Black Male Therapist in NYC: Culturally Responsive Therapy That Honors Your Story

Finding the right therapist can be life-changing, especially when you’re looking for someone who truly gets you.

As a Black male psychologist based in New York, I understand how powerful it can be to work with a therapist who recognizes the realities, pressures, and cultural nuances that shape your life.

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or simply need room to breathe and process, I offer therapy that acknowledges both your individual story and the systems that impact it. Through compassionate conversation and evidence-based techniques, we’ll work together to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

About Dr. Gary Dillon, PhD

I’m Dr. Gary Dillon, a licensed psychologist in New York State (License #023245) with more than 15 years of experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds. I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from New York University.

My clinical training includes extensive work in trauma-informed care, racial identity development, and evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy.

I currently provide therapy via secure telehealth sessions for adults across New York State, making it easy to access care from the comfort and privacy of your home.

How Having a Black Male Therapist Can Make a Difference

Choosing a therapist who shares aspects of your cultural identity isn’t about exclusion, but rather understanding. For many Black men, therapy feels more meaningful and efficient when they don’t have to constantly explain or translate their experiences.

Here are some of the reasons clients choose to work with me:

1. Cultural Understanding and Shared Context

As a Black man, I understand the unspoken nuances of racial stress, code-switching, and navigating spaces where you may not always feel seen. This shared awareness means we can spend less time explaining and more time focusing on healing and growth.

2. Empathy Rooted in Lived Experience

I bring empathy informed by my own experiences and by years of listening to others’ stories. I understand what it’s like to navigate expectations, whether they come from family, community, or workplace culture, and how those expectations can affect your emotional health.

3. Challenging the “Strong Black Man” Narrative

Many Black men have been taught to hold everything in, to stay stoic and handle life’s challenges alone. Therapy can be a place to unlearn that, to reconnect with emotion and self-compassion without judgment or shame.

4. A Safe, Affirming Space

Healing requires trust. My goal is to create an environment where you don’t have to censor yourself or explain your identity. You can simply show up as you are and be met with the respect, care, and curiosity you deserve.

Therapy Focus Areas

While every person’s story is unique, here are some common themes I help clients navigate:

Anxiety and Depression

Daily exposure to microaggressions, racial bias, or performance pressure can lead to ongoing stress, exhaustion, or sadness. Together, we’ll identify how these experiences show up in your body and mind and develop tools to help you feel grounded and in control again.

Relationship and Family Dynamics

Therapy can help you navigate intergenerational trauma, relationship struggles, communication breakdowns, or the pressure to always “have it together.” We’ll explore how family patterns and cultural expectations shape your relationships, and how to create healthier ones.

Identity and Self-Worth

It’s common to internalize stereotypes or feel pulled between authenticity and acceptance in professional or social spaces. In therapy, we’ll explore identity, build confidence, and strengthen the parts of you that have always been resilient.

Trauma and Racial Stress

Racial trauma is real. Whether it comes from personal encounters, vicarious exposure, or historical context, it leaves emotional marks. Using trauma-informed approaches, we’ll process painful memories, regulate your nervous system, and build strategies for ongoing resilience.

My Approach to Therapy

My work combines evidence-based techniques with a deep respect for cultural context and personal narrative. Here’s what you can expect when we work together:

• Holistic and Culturally Aware: We’ll address not only your internal world but also the external forces (like racism and systemic inequality) that shape it.

• Strength-Based and Empowering: You are not defined by your pain. We’ll focus on your strengths and help you rewrite your story through the lens of growth and self-compassion.

• Collaborative and Practical: Therapy isn’t just about talking, it’s also about learning skills, developing insight, and making small, steady changes that lead to lasting transformation.

• Safe and Judgment-Free: This is your space. Whether you want to unpack trauma, explore identity, or simply breathe, you’ll be met with empathy and respect.

What to Expect When You Begin Therapy

Each client and journey is different, but below is what treatment usually entails.

1. Free 20-Minute Consultation: We’ll have a brief phone or video chat to discuss your goals and see whether we’re a good fit.

2. First Full Session (Assessment): Your first 50-minute session is a space to share your background, challenges, and hopes for therapy. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs.

3. Ongoing Sessions: Most sessions last 45 minutes and are held weekly or biweekly. Over time, we’ll assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed.

4. Reflection and Growth: Therapy is a process of growth. As you develop insight and tools, we’ll also plan for transitions and discuss ways to maintain your mental health beyond therapy.

Practical Details

Session Rate: $275 (limited sliding-scale availability)

Format: Telehealth sessions across New York State

Insurance: Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement

Availability: Evening and limited weekend sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be Black or male to work with you?

Not at all. I welcome clients of all racial, ethnic, and gender identities. While I specialize in working with Black men, my practice is open to anyone seeking culturally responsive and affirming care.

Do you take insurance?

I’m an out-of-network provider but can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Do you offer virtual sessions only?

Yes, I provide secure telehealth therapy for clients throughout New York State.

What if I’ve never been to therapy before?

That’s perfectly okay. You don’t need to have the right words or know what to say. My job is to help guide the conversation, ask meaningful questions, and create a space where you can simply be yourself.

Start Your Journey

Therapy is an investment in your well-being, your peace, and your future. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re ready to start the process of healing and growth, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation.

#BlackmaletherapistinNYC #Culturallyresponsivetherapy #Mentalhealthandidentity #Blackonblackhealing #allypsychotherapy

Schedule Your Consultation or Contact Me