This provider is fully booked

View other providers in California who can help.

Shemya Vaughn

LPCC (she/her)25 years of experience
Often rebooked
5.0 (24)
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

I am a Licensed Clinical Counselor in California with a doctorate in rehabilitation counselor education from Michigan State University. I have taught at three community colleges and four universities in the US. My book, Transgender Youth, was published in 2016 and I also co-authored a book, Trauma-Informed Care in 2021.

My book, Transgender Youth, was published in 2016 and I also co-authored a book, Trauma-Informed Care in 2021.

I currently operate an online private practice providing therapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma to individuals in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. *If you would like a therapy session on a day and time that is not listed, send me a message to make an exception for you.

First session

In our first session, I want to walk through the intake assessment with you instead of having you complete it and I read it before we meet. I find that individuals seeking therapy share more when I ask them a question versus reading the question on a page. At the end of the first session, I will ask about counseling goals, ask you to decide which goal to start with and develop a plan of action/treatment plan to help you feel better.

Strengths

While I am a gentle and nurturing therapist, I also adjust how we work together based on your personality. There are times when I will deliver direct feedback as softly as I can depending on the circumstances. Most people are able to get to where they need to go with a year of working with me.

Ideal clients

The clients that I find are a good fit with me include women of color and individuals in the gay and trans community who experience anxiety and depression due to childhood trauma.

Treatment methods

Narrative

Narrative counseling externalizes problems, viewing them as separate entities versus part of the person. For example, we can name mental health issues and talk about them as a part of your life, "Miss Anxiety feels much better when there is a plan of action."

Trauma-Informed Care

I am careful with questions, comments, and feedback to ensure you are not re-traumatized in therapy sessions.

Solution-Focused Brief Treatment

If you have specific issues to address, we can create goals and objectives with actions steps to help you get there.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

Other specialties

Serves

Licensed in

Accepted insurance

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (24)9 reviews
August 20, 2026

I always feel heard when speak with Dr. Vaughn. She has this ability to hear beyond the words and sense what's happening in the ether. I value her insight and would encourage you to try one of her sessions.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 2 with Shemya
April 28, 2026

She is an amazing listener and is able to bring in fresh perspectives and understandings about whatever topic I bring up that can help me see it from a broader view, in an honest view that I hadn't considered. And so I appreciate big guidance when it comes to seeing the bigger picture in knowing what is mine to move and work through. And what is not mine to hold and work through.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 5 with Shemya
March 13, 2026

I’m so thankful for Shemaya!

Verified client, age 25-34Review shared after session 6 with Shemya

Looking for a better fit?

Click below to find other providers in who match your preferences.