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Offered in-person & online

African American/Black therapists in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy for black men & women therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Medical / Health Issues, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

Let us start a conversation.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +16 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe env... As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe environment for you to share. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, +2 more

As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered c... As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

As a therapist, it is my hope to work alongside my clients to discover practical solutions to life's problems.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +14 more

I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and opti... I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, +5 more

As a woman of color who is part of the LBGTQIA+ community, I am no stranger to complications and emotional trauma.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +11 more

My job is to help you find the version of better you are seeking.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +6 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, +3 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensu... As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensure your needs are met. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Military / Veteran, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +6 more

As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being th... As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being through evidence-based practices and individualized care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +12 more

As a queer-identified woman of color, I understand the importance of mental health in underserved and minority communities.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

I am an excellent nurse practitioner who not only evaluates, diagnoses and prescribes medication but I also have the patience to answer all of your qu... I am an excellent nurse practitioner who not only evaluates, diagnoses and prescribes medication but I also have the patience to answer all of your questions, as well. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +11 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +8 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve... As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve a life of peace, happiness, and success; and I am excited, humbled, and privileged to help clients on their journey. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +9 more

As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason Un... As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason University, Virginia, I understand the need to assess and treat each individual based on evidence. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

As a parent myself, I know how much you care about your child doing well and getting along in school.

Starting Therapy for Black men & women

What is Therapy for Black men and women?

Therapy for the treatment of Black men and women is a person-centered, individualized type of psychotherapeutic care that takes into account the emotional and mental impact of being a black person of color in today’s society. Thriveworks Alexandria therapists use traditional therapy techniques implemented through an anti-racist lens, addressing issues like racism, colorism, toxic masculinity/misogyny, and others. This type of therapy is meant to create a safe space for black individuals to express their emotions and alleviate their stress in an environment that caters to their unique experiences.

How does Therapy for Black men and women work?

Therapy for Black men and women is much like standard psychotherapy in that Thriveworks Alexandria therapists will use a variety of approaches depending on each client’s needs. However, it will also heavily incorporate person-centered therapy, which means that every client’s individual experiences, goals, and needs will be at the forefront of treatment.

Is Therapy for Black men and women conducted in person or online?

Therapy for Black men and women at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Therapy for Black men and women last?

Therapy for Black women and men will last as long as necessary to achieve the client’s therapeutic goals, whether that be a few months or years. Generally, though, true progress will often take at least five months. Thriveworks therapists in Alexandria, VA will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.

Need more help deciding?

Jinneh felt into a deep depression after her mom passed away. She was just a teen and grieving. Jinneh started counseling, but when the therapist wrote a prescription for the depression, Jinneh’s friends and family were not sure. They did not think that the therapist had Jinneh’s best interest in mind, and they were not included in the decision. With her community and her therapist at odds, Jinneh did not fill the prescription and stopped going to counseling. A few years later, she was in college and still depressed. Her roommate suggested trying therapy again. This time was different. Jinneh chose a therapist she trusted, and together, they formulated a treatment plan. Jinneh’s depression lifted. Jinneh’s story is not unique, as The Washington Post documents in their article, “Therapists say African Americans are increasingly seeking help for mental illness.” Jinneh is now one among many who are advocating for better and more accessible mental health care for African Americans.

Thriveworks Alexandria is joining the fight to remove as many roadblocks as possible for African Americans as they seek out mental health care. We offer therapy that builds trust with our African Americans clients and seeks to work with, not against, their community.

Establishing Trust at Therapy

According to a 2010 study, Caucasians and African Americans face the same rates of mental health disorders, but they receive care at vastly disproportionate rates. African Americans goes to therapy at half the rates as Caucasians do. Why the disparity? Dr. William Lawson addressed it in a 2012 NPR interview, citing inaccessible and inadequate mental health care. He explained, “Dr. Satcher in his surgeon general’s report noted that there was less accessibility of mental health services for people of color for a variety of reasons. Part of it is that many of the systems simply aren’t located proximity to where people of color are. Part of it is that many professionals simply don’t know how to diagnose properly African-Americans.” Dr. Lawson, a psychiatrist, went on to tell about how in medical school, he was explicitly taught that African Americans do not become depressed. This teaching is a gross falsehood that has surely led to negligent care. The distrust that many African Americans hold toward mental health care is understandable and needs to be acknowledged. It also needs to be acknowledged that many people, like Dr. Lawson and Jinneh, are working hard to build trust between the mental health care community and the African American community.

Trust is an important element of therapy—trust between communities but also trust between an individual therapist and an individual client. The therapists at Thriveworks Alexandria work hard to establish trust with their clients. When clients feel safe and share about what is really happening in their lives, therapists can often offer individualized and holistic care.

Everyone needs a safe place where they can share. Everyone needs to speak openly and honestly about their struggles and success, dreams and disappointments, opportunities and obstacles. Trust is the foundation of such an environment. Clients need to know that whatever they say and whatever they share will be received and that their therapist will not judge or shame them. As clients trust their therapists, they can share more and more. Often, this leads to more and more healing.

Because people are whole beings, their entire life matters for their mental health. Therefore, many clients choose to share about matters relating to their race, ethnicity, and culture. When clients open up about their experiences, the therapists at Thriveworks Alexandria seeks to build understanding, respect, and empathy. Race shapes people’s experiences—for good and bad. There is no formula for topics to explore in therapy, but when clients feel safe, they delve into topics like…

  • Discrimination
  • Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
  • Grief counseling
  • Executive coaching
  • Racial trauma
  • Couples and marriage counseling
  • Depression
  • Sexual identity issues
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Child therapy
  • Divorce
  • Eating disorders
  • Career advancement
  • Anger management
  • Anxiety
  • Suspected abuse of a child
  • Substance use
  • Job loss
  • Infidelity
  • Psychiatric testing
  • Addiction

A psychologist with a thriving practice in New York, Dr. Jeffrey Gardere has seen firsthand the benefits that building trust can bring. He has observed, “an increasing number of African Americans who feel increasingly less stigmatized about coming in and seeking therapy and who also recognize the healing power of therapy.” Over the past few years, he said his practice has seen an increase of 20-25 percent of African American clients.

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Alexandria (Franconia)

If mental health care is the right next step for you, you are not alone. We know that roadblocks can keep people from receiving the care they need, but we also are committed to removing as many of those roadblocks as possible. When you contact our office, we want scheduling therapy to be as easy as possible. Here is what you can expect when you call Thriveworks Alexandria…

  1. You will not reach a voicemail, but our scheduling specialists answer our phones and help our clients make their appointments.
  2. You may be meeting with your therapist the following day. New clients often have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call.
  3. We offer evening and weekend sessions.
  4. You will not be put on a waitlist because we do not keep one.
  5. We accept a variety of insurance plans and work with a number of insurance companies.

Let’s work together. Call today!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

7 photos