goals.

Allie Wright is a Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience helping teens and adults from diverse backgrounds. Allie specializes in treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life adjustments. She is passionate about working with individuals from marginalized backgrounds, survivors of trauma and abuse, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Allie individualizes her treatment methods to meet each client's needs.

Allie has a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, affirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Allie uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and narrative therapy.

Allie cultivates a compassionate, accepting, and empowering therapeutic space where she strives to meet clients where they are and work together to reach their personal goals. Schedule an appointment with Allie today!

Marissa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families address their unique challenges and needs. Marissa has a diverse professional background working with individuals of different ages and needs. She specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder, trauma, and major life transitions. Marissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Marissa is very passionate about supporting and guiding others in finding solutions and overcoming challenges. Marissa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Despite the challenges and situations that happen in life, Marissa is confident that she can support and empower individuals through navigating life challenges. Marissa can support others in developing coping skills and establishing goals. If you are ready to start therapy, schedule an appointment with her today.

Victoria Staten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience. She has experience practicing in a variety of clinical settings providing both inpatient and outpatient mental health services to both adolescents and adults. Victoria focuses on helping. She has experience treating individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, adjusting to life changes, challenges within relationships, and low self-esteem.

Victoria received her Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Radford University. Victoria utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.

Victoria wants you to know that even though you are the only one who can take steps towards taking back control over your mental health, you do not have to take those steps alone. Schedule your session today.

Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school, community-based, residential, hospital, and correctional settings. Paula specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, substance use, and other issues. She completed her master's degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Paula has also completed additional training in trauma and has obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

Paula uses an integrated approach, which may incorporate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness, with a focus on each individual’s specific needs and goals. She believes in creating a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. Paula will assist individuals in building insight, in exploring past experiences and the impact they may be having on their current functioning, and in developing healthy ways to manage stressors. She recognizes that seeking services can feel overwhelming, but welcomes the opportunity to support you in this process.