40 LGBTQ therapists in California

I was born into this calling and continue to choose it from a place of love and passion. I have been walking paths of healing as a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2016, and have been gathering learning and community ever since to formally apply research backed science with intimacy and caring to provide and environment where people want to grow and embrace the changes they’ve wanted to make.

Hello, My name Chris, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. If you are in search of a warm and genuine environment to explore the issues preventing you from living the life you want, you have come to the right place. My main priority is that you feel heard and safe, without any fear of judgment. I know from my years of experience how difficult it can be to take these first steps toward wholeness and healing. We all need a little support sometimes, that is what led you here. I work in a collaborative manner and will never assume to be the expert in your life. Together, we will create a plan to get you living the life you are meant to live. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sometimes, the most profound connections are formed when someone truly listens.I’m Cintia, here not just to hear, but to deeply understand you. In a world where trauma and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart’s true narrative. What a degree in Clinical Psychology and a seven-year journey as a therapist has allowed me to is delve deep into the realms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. While these are my primary focuses, I also bring profound insights into PTSD, intricate family dynamics, relationship challenges, and concerns faced by the LGBTQ community.

Welcome! *I am currently only taking in-person clients who are interested in ecotherapy and meeting at a public park in the bay area.* I work with people outside in the natural world, engaging in ecotherapy practices. We would meet at a local park in the East Bay Area, where we would sit, walk, or explore the area while tending to whatever emotions or questions are arising in you. Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety and provides a rich landscape for personal growth and healing. If you are interested in learning more, please call or text me at: (510) 859-3279 for a free 20-minute consultation (please do so before scheduling on the Grow platform). Current openings: Monday afternoons at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, Wednesday afternoons at Tilden Park in Berkeley. Ecotherapy is somewhat different than traditional talk therapy. While there will be space for you to share what is going on in your life, we will also take time to do grounding exercises, practice mindfulness and guided visualizations, and engage with the natural world. This modality provides a uniquely large "container" for healing work associated with woundings from childhood, traumatic experiences, grief, and unlearning patterns that no longer serve you. The natural world shows us the lifecycles of plants and animals, the interdependence of ecosystems, and the colors, textures, sounds and smells that awaken our senses. In this context, there are endless ways to make meaning of the suffering you are experiencing and to gain insight into your emotions and relationships. For people who are exploring their purpose and are considering work or relationship changes, ecotherapy can support you to embody your true self and better understand your role within the community.

Are you looking for a new direction or searching how to live your best life? Life is challenging however there are opportunities to gain new insights and learn new skills in order to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I enjoy incorporating active things into therapy, a sense of humor, and mindfulness. If you are trying to manage anxiety, depression, stress, work challenges, relationship problems, we will work together to find the solution that works best for you. Counseling offers a safe space to explore, learn new skills, and gain the ability to truly enjoy your life. I am available every other Monday for in person appointments and have some evening availability for counseling via telehealth.

25 years as a clinical social worker has taught me that finding the right therapist is like trying on a pair of shoes. It has to be the right fit for you to start the journey of self-exploration. I believe in a strength based approach, where we not only explore the issues that brought you to therapy, but we explore how to expand the things that bring you joy and happiness. As Dr. Seuss once said, “life is a great balancing act” and he could not have been more right. My practice focuses on individual therapy for adolescents, and adults. My areas of expertise include depression, mood disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, and transitional issues of work, relationships, etc. Client’s describe me as genuine and authentic, supportive, strength based, straight forward, and always keeping hope alive.

I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over 10 years. My Master’s in Social Work focused on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality and how our different life experiences shape how we navigate our surroundings. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, some of my approaches to helping my clients identify their challenges and barriers to their identified problem starts with a person-centered and solution-focused approach to therapy. I recognize a client's right to self-determination, and I want to empower clients I work with to collaboratively come up with their own obtainable short-term and or long-term plans and goals for the present and the future lives they want to live. Let’s further explore together how to use better the tools you’ve been working with and perhaps add additional tools to the toolbox or not.

Please note- I schedule appointments only at the top of each hour. Your healing can start today! My name is Renee H. Tunkel. I go by Hannah. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California since 2011. I have extensive background in body, mind, spirit somatic and holistic therapies. For those inclined, I incorporate a few moments of mindfulness meditation at the start of each session, to bring a centered, grounded focus that allows you to connect more deeply to your Inner and/or Higher Self, as well as to gain access to the unconscious mind, where the root of the issue lies. Since 1997, I have been helping individuals heal from anxiety, chronic pain, childhood trauma, sleep disorders, and problems of early attachment problems (prenatal and birth trauma) through my business All Ways Well Within. I also have been helping couples improve communication, deepen intimacy, and experience more sexual fulfillment in relationships. You are not alone! We all have old beliefs, feelings, and self-defeating patterns that get in the way of expressing our best selves and living our greatest lives, but this can change if you commit to doing the work!

Hi, I'm Kylie and I have been a therapist for 8 years, and am EMDR Certified. I support people who experience anxiety, symptoms from trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. I have a two step approach. First I teach people how to regulate themselves in-the-moment. That way they can get back to emotional safety when things are not feeling right. Then I help people find ways to stop what is bothering them before it even starts. That can look like setting a routine that helps reduce anxiety, processing past trauma, surrounding yourself with people that make you feel great, or figuring out what gives your life meaning and helping you do that.

My name is Javier Meléndez (he/him/his), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience in counseling, including 6 years as a clinical social worker and 5 years as a youth and young adult minister. I hold dual Master's degrees in Social Work and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, equipping me with a unique blend of clinical and holistic expertise. I specialize in trauma care, particularly focusing on spiritual and intergenerational traumas, as well as challenges related to sexual identity. I also address accompanying issues like anxiety, depression, existential distress, and intergenerational conflicts within family. My practice is deeply rooted in an ecopsychosomatic framework, where we explore the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment. I aim to help you become more in tune with your thoughts, emotions, and body to effectively regulate your nervous system, promoting a more mindful, embodied, and connected way of life. As a Puerto Rican/Taino and bisexual member of the LGBTQ community, I offer a culturally sensitive, safe, and affirming space for individuals to explore their cultural, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and have primarily worked with Latinx populations. I'm deeply committed to the belief that reestablishing our connection to nature and the Earth is essential for holistic healing. My approach blends traditional therapeutic methods with innovative nature-based therapies to help you achieve balance, wellness, and a fulfilling life. I commend you for taking this step toward wholeness and look forward to working with you.

If you are feeling stressed, self-critical, down or worried, I would like to help you feel more confident, calm, in control, and engaged in your life. My approach to counseling is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore and overcome obstacles in order to grow, heal and become the best version of yourself. With patience and understanding, I’ll assist you in uncovering new strengths, perspectives and solutions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and together we will set meaningful goals based on what you want to change or improve about yourself, your life, or your relationships. Reaching out for help shows courage. As your therapist, I will work with you to develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and help you learn strategies and skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

I work with individuals who grew up with a pervasive sense that they were “outside the box”. Perhaps this was due to neurodivergence, cultural differences or struggles with gender and/or sexuality. Many of my clients arrive with previous diagnoses of ADHD, autism, anxiety and/or depression. They often have a creative side that has been suppressed in order to focus more on developing a professional self. Many of my clients report feeling like they have to wear a mask in the workplace and in social situations. It is not uncommon for them to feel lost, numb or lacking direction in their life. As a therapist, my strengths are in my ability to follow creative lines and tie together seemingly complex thought and behavior systems to give you deeper awareness of the issues that present for you. My education and experience in community health and mental healthcare has prepared me as a therapist to provide therapeutic care that goes beyond asking deep questions. My approach to therapy is non-judgmental and is driven by the strengths of my clients. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Together we can find a path.

I am Wes Hardcastle-Orr a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of California. I have lived in many states and several countries overseas in my work with active-duty personnel and veterans. I practice a type of CBT called Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This therapy works well for a broad range of problems and difficulties. Common issues I work with include Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders and Work or Personal Stress and much more.

I am a dual-licensed LMFT/LPCC in both California and Arizona, and I've been in practice for eight years. I currently reside in Phoenix and provide therapeutic services via telehealth to individuals, couples, and families. I received my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and my Bachelor's of Science at Northern Arizona University. I was born and raised in Phoenix, and identify as biracial (Vietnamese/Caucasian), queer, and non-religious. I have background experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, specifically in schools/in-home, community mental health, and psychiatric settings. I am seasoned in treating behavioral and mood/anxiety-related disorders, autism, trauma, gender dysphoria, and relationship issues. Outside of my career, I enjoy art, piano, cooking, traveling, and going on romps with my Malinois pup, Ranni.

Do you find yourself feeling stuck, stressed out, or overwhelmed? Are you looking to create a healthy life and find peace? I am here to walk with you along your journey. Starting therapy can be a big step and it takes courage. I believe therapy is a place for healing and a way for you to value your mental health and well-being. I use a warm, non-judgmental approach to help clients navigate through stressful life situations and live authentically.

Hi there, I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California. Over the past decade, I have been helping others explore and process current and past challenging thoughts, emotions, and experiences to help them live a more fulfilling life. I believe that you have what you need inside of you to not just survive but thrive and my job is to help you reconnect with it. I believe that regardless of where you are in life or what you have been through, you can be whole, you can live, you can have safe, healthy, happy, stable relationships with others and yourself. Therapy is not easy, finding and protecting your peace takes work. If you are ready to take that next step, I will happily join you and walk along side you. You are not in this alone, and I will be rooting for you!

Navigating the ups and downs of life can be difficult. And then you add complex thoughts and emotions to the mix, all the while attempting to find a therapist that can be a good fit for you? Phew, that’s tough. My name is Jason and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I had the privilege of working with clients who all had very diverse backgrounds and were in very different life stages. In each interaction, I tailored my interventions to their specific situation and symptoms. Whether the topics centered around anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I ensured the tools we developed were done collaboratively and in a safe space.

Hi! My name is Maria. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I have many years of experience working with children, youth and their families, who have experienced trauma. I will work with you and empower you to know that your voice is heard; you are seen; and that you matter.

Marcos Apolonio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in counseling in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. He partners with clients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals using evidence-based practices. He uses empowering and strengthening approaches, acknowledging the influence of social inequities, to provide a space where the person feels safe for sharing and processing to treat various conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance dependency, trauma, relationship issues, religious and spiritual trauma, and more. He is a Doctor of Clinical Social Work Program from the University of Pennsylvania, received his Master of Social Work degree with an emphasis in Community Mental Health from California State University East Bay, and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Universidade Adventista São Paulo, Brazil. He has extensive experience working with the LGBTQ community addressing issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and the impact of oppression. He is a lecturer at California State University East Bay and San Jose State University in the Master of Social Work Program.

Welcome! I am a licensed clinician with a masters in marriage and family therapy and a background in pastoral ministry and counseling. I have been a therapist for 15 years and specialize in helping people move through loss, change, relational stress, career stress, and life transition through a holistic, humanistic, eclectic, and straight forward approach. Working with me, you will be challenged to move past the obstacles you face as you move towards your self-defined goals.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#142738), I specialize in trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, life transitions, anxiety, and depression, I am passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults on their journey to well-being. My commitment to being client-centered means that I prioritize your unique experiences, values, and goals throughout our work together. I am someone who is passionate about the work I do and want clients to feel validated and seen; sometimes for the first time in their lives.

Have you been a little more stressed than usual? Are you having a hard time adjusting to a change or shift in your life? Or maybe you have been struggling with sexual challenges. I empower adults to better navigate anxiety and various life stressors. From struggling with relationships to decreasing anxiety, or even just wanting to become the best version of yourself. I am a therapist that provides a safe space for you to explore, navigate, and heal from the obstacles that keep you from thriving! I use a collaborative approach and am here to support, empower, and honor you and the person you want to be.

I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist and advocate in community mental health and non-profit settings. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Therapy, and Psychotherapy for issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Everyone seeking therapy comes for various reasons; my aim will be to help you identify and examine your goals, recognize what barriers are standing in your way, and help you build the motivation, coping skills and emotional resilience to see those goals come to fruition. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for increased access to mental health support for traditionally marginalized communities. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, one in which both of us is contributing, learning, and growing, so let’s work together to improve your mental health and well-being!

I'm Ayla! I'm a clinical social worker passionate about helping people deal with the mental and emotional stresses that come with managing chronic illness, disability, and aging. I believe building an authentic human relationship rooted in non-judgement, caring attention, and respect for your unique goals is the key to effective therapy. For me, humor is an essential tool for connection and helps soften the difficult and sometimes painful work of healing. I aim for a balance between deep, transformative reflection and practical changes that can make everyday life feel lighter.

I am an alternative, openminded, non-judgmental therapist for those folks who have felt marginalized, ostracized, bullied, and judged for expressing parts of themselves that may be deemed "weird" or misunderstood. I am educated and experienced in LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues in unconventional relationships (poly, kink, platonic, etc.) I seek to help clients explore their values that have likely been buried by trauma, shame, and people-pleasing, and help form a structure to living a life that feels more genuine.