UB Counseling Services (UBCS) has a diverse staff with student of color specialists and counselors who specialize in international student concerns. Students can schedule an appointment to meet with UB SDM’s embedded counselor, Alison Smith, or any other counselor at UBCS. If students prefer to work with someone else, they can identify their preference for a particular counselor at their needs assessment appointment. If students prefer to be seen in the community for counseling services, UBCS can assist with referrals to the community, including referrals to therapists of color (see the list below).
Therapists of Color Accepting Clients:
Karen Curtis Allen, LMHC
1412 Sweet Home Road
Ste. 1
Amherst, NY 14228
(716) 219-2005
Available for free consultation right away, scheduling 2 weeks out
Video sessions only during COVID-19
Cost per session: $150
Accepted Insurance Plans: Independent Health, Univera, Out of Network
Tara Benson, LMSW
Therapeutic Sanctuary Counseling & Play Therapy Ct
3960 Harlem Road Suite 13
Amherst, NY 14226
(716) 317-1564
Available for new clients right away
Video sessions only during COVID-19
Accepted Insurance Plans: BlueCross and BlueShield, Independent Health, Univera
Cheney Brockington, LMSW
Buffalo, NY 14221
(716) 456-8669
Video sessions or in-person
Cost $100-$125
Accepted Insurance Plans: Beacon Health Options, BlueCross and BlueShield, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Cigna and Evernorth, Fidelis, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Independent Health, MVP Health Care, Molina Healthcare and Out of Network
Camille Arth Boccio, LCSW
Sanctuary Counseling
381 Kenmore Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14223
(716) 740-3040
Teletherapy or in person
Cost: $150+
Insurance: Independent Health
Shatasha Lenise Cole, LMSW
Grand Island, NY 14072
716-304-2850
Only accepting Women of Color ages 21 and up
Video sessions only
Cost per session: $80-$125
Accepted Insurance Plans: Out of Network only
Earnest R Donalson Jr, LMHC
Paraclete Counseling
181 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 376-0102
Telephone or video appointments only
Free consultation available within 2 weeks
Cost per Session: $50 - $80
Sliding Scale: Yes
Pay By: ACH Bank transfer, Cash
Laurence Jones, LCSW
Buffalo, NY 14208
(716) 296-6355
Available for teletherapy only
Sliding Scale: Yes
Accepts Medicare and Medicaid
Sharon Kirkland-Gordon
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sharon-kirkland-gordon-buffalo-ny/870707
1207 Delaware Avenue
Suite 103
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 300-2348
Offers online therapy
Shameka Collins, LMSW
Collins & Collins Clinical Services
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 302-2439
Accepting new clients right away
Video sessions for clients in all areas of New York
Sliding Scale: Yes
Accepted Insurance Plans: Employee Assistance Program
Jeronica Digby, MA
(Online therapy only)
(716) 272-0394
Accepting new clients
Cost per Session: $110+
Sliding Scale: Yes
Accepted Insurance Plans: Cigna, MVP, Blue Cross Blue Shield & Aetna
Ruby Orcutt, LMHC
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 222-8841
Teletherapy only
Spanish Speaking or English
Cost per Session: $130
Sliding Scale: Yes
Accepted Insurance Plans: Cigna, Fidelis, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Independent Health, Optum, Univera
Members of the UB-SDM Community,
Our hearts are with the victims of the horrific mass shooting that happened yesterday afternoon at Top’s Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones. Our unwavering solidarity is with the terrified surrounding neighbors and community.
As we are continuing to learn more, official reports suggest that this was a violent hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism. This horrific act is traumatic for everyone, but it is especially traumatic for members of our community who identify as Black or African American. Our hearts go out the victims, their families and the entire community.
President, Satish Tripathi, issued a statement yesterday that outlines available UB resources to provide support to students, faculty, and staff, including Counseling Services, Intercultural and Diversity Center, and the Employee Assistance Program. UB SDM’s in-house counselor, Allison Smith (masmith6@buffalo.edu) and UB SDM’s Office of Equity, Diversity and inclusion (SDM EDI) are also available to meet with students in need of additional support.
Be assured that our school is guided by the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are a diverse, united community, guided by a love for our profession that has the power to overcome the forces of evil and shall radiate beyond the limits of our campus to our communities.
In the days and weeks to follow we will offer compassionate care and resources to support members of SDM’s community who are experiencing trauma, pain, grief, and fear. Do not hesitate to turn to any of the resources linked above, or to reach out directly to members of SDM’s community. This is a time for us to stay united in spirit and recognize each other as the human beings we are.
With hope that the good in humanity will get the upper hand,
Stefan Ruhl, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Dental Medicine
At the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is valued, supported and respected. Our committment to equity, diversity and inclusion spans across our school and is central to the evaluation of our programs and policies - from recruiting and retaining students, faculty and staff, to monitoring and developing curriculum, to launching programs and events that ensure a safe, inclusive environment.