About Akilah Pierre
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Culturally Sensitive
Attachment-based
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Akilah Pierre
The provider is a “Marriage & Family Therapist" and their license number for PA is MF001256, NJ is 37FI00207700, and D.C. is LMFT200001218.
Are you the daughter who learned to love everyone but yourself?
If you grew up as the responsible one—the family caregiver holding everyone together—you know how exhausting it is to feel unseen and unable to put yourself first.
You're incredibly good at caring for others, but your own needs feel selfish or unimportant. You struggle with boundaries and crushing guilt when you prioritize yourself. You know intellectually you matter, but you don't feel it—and that gap is exhausting.
I specialize in helping women from complex families break these generational patterns and develop authentic self-love.
Through generational growth therapy—integrating family systems therapy, attachment theory, and self-compassion practices—you'll understand how your family shaped you, break free from the caregiver role, and learn to set boundaries without guilt.
I'm a Black woman and daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, so I understand cultural pressures women of color face. But my practice welcomes all women from complex families.
I've practiced since 2015 with 4,000+ hours of experience. I provide online therapy in PA, NJ, and DC. Insurance accepted.
You've been everyone's person. Now you get to be your own.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach is direct, warm, and empowering. I won't sugarcoat things, but I'll hold space for your pain with genuine compassion.
What makes my approach different:
This isn't just talk therapy. We'll understand the family systems that created your struggles, identify the patterns you inherited, and actively work to break them. This isn't about blaming your family—it's about understanding how the system shaped you so you can respond differently.
This isn't a quick fix. Real change takes time. But clients typically notice shifts within weeks: less reactivity to family dynamics, more self-compassion, clearer boundaries, and a growing sense that they matter.
What to expect from me:
I'll ask questions that challenge old beliefs. I'll celebrate your growth. I'll remember what you share week to week and connect dots between your current struggles and family patterns. I'll give you practical tools and specific practices to work on between sessions.
What I need from you:
Active participation, honesty, and willingness to explore uncomfortable emotions. Commitment to showing up for yourself—in sessions and between them.
Sessions are 50 minutes via secure video, Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1-8 PM EST. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Here's what therapy looks like when we work together:
FIRST SESSION: YOUR STORY
We start by understanding your current struggles and what brought you here. I'll ask about what you're experiencing now, what you're hoping will be different, and your family background. You don't need to have it all figured out—I'll guide the conversation.
EARLY SESSIONS: MAPPING THE PATTERNS (Sessions 2-4)
We'll map your family system: Who played what roles? What were the unspoken rules? How did you learn to relate to your own needs? This gives you clarity about why you struggle with boundaries and guilt—these aren't personal failures, they're adaptive strategies from your family system.
ONGOING WORK: BREAKING PATTERNS & BUILDING SKILLS (Months 2-6)
Each session opens with: "What would you like to explore or work on today?" You bring what's alive for you—family conflict, relationship struggles, self-criticism, difficult decisions—and we work through it together.
We'll work on understanding emotional patterns, breaking people-pleasing habits, setting boundaries, and developing self-compassion. Between sessions, you'll practice what we discuss.
INTEGRATION: MAINTAINING CHANGE (Ongoing)
As patterns shift, sessions focus on maintaining changes and handling setbacks. We work together as long as it serves your growth—whether that's a few months or ongoing support.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Akilah Pierre, LMFT has 100+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $130 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $130 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Widener University, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
Professional memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
NPI number
1154957686
How soon can I make an appointment with Akilah Pierre?
Generally, Akilah Pierre has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Akilah Pierre's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Akilah Pierre accepting new patients?
Akilah Pierre generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Akilah Pierre's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Akilah Pierre accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Akilah Pierre is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Akilah Pierre online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Akilah Pierre using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Akilah Pierre work with?
Akilah Pierre works with Therapy with Akilah.
What are common reasons for patients to see Akilah Pierre?
Akilah Pierre frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Akilah Pierre on their profile.
What languages does Akilah Pierre speak?
Akilah Pierre speaks English.