Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., L.C.P.C., L.P.C.

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Advisory Board Member

2023

Mental Health / Holistic Health

Forbes Health Advisory Board Member

Dr. Rufus Tony Spann is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, yoga teacher and reiki master. Over the years, he has served as a department chair, adjunct professor, assistant professor, speaker and trainer. Dr. Spann owns private practice You in Mind Psychotherapy and Consultation, which focuses on providing culturally responsive therapy, and he assists many therapists of color in receiving their independent licenses. He also is part of a research team looking to develop a new instrument that measures clients’ perceptions of whether counselors are effective in their ability to discuss the contextual dimensions of race, ethnicity, and culture (REC) with clients. Dr. Spann is a founding team member and the former chief clinical officer of Hurdle, a digital health platform for people of color.

Dr. Rufus Tony Spann is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, yoga teacher and reiki master. Over the years, he has served as a department chair, adjunct professor, assistant professor, speaker and trainer. Dr. Spann owns private practice You in Mind Psychotherapy and Consultation, which focuses on providing culturally responsive therapy ....Read More

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Board Certifications and Training

  • The National Board of Certified Counselors, National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • The National Board of Certified Counselors, Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
  • NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
  • Evergreen Certifications, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
  • National Association of School Psychologists, Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
  • Kaivalya Yoga School, Certified Yoga Teacher
  • Coach Training EDU, Executive Coach

Education

  • University of South Carolina, Columbia (B.S. Psychology)
  • The John Hopkins University (M.S. Clinical Counseling)
  • Howard University (Ph.D. School Psychology)

Achievements

  • Maryland Counseling Association, Past President
  • Argosy University’s Counseling Program, Department Chair

  • How To Get Over A Breakup: Advice From Therapists

    Breaking up with a romantic partner can be painful, no matter the reason behind it. In fact, research suggests that the end of a relationship may be one of the most traumatic life events people experience. Yet it’s also one...

  • What Is A Karmic Relationship? What You Need To Know

    The term “karmic relationship” is how some might describe a certain connection that can exist between friends or romantic partners, but can end up volatile and dissonant. In modern terms, a karmic relationship can look a lot like an unhealthy...

  • Online Sex Therapy: 4 Programs To Choose From

    Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy for individuals or partners looking to address certain challenges in their sexuality or sex life. Just like many other therapeutic services, sex therapy can be conducted online with similar benefits to in-person...

  • What Are Parasocial Relationships—And Are They Healthy?

    This rising popularity of social media has given people instant access to celebrities, influencers and political figures—and at times, this access can feel as much a part of our lives as attending school or clocking in at a job. According...

  • What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

    Like most conditions, anxiety can manifest itself in a multitude of ways, one of which is called high-functioning anxiety. It can be challenging for the person experiencing it—as well as those around them—to spot, but understanding the signs and symptoms...

  • What Is Depression? Types, Causes And Treatments

    Everyone experiences feelings of sadness from time to time, especially following major life transitions, like relationship changes or a job loss. However, when these feelings are severe, accompanied by additional symptoms such as weight changes or sleep difficulties, and impact...

  • Your Guide To The Best Depression Support Groups In 2023

    Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders across the globe, impacting an estimated 5% of adults worldwide. In the U.S., that number may be even higher, with 14.8 million, or 6%, of adults experiencing at least one...

  • What You Need To Know About The Best Guided Meditations

    Meditation is all about slowing down the mind and the body—but it can be tough to know what to do when you get there. That’s where guided meditation can come in handy. Guided meditation provides the opportunity to follow an...

  • Breathwork: What Is It And How Does It Work?

    Breathing is something we do every day, often without even thinking twice about it. Even in times of stress, our breath automatically responds by shortening and speeding up. But with practice, breath can also be controlled—allowing us to utilize it...

  • What Is Irritability? Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

    Most people experience occasional irritability and are familiar with its mix of anger, annoyance and short-temperedness. But when an irritable mood becomes chronic and severe, experts say it may signal an underlying condition, such as anxiety or depression, that may...

  • DBT vs. CBT: What’s The Difference?

    Talk therapy can be a helpful avenue for a wide variety of mental health conditions and circumstances. Even more helpful is when you find a therapist and a therapeutic method that can help with your specific struggles. Cognitive behavioral therapy...

  • The Mental Health Benefits Of Gratitude

    Jotting every little thing you’re thankful for into a gratitude journal may feel a little “woo woo,” but there are some science-supported health benefits to acknowledging your appreciation for whatever it is you find meaningful in your life—whether that’s a...

  • What Are The Attachment Styles—And How Can They Impact Your Relationship?

    Attachment theory—a developmental psychology concept—proposes that each and every one of us has an attachment style that developed when we were very young. The attachment style that was formed during your early relationship with your primary caregivers, and how they...

  • What Is The Law Of Attraction?

    You’ve likely heard of the law of attraction thanks to the popular book The Secret, Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities like Lady Gaga and Steve Harvey who espouse the power of positive thinking. The theory states that optimistic thinking can...

  • What Is Chronic Stress? Definition, Symptoms And Treatment

    From traffic jams to a health scare to major work deadlines, life brings plenty of stressful moments. Some degree of stress is normal, but if feelings of being overwhelmed persist and affect your mental, emotional or physical health, you may...

  • What Are Control Issues? Causes, Signs And Treatments

    An individual with controlling behavior may exhibit jealousy, possessiveness and even use threats or insults to exert power over someone—for example, a partner who tells you how to dress or a friend who peer pressures you into doing something bad...

  • How To Be Happy: Expert-Approved Ways To Increase Well-Being

    Happiness is a constantly evolving journey that can look different for everyone. While it may seem to come more naturally to some, it's impossible to be happy all the time—no matter what social media wants you to believe. But, even...

  • Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What’s The Difference?

    Meditation and mindfulness are popular techniques used to boost mental health and clarity. Even better, science backs them as viable therapies for various mental wellness concerns including anxiety, stress and depression. The two concepts are often conflated, but while they...

  • What Is Gender Dysphoria? Definition, Signs And Treatment Options

    Just because we are all assigned a certain biological sex at birth does not mean everyone will necessarily identify with that biological sex as they grow up. Additionally, some people may not be comfortable identifying with a particular gender at...

  • Emptiness: What It Is, Causes And How To Cope

    The human experience often includes a rollercoaster of emotions, sometimes even over the course of a single day. But if you constantly find yourself feeling hopeless, lonely or isolated——all feelings associated with an emotional state called emptiness—you may benefit from...

  • Your Guide To Affordable Therapy

    Staying healthy encompasses both body and mind. When we don’t feel well mentally, it may manifest physically. However, while therapy can be a helpful approach to staying in a good headspace, it can come at a high price. Rest assured,...

  • 7 Easy Ways To Relieve Stress, According To Experts

    Two of every three U.S. adults say their stress levels are up because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The American Institute of Stress. But one positive side effect is people may now realize the importance of taking care of...

  • How To Support The Mental Health Of LGBTQ+ Kids In Your Life Right Now, According To Experts

    Approximately 8% of high school students in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 0.7% of youth identify as transgender, according to to the UCLA School of Williams...

  • 6 Types Of Nonverbal Communication, What They Mean And How To Spot Them

    What we say without saying anything at all says a lot about us. While language is important for conveying thoughts and emotions, it’s not the only way we communicate. That’s where nonverbal communication comes in, bringing a host of cues...

  • 10 Easy Self-Care Ideas That Can Help Boost Your Health

    To say the COVID-19 pandemic is stressful is an understatement, but one silver lining is that it’s made more people realize the importance of self-care. While you may think of self-care as enjoying rose petal-infused bubble baths, that’s not all...

  • What Is Gray Area Drinking?

    Feeling a little anxious? Need to chill after a long day? No big deal—you just grab a glass of wine, right? And then another one if it was a really tough day. And maybe one more. Totally fine… or is...

  • What Is Emotional Intelligence? Traits, How To Test And More

    Do you have friends or loved ones who consistently show a sense of empathy and understanding? Do you have co-workers who seem to cause conflict on a regular basis? The difference in these personalities might boil down to emotional intelligence...

  • 10 Expert-Backed Tips To Quit Smoking Cigarettes

    Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. If you smoke cigarettes you probably know that quitting has tremendous health benefits. But even even if you’re motivated to stop, strong cravings for nicotine, a highly addictive component of tobacco...

  • What Is Gaslighting? Definition, Examples And Support

    If someone is intentionally distorting reality to make you feel like what you’re seeing or feeling isn’t real, you could be a victim of gaslighting. Gaslighting can come from a romantic partner, a boss, a family member, a doctor or...

  • Marijuana Withdrawal: What To Expect And How To Cope

    As the debate rages on about whether marijuana is an addictive substance, one thing is clear: Some habitual and long-term users experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop consuming it. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health...

  • 10 Science-Backed Benefits Of Meditation

    When feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, it can be hard to ground yourself or focus on a task. Although stress and anxiety are normal—and biologically necessary responses in certain situations—experiencing them on a regular basis can pose a risk...

  • What Is Pink Cloud? Meaning, Symptoms And Benefits

    Perhaps you’re in the early stages of navigating an alcohol use disorder recovery program, or you’ve decided to get sober on your own. Either way, there’s a good chance you might experience a phenomenon called pink cloud syndrome, a “high...

  • Myers-Briggs Personality Test (MBTI): What You Need To Know

    If you’ve ever seen a combination of four mysterious letters, such as “ISTP” or “ENTJ,” you might be interested to know they’re not just a trendy new acronym. These four-letter codes are possible results of a 93-question (give or take)...

  • Piaget’s Stages Of Cognitive Development

    Twentieth century psychologist Jean Piaget was a trailblazer in the understanding of children’s cognitive development. Unlike his predecessors, he believed children process information differently than adults and that intelligence is not inherent but acquired, adapting and expanding as children investigate...

  • What Is Alcohol Withdrawal? Signs, Symptoms And Treatments

    Whether you have a loved one who struggles with substance abuse or you’ve navigated experiences with addiction yourself, you are far from alone. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental...

  • How To Stop Overthinking: Causes And Ways To Cope

    It might feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night, dwelling on a decision you made earlier that day or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list. But you’re not alone—research suggests 73% of 25- to 35-year-olds chronically overthink, along...

  • Your Guide To Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    In 2019, roughly 20% of U.S. adults received mental health treatment. Traditional, well-known treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are effective, but a type of therapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has also been proven to help ease...

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms And Treatment

    Not everyone welcomes a new time of year. In fact, about 6% of Americans find themselves sinking into depression as the seasons change. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can impact your quality of life, work performance and relationships. Knowing the symptoms...

  • What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?

    Often used as a treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), neurofeedback therapy aims to change the way the brain responds to certain stimuli. It’s also been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, depression and insomnia, among other mental health disorders. Although it’s...

  • What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

    In social settings involving other people, such as the first day of school, giving a presentation in front of coworkers or joining a new social group, it’s common for people to feel a little nervous or anxious. Usually, those feelings...

  • 10 Common Depression Symptoms

    Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. In fact, an estimated 7.1% of all U.S. adults experienced a major depressive episode within that past year, according to a 2017 National Institutes of Health...

  • What Is Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

    Anxiety, or the anticipation of a future threat, isn’t always a negative. While occasional feelings of anxiety may be intense, they’re a sign the mind and body are working together to maintain safety. For people with an anxiety disorder, however,...

  • What Is A Panic Attack? Symptoms, Causes And Remedies

    Panic attacks aren’t uncommon—it’s estimated that up to 14% of adults experience them each year. They occur more often among people in their 30s, and women are more likely to experience panic attacks than men—as are people who have more...

  • Caregiver Burnout: 8 Ways To Avoid It

    The number of people who work as unpaid caregivers rose sharply in recent years. Today, one in five Americans—about 53 million people, up from 43.5 million in 2015—is a caregiver. Unpaid caregivers, also known as family caregivers or informal caregivers,...

  • Stressors: Recognizing What Causes Stress

    We all know what it’s like to feel stressed. At some point, we’ve all felt like we’re wading through quicksand, sinking and nearly succumbing to what’s chasing us. In hot pursuit are our stressors, potentially keeping us up at night. ...

  • Telepsychiatry vs. Teletherapy: What’s The Difference?

    Teletherapy and telepsychiatry are mental telehealth services that use videotelephony (like Zoom), phone calls or other messaging systems to facilitate communication between mental health professionals and their patients. Several studies suggest partnering with a capable, trained mental health professional virtually...

  • What Does A Mental Health Counselor Do?

    On the large menu of mental health services, you’ll find an alphabet soup of licensed professionals—including licensed mental health counselors or L.M.H.C.s. Could one be right for you? Learn everything you need to know about mental health counselors, including how...
How To Get Over A Breakup: Advice From Therapists
What Is A Karmic Relationship? What You Need To Know
Online Sex Therapy: 4 Programs To Choose From What Are Parasocial Relationships—And Are They Healthy?
What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
What Is Depression? Types, Causes And Treatments
Your Guide To The Best Depression Support Groups In 2023 What You Need To Know About The Best Guided Meditations
Breathwork: What Is It And How Does It Work? What Is Irritability? Symptoms, Causes And Treatments
DBT vs. CBT: What’s The Difference?
The Mental Health Benefits Of Gratitude
What Are The Attachment Styles—And How Can They Impact Your Relationship? What Is The Law Of Attraction? What Is Chronic Stress? Definition, Symptoms And Treatment
What Are Control Issues? Causes, Signs And Treatments How To Be Happy: Expert-Approved Ways To Increase Well-Being
Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What’s The Difference? What Is Gender Dysphoria? Definition, Signs And Treatment Options Emptiness: What It Is, Causes And How To Cope
Your Guide To Affordable Therapy
7 Easy Ways To Relieve Stress, According To Experts
How To Support The Mental Health Of LGBTQ+ Kids In Your Life Right Now, According To Experts 6 Types Of Nonverbal Communication, What They Mean And How To Spot Them
10 Easy Self-Care Ideas That Can Help Boost Your Health What Is Gray Area Drinking?
What Is Emotional Intelligence? Traits, How To Test And More 10 Expert-Backed Tips To Quit Smoking Cigarettes What Is Gaslighting? Definition, Examples And Support Marijuana Withdrawal: What To Expect And How To Cope
10 Science-Backed Benefits Of Meditation What Is Pink Cloud? Meaning, Symptoms And Benefits Myers-Briggs Personality Test (MBTI): What You Need To Know
Piaget’s Stages Of Cognitive Development What Is Alcohol Withdrawal? Signs, Symptoms And Treatments How To Stop Overthinking: Causes And Ways To Cope
Your Guide To Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms And Treatment What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder? 10 Common Depression Symptoms
What Is Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment What Is A Panic Attack? Symptoms, Causes And Remedies
Caregiver Burnout: 8 Ways To Avoid It
Stressors: Recognizing What Causes Stress Telepsychiatry vs. Teletherapy: What’s The Difference? What Does A Mental Health Counselor Do?

Health Philosophy

“My passion is to shift the culture of mental health and wellness by promoting inclusivity for all people. It is my belief that putting culture first and reducing barriers to access will increase preventative wellness for all. Creating equity and justice within mental health and wellness means all people can live healthy and full lives.”