MI Black Therapy Fund Clinicians
Take a look at our Black Clinicians who are ready to serve! Please take some time and look through bios.
Karen Alvarez, MA, LLP, LPC, CAADC
Karen Alvarez is the owner of Serene Solutions and dually licensed as a Limited License Psychologist and as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In 2006, she earned a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Karen specializes in working with individuals who have been impacted by trauma. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based trauma treatment. She also serves as an EMDR Approved Consultant for therapists who are working towards EMDR certification. She knows one size does NOT fit all, thus she uses a variety of counseling techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Tyrone Austin, LPC-S
When I think of mental health, I think of mental wellness. I have a passion to break the stigma of mental health in African Americans especially men of all ages. My experience has been focused on work with young adults and adults in the community managing many of life stressors. I also supervise graduate students in their studies towards becoming counselors. I want to help clients transform themselves from the idea of illness to wellness. I feel seeking help is not a weakness but a strength. Finding balance, peace, and purpose in life is a journey I am ready to help with.
Shaquia Ballard, LLMSW
My name is Shaquia L. Ballard and I am a Licensed Social Worker who provides services to adolescents, women and men of all ages. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Concentration) from Wayne State University and my Bachelor’s Degree in English from Michigan State University. I have experience working with at-risk youth for about 6-7 years and have worked with adults across a broad socio-economic spectrum. My clinical approach emphasizes self-awareness, emotional regulation and coping skills that allow individuals to discover their purpose and passions, while obtaining skills to cope with daily stressors.
Ruth Blake, LMSW
My name is Ruth Blake and I am a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in working with a wide range of individuals including children, adolescents, and adults. My post-secondary education began at Central Michigan University where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology & Family Studies, later followed by a Master’s of Social Work with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Wayne State University.
I have prior experience in Child Welfare as well as Community Mental Health. As a result, it has allowed me to work with individuals who have experienced anxiety, depression, mood disorder, trauma, etc.
I meet people where they are at and have the experience needed to provide a variety of treatment modalities to ensure the best practices to each and every person, based on their needs. I have worked with a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focus Brief Therapy, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Alesha S. Cousar, M.A., LLPC
My experience includes working with Adults and Children. My expertise is in Anxiety, Break Ups, Depression, Domestic Abuse, Marriage, Relationships, Rejection, Grief, and Sexual Assault. My unique approach has allowed me to help individuals live a more fulfilling life.
Allow me the opportunity to be the Empathetic, Understanding, and Compassionate person rooting for you. I am inviting you into my judgement free space to discuss any and everything on your mind. Give me a call and together we can start creating the life you deserve.
Dayries Donald, LLMSW
Violeta Donawa, LLMSW
Violeta Donawa LMSW, MA, is a fully-licensed clinical social worker inspired by the teachers in her life who keep her accountable to personal growth, collective care, and joy. She is a longtime co-organizer of community healing spaces which also informs her approach to therapeutic care with individuals and families. She specializes in holistically treating clients whose mental health has been impacted by various forms of systemic harm or discrimination, and its relationship to patterns of addiction and other forms of trauma. She uses techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Somatics to support client care.
Violeta earned an MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work (’19) where she specialized in African-centered social work and integrative behavioral health focused on substance use and related disorders, an MA in Sociology with a specialization in Afro-Latin American Studies from Michigan State University (’14), and a BA in Sociology with a specialization in Chicano-Boricua Studies from Wayne State University (’08). Her professional work has led to guest lectures and board service focused on capacity-building and equity within higher education and in the field.
Ursala Graham LPC, REAT[p]
Hi, I am a wholistic creative arts therapist based out of Detroit, MI. My approach combines traditional talk therapy with storytelling, EMDR, creative art therapy, somatic psychotherapy, and holistic mind-body practices. I specialize in working with Black women whom have experience trauma and/or life transitions emotionally heal, connect with their inner power and authority, cultivate meaningful relationships, work purposefully, and Live with Joy.
Alicia Jackson, LPC
Alicia Jackson has been in Mental Health field for 12 years. She's a proud graduate of Wayne State University, with a Master's in Counselor Education concentrating in School and Community Counseling. She is a certified School Counselor and has experience working with children, adults, and families through grief, trauma, adoption, blending families, divorce, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other disorders. Her strong desire and passion is to provide support and tools for her clients and families in a safe space.
She has received training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy informed treatment. Alicia has supervised Home Based Services, which is the highest level of care outside of hospitalization. She also provides Clinical Supervision for other clinicians currently. During COVID-19, she started a virtual Quarantine Support Group to provide support for those struggling through these troubling times and she continues to find ways to connect her community to resources and mental health services.
Reynelda Jones, LMSW, CAADC
Are you exhausted by the current events? Maybe you have made efforts to avoid the topics Covid-19 or racial injustice, but it is everywhere you turn. It may feel as though there is no escape. I get it! That is why my goal as a mental health therapist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is to offer a safe and compassionate place where you can become empowered and gain support as you navigate through the challenges of life. No matter what you are going through, whether it is stress, anxiety, racial trauma or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder there is hope!
I believe all individuals own the natural ability to calm and direct themselves using internal resources. However, due to stress, anxiety, trauma responses, external messages, and microaggressions often this ability can seem ineffective.
I will be present to help you start your journey and to be a listening ear.
Schedule your first session today at www. ASolutionB.com
Nina Keeler, LMFT
Austin Knight, LLPC, TLLP
Raina La Grand, LMSW
I'm a somatic therapist, coach, and educator with a focus on trauma, oppression, healing justice, and body liberation. I provide individual therapy to those ages 17 and up, relationship therapy for romantic couples and non-romantic partnerships, and coaching for helping professionals. I help people feel better in their bodies and in their relationships. I believe therapy shouldn't exist in a vacuum; it should include the pieces of your life that support your wellbeing. I enjoy collaborating with clients to co-create an environment where you can move beyond your survival strategies and thrive.
Aesha Mustafa, LMSW
LaCretia Powell, LMSW
Ciera Renee, TLLP
Domonika Thomas, LMSW
Domonika Thomas, LMSW is the CEO and Founder of the Uplift & Inspire, LLC Mental Health organization. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She also graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters degree in Social Work.
She has worked in the healthcare field for over several years in the capacity of an Assistant Director, Director of Social Services, Psychotropic Chairperson as well as currently a private practice clinician. She is versed in mindfulness based practices, Motivational Interviewing, as well as holistic thought processes.
When troubles finds us it does not discriminate. She is there to help you create a safe place to speak freely without the feelings of judgement, backlash or creating self doubt. She sees people in various geographical locations. The goal is to help provide you with an improved coping ability, a better sense of self and a boost in confidence. All while utilizing online therapy from the comfort of your home.
Jordie Smith, LLMFT
Hello! I focus on issues related to motherhood, relationships and life transitions. I’m here to assist you if you are questioning whether or not you are a good mother or how to manage depression and anxiety after baby comes. Maybe you are a couple looking to improve your relationship. I’m here to help you learn how to trust again, communicate effectively, and feel appreciated. I utilize evidenced based practices and my natural ability to connect to provide services that are tailored to you in a non-judgmental environment.
Committed to your healing,
Jordie Smith M.S., LLMFT
Tatyana Smith
Legacy Mental Health has been serving the greater Lansing community since 2014, and we are now excited to be offering free counseling services through our doctoral level intern. Tatyana Smith is a 2nd year doctoral student in counseling psychology at Western Michigan University. She is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Charmeka Newton, LP, PhD. She recently completed her master’s practicum at WMU’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. Tatyana completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Tatyana’s clinical population of interest is Black/African American college students, adults, couples, and families. She enjoys using her clinical skills to treat mood disorders, racial-gendered stress/trauma, interpersonal concerns, academic concerns, and race-focused social justice and anti-Blackness. Tatyana is also hoping to co-lead a group therapy experience for Black men.
Tatyana primarily works through the lens of interpersonal processing therapy, which allows her to integrate multiple forms of intervention. These include immediacy, emotional attunement, stress reduction/relaxation strategies, cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychoeducation, gestalt techniques, mindfulness strategies, and visualization/experiential exercises. Tatyana is also interested in learning new interventions to treat client issues from a multicultural perspective.
Contact for appointments: If you have or know of any clients that would benefit from the form of counseling Tayana provides, please have them contact her or Dr. Charmeka Newton via the following ways:
· Phone: (517) 565-4214
· Email: legacymentalhealthintern@gmail.com
· Email: char.whitehead@legacyhealthcenter.com
Website: http://www.legacyhealthcenter.com/
Supervisor name: Charmeka Newton, Ph.D. LP
Supervisors license number: 6301014388
Dr. Saudia Twine LPC, LLMFT
Dr. Saudia is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is the founder of the NewBeginnings | FreshStart Counseling Group, a place where couples and families receive the guidance needed to create their path to personal and relational success.
Dr. Saudia specializes in helping others to create the love they both want and need and is requested to speak at conferences, trainings and seminars. Learn more about Dr. Saudia here: newbeginningsfreshstart.com
Dominique Walker M. Ed, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Detroit, Michigan where I was born and bred. I received my Master of Education in Community Counseling from DePaul University in 2016. I have actively worked as a counselor for approximately 9 years in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment services with adolescent girls, family reunification with foster care families, a Life Coach for transitioning youth and a clinician for adolescents with serious emotional needs. I am passionate about serving at risk, disadvantaged and under privileged people. I am confident that my life experience and my ability to navigate the world and be resourceful have molded me into an empathetic and competent counselor. I believe that you can create your own happiness through healing yourself and creating new relationship with self and others. A major thread that is woven throughout my work and the way I connect with others is a Trauma Informed Approach which means having an understanding that it is less about “what’s wrong with you” and more about “what has happened to you”. Through reflection, art, mindfulness and other cognitive behavioral practices I hope to help you move closer to your peace and understanding of what a happy, meaningful life looks like.
Latasha Webster, LMSW
Are you a clinician interested in joining the fund?
Have you been thinking of a way to give back. Look no further than being a provider for this fund! Continue to do the work your doing in seeing clients while also serving your community.
This opportunity is available to any Licensed and Limited Licensed Professionals. There continues to be increasing opportunities while being a part of the fund (client matching, scholarships, etc.). Join us today!
Please allow 48 business hours for your information to be checked, validated and uploaded into our system and website.