Top-Rated California Therapist for Women of Color
Empowerment and support for BIPOC and WOC across California
Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 10+ years helping women of color navigate life's complexities
Culturally centered therapy rooted in an intersectional feminist lens that honors your full identity
Evidence-based approaches tailored to address anxiety, trauma, and self-worth with compassion
Anti-racist therapeutic practice dedicated to creating a safe, validating space for healing
Biracial therapist with deep understanding of minority stress and identity challenges
Comprehensive treatment modalities including EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches
Meet Dr. Adrianna Holness
Experienced therapist for women of color across California
As a biracial woman, I welcome conversations surrounding identity, intersectionality, minority stress, and helping you identify and relate to yourself in a way that honors who you want to show up as in the world. I offer counseling for women of color and BIPOC therapy in Los Angeles and Irvine, CA.
I understand the daily and sometimes exhausting balancing act of being condensed into the stereotypes of how you look on the outside, needing to work harder to stand out, and sometimes even harder to blend in, all while wanting to be seen and understood for who you truly are.
I understand the burden of feeling like your work performance can be seen as confirmation for others’ biases against your identified groups, dismissed as an expectation, completely overlooked, or placed in the “token member” category. You are more than the boxes in which you have been placed.
I believe that all women have the ability to be a strong force for change in their individual, work, and home lives. In my role as a therapist, I strive to create a space for women to start addressing the narratives they carry about their self-worth. Our society can oftentimes leave us with the belief that, “I’m not good enough, I’m too much, or I don’t really fit in anywhere.” These thoughts can become automatic and keep you from stepping into the roles you would like to, trapped in the boxes or expectations others have set up for you, or make you doubt your place at work, school, or in relationships.
I welcome these conversations and strive to meet you at every intersection of your unique and beautiful identity.
You are worthy.
You are a joy.
You are gentle.
You are magic.
You are a force.
You are expansive.
You are beauty at every intersection of your being.
You are light.
You are hope.
You deserve wellness.
My approach to California women's therapy
My approach is rooted in radical compassion and deep cultural understanding. I recognize that your experiences are nuanced, unique, and deeply personal. Together, we'll explore how systemic pressures, cultural expectations, and individual experiences intersect in your life. I'm committed to creating a therapeutic space where your full humanity is witnessed and honored, where your emotions are not just acknowledged but celebrated as sources of wisdom and strength.
Some of my therapeutic modalities include:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping you embrace your emotions while taking committed action towards your values
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Processing trauma and reducing its emotional impact
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and shifting negative thought patterns
Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Cultivating present-moment awareness and emotional regulation
Since each person's journey is uniquely their own, I take special care to customize my mental health services to your unique challenges, strengths, and goals.
I believe that all women have the ability to be a strong force for change in their individual, work, and home lives. In my role as a therapist, I strive to create a space for women to start addressing the narratives they carry about their self-worth. Our society can oftentimes leave us with the belief that, “I’m not good enough, I’m too much, or I don’t really fit in anywhere.” These thoughts can become automatic and keep you from stepping into the roles you would like to, trapped in the boxes or expectations others have set up for you, or make you doubt your place at work, school, or in relationships.
How to get started
Step 1: Schedule a consultation
Start by booking a free 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation here. This gives us the chance to get a feel for each other and address any questions you may have.
Step 2: Attend your first session
If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your initial therapy appointment. I offer in-person sessions at my office in Irvine as well as virtual mental health care for women throughout California.
Step 3: Get ongoing support and validation
Therapy won't fix the systematic issues that can negatively impact your mental health, but it can be a supportive space for your emotional well-being and self-esteem.
Common reasons why women of color seek therapy
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You're ready to move beyond inherited or learned survival modes. While previous generations may have prioritized endurance and resilience, you're craving a space for healing, vulnerability, and genuine self-care. Therapy offers a pathway to understanding these survival strategies and consciously choosing which to keep and which to transform.
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The pressure of being the only woman of color in professional spaces can be exhausting. You're seeking support to navigate microaggressions, combat imposter syndrome, and develop strategies for maintaining your sense of self-worth in environments that often demand you to minimize or code-switch. Therapy offers a space to process these experiences and explore new ways to show up.
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Your healing journey extends beyond your individual experience. You're recognizing patterns of trauma passed down through generations and are committed to breaking those cycles. By exploring how historical and familial experiences have shaped your emotional landscape, you're taking powerful steps toward collective and personal healing.
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Society has taught you to measure your value through external validation, achievement, and conformity. You're ready to challenge these narratives and cultivate a radical, internal sense of worth that isn't contingent on performance, appearance, or others' expectations. Therapy can be a transformative process of reclaiming your inherent value.
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The weight of balancing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and personal aspirations can feel overwhelming. You're seeking support for anxiety and stress management, setting healthy boundaries, and creating alignment between your authentic self and the roles you inhabit. Therapy provides tools to navigate these complex intersections with grace and intention.
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You're on a journey of deep self-discovery, seeking to understand, celebrate, and integrate the multiple dimensions of your cultural identity. Therapy offers a compassionate space to explore questions of belonging, heritage, and self-representation, helping you develop a powerful, nuanced understanding of who you are.
When another practice may be a better fit
Choosing the right therapeutic support is a deeply personal journey. While I'm committed to creating an affirming, culturally centered space, I recognize that my private practice may not be the ideal fit for everyone. Transparency is key in ensuring you find the most supportive path to healing.
You might want to explore other options if:
You are seeking low- or no-cost therapy services.
You require specialized treatment for severe psychiatric conditions that may need medication management.
You need immediate crisis intervention or 24/7 support services
You are under 18 and seeking individual therapy (I exclusively work with adult clients)
My goal is to support your healing process, even if that means guiding you toward a practice that might better serve your current needs. Every step toward understanding yourself is valuable, and finding the right therapeutic relationship is an act of self-love and compassion.
FAQs about counseling for women of color
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The decision to work with any therapist is deeply personal. While there's no universal rule that women must see female therapists, many women of color find comfort and understanding in working with someone who may share similar lived experiences and cultural perspectives. What matters most is finding a therapist who creates a safe, culturally-centered space where you feel truly seen and understood.
If you're not sure whether I'm the right therapist for you, I encourage you to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation where we can get to know each other better.
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As a licensed clinical psychologist, I completed doctoral-level training and hold a Ph.D. in Psychology, which involved years of intensive clinical work, research, and specialized training in multiple therapeutic approaches. I also engage in ongoing training to ensure I stay up-to-date on the latest research in the field.
Other therapists may hold different degrees and licenses (such as an MFT or LCSW) that qualify them for therapeutic work. What matters most isn't the title, but finding someone who resonates with you and has the expertise to support your unique healing journey. I'm here to provide that safe, culturally-centered space where all aspects of your identity are honored and understood.
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I specialize in supporting women of color who are ready to cultivate healthy relationships with themselves and others. Together, we can work on breaking free from perfectionism and people-pleasing patterns, managing anxiety, healing from trauma, and building lasting self-worth. My clients often come to me feeling successful on paper but struggling with self-doubt, negative self-talk, or a sense that they're not quite measuring up.
Whether you're working through dating and relationship issues, learning to embrace your sensitivity as a strength, navigating difficult life transitions, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to help. I'm particularly passionate about supporting you in honoring your emotions and finding your authentic voice – especially in spaces where you may have felt invisible or pressured to minimize yourself. Remember: you deserve support through both the challenging moments and the victories.
Start working with a women's therapist today
I understand the lived experience of women of color firsthand. At the same time, I recognize that you have your own unique journey, and I'm committed to meeting you where you're at.
Together, we can support your mental health and personal growth by giving you the space to process your experience, build a joyful life, and make meaningful steps toward embodying your inherent worth. Connect with me today to get started.