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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.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

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

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All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

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?

African American Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)— Therapists and Counselors

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. If you think you could benefit, reach out to Thriveworks Alexandria today to schedule.

Establishing Trust at Therapy

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.

Common Topics in African American Counseling

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 may be meeting with your therapist within the week; new clients often do.
  2. We offer evening and weekend sessions.
  3. 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 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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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