Athena Morrisette, Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing perinatal mental health and therapy for Black women and mothers in California

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PPSC

Athena Morrisette


I’m really glad you found your way here. My approach to therapy is rooted in relationship, authenticity, and care. I believe healing begins when you feel genuinely seen and safe enough to show up as yourself. Building that kind of connection takes time, and I honor that process. Therapy with me is not rushed. It is intentional, person-centered, and grounded in respect for your lived experience.

Specializing in Maternal Mental Health, Identity Transitions, Trauma, and Culturally Responsive Care

Athena is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles County, California, serving the Los Angeles area and providing virtual therapy to clients statewide in California.

Meet Athena

Hi, I’m Athena, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work primarily with Black women and families of color, and this work is both personal and purposeful for me. As a Black woman, I understand what it means to carry layered expectations, to navigate systems that were not built with us in mind, and to advocate for yourself in spaces where you should already feel protected. I have witnessed, both personally and through loved ones, the harm that can occur in medical and mental health settings when our voices are minimized or misunderstood. My commitment is to create a space that centers you, honors your story, and holds your experience with care.

Many of the clients I support are navigating identity shifts, motherhood, grief, trauma, relationship changes, and the emotional impact of systemic pressure. New parenthood, in particular, can bring profound transitions. Shifts in identity. Changes in relationships. Guilt, loss, and a desire to parent differently than what was modeled before. These experiences deserve tenderness, not dismissal.

In our work together, I focus on creating a warm, safe space that supports your autonomy and self-determination. You are the expert on your life. My role is to walk alongside you, help you make sense of what you’re carrying, and support you in defining what healing looks like for you. We pay attention to your capacity, your pace, and what feels possible in each season.

Athena Morrisette providing community-based mental health support for Black women and mothers

I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, CBT, psychodynamic work, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and motivational interviewing. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor therapy to what you need in the moment. Sometimes that means deep reflection. Sometimes it means practical steps. Sometimes it means simply being heard without having to fix anything right away.

I am especially mindful of how safety is built for those who are used to being the strong one. Safety may look like being validated, being listened to, having language that does not activate past harm, or being invited to check in with your body rather than push through it. We move collaboratively, checking in often, honoring consent, and making space for your voice.

At the heart of my work is a simple truth: you do not have to hold everything alone. Healing is not about perfection or erasing the past. It is a process, much like a mosaic, where different pieces of your life and experiences come together over time to form something meaningful and whole.

You are worthy of care, rest, healing, and peace. If you’re looking for a space where you don’t have to explain yourself, defend your experience, or carry everything by yourself, I would be honored to support you.

We Might Be a Good Fit If…

  • You are a Black woman who is used to being strong, capable, and dependable, but inside you feel tired in ways that rest alone has not fixed.

  • You are carrying the weight of multiple roles and expectations and feel like your needs often come last. You may be navigating motherhood, identity shifts, grief, or major life transitions and wondering where you fit in all of it now.

  • You have felt unseen, dismissed, or harmed in medical or mental health spaces and want therapy that honors your experience without requiring you to explain or defend it.

  • If anxiety, emotional exhaustion, or burnout have become part of your daily life, even though you continue to show up for everyone else.

  • You want therapy that moves at your pace. You value reflection, autonomy, and a space where your voice, capacity, and consent are centered.

  • You are ready to stop holding everything alone and want support that feels warm, culturally responsive, and grounded in care rather than pressure.

How This Works

How It Works – Asia Williams
Step 01
Schedule a Free Consultation
You'll start by scheduling a 15-minute consultation using my appointment link. This is a low-pressure conversation where you can ask questions, share what's bringing you to therapy, and get a feel for whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no expectation to have everything figured out. This time is simply about connection and clarity.
Step 02
Decide If We're Aligned
After the consultation, if it feels like a good fit for both of us, we'll move forward together. If not, Asia can help guide you toward other options that may better meet your needs. Feeling comfortable and supported matters.
Step 03
Your First Session (Intake Appointment)
Your first full session is called an intake. This is where we take time to understand you more fully. We'll talk about what's been happening in your life, what you're struggling with, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping therapy can support. We'll also review important background information at a pace that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
Step 04
Set Goals and a Rhythm That Works for You
Together, we'll identify goals that feel meaningful and realistic. We'll decide how often to meet, whether that's weekly or biweekly, and choose a consistent day and time that fits your schedule. Calendar invites will be set up so sessions feel easy to keep track of.
Step 05
Ongoing Therapy and Support
As therapy continues, sessions will focus on helping you better understand yourself, navigate stress and relationships, and build practical tools you can use outside of sessions. Goals can evolve over time, and we'll regularly check in to make sure therapy is supporting what you need most.

Investment and Payment Options

I believe therapy should feel accessible, not intimidating. Being clear about cost is part of creating safety and trust from the start.

I accept Quest Behavioral Health, Anthem Blue Cross CA, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem EAP. If you plan to use insurance, we will verify coverage before your first full session so there are no surprises.

For clients who prefer private pay, my rate is $150 per session.

My goal is to support you in a way that works for your life, not adds more stress. You are always welcome to ask questions about payment, insurance, or options during our consultation.