LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Castro Valley, CA
I specialize in life transitions (gender, age, profession, etc.), adoption/foster care issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and issues related to navigating the world as a person of color.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
I specialize in life transitions (gender, age, profession, etc.), adoption/foster care issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and issues related to navigating the world as a person of color.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
Taylor Odom | Affirming Therapy for ADHD &
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
I love working with a diverse range of clients, but in particular, I’ve spent years supporting children and adults who are autistic, gifted, twice-exceptional, have ADHD, or are otherwise neurodivergent. At the heart of my work is a belief that everyone deserves to feel understood and accepted as they are, and that this acceptance is necessary for real growth and change.
Many of the clients I work with are developing a new understanding of themselves. Together, we explore what it means to embrace their differences while also building supportive, practical coping skills that make daily life feel more manageable and fulfilling.
I love working with a diverse range of clients, but in particular, I’ve spent years supporting children and adults who are autistic, gifted, twice-exceptional, have ADHD, or are otherwise neurodivergent. At the heart of my work is a belief that everyone deserves to feel understood and accepted as they are, and that this acceptance is necessary for real growth and change.
Many of the clients I work with are developing a new understanding of themselves. Together, we explore what it means to embrace their differences while also building supportive, practical coping skills that make daily life feel more manageable and fulfilling.
Hello! I support adults navigating depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, and multicultural concerns, providing a space to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. I have over 10 years of experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including the past 3 years as a licensed clinical psychologist.
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent eight years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a memory care unit. That experience shaped my understanding of caregiver stress and the emotional impact of caregiving. It supports my belief that self-care and balance aren’t luxuries, they’re essential.
Hello! I support adults navigating depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, and multicultural concerns, providing a space to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. I have over 10 years of experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including the past 3 years as a licensed clinical psychologist.
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent eight years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a memory care unit. That experience shaped my understanding of caregiver stress and the emotional impact of caregiving. It supports my belief that self-care and balance aren’t luxuries, they’re essential.
Wherever you are in your journey to a fuller self, I appreciate and admire your courage in seeking help. Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your family, I am here to help you find new ways to manage your emotions, deal with stressful relationships or transitions, and overcome grief and trauma. Whether your concerns are manifesting as anxiety, stress, depression, or substance use issues, there is a different way forward than continuing to push through. I work with men of color who are managing intersectional stress, as well as clients from all backgrounds, including individual adults, teens, parents, and families.
Wherever you are in your journey to a fuller self, I appreciate and admire your courage in seeking help. Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your family, I am here to help you find new ways to manage your emotions, deal with stressful relationships or transitions, and overcome grief and trauma. Whether your concerns are manifesting as anxiety, stress, depression, or substance use issues, there is a different way forward than continuing to push through. I work with men of color who are managing intersectional stress, as well as clients from all backgrounds, including individual adults, teens, parents, and families.
My practice is LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming, culturally attuned, and trauma-responsive, with specialized training in trauma, eating disorders, and relationship challenges.
My approach blends psychodynamic therapy with experiential and somatic modalities, including EMDR, KAP, KA-EMDR, trauma-informed yoga, and Ecotherapy. I stay deeply engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and compassionately challenge, while trusting you as the expert on your own experience. I bring an existential lens to unearth what’s been overlooked.
My practice is LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming, culturally attuned, and trauma-responsive, with specialized training in trauma, eating disorders, and relationship challenges.
My approach blends psychodynamic therapy with experiential and somatic modalities, including EMDR, KAP, KA-EMDR, trauma-informed yoga, and Ecotherapy. I stay deeply engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and compassionately challenge, while trusting you as the expert on your own experience. I bring an existential lens to unearth what’s been overlooked.
Hi, I’m Madison Steele, LMFT, specializing in eating disorders and related challenges. Since 2019, I’ve worked with individuals across various settings, supporting them at different life stages. I recognize that disordered eating often intertwines with broader emotional issues, and my approach is client-centered and judgment-free. I collaborate with registered dietitians to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the diverse experiences that shape our relationships with food and self. I’m here to meet you where you are and support your journey to holistic well-being.
Hi, I’m Madison Steele, LMFT, specializing in eating disorders and related challenges. Since 2019, I’ve worked with individuals across various settings, supporting them at different life stages. I recognize that disordered eating often intertwines with broader emotional issues, and my approach is client-centered and judgment-free. I collaborate with registered dietitians to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the diverse experiences that shape our relationships with food and self. I’m here to meet you where you are and support your journey to holistic well-being.
Hi,
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who brings warmth, curiosity, and collaboration to my sessions. I help individuals and families manage anxiety, depression, and life challenges and support couples in improving communication, strengthening connection, and navigating conflict. I primarily use a psychodynamic approach but draw from of a variety of other methods — including CBT, solution-focused therapy, feedback-informed care, and Gottman-informed couples therapy — tailoring my work to each client’s unique needs and strengths.
Hi,
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who brings warmth, curiosity, and collaboration to my sessions. I help individuals and families manage anxiety, depression, and life challenges and support couples in improving communication, strengthening connection, and navigating conflict. I primarily use a psychodynamic approach but draw from of a variety of other methods — including CBT, solution-focused therapy, feedback-informed care, and Gottman-informed couples therapy — tailoring my work to each client’s unique needs and strengths.
As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.g., child abuse and neglect, the loss of a loved one, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, car accidents. I work with all genders, identities, and races, I specialize in working with Black womxn (cis, trans, nonbinary) and girls.
As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.g., child abuse and neglect, the loss of a loved one, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, car accidents. I work with all genders, identities, and races, I specialize in working with Black womxn (cis, trans, nonbinary) and girls.
I am also supportive and affirmative of clients of all sexual orientations and gender identifications, and can assist with issues such as coming out, homophobia, and LGBT relationship or parenting issues.
I view life as an ongoing journey where even our most difficult moments provide us with opportunities to grow, change, heal, and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Therapy can be the first step towards this growth, and I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.
I am also supportive and affirmative of clients of all sexual orientations and gender identifications, and can assist with issues such as coming out, homophobia, and LGBT relationship or parenting issues.
I view life as an ongoing journey where even our most difficult moments provide us with opportunities to grow, change, heal, and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Therapy can be the first step towards this growth, and I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.
Marc Anthony Campos-Pantoja
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPH, LCSW, PhD, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My experience includes working with the following clients: in-patient psychiatric, residential treatment, veterans dealing with substance use, developmentally disabled, substance abuse, counseling clients from multicultural backgrounds (Including: ; lgbt community).
Accepting New Clients. I am able to provide both psychological evaluations for different conditions like ADHD, Autism immigration. As well, I provide therapy/counseling. Licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience. I welcome the opportunity to work together in helping you navigate this journey. We will develop a trusting relationship to help you work on addressing your concerns. We will work as a team to help you. My advanced training in public health allows a holistic approach. In order to better meet the needs of those I’m working with I’m currently pursuing my second license as a clinical psychologist.
My experience includes working with the following clients: in-patient psychiatric, residential treatment, veterans dealing with substance use, developmentally disabled, substance abuse, counseling clients from multicultural backgrounds (Including: ; lgbt community).
Accepting New Clients. I am able to provide both psychological evaluations for different conditions like ADHD, Autism immigration. As well, I provide therapy/counseling. Licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience. I welcome the opportunity to work together in helping you navigate this journey. We will develop a trusting relationship to help you work on addressing your concerns. We will work as a team to help you. My advanced training in public health allows a holistic approach. In order to better meet the needs of those I’m working with I’m currently pursuing my second license as a clinical psychologist.
LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome.
As a clinician, I integrate relational mindfulness, somatic awareness skills, a sense of humor, and attachment-focused EMDR skills, within an anti-oppression framework. I will encourage you to deepen your mind-body awareness, listen to and respect signals you get from your body and question the beliefs underlying repetitive negative emotional states.
LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome.
As a clinician, I integrate relational mindfulness, somatic awareness skills, a sense of humor, and attachment-focused EMDR skills, within an anti-oppression framework. I will encourage you to deepen your mind-body awareness, listen to and respect signals you get from your body and question the beliefs underlying repetitive negative emotional states.
Shandra Guzman Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
You are ready to better understand and accept yourself, let go of the feelings and beliefs that make each day difficult, and do something to feel better. I believe therapy is a place to work together. My focus is to help you understand how you got to where you are now and what we can do to get you where you want to be. Let’s start with exploring your experiences, strengths and goals. I will offer a mix of proven therapies to support your healing and learning, so you can leave therapy and practice on your own.
You are ready to better understand and accept yourself, let go of the feelings and beliefs that make each day difficult, and do something to feel better. I believe therapy is a place to work together. My focus is to help you understand how you got to where you are now and what we can do to get you where you want to be. Let’s start with exploring your experiences, strengths and goals. I will offer a mix of proven therapies to support your healing and learning, so you can leave therapy and practice on your own.
I'm not taking new patients. Dealing with depression, anxiety or stress can be overwhelming — it isn’t easy to do. Every one experiences “ups and downs” in life but some “downs” can be more problematic than others. Let me help you. I offer compassionate and honest help for: repetitive relationship problems, difficult with emotional intimacy or closeness, problems at work or school, periods of marked depression or anxiety, over-consumption of alcohol or drugs, compulsive or addictive use of a computer, phone, tv, shopping, food, exercise, work or obsessive thinking and vulnerability to self injurious or self-sabotaging behaviors.
I'm not taking new patients. Dealing with depression, anxiety or stress can be overwhelming — it isn’t easy to do. Every one experiences “ups and downs” in life but some “downs” can be more problematic than others. Let me help you. I offer compassionate and honest help for: repetitive relationship problems, difficult with emotional intimacy or closeness, problems at work or school, periods of marked depression or anxiety, over-consumption of alcohol or drugs, compulsive or addictive use of a computer, phone, tv, shopping, food, exercise, work or obsessive thinking and vulnerability to self injurious or self-sabotaging behaviors.
I am a non-judgmental compassionate licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience working with children, families, teens, and adults. I am sensitive to cultural, multiethnic, and racial issues. I have experience with conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and crisis de-escalation.
I am a non-judgmental compassionate licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience working with children, families, teens, and adults. I am sensitive to cultural, multiethnic, and racial issues. I have experience with conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and crisis de-escalation.
Hello there, I'm Susie. I'm a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Spanish. I have specialized training in Art Therapy and EMDR. In my work with individuals and groups, I am compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive and creative.
Hello there, I'm Susie. I'm a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Spanish. I have specialized training in Art Therapy and EMDR. In my work with individuals and groups, I am compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive and creative.
The focus is you. People who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss sometimes forget that they matter. Other things become more important. When we work together, the most important person is you. We work on getting you better emotionally, physically and spiritually. Then you can heal and have a more balanced life. My clients tell me they appreciate how we get them unstuck in difficult times. They find hope and get energized about their life. I work well with cultural, biracial, multiracial and faith based situations. I have helped many individuals, couples, families and children achieve their goals.
The focus is you. People who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss sometimes forget that they matter. Other things become more important. When we work together, the most important person is you. We work on getting you better emotionally, physically and spiritually. Then you can heal and have a more balanced life. My clients tell me they appreciate how we get them unstuck in difficult times. They find hope and get energized about their life. I work well with cultural, biracial, multiracial and faith based situations. I have helped many individuals, couples, families and children achieve their goals.
Other areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.
I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
Other areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.
I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
"Know thyself."
Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
"Know thyself."
Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
My primary experience is working with children and adolescents and their families in coping with life's stressors, more significant mental health symptoms, and medical conditions, and developing effective coping and communication patterns. In treatment, it is my goal to work alongside your child and you to find resources and coping skills to handle overwhelming experiences. My dog Scarlet supports children suffering from anxiety about therapy and provides a safe place to process difficult emotions. I have a chronic, disabling medical condition, and I specialize in working with children with disabilities.
My primary experience is working with children and adolescents and their families in coping with life's stressors, more significant mental health symptoms, and medical conditions, and developing effective coping and communication patterns. In treatment, it is my goal to work alongside your child and you to find resources and coping skills to handle overwhelming experiences. My dog Scarlet supports children suffering from anxiety about therapy and provides a safe place to process difficult emotions. I have a chronic, disabling medical condition, and I specialize in working with children with disabilities.
I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
My specialties include all types of addictions, codependency, anxiety/depression, and relationships. I use CBT, DBT & mindfulness when appropriate. I also offer Clinical Hypnotherapy. I tend to be tool-oriented and may suggest audio recordings, outside resources, and homework. My work has been featured in the media (podcasts, interviews, publications).
I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
My specialties include all types of addictions, codependency, anxiety/depression, and relationships. I use CBT, DBT & mindfulness when appropriate. I also offer Clinical Hypnotherapy. I tend to be tool-oriented and may suggest audio recordings, outside resources, and homework. My work has been featured in the media (podcasts, interviews, publications).
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Castro Valley
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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.