“Walkens has been an incredible therapist who works hard to understand the particular issues and needs of mine as his patient. It was important to me to find a therapist who was also a Black man, after previous experiences with non-Black therapists, because I had hoped for a deeper connection from someone who could understand not just what it's like to live as a Black man, but who could tailor our talk sessions and any relevant techniques in a way that resonates with me. He understands nontraditional perspectives on spirituality, intimate relationships, and familial complexities that makes me feel both understood and considered. ”
MD
Highly recommended
92% of patients gave this doctor 5 stars
Excellent wait time
97% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
Book an appointment on Zocdoc
The office partners with Zocdoc to schedule appointments
“Walkens has been an incredible therapist who works hard to understand the particular issues and needs of mine as his patient. It was important to me to find a therapist who was also a Black man, after previous experiences with non-Black therapists, because I had hoped for a deeper connection from someone who could understand not just what it's like to live as a Black man, but who could tailor our talk sessions and any relevant techniques in a way that resonates with me. He understands nontraditional perspectives on spirituality, intimate relationships, and familial complexities that makes me feel both understood and considered. ”
MDMore than 1 year ago
“I began therapy experiencing extreme anxiety and once I started meeting with walkens, I started understanding myself so much better. Walkens adapts sessions to fit your needs while remaining as a guide for staying focused on what will help you understand yourself, your issues, and give you the tools to navigate them. I find he has very insightful opinions and has an extreme ability to understand you based on your previous experiences with full support and comfort. I have grown insurmountable ways since beginning sessions with walkens, and I also feel validated in His recognition of my growth. I’ve tried a lot of therapists and walkens is the only one who has ever had profound change on me, teaching me to be grounded calm and excited about life!”
MDMore than 1 year ago
About Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Individuals
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Groups
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Experiential Therapy
Culturally Sensitive
Jungian
EMDR
Person-Centered
Identity
Gender
Male
Sexuality
Straight
Faith
Muslim
Ethnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere
Dr. Walkens Hassani Petit-Frere, DSW, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals, teens, and couples navigate life’s emotional challenges with clarity and compassion. His integrative approach combines Internal Family Systems (IFS Level I & II), EMDR, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational stress.
Dr. Petit-Frere’s work emphasizes reflection, emotional safety, and self-awareness. He believes that therapy is not about fixing what’s broken but about understanding and integrating the parts of ourselves that have been shaped by experience. His sessions offer a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore their stories, build resilience, and reconnect with authenticity and purpose.
What should a new client know about working with you?
New clients can expect a therapeutic space that is grounded, collaborative, and deeply reflective. I work with the understanding that every part of you has developed for a reason, and healing begins when we approach those parts with curiosity, not judgment. My style is warm, direct, and emotionally attuned; I balance clinical rigor with compassion so you feel both supported and challenged in meaningful ways.
I integrate IFS, EMDR, AEDP, and CBT to help you slow down, understand your patterns, and build the internal clarity needed for lasting change. You don’t have to have the “right words” when you arrive, together, we will explore your experiences at a pace that feels safe and steady. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, more emotionally regulated, and more empowered to navigate life with authenticity and confidence.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My process begins with creating a safe, grounded space where we can understand what brings you in and what you hope to change. In our first sessions, we explore your history, current challenges, and the patterns that shape how you respond to stress, relationships, and emotions. From there, we build a treatment plan together that reflects your goals and the pace that feels right for you.
I use an integrative approach—drawing from IFS, EMDR, AEDP, and CBT—to help you identify protective parts, process unresolved experiences, and develop skills for emotional regulation and reflection. Sessions often balance practical tools with deeper therapeutic work, allowing you to feel both supported in the moment and empowered in the long term.
Throughout our work, I provide ongoing feedback, collaborative reflection, and adjustments to the plan as needed. The goal is to help you build insight, strengthen resilience, and reconnect with a more grounded, authentic version of yourself.
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Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $300 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $275 for 60 minutes
Popular visit reasons
Agoraphobia
Hoarding Disorder
New Patient Visit
Pain Management Consultation
Psychosexual Evaluation
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Sleep Problems
Agoraphobia
Hoarding Disorder
New Patient Visit
Pain Management Consultation
Office location
Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Silberman School of Social Work, Masters of Social Work
Bowdoin College (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1194329953
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.85
Wait time
4.86
Bedside manner
4.84
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
40 reviews
Most relevant
Walkens has been an incredible therapist who works hard to understand the particular issues and needs of mine as his patient. It was important to me to find a therapist who was also a Black man, after previous experiences with non-Black therapists, because I had hoped for a deeper connection from someone who could understand not just what it's like to live as a Black man, but who could tailor our talk sessions and any relevant techniques in a way that resonates with me. He understands nontraditional perspectives on spirituality, intimate relationships, and familial complexities that makes me feel both understood and considered.
More than 1 year agoMD
I began therapy experiencing extreme anxiety and once I started meeting with walkens, I started understanding myself so much better. Walkens adapts sessions to fit your needs while remaining as a guide for staying focused on what will help you understand yourself, your issues, and give you the tools to navigate them. I find he has very insightful opinions and has an extreme ability to understand you based on your previous experiences with full support and comfort. I have grown insurmountable ways since beginning sessions with walkens, and I also feel validated in His recognition of my growth. I’ve tried a lot of therapists and walkens is the only one who has ever had profound change on me, teaching me to be grounded calm and excited about life!
More than 1 year agoMD
I have recommended Walkens to friends, which says a lot.
Before seeing Walkens I tried therapists that used variations of talk therapy. Because I was new and in distress, it took a long time to realize my time was being wasted and issues were not improving, just different, confusing, or worse.
Walkens provided techniques with specific target outcomes and improvements were clear and lasting. I wish I'd found him and the methods he used years ago.
More than 1 year agoSA
The session was really helpful for my significant other and I. This was our first time going and Dr. Walkens allowed us to share our thoughts freely and gave insightful feedback. Most of all, I liked that he provided us an assignment to do outside of our sessions to ensure my boyfriend and I are actively working on ourselves.
January 12, 2024Ziyadah Z.Verified patient
I would highly recommend Dr. Petit-Frere! His compassionate approach, authentic demeanor and effective communication enabled him to create an environment where I felt heard, understood, and motivated to examine and resolve my mental health challenges. His therapeutic techniques guided me to make positive changes in my life. Overall, Dr. Petit-Frere provided me with a fantastic transformational experience! Furthermore, as a Haitian American man who has struggled to find a therapist who is culturally sensitive and supportive, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be treated by such an exceptional clinician and fellow Haitian.
More than 1 year agoGD
Very attentive and held space for both my husband I individually to express ourselves which- made me feel great to have an advocate while giving my husband space to feel safe to air his grievances as well, as this is his first psychotherapeutic experience. He enjoyed our session so much that he wants to go back.
I have high hopes.
December 4, 2023Initials hidden
walkens is so great at what he does!!! therapy can be daunting and he understands this. i feel comfortable, supported and heard in each session and mentally stronger than i did before
More than 1 year agoAB
Walkens was excellent to work with. The conversation was extremely comfortable, constructive and insightful and he made difficult topics easier to approach and progress through. I would recommend Walkens to anyone, he has a great deal of professional and life experience that was very helpful to learn from.
More than 1 year agoSM
Walkens is a great therapist. I find that my sessions with him are very fruitful in helping me deal with the day to day stresses of life as well as examining my past and finding ways to heal.
More than 1 year agoBB
My husband and I have been having a transformative experience with Dr Walkens. He is professional, knowledgeable, kind and very observant. He notices and comments on little details that we miss as a couple and he has been instrumental in our journey to find each other again. We look forward to our meetings with Dr Walkens and we recommend him highly.
More than 1 year agoNK
My visits have been excellent. Dr.Walkins is not only highly professional and knowledgeable in his field but also has great observational skills that I personally think is rare nowadays. He makes you feel very comfortable with speaking to him which gives you a sense of safety to open up without judgement which was big for me since I'm naturally a closed off person. Not only does his listening and observational skills help you to identify the root to the issues you may be trying to figure out but he also will help with the tools to resolve or cope with them. Highly intelligent but relatable and understanding Dr.Walkins will tailor a regime to your situation and personality based on your perspective, comfortability, and his keen insight and professional knowledge. I am very happy to met and being treated by Dr.Walkins he has helped me immensely. I highly recommend Dr.Walkins as a therapist if you are serious about your mental health whether for yourself, relationships.5 stars all around.
More than 1 year agoDW
As a black man, it is hard to find a fellow black man as a therapist. I was lucky, however, and was recommended to see Walkens. I have been with him for a month and a half now and I can say with confidence that I am constantly learning more about myself and learning techniques from him to push to love myself. Walkens is someone who also creates nonjudgmental space and is very attentive throughout the entire session. He creates a space where I feel safe to convey things that are plaguing my mind. He is someone I look forward to seeing every week. I highly recommend seeing him if you have the opportunity.
More than 1 year agoMO
I have had multiple visits with Walkens and has been instrumental in guiding me to navigate the challenges in my personal and professional life. He listens and provides a judgement free zone.
More than 1 year agoDF
Best
More than 1 year agoJW
Before I had a different therapist, I remember my last appointment, I told her “ After I never ever will speak other therapist “ before she leave
Now; I’m waiting to see Mr. Walkens every week to discuss my week :))
Highly recommend because respect most important and he is very respectful with this clients
Thanks
More than 1 year agoRA
Excellent
More than 1 year agoVB
Walkens is such a great therapist I be look forward to our meeting every we this guy helping over come thing that I thought I was over this guy is very good with his practice.
More than 1 year agoDD
My son saw Walkens Petit-Frere for about a year. While most sessions between him and my son were private we were also invited to family sessions to discuss concerns and progress. Our son felt very comfortable speaking freely with Walkens and made progress during his sessions which were evident both at school and at home.
More than 1 year agoCS
Mr Walkens has been fantastic in my treatment. He has made me reflect on how I can improve on my life and career. Always respects my time and communicates ahead for when we have to reschedule.
More than 1 year agoJF
Walkens Petit-Frere is an excellent therapist who helped me navigate working alone in isolation during the Covid shutdown, which for me was close to two years. He was very empathetic and genuine in his approach and helped me see the positive traits in myself. I’m very grateful for the time I spent in therapy with him.
More than 1 year agoMC
December 17, 2025Durrell R.Verified patientVideo visit
August 3, 2024Iman A.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
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February 23, 2024Ziyadah Z.Verified patient
February 22, 2024Anna B.Verified patient
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March 11, 2023David B.Verified patient
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January 14, 2023Pramodh J.Verified patient
December 2, 2022Kelvin G.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoAB
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Frequently asked questions
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere?
Generally, Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere accepting new patients?
Where is Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere's office located?
Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere has 2 office locations, including in Smyrna and Brooklyn, view full addresses on Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere?
Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere 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 Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere speak?
How do patients rate Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere in reviews?
40 patients have reviewed Dr. Walkens Petit-Frere. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.85/5. They have a 4.84/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.86/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.