Find an African American/Black therapist in The Woodlands, TX

Ariane Utley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience providing individual and group counseling in community mental health, both inpatient and outpatient. She has supported clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and relationship issues. Ariane creates a safe and supportive space where clients can explore challenges, reconnect with themselves, and begin moving toward clarity, healing, and meaningful change.

Ariane earned her Master’s in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University. She uses evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive processing therapy for trauma to help clients identify and shift patterns that may be keeping them stuck.

Ariane’s clients are met with warmth, respect, and non-judgment. She takes a strength-based, solution-focused approach, walking alongside clients as they navigate difficult times. Whether struggling to feel like themselves, managing overwhelming emotions, or seeking guidance, clients find support and the possibility of healing.

Shameka Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience who specializes in trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. She helps clients break through emotional distress, rebuild self-esteem, and develop practical coping skills. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for change, Shameka offers personalized sessions designed to support your journey toward healing and wholeness on your terms and at your pace. With a deep sense of empathy and unconditional positive regard, Shameka meets each client where they are without judgment.

Shameka earned a Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Southern Arkansas University. She provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy that fosters personal growth and emotional resilience, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, positive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

You don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Shameka is here to support you with compassion, understanding, and care. Healing takes courage, and reaching out is a powerful first step. When you're ready, Shameka is here to walk alongside you.

Catherine Prestigiovanni is a licensed professional counselor supervisor with over 30 years of experience providing supportive psychotherapy to adults, couples, and veterans seeking to develop a healthier and more productive life. Catherine specializes in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, and relationship issues. She acts as a guide in helping her clients to understand their issues and feelings, cope with daily life, and manage their mental health to live their best life. 

Catherine grew-up in a small East Texas town but moved to Houston in 1989 to attend college at the University of Houston, followed by graduate school at the University of St. Thomas. With over 30 years in the mental health industry, she has worked in many diverse settings including; nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, local mental health authorities, county jail, and private practice. 

Catherine believes strongly that with the proper tools and guidance, anyone can make positive changes in their lives. She believes in kindness, integrity, and “paying it forward” in life. She looks forward to working with you in the near future.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 12 years of experience working with adolescents and adults within the mental health field. I have conducted individual and group therapy with individuals who may struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal idealization, trauma, and grief.

I obtained my Doctorate degree in Philosophy from Walden University, Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), and a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation & Disability Studies from Southern University A&M College. I utilize multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness.

We each come to therapy searching for change, understanding, and relief. I believe counseling helps you accept what you cannot change and focus on what you can. Counseling is a personal journey to reach your goals, overcome struggles, and empower yourself. If you're ready to put in the work, I look forward to establishing a collaborative relationship with you.

Melissa Isaacks is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 7 years of experience treating a plethora or counseling goals, including ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, anger management and transitional disorders. She takes great care to treat children, adolescents, adults, and family clients with a warm and caring attitude. 

Melissa graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, and play therapy techniques as well as other treatment modalities in her sessions. Melissa believes in fostering the parent-child relationship when counseling children and families while creating a safe and trusting environment where open expression thrives. 

Melissa provides a non-judgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable being themselves and are encouraged to make changes to develop their best selves. She works with clients ages 3 and over and creates an individualized treatment plan for each client to reach their counseling goals.

Tawnie Putignano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 15 years of diverse experience in the field of social work, including working with adolescent youth in juvenile probation centers, adults and families with disabilities, older adults in healthcare centers and skilled nursing facilities, hospital social work, and in providing therapeutic counseling to children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals in both school, home and clinical based settings.

Tawnie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State Long Beach University. She enjoys working with adolescent youth and helping to bridge communication gaps with parents. She has an excellent ability to quickly gain trust and build rapport with her clients to aid in meeting counseling goals. Tawnie enjoys working with individuals, and enjoys helping couples improve their communication skills to enhance their quality of life with themselves and with each other.

Tawnie will work with you to identify your goals, and will provide you with the skills and support that you need to meet them. She brings a humanistic, solution-focused, client-centered approach to her therapeutic counseling. Tawnie will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).