Gender-Affirming Therapy Therapists in California

Gender-Affirming Therapy provides a safe, supportive space for individuals exploring, affirming, or navigating their gender identity. This compassionate approach addresses mental health needs related to gender identity, expression, and the challenges of navigating these experiences, empowering clients to build confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance. With 11 gender-affirming therapists in California, you can access expert care tailored to your unique journey. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently welcoming new clients, offering timely access to specialized and inclusive mental health support.

Debbie Llera

(she/her)

Debbie Llera, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$145/session
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and Welcome to a positive journey for a successful therapeutic experience! I am a licensed MFT in California. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in healthcare since 1985, and I love my career with passion. I hold a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling, Marriage, Child, and Family Therapy. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 10 years. Further, I am a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP), which includes working extensively with clients who have experienced complex trauma. Along with working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress, I am honored and privileged to provide psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to clients experiencing treatment resistant-depression. My emphasis includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as the LGBTQIA2S+ population. Within the mental health field, I have worked with severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents in residential treatment, group therapy practices, and presently I own and operate my current private practice. I practice traditional approaches as well as integrative, naturalistic, mindfulness and meditation, and holistic care. I am trained, certified, and passionate providing Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for clients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. My focus in mental and behavioral health encompasses and emphasizes meeting and connecting with my clients where they are and building a strong, safe, and trusting relationship. I sincerely believe in approaching my clients and their challenges in life with an open mind and gentle heart. I will always persevere to assist my clients with a healthy, natural, and realistic approach as it relates to their intentions and motivation for a successful life.

Jennifer Tune

Jennifer Tune, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$110/session
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California . I specialize in Early Childhood Trauma, PTSD and LGBTQ issues and have been practicing for 8 years. I help adults to better understand their trauma, develop coping skills to better resolve your activated nervous system, and help to create a better relationship between your self and the past life events that are holding you back.

Jenni Carlsen

(she/her)

Jenni Carlsen, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$180/session
LMFT
19 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing care to adults, couples and adolescents. I have a wide variety of clinical specialties but find that the therapeutic relationship is the most essential part of therapy. I feel it is important for clients to feel safe, heard and respected. Therapy is collaborative and I am here to provide resources and evidenced based interventions.

Judith Leitch

(she/they)

Judith Leitch, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$180/session
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
I'm here to provide an encouraging experience where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly while working towards your goals. As a provider, I am supportive, validating, and focused on you. Within this framework, I am also honest and direct, qualities I find many people appreciate in a therapeutic relationship. I think of therapy as a tool that can get you to a new way of thinking or out of a rut. Therapy can also be hard work, but that doesn't mean it has to be a hard time. I've been in the field long enough to know how normal having problems is. The people I work with appreciate that therapy can be a place to laugh, cry, and sometimes both at the same time. Life is weird, but having help can help.

Carmon Williams

Carmon Williams, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Kaiser client you need a referral from Kaiser first then Kaiser will send you a link to book a session with me. Do you feel anxious or depressed? Is this affecting your relationships and overall happiness? Anxiety and depression can be displayed in many ways but are some of the most common issues faced by people today. Therapy can help break the cycle of stress and aid in developing the necessary tools to combat life stressors. I have specific training in treating grief, anxiety, depression, anger issues, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. If you do not see a time that fits your schedule please get in touch with me to see if I can open my availability.

Lauren Abasheva, LA Counseling Studio

(she/her)

Lauren Abasheva, LA Counseling Studio, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$110/session
LPCC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Do you ever feel like you have to monitor, pull back, and even hide yourself from others? From friends, family, acquaintances, even from yourself? Do you tend to put your needs and wants at the bottom of the list? Are you ready to commit to you? Together we will work side by side to help strengthen your confidence, awareness, insight, healing and make progress within yourself. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, Sex-positive, Kink-knowledgeable, Gender affirming, and Trauma therapist I understand that we are all different. I provide a laid-back atmosphere. I focus on helping others build an understanding about themselves, their identity, their relationships, their spiritual relationships, and the relationship they have with sex. Help others understand their trauma whether that be physical, mental, sexual, spiritual, etc. While utilizing evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, and empower you. I view mental health as important as physical health. When an injury/illness occurs, seeking professional intervention, guidance, and support can improve overall wellness. Depending on your physical environment, social circle, culture, religion, heredity, and experiences. Life can look limited. Let's continue to stay curious. There are options out there that do align with you and your values. Let's work together resulting in a healthier and happier you.

Ashley Neal

(she/her)

Ashley Neal, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$110/session
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Lancaster, CA, with a Master's degree from Pepperdine University, and have been working as a therapist for the past 6 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families, helping them navigate a variety of challenges such as conflict resolution, self-esteem, academic concerns, and social issues. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused, empowering individuals and families to find balance and improve their overall well-being.

Heather Waddle

(she/her)

Heather Waddle, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
HI! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I received my Masters in Social Work from CSU Sacramento in 2010. I have been licensed since 2014. I assist my clients in seeing areas of opportunity for growth and healing. Together we develop goals and solutions to help you live your best life. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.

Erin Spencer

(she/her)

Erin Spencer, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located just outside of Portland, Oregon. I am licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 18 years and work full time as a manager in a large healthcare organization. I love being able to work with people to identify their goals and strategies to meet those goals, then support them along their journey. Please note: I do not specialize in couples' counseling. I work with individuals, and if appropriate and discussed thoroughly ahead of time, we may invite a significant other into a session as part of the work on your individual goals. If you are looking for therapy for you and your partner together, I highly recommend finding a provider who has training and experience to work with couples to get the most out of your therapy experience.

Kiana Shelton

(she/her)

Kiana Shelton, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$115/session
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! My name is Kiana Shelton. I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience. As a Black Woman, Mother, and Ally to all marginalized populations. I know not everyone is equipped to hold your vulnerability. My commitment to fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship allows me to guide individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves, facilitating their journey towards growth and emotional well-being. Together, we can discover the paths to resilience, inner peace, and a more fulfilling life.

Kylie Kellas

(she/her)

Kylie Kellas, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
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.

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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by California rather than a city like LA?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.
Gender-affirming therapy Therapists