Recently, the Huffington Post article about the “10 Black Female Therapists You Should Know” sparked so much interest in the mental health community, so it was only right to have the male edition. According to the Center of Workforce Research, only 8% of male social workers are African-American. In addition, only 5.3% of active psychologists are African-Americans (Source: Racial/Ethnic Composition of Active Psychologists, 2013 ACS files from U.S. Census Bureau)
There has been a lot of awareness on mental health in the African American community which is also prompting the engagement of African American men seeking mental health treatment without experiencing the shame and judgement.
Brace yourself, we couldn’t just feature 10 Black Male Therapists, so here’s a list of 15 dope African American Male Therapists you need to know.
Dr. George James, Psy.D, LMFT Founder of George Talks, LLC
Dr. George James, LMFT speaks, counsels, consults, coaches and teaches people how to overcome everyday relational struggles to build successful connections in love, family and career. With a practical approach to relationships and life, Dr. James helps bring success within the reach of those he influences!
Dr. James has been a reoccurring expert guest on many radio, TV and online programs. He is also a reoccurring relationship contributor to Ebony magazine. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in helping couples improve the quality of their relationship, reconcile conflicts and overcome intense situations such as affairs, lack of communication, parenting struggles and much more. He also works extensively with professional athletes, adult men and young adult men on various issues including defining manhood, career and work-life balance. His expertise also includes treating actors, entertainers, college students, faith based concerns, anxiety and depression. In addition, he speaks and consults with universities, for profit & non-profit organizations and family owned businesses. Dr. James is devoted to helping people improve their quality of life, to be involved in the healing of their wounds and enrichment of their relationships.
Dr. James is a Staff Therapist & an AAMFT Approved supervisor at Council For Relationships. In addition, Dr. James is the Program Director for the Couple & Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. James is president and CEO of George Talks, LLC, a communication and consulting company. Dr. James is a nationally recognized speaker, seminar presenter and lecturer on various topics. Dr. James has taught, presented, spoken and consulted with multiple businesses, organizations, universities and places of faith.
Dr. James is a recognized media personality, speaker, workshop leader & lecturer on various topics. He has had over 400 speaking and media appearances in the past seven years. His breadth of expertise includes a special emphasis on topics geared towards couples, men, professional athletes, actors/entertainers, musicians, college students, family owned businesses and people of color. Dr. James is devoted to working with people to help them improve their quality of life, to be involved in the healing of their wounds and enrichment of their relationships.
Dr. James attended Villanova University as a Presidential Scholar, and majored in Psychology and concentrated in Africana Studies. He received his Masters of Family Therapy degree from Drexel University and his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University.
Dr. Reginald Cunningham, EdD, LPC,LCPC Private Practice Therapist
Reginald Cunningham is a Doctor of Education, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He provides counseling and therapeutic services to adolescents, adults, and couples who need help in coping with their current and future situations.
He is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, received his Masters from Coppin State University, and Doctorate of Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University.
Over the past several years, He has worked at a variety of mental health facilities in both Maryland and the District of Columbia including The University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Family Matters of Greater Washington, DC, and The Institute for Family Centered services. Additionally, prior to beginning his doctoral training, he spent several years conducting research in addictions and with individuals with serious mental illnesses.
Juan C Moore, MSW Social Worker and Author
Juan Moore is 2009 graduate of T.W. Josey High School in Augusta, GA. Juan went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He then attended Savannah State University where he graduated with Honors and received a Master’s of in Clinical Social Work in May of 2015. Juan is a member of the Omicron Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He is currently working as a School Social Worker for Clayton County Public Schools and as a professional in individual counseling at the Walk of Life Counseling Center. Brother Moore is also the HR Manager and Compliance Officer for Project Inspire, Inc.
Juan is dedicated to impacting the lives of today's youth through many initiatives. He is the Co- founder of K.I.N.G.S. Character Development Program hosted at Pointe South Middle and Elementary School in Clayton County Public Schools. He has a quote that he tries to live by, "Change is Progression and Progression is Growth". Which simply means with the recognition that change must occur in life, you will progress towards your dreams and goals. While embarking on this process of change and progression, you will grow as an individual. Juan has experienced many trials and tribulations, but he has dedicated to let his past, present, and future be an inspiration to those younger and older than him. Juan hopes to achieve this through creating a movement titled "Change.Progression.Growth", which will involve many service events, books, speaking engagements, and much more to push the message out to the world.
Jor-El Carabello, LMHC Psychotherapist
Jor-El is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of NY trained in psychological counseling. He received a B.A.in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and M.A. and Ed.M. degrees in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College Columbia University.
His clinical and psychotherapy experience has been in community health settings. He completed his counseling internship at the NYC Anti-Violence Project and later worked with LGBTQ young adults at the True Colors Residence of West End Residences, HDFC. He also served as an educator/presenter on sexual assault prevention on college campuses and military bases.
Markias D. Littlejohn LCSW, MSW, BA-QMRP
Markias Littlejohn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychoanalytic Therapist in the States of California and Oklahoma. Markias received his Bachelors in Child and Family Studies from Berea College. Markias received Masters in Social Work with an emphasis in Integrated Health and Mental Health from Clark Atlanta University in 2014, in which he graduated with Magna Cum Laude Distinction. Markias completed a year of clinical rotations at The Emory University Hospital specializing in Transplant, Intensive Care, and Hospital Integrative medicine. Markias is a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional in which he is trained in active treatment programming for persons with global disabilities. Markias has published works and lectures facilities & hospital systems on “How the Family System Can Affect Chronic Illness”, “How Health and Mental are Married and Work in Integrated Partnership”, “I’m Your Son Not Your Husband: Parentalization of The Male Child, “Boys Don’t Cry And Men Don’t Feel: The Gateway To The Prison Highway”, and “Post Traumatic Male Sexual Abuse Survivors in The Prison system: Broken Boy to Shackled Man”. Markias is currently working with The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a therapist and change agent in the therapeutic milieu at Wasco State Prison. Markias is also a Tele-Therapist consultant at Hands To Guide You in Oklahoma City, OK, specializing in Integrated Care under the Internationally acclaimed therapist Dr. Larry Ford, DBH. Markias is also the Founder of Kairos Therapeutic Alliance, a Concierge Therapy Consultant Agency, and writes a blog on a Facebook Page entitled: Kairos Korner; which provides morsels of Hope and Encouragement to those seeking a pick me up in this busy and sometimes hectic life we live.
Rwenshaun Miller, MA, Mental Health Awareness Advocate, Founder of Eustress, Inc
Rwenshaun Miller is the founder and executive director of Eustress, Inc. He completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Montreat College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He worked in the mental health field for more than 10 years. He understands the challenges faced by individuals with limited resources and looks to provide ways to address these needs.
For years he lived with that voice on a loud speaker in his head, and believed that it was normal to feel discouraged, inadequate and frustrated at the world, especially as a Black man in America. After all, men don't have many emotions, they don't cry, and are always physically and mentally strong.
He used his personal experiences to inspire all communities to speak openly about mental health.
Through his Let's Talk About It series, and movement, he aim to provide communities with resources to improve and manage mental health.
Dr. O’Shan Gadsden, Ph.D Applied Psychologist & Public Scholar, CEO of Gadsden Consulting & Evaluation Services, LLC
Dr. Gadsden is not your average university academic or applied psychologist, not in the least bit.
He is a psycho-culturally-spiritually focused public scholar, who combines his love of popular culture, intersectional politics, sexual and emotional intimacy, and spirituality into social media and critical essay content that educates, motivates, and promotes healing cognitively, emotionally, and relationally. O’Shan has developed a unique psycho-spiritual voice in assisting individuals of diverse backgrounds to identify and work through unresolved issues impacting their creativity and relational capacity.
A veteran speaker (in both academic, secular, and religious/spiritual contexts) with over 20 years of experience, he has delivered lectures and presentations nationwide, working to help individuals tap into their authentic selves and power, and make informed decisions regarding their life and relational choices. It is O’Shan’s goal to reach the masses to engage in real, raw and unapologetic conversations about the relationship between gender socialization, trauma, religion/spirituality, and emotional intimacy. If you have questions about psycho-cultural-spiritual issues that impede your personal, vocational, and relational progress, he has answers: non-judgmental real talk and exploration.
Over the course of his career, he has trained both doctoral and master level students and clinicians, taught and served as an educational consultant at such prestigious universities like New York University, Seton University, and Morehouse College, provided clinical services in diverse clinical settings, and published a number of articles and book chapters. His psycho-culturally-spiritually focused seminars, lectures, and workshops assists individuals to understand themselves in deeper and more nuanced ways as well as in the improvement of their varied relationships. Dr. Gadsden earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Howard University's APA accredited program and obtained a MA in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University of New York City. He completed his APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at the University of Delaware's Center for Counseling and Development and post-doctoral training as a Clinical Fellow at the JFK Behavioral Health Center in Philadelphia, PA.
He lives by two powerful quotes, “Where there is life there is hope” and “what you seek is already seeking you.”
Dr. Gadsden can be reached at gcesllc@outlook.com or http://www.oshangadsdenphd.com/
Dr. Earl Turner, PhD Psychologist
Email: drerlangerturner@gmail.com Personal Website: www.drerlangerturner.com
Erlanger ‘Earl’ Turner, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and National Register Health Service Psychologist in Houston, Texas. He provides psychotherapy services to children and adults. Dr. Turner also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disruptive behavior disorders (e.g., Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and developmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Dr. Turner graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University. He earned his Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station. Dr. Turner also completed a post-doctoral residency at the Kennedy Krieger Institute through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Dr. Turner has published articles in scholarly journals and presented his research at national conferences. His research and clinical interests include access to behavioral health services, cultural competency, behavioral parent training, mental health disparities, and disruptive behavioral disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he is a member of the Association of Black Psychologists and the American Psychological Association (APA). He has over 10-years of leadership experience throughout the APA including serving on the APA Division 42’s Diversity in Practice Task Force (2013-2014). Currently, Dr. Turner is Chair (2017-2018) on the APA Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest. In the past, he was awarded the 2014 Judy E. Hall, Ph.D. Early Career Psychologist Award by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and selected as one of the 10 Most Take Psychology Professors in Houston. Recently, Dr. Turner was appointed to serve on the Behavioral Health National Project Advisory Committee (2016-2018) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Minority Health.
Montigus Jackson, M.S. Therapist and Founder of Starting Pointe Counseling
Montigus Jackson is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern specializing in adolescents and adults for individual, couples, and family therapy. He is serving Palm Beach County and maintains his office in Royal Palm Beach, FL.
As a graduate of Walden University and with over eight years of experience in the mental health, substance abuse, and social service fields he is experienced in many areas which include relationship issues, at-risk youth, emotional disturbances (depression and anxiety), and substance addictions.
Montigus is an interactive therapist using an eclectic approach to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. He integrates complimentary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Ryan McMillian, MDiv, MFT Therapist and Speaker
Ryan McMillian is a dynamic speaker and a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist. For the past 8 years, he has reignited friendship, fun and intimacy in couple's relationships. He specializes in moving couples out of the "here we go again." Additionally, he interactively engages children of all ages with exercises that improve family communication and connection, as well as identifies strengths to cope with past traumas. He is also known for guiding clients through transitions and personal losses including unfavorable diagnosis, loss of job, estranged relationships and death.
Mr. McMillian has training in several evidence-based therapy models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, EcoSystemic Structural Family Therapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy and the Gottman Method. He specializes in anger management, grief, spirituality, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, body image and goal setting.
Ronnie is a therapist, entrepreneur, app developer, professional speaker, author, consultant, workshop presenter and social advocate. He received a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, on August 14, 1983, Ronnie was raised in Tappahannock, Virginia, and attended Essex County Public Schools (ECPS). While attending ECPS, he spent seven years in special education after being diagnosed with a learning disability. The stigmatization of special education fostered resentment and disinterest in school.
Bobby Vann Jr. LGPC Private Practice Therapist
Bobby Vann Jr. is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. In addition to helping people reduce their anxiety and stress, he has counseling experience in the area of depression, perfectionism, self-esteem and life transitions (college, career and relationships). He is passionate about helping teens, men and couples create better lives and relationships. His therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively identify and address behavioral patterns that may be interfering with achieving inner happiness through the use of cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques and Gottman Couples Therapy. He completed his Masters of Education in School Counseling at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD and completed further training in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD.
Dr. Randolph Sconiers DSW, LCSW Owner of New Steps Counseling
Dr. Randolph Sconiers is a New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth. He was born in Jersey City, N.J. and moved to Piscataway, N.J. at the age of 13. Dr. Sconiers studied at Kean University where he graduated cum lade with a BA in Psychology. He continued his studies at Kean University, graduating with honors in the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program. In 2007 Dr. Randolph attained his Clinical License and is currently enrolled at Capella University’s Doctoral of Social Work program.
The love and passion for empowering at-risk youth became clear as he worked as a Mental Health Clinician within UMDNJ’s University Correctional Health Care program. Dr. Randolph was assigned to the Jamesburg Campus (NJ Correctional Facility for Boys). It was there he realized that more needed to be done to empower young men outside of the prison walls in order to decrease recidivism, empower young men to be successful in spite of their circumstances, and become leaders in their communities.
Dr. Randolph is the owner of New Steps Counseling, LLC which is based in South Plainfield, NJ. He has been recognized as one of the top Clinical Social Workers in South Plainfield, NJ by the International Association of Mental Health Professionals. Dr. Randolph’s passion for empowering, servicing, and educating our youth is fulfilled through his professional experiences.
Dr. Randolph Sconiers is also a passionate speaker on issues impacting our youth. Some of the topics are listed below and he is available to speak at your school, community center, or church.
Arron Muller, LMSW Founder of Life Matters NYC
Arron Muller specializes in working with families and children providing life coaching in the home. With several years of experience working with children, adolsecent and teens, Arron has been able to address issues of low self-esteem, depression, bullying and adjustment disorders. He holds a masters degree in Social Work from Adephi University. Arron also recieved certification to provide services to persons with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
Dr. Jameson Mercier, Ph.D, LCSW aka “The Haitian Therapist” and Life Coach CEO of Mercier Wellness
Dr. Mercier, AKA “The Haitian Therapist”, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and life coach. His areas of specialization include Human Relationship Systems and fatherhood. He was born and raised in Haiti and at the age of seven moved to South Florida. Unfortunately, two short years later, at the age of nine, he would lose his father. The sudden death of his father meant his mother was now responsible for 3 kids and a mortgage. As you might imagine, there were some tough times.
However, his family persevered and after graduating from high school, Dr. Mercier went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in child welfare. Afterwards, he completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. He has worked with different populations in various settings including public school systems, mental health agencies, churches, and hospitals.
Dr. Mercier completed his doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University where his research focused on black fathers as primary caregivers. He is a qualified supervisor in Florida for Clinical Social Work, Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.