Black Therapists and Mental Health Professionals in Cincinnati

Q: What's the difference between in-person and telehealth therapy with Black providers?

In-Person Therapy Benefits: · Face-to-face interaction enhances therapeutic connection · Better for trauma work and EMDR therapy approaches · Ideal for family therapy with multiple participants · No technology barriers or connectivity issues Telehealth Therapy Benefits: · Schedule flexibility with evening and weekend options · No travel time eliminates transportation barriers · Access to specialized therapists throughout the Cincinnati area · Comfort of home setting may increase openness Both formats maintain: Cultural competency, therapeutic effectiveness, confidentiality, and professional treatment standards.

Q: How much does therapy cost with Black therapists in Cincinnati?

Therapy costs without insurance: $65-$250 per session · Licensed Social Workers (LSW/LISW): $65-$120 per session · Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC): $80-$150 per session · Psychologists and Psychiatrists: $150-$250 per session With insurance coverage: $10-$50 copay per session · Medicaid: Often $0-$5 copay · Private insurance: $15-$50 copay depending on plan · High-deductible plans: May pay full rate until deductible met Sliding scale options: Many providers offer reduced rates starting at $40 per session for qualifying clients based on income. Additional costs: Initial intake sessions may cost $20-$50 more than regular sessions.

Black Therapist Near Me: African American Mental Health Professionals in Cincinnati

Why Choose a Black Therapist in Cincinnati?

Research shows that cultural matching between therapists and clients can improve:

Therapeutic alliance and trust-building through shared cultural understanding
Treatment engagement and retention with culturally relevant approaches
Understanding of cultural context and lived experiences in Black communities
Addressing race-related stress and trauma with appropriate clinical expertise

African Americans needing counseling or therapy benefit from Black-owned mental health providers who employ licensed clinicians, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and fellow Black therapists with cultural competency training

How to Find the Right Black Therapist Near You

Identify Your Specific Needs: Depression, anxiety, trauma, family therapy, couples counseling
Check Insurance Coverage: Verify if providers accept your insurance plan
Consider Therapy Format: In-person vs. telehealth options available
Review Specializations: Match therapist expertise to your specific concerns
Schedule Consultations: Most providers offer initial consultations to assess fit

Services include help with mental illnesses, post-traumatic and other stress disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, traumatic experiences, and substance abuse. Mental health treatment from Black therapists, clinicians, counselors, and psychologists is delivered via outpatient and telehealth sessions.

24/7 Crisis Support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support
UC Health Mobile Crisis Team: 513-584-5098
Talbert House Crisis Response: 513-281-CARE or text “Talbert” to 839863

Featured Provider

Kandi Staples, MSW, LISW-S

Practice: Wargo Counseling & Consultation, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, anger management, relationships, identity, trauma-informed, mindfulness, and CBT/DBT
Address: 8080 Beckett Center Drive, West Chester Township, OH 45069 (West Chester)
Phone: 513-549-6896

Eastern Cincinnati Black Therapists and Counselors

East Cincinnati offers several highly qualified African American therapists specializing in culturally competent mental health care. This area includes Walnut Hills, East Walnut Hills, and surrounding neighborhoods with accessible public transportation and established Black professional communities.

Akira Drummonds

Practice: Premier Transformation Counseling and Consulting Services
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, B.A., M.A.
Specializations: Individual sessions, family therapy, marriage counseling, and mental health resources
Cultural Focus: African American community mental health
Address: 791 East McMillan Street, Suite 210A, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (East Walnut Hills)
Phone: 513-344-6113

Bradley Paramore, Ed.S., NCSP

Practice: Springer Diagnostic Center
Credentials: ADHD-CCSP, Ed.S, NCSP
Specializations: ADHD, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities
Address: 2121 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (Hyde Park)
Phone Number: 513-871-6080

Dr. John H. Thomas

Practice: Dr. John H. Thomas, Ed.D
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Specializations: Anxiety disorders, bereavement services, depressive disorders, marriage and family, psychological testing, women’s counseling
Address:1420 E McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Phone: 513-961-5682

Kellee Haslon, APRN

Practice: Your Priority Healthcare
Credentials: Family Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Specializations: Anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorder, depression, and postpartum depression
Address: 791 E McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (East Walnut Hills)
Phone: 513-807-8886

Dr. Felisha Jackson ILyas

Practice: Jackson ILyas Therapy Solutions
Credentials: Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
Specializations: Counseling, depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress with Islamic or non-Islamic approaches
Format: Virtual sessions
Phone: 513-446-5048

Tamera Anderson, LISW-S

Practice: The Road to Endurance Counseling Services
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor
Specializations: Counseling, trauma, relationships, coping skills
Format: Virtual sessions
Phone: 513-802-9582

Kristin Vaughn, LPCC-S

Practice: Innate Insights Counseling and Coaching
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and life transitions
Format: Virtual sessions
Phone: 513-426-6630

Schiviena Crawley, LPC

Practice: Life Imagined Counseling Services
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.Ed.
Specializations: Grief counseling, couples therapy, Christian counseling, and women in business
Format: Virtual sessions
Phone: 513-843-3600

Caroline M. Sanders, LPC

Practice: Sanders Counseling Solutions, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.A., C.C.T.P., E.M.D.R.
Specializations: Mindfulness-based therapy and trauma treatment for individuals
Format: Virtual sessions
Phone: 513-280-8169

Melnea Paige, LISW-S

Practice: Paige One, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, self-help, LGBTQ+, and couples therapy
Address: 2200 Victory Parkway, Suite 602, 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Phone: 513-993-5919

Latrice R. Smith, LPCC

Practice: LiveWell Group, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.Ed.
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, parenting, and coping skills
Address: 7781 Cooper Road, Suite 5, 45242 (Montgomery)
Phone: 513-399-8993

Rosalind Smith Sistrunk, LPCC-S

Practice: Rosalind Smith Counseling
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor
Specializations: Adult, spirituality, relationship issues, infidelity
Address: 431 Ohio Pike, Suite 156, 45255 (Cherry Grove)
Phone: 513-843-6003

Dwonna D. Thompson-Lenoir, LPCC-S

Practice: LiveWell Group, LLC
Credentials: Doctor of Psychology, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor
Specializations: Life transitions, depression, relationships, addiction, substance abuse, parenting, and trauma
Address: 7781 Cooper Road, Suite 5, 45242 (Montgomery)
Phone: 513-399-8998

Northern Cincinnati Black Therapists and Mental Health Specialists

Northern Cincinnati and the surrounding Butler County areas offer diverse African American mental health professionals specializing in various therapeutic approaches and treatment modalities.

David Brand, MA, LPCC

Practice: Front Porch Counseling
Credentials: Counselor, MA, LPCC-S, CCATP-, CA, ADHD-CC
Specializations: Anxiety, couples, relationships, family-focused
Address: 969 Reading Road, Suite A, 45040 (Mason)
Phone: 513-445-9688

Dr. Eleanor A. Bolar

Practice: Bolar Therapy and Consulting Center
Credentials: Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LISW-S, LCSW, LICDC
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse survivors, abandonment, attachment issues, aging, caregiver issues, codependency, emotional abuse, ptsd, and more.
Address: 10945 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 216, 45242 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-586-3282

Dr. Ritch Hall II

Practice: Psychworks Clinic
Credentials: Clinical Psychologist
Specializations: Anxiety, stress, depression, mood, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and relationships.
Address: 4015 Executive Park Drive, Suite 215, 45241 (Sharonville)
Phone: 513-549-0646

Cassandra Hazelrig, PMHNP-BC

Practice: Encounter Wellness
Credentials: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and mood disorders
Address: 4932 Wunnenberg Way, Suite B, 45069 (West Chester)
Phone: 513-682-3200

Candice N. Crowley, LPC

Practice: Candicely
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Specializations: Relationships, premarital counseling, self-esteem, Christian counseling, student and co-parenting counseling
Address: 4055 Executive Park Drive, Suite 210, 45241 (Sharonville)
Phone:  513-469-6226 Ext. 11

Marcus McNeil, LSW

Practice: Inclusive Counseling
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker, M.S.W.
Specializations: Anxiety, anger, grief, LGBTQ+, abuse, stress management, trauma, and grief counseling
Address: 10999 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 207, 45242 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-999-5506

Michael Johnson, LPCC-S

Practice: Upgrade Counseling Services
Credentials: LPCC-S
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, trauma, teens, spirituality, grief
Address: 10999 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 218, 45242 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-461-6551

Ritch Hall II, PhD

Practice: PsychWorks Clinic
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologist
Specializations: Children, teens, adults, couples, anxiety, depression, trauma
Cultural Focus: addressing the unique challenges faced by African Americans
Address: 4015 Executive Park Drive, Suite 215, 45241 (Sharonville)
Phone: 513-549-0646

Shawn Scott, LPC

Practice: Inner Vision Counseling & Wellness
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.A.
Specializations: Grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, abuse, career counseling, and abandonment issues
Address: 9420 Towne Square Avenue, Suite 17, 45242 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-788-1318

Traci Sippel

Practice: New Leaf Counseling
Credentials: LPCC-S
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral issues, trauma recovery, family dynamics, gender identity, addictions, and more.
Address: 11427 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 107, 45241 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-443-8790

Central Cincinnati Black Therapists and Mental Health Providers

Central Cincinnati encompasses downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Corryville, and surrounding urban neighborhoods with accessible public transportation and diverse mental health service options.

Aarin K. Cox, LISW

Practice: Lifestance Health
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker, M.A., MSW
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma therapy
Address: 2135 Dana Avenue, Suite 220, 45207 (Evanston)
Phone: 513-995-1133

Jeralyn T. Boyd, LISW-S

Practice: JR. GATT, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor, M.A.
Specializations: Dual diagnosis, substance abuse, and behavioral issues
Address: 430 Reading Road, Suite 300, 45202 (Over-the-Rhine)
Phone: 513-802-9652

Tamara M. Campbell, MD

Practice: Cincinnati Center for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, Inc.
Credentials: Psychiatry Specialist, M.D., Psy.D.
Specializations: PTSD, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders
Address: 3001 Highland Avenue,  45219 (Corryville)
Phone: 513-961-8846

Shanaetris Edwards, LSW

Practice: Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker
Specializations: Counseling, relationships, and anxiety treatment
Address: 3200 Vine Street, 45220 (Corryville)
Phone: 513-861-3100

Western Cincinnati Black Therapists and Mental Health Providers

Western Cincinnati includes Westwood, College Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods offering diverse African American mental health services with community-focused approaches.

Brianna Collins, LSW

Practice: Serenity Therapy Services, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker, MSW
Specializations: Trauma, relationships, depression, and anxiety
Address: 5643 Cheviot Road, Suite 6, 45247(White Oak)
Phone: 513-202-4095

Ashley Duke, LISW-S

Practice: Elite Supportive Living Services
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision, MSW
Specializations: Solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy
Address: 954 W. North Bend Road, Suite 304b, 45224 (Finneytown)
Phone: 513-607-0384

Ivye Gardner-Julius, LSW

Practice: Honor With Class
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker, M.S.W.
Specializations: Academic counseling, substance abuse, group therapy, anxiety, depression, and family counseling
Address: 432 Ray Norrish Drive, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-802-5080

Joycelyn Johnson, LPCC

Practice: True Calling Counseling & Consulting Services, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, C.C.T.S.-I.
Specializations: Trauma, PTSD, TSD, depression, anxiety, and relationships
Address: 891 W. North Bend Road, Second Floor, 45224 (Finneytown)
Phone: 513-242-0076

Shantel Thomas, PCC-S

Practice: A Sound Mind Counseling
Credentials: Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, Ph.D., L.S.W.
Specializations: Adult, teen, and child counseling
Address: 203 E. Galbraith Road, 45216 (Hartwell)
Phone: 513-948-0023

Karla Tolbert, LPCC-S

Practice: Living Hope Counseling Services
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, Ph.D.
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, and parenting
Address: 1538 Groesbeck Road, 45224 (College Hill)
Phone: 513-371-5135

Best Behavioral Health

Practice: Best Behavioral Health
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Specializations: Anger management, self-esteem, grief and loss, mood and anxiety disorders, attachment issues, and attention and focus challenges
Address: 2300 Montana Avenue, Suite 425,  45211 (East Westwood)
Phone: 513-954-8005

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Additional Telehealth Providers

Several Black mental health professionals provide specialized services through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and offer exclusive telehealth options for flexible care access.

Rachael E. DuBose, LPCC-S

Practice: Be the Light Clinical Supervision & Consulting, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, M.A.Ed.
Specializations: Coping mechanisms, processing traumas, and identifying goals for living a life of improved mental wellness
Address: 10979 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 234, 45242 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-400-3231

Ursula Robinson, LPCC-S

Practice: A Better You Counseling L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and counseling for new mothers
Address: 1375 Kemper Meadows Drive, Suite 12,  45240 (Forest Park)
Phone: 513-294-8330

Grace Shelby, PhD

Practice: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Credentials: Psychologist, Ph.D.
Specializations: Anxiety, parenting support, depression, OCD, and ADHD
Address: 5899 Harrison Avenue, 45248 (Dent)
Phone: 513-636-3200

Valencia Dickerson, LPCC-S

Practice: Red Rocking Chair
Credentials:  LPCC-S
Specializations: Anxiety, grief, depression, and self-esteem
Address: Telehealth
Phone: 859-412-2017

Butler County Black Mental Health Providers

Butler County offers additional African American mental health professionals serving the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area with specialized therapeutic services.

Toni Cargile-Hadley, LPC

Practice: Collaborative Counseling Services, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.A.
Specializations: Individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy
Address: 1100 Eaton Avenue, 45013 (Hamilton)
Phone: 513-801-7278

Courtney Carroll, LPC

Practice: Poppy’s Therapeutic Corner, LLC
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.A.
Specializations: Anxiety disorders, stress management, low self-esteem, depression, relationships, and adjustments to transitions
Address: 415 Glensprings Drive, Suite 10, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-570-4068

Dennis Davis, LSW

Practice: Sojourner Recovery
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker, MSW
Specializations: Depression, anger management, grief, substance abuse, and trauma
Address: 515 Dayton Street, 45011 (Hamilton)
Phone: 513-868-7654

Karen Durgans, LPC

Practice: Mindfully
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, M.A., M.S.
Specializations: Abuse, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, and stress management
Address: 8040 Hosbrook Road, Suite 320,  45014 (Kenwood)
Phone: 888-830-0347

Ladrina Eves, LPC

Practice: Uniquely Centered Therapeutic Services, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, self-expression, relationships, family, and couples counseling
Address: 1325 East Kemper Road, Suite #115, 45246 (Sharonville)
Phone: 513-671-8287

Eric J. Hollie, LISW-S

Practice: Speak Life Counseling Services, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor, MSW
Specializations: Counseling, support, and faith-based services
Address: 230 Northland Boulevard, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-341-7036

Lisa R. Leace, LISW-S

Practice: Lisa R. Leace Counseling Services, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor, L.C.S.W.
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, and relationships
Address: 270 Northland Boulevard, Suite 211, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-657-4288

Ebony Peak, LSW

Practice: Poppy’s Therapeutic Corner, L.L.C.
Credentials: Licensed Social Worker
Specializations: Couples therapy, anxiety, relationships, depression, and family therapy
Address: 415 Glensprings Drive, Suite 301, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-570-4068

Tracy Rawls, LICDC

Practice: Exclusive Services Integrated Health Care
Credentials: Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, M.S.W.
Specializations: Addiction and behavioral therapy
Address: 11134 Luschek Drive, 45241 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-827-9273

Vernon Rawls, CDCA

Practice: Exclusive Services Integrated Health Care
Credentials: Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, B.S.
Specializations: Substance abuse, relationships, and counseling
Address: 11134 Luschek Drive, 45241 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-827-9273

Shelby Davis, LISW-S

Practice: Rooted in Prosperity Clinic
Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, isolation, life transitions, relationships, stress, and goal setting
Address: 1 North Commerce Park Drive, Suite 331, 45215 (Lockland)
Phone: 513-204-9646

Dara Williams, LPCC

Practice: Manifest Hope Counseling
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, M.A., N.C.C., B.C.-T.M.H.
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, bipolar illness, stress, chronic illness, relationships, families, grief, loss, and anger
Address: 11427 Reed Hartman Highway., Suite 105, 45241 (Blue Ash)
Phone: 513-833-6683

Johnny Williams, LPCC

Practice: 5H Counseling & Consulting Services
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, M.A., L.I.C.D.C.
Specializations: Substance abuse, grief, family therapy, anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, trauma, and anger management
Address: 260 Northland Boulevard, Suite 209, 45246 (Springdale)
Phone: 513-895-9443

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Therapists in Cincinnati

How do I find a Black therapist near me in Cincinnati?

To find a Black therapist near you in Cincinnati:
1. Browse this directory by location and specialty to identify potential providers
2. Contact providers directly to verify availability and insurance acceptance
3. Schedule initial consultations to assess cultural fit and therapeutic approach
4. Consider both in-person and virtual options throughout the Cincinnati area

Most providers offer 15-minute phone consultations to discuss your needs and determine if they’re the right fit.

What should I expect from my first session with a Black therapist?

Your first session with a Black therapist will include:
· Discussing your mental health concerns and current symptoms
· Reviewing your background, including family history and cultural context
· Setting therapy goals and identifying desired outcomes
· Addressing cultural factors and race-related stress if relevant
· Establishing a treatment approach with culturally relevant methods

The session typically lasts 50 to 60 minutes. Black therapists often incorporate understanding of systemic racism, cultural identity, and community strengths into treatment planning.

Do Black therapists in Cincinnati accept insurance?

Yes, most Black therapists in Cincinnati accept major insurance plans including:
· Medicaid and Medicare – widely accepted by community providers
· Private insurance plans – Aetna, Anthem, United Healthcare, Humana
· Employee assistance programs (EAP) – through employers
· Student health insurance – for college students

For uninsured clients: Many providers offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or reduced-rate community mental health programs.

Action step: Contact individual practices to verify your specific plan coverage before scheduling.

What’s the difference between in-person and telehealth therapy with Black providers?

In-Person Therapy Benefits:
· Face-to-face interaction enhances therapeutic connection
· Better for trauma work and EMDR therapy approaches
· Ideal for family therapy with multiple participants
· No technology barriers or connectivity issues

Telehealth Therapy Benefits:
· Schedule flexibility with evening and weekend options
· No travel time eliminates transportation barriers
· Access to specialized therapists throughout the Cincinnati area
· Comfort of home setting may increase openness

Both formats maintain: Cultural competency, therapeutic effectiveness, confidentiality, and professional treatment standards.

How much does therapy cost with Black therapists in Cincinnati?

Therapy costs without insurance: $65-$250 per session
· Licensed Social Workers (LSW/LISW): $65-$120 per session
· Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC): $80-$150 per session
· Psychologists and Psychiatrists: $150-$250 per session

With insurance coverage: $10-$50 copay per session
· Medicaid: Often $0-$5 copay
· Private insurance: $15-$50 copay depending on plan
· High-deductible plans: May pay full rate until deductible met

Sliding scale options: Many providers offer reduced rates starting at $40 per session for qualifying clients based on income.

Additional costs: Initial intake sessions may cost $20-$50 more than regular sessions.

What specialties do Black therapists in Cincinnati offer?

Common specialties among Black therapists in Cincinnati:
· Trauma and PTSD treatment – including racial trauma and historical trauma
· Depression and anxiety disorders – with cultural context understanding
· Couples and family therapy – addressing relationship dynamics in Black families
· LGBTQ+ affirmative care – for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and families
· Substance abuse counseling – culturally relevant addiction treatment
· Maternal mental health – postpartum depression and parenting support
· Grief and loss counseling – including community and cultural losses
· Christian and faith-based counseling – integrating spiritual beliefs

Understanding Cultural Competency in Black Mental Health Care

Cultural competency in therapy refers to a mental health provider’s ability to understand and effectively work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. For African American clients, this includes understanding:

Historical trauma and systemic racism impacts on mental health and daily life
Cultural communication styles and family structures within Black communities
Religious and spiritual considerations in healing and therapeutic approaches
Specific mental health challenges affecting Black communities disproportionately
Strength-based approaches that recognize resilience and community support systems

African American therapists often bring lived experience and cultural understanding that enhances therapeutic relationships and outcomes. They can provide safe spaces to discuss race-related stress, discrimination experiences, and identity-related concerns without needing extensive cultural education.

Insurance and Mental Health Coverage Information

Some insurance companies require a referral from a primary care doctor to schedule a mental health session. Others may need referrals for psychiatric, psychosocial, or bipolar disorders.

When engaging with a therapist who is not in your insurance’s network, ask about a superbill. These allow patients to be reimbursed for services. Superbills can relieve some of the financial stress about being unable to afford critical mental health care.

A therapy session without insurance can range from $65 to over $250. The amount owed depends on several factors, including the type of treatment and where you receive therapy. Uninsured Cincinnatians may be eligible for free or low-cost mental health services.

Tips for Insurance Navigation:

Contact your insurance provider to understand mental health benefits
Ask about copayments, deductibles, and session limits
Verify if providers are in-network before scheduling
Keep records of all therapy-related expenses for potential reimbursement
Ask providers about payment plans or sliding scale options

Additional Mental Health Resources for the Black Community

Crisis Support Services

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States by dialing 988.

Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)

513-636-4124
The admission and evaluation center for all psychiatric services is located within Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. PIRC is staffed year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Grief and Bereavement Support

Fernside Grief Support

513-246-9140
Providing grief support services, outreach, and education to the community and families. All services provided free of charge.

Companions on a Journey Grief Support

513-870-9108
Offers support to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one.

Community Mental Health Resources

MindPeace

513-803-0844
View a comprehensive list of community mental health providers

Kids Thrive: Pediatric Behavioral Health

513-740-1001
Kids Thrive offers an intensive therapeutic day program for children ages 3–10, featuring day treatment, outpatient services, and specialized therapies.

Kentucky Black Mental Health Providers

For those in Northern Kentucky seeking African American mental health professionals:

Whayne Herriford, LPCC

Practice: Flourish Psychotherapy
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS
Specializations: Individual therapy, couples therapy, LGBTQ+ group therapy, and group therapy
Address: 33 E 7th St, Covington, KY 41011 (Covington)
Phone: 859-951-6162

Randall Stewart, LPCC

Practice: Shattered 2 Restored
Credentials: Professional Life Coach, M.A., Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Specializations: Anxiety, trauma, depression, couples’ conflict, and spiritual confusion
Address: 1511 Calvary Dr., Ste. 201, Florence, KY 41042 (Florence)
Phone: 859-869-0041

Taking the Next Step: Choosing Your Black Therapist

Mental illness and traumatic stress should no longer be ignored. Seeking a Black therapist near me, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, clinician, or other mental health professional is the first step to improved well-being.

Whether it’s therapy for adolescents, young adults, or older adults, these Black therapists are licensed and accept new clients. Individual, couple, family, and group therapy sessions are available for improved mental and behavioral health and well-being.

Before Your First Appointment:

Prepare questions about the therapist’s approach and experience
Gather insurance information and verify coverage
Consider your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve
Think about logistics like scheduling preferences and location
Be open about your cultural background and any specific concerns

These Black doctors in Cincinnati are accepting new patients and may be able to assist you with comprehensive mental health care.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.