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Meet Our Black Therapists for Women & Teen Girls
Black Therapists in Chicago
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Jaleesa Pirtle, LCPC
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Sherraine Miller, MA, ATR-P
The Need for Black Therapists
The recognition of the need for culturally competent mental health support for black and brown individuals is on an upward trajectory. It's important to acknowledge that mental health status is influenced by various factors, including cultural background and experiences. Culturally competent support means understanding and respecting the unique needs and experiences of individuals, while also providing appropriate resources and interventions.
To further execute this construct, having diverse representation in mental health care provides additional support, and understanding that may only be sourced from shared cultural background and experience. This involves having mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about the specific challenges faced by black and brown communities, such as racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. It may also include creating safe spaces where black and brown individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Additionally, it's crucial to increase access to mental health services for black and brown individuals, as there are often significant disparities in accessing quality care. This speaks to the need for creating space for black and brown clinicians to practice, widening the scope and reach to individuals seeking culturally competent care. By emphasizing the need for culturally competent mental health support for black and brown individuals, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable mental health landscape that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by this population as well as aid in the reduction of the stigma surrounding mental health within black and brown communities.
Challenges in Finding Black Therapists
The American Psychological Association (APA) has conducted studies and analysis highlighting the limited representation of black and brown therapists in the mental health workforce. According to their findings, only a small percentage of therapists in the United States are from minority backgrounds, specifically black and brown individuals. According to the APA, only about 4% of psychologists in the United States are black. According to census data reported by the APA, in the mental health field, all minority representation combined is less diverse than the minority representation in the U.S. population as a whole.
This underrepresentation can have significant impacts on the availability and accessibility of mental health services for black and brown individuals, as well as the cultural competence of therapists in addressing their specific needs. The APA emphasizes the need for efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within the mental health workforce to better serve diverse populations.
Cultural and Religious Barriers within the Black Community that may Stigmatize Therapy.
Cultural and religious barriers can contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health within black and brown communities. These communities may have specific beliefs, values, and traditions that view mental health issues as taboo or something to be kept hidden.
In black communities, some common barriers that contribute to the stigmatization of mental health include:
Strong reliance on faith and spirituality: Many individuals in black communities seek solace and support from their religious beliefs. While faith can provide comfort, it may also discourage seeking professional help for mental health issues, as they are seen as spiritual matters that can be resolved through prayer and supplication.
Historical mistrust of healthcare system: Due to a history of systemic racism and mistreatment by healthcare providers, there is often a deep-rooted mistrust within black communities. This can lead to skepticism and reluctance to seek mental health services, fearing inadequate or biased treatment.
Cultural expectations of strength and resilience: The concept of strength and resilience is highly valued within black communities, which can create pressure to appear strong even when experiencing mental health challenges. Seeking help may be seen as a sign of weakness or failure, leading to reluctance to address mental health concerns openly.
Lack of representation and awareness: Black individuals may face limited representation and awareness of mental health issues within their communities. This can make it difficult to recognize symptoms, understand the importance of seeking help, and find culturally competent professionals who can provide appropriate support.
It is crucial to address these barriers by promoting mental health awareness, providing culturally sensitive resources, and fostering open conversations about mental wellbeing within black communities. By doing so, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure access to appropriate support for those who need it.
Benefits of Working with Black Therapists
Black individuals working with culturally competent black therapists can freely express themselves in a safe space that won’t minimize their experiences. They can be vulnerable without giving their power away which may increase the capacity to release, and feel empowered. Black therapists can provide lived experiences and understand the underlying issues that a black individual may not be able to consciously identify. A black therapist can enhance cultural understanding in therapy sessions through many other ways as well such as:
Shared experiences: A black therapist can offer personal insights and understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals from the black community. They can relate to shared experiences such as racial discrimination, intergenerational trauma, and cultural identity, which can deepen the therapeutic connection and provide a more empathetic and safe space for discussion.
Cultural competence: A black therapist's shared experience and use of cultural competency creates a deeper understanding of the cultural norms, beliefs, and values specific to the black community. This knowledge allows them to navigate conversations around race, ethnicity, and identity with sensitivity, avoiding potential misunderstandings or biases that might arise with therapists from different backgrounds. For example, a black individual would not have to “code switch” or explain cultural norms in the therapeutic relationship with black therapist.
Addressing racial trauma: Racial trauma refers to the psychological and emotional distress caused by experiences of racism and discrimination. Black therapists can provide a specialized approach in addressing and healing racial trauma, helping individuals process and cope with the impact of systemic racism on their mental health.
Building trust and rapport: Establishing trust and rapport is crucial in therapy. For individuals from the black community, feeling understood and validated by someone who shares their cultural background can significantly contribute to building this trust. Black therapists can create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically.
Empowerment and advocacy: Black therapists often incorporate empowerment and advocacy into their therapeutic approach. They may help clients navigate systems of oppression, develop strategies for self-care and resilience, and empower them to challenge societal narratives that perpetuate racism and discrimination.
It's important to note that while working with a black therapist can enhance cultural understanding, every therapist has their own unique approach and expertise. It's essential to find a therapist who aligns with an individual's specific needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals, regardless of their racial background.
Tailored Treatment Approaches by Black Therapists
Mental health interventions should be tailored to address the specific needs and experiences of black individuals. This can involve incorporating cultural elements into treatment approaches and recognizing the impact of racism and discrimination on mental health outcomes. The various forms of systemic and intergenerational trauma experienced has impacted how many black individuals view themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. These challenges can be addressed in therapy through interventions that support the exploration of historical and racial trauma, empowerment, safety, and co-collaboration.
There are several evidence-based therapeutic modalities that have shown effectiveness for black individuals in therapy. Some of these include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. It can be effective in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT specifically addresses the impact of trauma on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is commonly used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on developing acceptance and mindfulness skills to help individuals create a meaningful and value-driven life. It can be helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy approach that targets traumatic memories and helps individuals process and reframe those experiences. It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and trauma.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR combines mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga to help individuals develop greater self-awareness and reduce stress. It can be beneficial for managing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection and recognizes the impact of trauma, stress, and oppression on both the individual's physical and emotional well-being. This approach can help individuals process and release stored emotions, tension, and trauma held in the body, which can be particularly beneficial for black individuals who have experienced racial trauma or systemic racism. Somatic therapy can support healing, self-awareness, and empowerment for black individuals.
Strengths-based intervention: A Strengths-Based approach can help by focusing on unique strengths, abilities, and resources of the individual. It encourages individuals to identify and build upon their positive qualities, skills, and attributes, rather than solely focusing on their problems or deficits. This approach helps promote empowerment, resilience, and self-efficacy encouraging individuals to overcome challenges, develop coping strategies, and achieve their goals. By recognizing and utilizing their strengths, black individuals can gain a greater sense of self-worth, confidence, and agency in the therapeutic process. Additionally, strengths-based intervention can also help combat negative stereotypes and biases that black individuals may face, providing a more positive and empowering framework for therapy.
These are just a few examples, and it's important to remember that therapy should be tailored to each individual's unique needs and preferences. It's always best to consult with a culturally competent therapist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation. By implementing these strategies, we can create a mental health system that is respectful, inclusive, and effective in meeting the unique needs of black individuals.
The Importance of Co-collaboration
A key factor to effective therapy with black individuals is Co-collaboration. Co-collaboration acknowledges the expertise and knowledge that individuals bring to therapy. It encourages active participation, shared decision-making, and empowers the individual to take ownership of their healing journey. Therapy traditionally involves a power dynamic where the therapist holds more authority and control. Co-collaboration challenges this dynamic by promoting equality and mutual respect. It creates a space for open dialogue, exploration, and collaboration. Co-collaboration fosters an environment where black individuals can feel heard, understood, and validated. This sense of safety promotes trust and allows for deeper exploration of emotions, experiences, and challenges. Overall, co-collaboration with black individuals promotes cultural sensitivity, empowerment, and healing. It is an essential approach to address the unique needs and strengths of black individuals and promote positive therapeutic outcomes.
~ Jaleesa and the BA team
Work Cited
Lin, L., Stamm, K., & Christidis, P. (2018, February 1). How diverse is the psychology workforce? Monitor on Psychology, 49(2). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/datapoint
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Therapy FAQs
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Pretty much anything that you’re going through emotionally, or in your life, can be made a little or a lot better by therapy! If you are unsure about whether we can help you, please feel free to reach out and ask a question.
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Yes! But with some exceptions. There are 3 situations where, legally and ethically (whether we want to or not) we would have to break your confidentiality. These include if we learn of any potential child or elder abuse from you, we determine that you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, or we receive a court order for your medical records. Also, some of our providers are under supervision and regularly consult with their supervisor about their client sessions. Supervisors have the same obligation to client confidentiality.
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Our Chicago therapy rate for the first two sessions is $245. After that, 55 minute sessions are $220. We accept BCBS PPO and Aetna insurance.
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Yes! We offer virtual therapy sessions as well as in-person. Sometimes it’s easier for clients to engage in therapy virtually, whether due to commute time, caregiver obligations, or simple convenience. We want to make therapy as accessible as possible!
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Therapy can help in so many ways, especially when you feel a connection with your therapist! Usually longer-term benefits of therapy are having a more hopeful outlook on life, reduction in any symptoms like anxiety or low mood, better sleep, feeling more grounded in your body, less emotional distress, increased feelings of satisfaction and pleasure in life, more stability in relationships, having an easier time meeting your goals, and more.
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