LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 78215
Brandon Roberts
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
I have spent over a decade gaining experience in the human service field, working with trauma survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, suicidal ideation/behaviors, elderly, veterans, people faced with turning points, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
Everyone has a unique story with varied challenges, trauma, and coping strategies. I adapt my practice to meet clients where they are and work with them to improve distress tolerance skills, interpersonal relationships, and emotion regulation. My practice is client-centered, strength-based, and focused on building resilience while we progress toward positive change.
I have spent over a decade gaining experience in the human service field, working with trauma survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, suicidal ideation/behaviors, elderly, veterans, people faced with turning points, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
Everyone has a unique story with varied challenges, trauma, and coping strategies. I adapt my practice to meet clients where they are and work with them to improve distress tolerance skills, interpersonal relationships, and emotion regulation. My practice is client-centered, strength-based, and focused on building resilience while we progress toward positive change.
Polett Coss
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
I serve and specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, psychological trauma, relational ruptures, and LGBTQ+ struggles.
I view counseling through a cultural lens, this means I focus on all the dimensions of your lived experience as an individual who interacts with the world around them. My goal as a counselor is to help you acknowledge and consider your cognitive, emotional, relational, spiritual, motivational, and aspirational facets. It is my hope to support your self-healing journey by facilitating a deeper understanding of your worldview perspective, connections, and goals.
I serve and specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, psychological trauma, relational ruptures, and LGBTQ+ struggles.
I view counseling through a cultural lens, this means I focus on all the dimensions of your lived experience as an individual who interacts with the world around them. My goal as a counselor is to help you acknowledge and consider your cognitive, emotional, relational, spiritual, motivational, and aspirational facets. It is my hope to support your self-healing journey by facilitating a deeper understanding of your worldview perspective, connections, and goals.
Sandra Y. Alaniz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215
Sandra Y. Alaniz is a licensed professional counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2010. She earned a Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health from Webster University. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Sandra offers a trusting, nurturing, and supportive environment to enable you to gently to explore and begin your healing journey.
Sandra Y. Alaniz is a licensed professional counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2010. She earned a Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health from Webster University. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Sandra offers a trusting, nurturing, and supportive environment to enable you to gently to explore and begin your healing journey.
Mireya Tamez
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215
Mireya Tamez is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 1992. Mireya has an MA in Clinical Counseling from St. Mary's University. Mireya is able to help clients by meeting them where they are in their journey and by exploring with each individual a wholistic wellness model that fits their needs. Outside of work, Mireya enjoys spending time with family as well as binge watching on HULU and Netflix, meeting with friends for brunch, and weekend getaways with family.
Mireya Tamez is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 1992. Mireya has an MA in Clinical Counseling from St. Mary's University. Mireya is able to help clients by meeting them where they are in their journey and by exploring with each individual a wholistic wellness model that fits their needs. Outside of work, Mireya enjoys spending time with family as well as binge watching on HULU and Netflix, meeting with friends for brunch, and weekend getaways with family.
Elaine Brandon
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215
Elaine earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1987; however, quickly discovered that she wanted more. She went back to school and earned her Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Guidance and Counseling; both from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has specialized training to include play therapy techniques, trauma and abuse, trauma informed care, conduct disorders, solution focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She became an LPC Supervisor in 2006.
Elaine earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1987; however, quickly discovered that she wanted more. She went back to school and earned her Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Guidance and Counseling; both from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has specialized training to include play therapy techniques, trauma and abuse, trauma informed care, conduct disorders, solution focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She became an LPC Supervisor in 2006.
Esmeralda Barraza
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215
Esmeralda Barraza is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. Growing up Esmeralda heard stigmas and false narratives about getting help. There was a shame associated with receiving counseling. Esmeralda now knows that providing education about what counseling could be, could help save a life. Outside of work, Esmeralda enjoys spending quality time with family, baking/cooking, and attempting to farm.
Esmeralda Barraza is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. Growing up Esmeralda heard stigmas and false narratives about getting help. There was a shame associated with receiving counseling. Esmeralda now knows that providing education about what counseling could be, could help save a life. Outside of work, Esmeralda enjoys spending quality time with family, baking/cooking, and attempting to farm.
Shawna Scarnato
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 15 years’ experience working with adults, adolescents and their families. Life comes with struggles, but these struggles don't have to become who we are. I believe we all find our own ways of coping and healing, but sometimes we need additional support to help us make healthy decisions.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 15 years’ experience working with adults, adolescents and their families. Life comes with struggles, but these struggles don't have to become who we are. I believe we all find our own ways of coping and healing, but sometimes we need additional support to help us make healthy decisions.
Rosario (Rosie) Ortiz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78215
Waitlist for new clients
My desire is to invest in people’s mental health and their well-being by working together to achieve goals, find their highest potential, and become whole. I work with my clients as they transition in life, working in unison to fulfill a positive, energetic, and meaningful life. My intentions are to join and meet my clients where they find themselves in life. It is my humble desire to help individuals seek opportunities for self discovery. Whether you are a student, have a professional career, seeking direction in life, and/or require a safe, empathetic, and understanding atmosphere, I am ready to assist you.
My desire is to invest in people’s mental health and their well-being by working together to achieve goals, find their highest potential, and become whole. I work with my clients as they transition in life, working in unison to fulfill a positive, energetic, and meaningful life. My intentions are to join and meet my clients where they find themselves in life. It is my humble desire to help individuals seek opportunities for self discovery. Whether you are a student, have a professional career, seeking direction in life, and/or require a safe, empathetic, and understanding atmosphere, I am ready to assist you.
Dr. Lindsay Bira
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
I help you gain control over difficult issues QUICKLY to feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. First, we need the right understanding of the issue ... then I use research-based approaches to maximize benefit in as few sessions as possible. Many of my clients are high-functioning, working professionals who are experiencing symptoms they just can't shake - we work together to solve that and get you back to feeling good in your life. Even just 1 session of good therapy should feel very helpful.
I help you gain control over difficult issues QUICKLY to feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. First, we need the right understanding of the issue ... then I use research-based approaches to maximize benefit in as few sessions as possible. Many of my clients are high-functioning, working professionals who are experiencing symptoms they just can't shake - we work together to solve that and get you back to feeling good in your life. Even just 1 session of good therapy should feel very helpful.
Charley (Rachel) Howard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
Our minds can be real asshats sometimes, and this often makes us sad, annoyed, frustrated, even down right depressive. Using a mindful, relational, somatic and holistic perspective with psychoeducation, humor and sometimes silliness, I will work collaboratively with you to help you discover the strengths that will allow you to overcome self-sabotaging behavior or any other inner obstacle, and to regain a sense of wholeness and meaning. Only offering telehealth services for the state of Texas and I don't accept insurance.
Our minds can be real asshats sometimes, and this often makes us sad, annoyed, frustrated, even down right depressive. Using a mindful, relational, somatic and holistic perspective with psychoeducation, humor and sometimes silliness, I will work collaboratively with you to help you discover the strengths that will allow you to overcome self-sabotaging behavior or any other inner obstacle, and to regain a sense of wholeness and meaning. Only offering telehealth services for the state of Texas and I don't accept insurance.
Deborah Loukas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78215 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Have you been going to therapy for years, yet find yourself still struggling? Perhaps you're highly emotional, angry, anxious, depressed, avoiding, having distressing habits, or feeling hopeless like life isn't worth living. These behaviors are common with individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or who have had highly stressful or difficulties with family of origin, all of which can compromise your sense of self, safety, and your ability to maintain healthy relationships with those you love the most. Know that you are not alone, and that I can help.
Have you been going to therapy for years, yet find yourself still struggling? Perhaps you're highly emotional, angry, anxious, depressed, avoiding, having distressing habits, or feeling hopeless like life isn't worth living. These behaviors are common with individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or who have had highly stressful or difficulties with family of origin, all of which can compromise your sense of self, safety, and your ability to maintain healthy relationships with those you love the most. Know that you are not alone, and that I can help.
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.