8 Highly Recommended BIPOC Therapists in NYC
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting, meticulous process, especially as a member of a marginalized community. For BIPOC individuals, this journey can be complicated by cultural expectations, systemic inequities, and intergenerational trauma.
As a Haitian-Dominican Italian-American therapist and somatic well-being coach in New York City, I've dedicated my coaching practice, Maximé Clarity, to helping individuals, couples, and organizations cultivate mindfulness, build healthy relationships, and achieve greater well-being. My approach integrates mindfulness and relational practices, Buddhist psychology, and cutting-edge neuroscience to create a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
I also understand that each person's path is unique, and my coaching practice might not be the right fit for everyone. Maybe you're looking for a specialized form of mental health care or want a provider who aligns more specifically with your own lived experiences.
That's why I've curated this list of exceptional BIPOC therapists in NYC. As you explore this list, approach it from a place of curiosity and self-compassion. Trust that the right connection—be it with me or another skilled professional—will reveal itself.
Remember, choosing a coach or therapist isn't about becoming "resilient" to shame. It's about finding a guide who can help you recognize your inherent worth and cultivate profound self-acceptance. Whether you choose to work with me or another therapist from this list, know that this step is part of embracing your whole self.
8 of the best BIPOC mental health professionals in NYC
Meet some of my colleagues below and find the BIPOC therapist who's right for you.
1. Dr. Kimberly Grocher
Dr. Grocher specializes in providing mental health support for professional women and creative entrepreneurs. She has extensive training and education, and she has engaged in research about mind-body methods to improve outcomes for Black women.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education: Master's Degree in Social Work from Howard University in Washington DC, PhD in Social Work from Fordham University
Therapy services: Individual therapy for professional women, couples therapy, EMDR, brainspotting, fertility counseling, mind-body therapy, perinatal mental health, psychological consultations, immigration evaluations, and more
2. Danielle Murphy, LCSW
Danielle blends body-oriented mental health services with other therapy methods (including acceptance and commitment therapy and motivational interviewing) to help clients connect with their innate wholeness. She also serves on the board of the United States Association of Body Psychotherapy.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education: Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University
Therapy services: Somatic experiencing therapy, EMDR, group therapy, and more
3. Farah Morain, LCSW
Farah is a first-generation immigrant of Caribbean descent and believes firmly that mental health resources should be accessible to all. She specializes in helping people with diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences navigate mental health issues and relationship challenges.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education: Master's Degree in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
Therapy services: Somatic experiencing therapy, EMDR, group therapy, and more
4. Isabel Adon, LCSW
Isabel is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Indigeneous Focusing Oriented Therapist and Trainer. She has over two decades of helping individuals, children, and families discover their existing strengths and learn tools to help them grow.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Therapy services: Providing services for children and families in an outpatient psychiatric setting in the Bronx
5. Beatrice Hyacinthe, LCSW
Beatrice is an Indigenous-Focused Therapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and families. She incorporates mindfulness, wellness, and spirituality into her practice and provides services in both Haitian Creole and English.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Therapy services: Therapy around severe and persistent mental illness, HIV/AIDS, complex trauma, immigration and acculturation hardship, grief, life transitions, LGBTQ and racial identities
6. Hilda Massoud, LCSW
Hilda is a Palestinian mental health professional with over 7 years of experience helping youth, adults, and older adults. She is passionate about helping BIPOC communities heal from racial trauma using Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy (IFOT) and utilizes land-based tools, body-focusing techniques, and dreamwork.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Therapy services: Therapy around complex trauma, intimate partner violence, chronic illness, terminal illness, life cycle transitions, grief, interpersonal relationships, caregiving challenges, immigration and acculturation, and structural violence.
7. Dr. Damaliah Gibson
Dr. Gibson is a co-founder of Love & Kindness Wellness Services and the Director of Staff Wellness at New York City Health and Hospitals. She is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, partners, groups, and families thrive using a blend of therapeutic techniques.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Therapy services: Therapy around complex and inter-generational trauma, depression and anxiety, gender and sexual orientation affirmation, and adult attachment in romantic relationships.
8. Rosa Bramble Weed, LCSW-R
Rosa is a bilingual (Spanish and English) therapist who helps members of the BIPOC community with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, chronic illness, immigrant mental health, and more. She blends techniques like internal family systems (IFS) and EMDR to create customized care for each client.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education: Master's Degree in Social Work from Hunter College
Therapy services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, EMDR, family therapy, trauma recovery groups
More resources
Here are some additional resources specifically designed to support BIPOC individuals.
Sistas of Color Mental Health Network: Provides peer support groups and resources for Black women.
Asian American Mental Health Services (AAMHS): Offers support groups and mental health services for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Latinx Therapy: Therapist directory of Latino/Latina mental health professionals.
Therapy for Black Girls: Online platform with a large community for Black women, offering articles, podcasts, and a directory of Black therapists.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA): Online community for LGBTQ+ Asian Pacific Islanders.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Online resources and community specifically for Black men's mental health.
Black Mental Health Fund: Providing financial support to help Black individuals access mental health care.
Taking the next step
Finding the right therapist and exploring additional resources is a fantastic first step on your journey to greater well-being. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is a courageous act of self-care.
As a BIPOC therapist and somatic wellness coach myself, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this work. My approach to coaching marginalized millennials and creatives integrates mindfulness, relational practices, and cutting-edge neuroscience to create a space where you can heal, grow, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-compassion and connection.
If you're curious about how I might be able to support you on your journey, I invite you to reach out. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and see if we'd be a good fit.