Dr. Keisha| Licensed Psychologist

Keisha April, PhD.

Licensed Psychologist New York #024671

Have you gotten so used to worrying about everyone else and trying to live up to others’ expectations and ideals that you’ve forgotten to worry about you? Do things sometimes feel overwhelming or out of control, but you can’t quite name what’s wrong and have no idea where to even start to feel balanced again?

These are real thoughts and feelings. I’ve heard these concerns and pains from so many of my friends, colleagues, and clients. They are brilliant, loving, and impressive women who move through the world carrying the weight of it on their shoulders. And when I ask, “How are you doing?” the answer rarely centers them. Most of the time, the focus is on their jobs, their families, their relationships, or their responsibilities.

We all wear a lot of hats. We work hard to show up as our best selves in each role we hold. But here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why I believe therapy can be a powerful space. It offers room for empowerment, healing, meaning-making, and a chance to return the focus to yourself.

My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and non-judgmental. I believe in working with you to identify your wants, needs, and challenges so we can move toward your goals together. I hold a strong belief in being “unapologetically you.” In our work, we’ll explore how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors shape your experience in the world. We'll also identify the strengths you already have and build tools that can help you move forward in a way that feels right for you.

Therapy should be personalized. I always aim to bring in your passions, values, hobbies, and personality to guide how we approach our sessions. This might involve journaling, using wellness apps, practicing mindfulness, engaging in self-care, leaning into spirituality, becoming more active, building confidence, or simply having a space to breathe and be. I bring a lot of energy into my sessions. We’ll laugh, we’ll reflect, and we’ll hold space for crying, venting, celebrating, or just being still. Every part of that process is an important step on your journey back to yourself.

Before becoming a psychologist, I worked as a lawyer and served as a public defender. I became passionate about better understanding the barriers that set individuals on different trajectories and what we could do to divert individuals from negative outcomes. So, I pivoted and chose to change careers. I returned to school, earning my PhD in clinical psychology from Drexel University, where I focused on supporting individuals across the lifespan who were navigating life with fewer resources and greater vulnerabilities. I completed my clinical internship at the Yale School of Medicine in Clinical and Community Psychology, and my postdoctoral fellowship in Applied Psychology at NYU. I now serve as an Assistant Professor at a large university, where I teach about race, health, and justice, conduct research, and mentor students. These professional experiences reflect my passion for this work and my commitment to sharing knowledge in ways that serve and uplift others.

I’m a New Jersey native and the child of immigrants. Both of these aspects of my identity have deeply shaped the person I’ve become. I love learning and am always trying out a new DIY—whether that’s painting, embroidery, nail art, figuring out a new braiding style, tackling a new language, or recreating a dish I loved. I’m grounded in joy, authenticity, and finding pleasure in the present moment. Some days, you’ll find me getting lost for hours in a good story or writing creatively. On other days, I’m out exploring new food spots and experiences with family or friends in our wonderfully diverse state.

I joined The Black Girl Doctor because when I read the mission and saw who we serve, I saw “me.” I saw all the unique experiences, identities, and highs and lows I had navigated in my own journey. I know what it’s like to feel like you are the only one going through it, and to feel like there isn’t a safe and supportive space in which you can share those experiences. I am here to provide that safe space and encouragement to help you find your joy.