LGBTQ+ Therapists in Irvine, CA
See all therapists in Irvine
LGBTQ+ Couples & Individuals (LGBTherapy Matters)
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I'm an openly
gay
therapist and proud member of the
LGBTQ
+ Community and I have been personally navigating my own Coming Out Journey for over 20 years, so I understand what you're going through, and I offer a safe space to allow you to discover your authentic self and to let others see who you were born to be.
Navigating the Coming Out Journey is a lifelong process, and going through it—with or without a partner—while dealing with the judgment and expectations from family, work, church, and society, instills shame, fear, confusion, pain, suffering, and loss that seems to control every waking moment.
Katie Moore
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Moore has a subspecialty in working with
LGBTQIA
+ individuals and their families.
Dr. Katie Moore is a highly experienced licensed clinical psychologist with an extraordinary ability to connect with teens and adults who have been unable to make progress, or were even unwilling to meet, with previous therapists. Additionally, she is formally trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): two of the premier evidence based treatments for trauma. Dr. Moore started her career as a therapist treating adults, including severely and persistently mentally ill adults in a locked psychiatric facility.
Emily Ruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
As a
queer
, latinx licensed therapist, I understand the unique experiences and obstacles faced by
LGBTQ
+ people of color. I work alongside clients, exploring their strengths, resilience, and finding ways to build a fulfilling life that aligns with their values and authentic self, rather than the version of themselves they've had to become to conform to the pressures of the world around them. I strive to empower clients to increase their sense of safety and connection to themselves, their bodies and the difficult systems they navigate.
Irvine, CA 92612
& Online
Justin Amigo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Justin is a passionate clinician who is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity in mental healthcare. As an
LGBTQ
+ identifying clinician, Justin brings a unique perspective to his work that's rooted in compassion and empathy for marginalized communities. He focuses on providing trauma-informed care. Justin holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. His areas of expertise include treating teens and young adults,
LGBTQ
+ populations, Asian American and Filipinx individuals, interpersonal conflict, and career counseling.
Insight4Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with the
LGBTQ
+, BIPOC,
transgender
and gender non-conforming, and culturally diverse communities.
Hello! I'm a licensed therapist practicing in Costa Mesa, CA, who enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, self/family acceptance, relationship conflicts, and trauma. If you are feeling stuck and wanting to change, therapy is an option worth exploring. Let me help you improve your emotional well being, enhance your ability to engage in relationships, and empower you with the tools necessary to restore balance in your life.
Frank Patti, LMFT, Psy.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Gender Dysphoria -
Gay
and
Lesbian
Identity - Relationships.
Sometimes we need an unbiased perspective when faced with major life changes. Explore and resolve unanswered questions about your GENDER or Sexual Orientation with a caring and experienced therapist. Learn proven techniques for managing anxiety, depression or alcohol / drug use. Does the discovery that one is
Transgender
,
Gay
or
Lesbian
necessarily mean the end of one's current relationship? Discover ways to challenge self limiting beliefs and relationship patterns learned during childhood and adolescence.
Ryan Borland
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Constantly anxious or find your self people pleasing? Have difficulty identifying how you are feeling and what you might even need? You might even feel overwhelmed with this huge list of therapists you are scrolling through! I get it and understand just how overwhelming life can be. If you are looking for help with anxiety, perfectionism, and/or relationship conflicts, there is help. I am also an
LGBTQ
affirming therapist with experience working with the community.
Shuchang Kang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Kang (pronouns: she/her) accompanies individuals on their journeys of self-understanding through exploring moments of connection and disconnection while empowering individuals to make decisions based on their increased awareness of the interplay among self, social, and cultural factors. Dr. Kang is skilled in mindfulness-based intervention with a focus on mind-body connection, trauma-informed therapy, and exposure and response prevention in addressing various concerns. Dr. Kang is dedicated in serving marginalized populations, including but not limited to members from ethnic/racial minority, immigrant, and
LGBTQ
+ communities.
Affirming Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Therapists at Affirming Psychological Services have various subspecialties, such as
transgender
care, behavioral analysis, and substance abuse treatment.
The clinicians at Affirming Psychological Services are highly experienced in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression. All of our clinicians are also trained in treating the needs of the
LGBT
+ community, and many of our clinicians have lived experience as part of this community. We are conveniently located in Irvine, CA, and can provide both in person and telehealth services for you and your loved ones. We provide individual, couples, and family therapy as well as psychological testing and diagnostic clarification services. We provide a safe, comforting environment and expert therapists to help you meet your therapeutic goals.
Sandra Boodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience helping clients work through and heal from with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic illness, substance use, harm reduction, women’s health, sexual & reproductive health, the
LGBTQIA
+ community and gender-affirming care. During my many years in community mental health and medical settings, I gained specific expertise in trauma work, sexual and gender identity, and the use of a social justice framework. I work closely with clients to create a collaborative, patient-lead treatment plan. As a provider
Meghan Malloy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with couples and families who are looking to improve their relationships. My areas of specialization include enhancing communication, navigating divorce, parenting, understanding neurodivergence, coping with disability, supporting
LGBTQ
+ identities, and managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Much of my work also centers around unpacking racial trauma, healing from religious trauma, and helping families navigate academic challenges.
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Cynthia Elaine Roe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, She/Her
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treating clients with major depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting and relationship issues, adoption- and infertility-related concerns, and
LGBTQ
issues.
I am passionate about my work, because it allows me to help people become their best selves. For over thirty years, I have helped my clients to improve the quality of their lives by helping them to see that their struggles are not because there is something wrong with them, but because something wrong happened to them. My vision for my clients is that they learn how to practice self-compassion, to let go of debilitating shame, to live an authentic life, and to experience true joy.
Dr. Shauna Amadore
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have over 20 years experience helping women and men with issues like relationships, assertiveness, anger management,
lesbian
/
gay
experience, adult children of alcoholics, depression, anxiety, infertility, parenting, adults abused as children, eating disorders, and more.
Do you want a safe, caring place to explore? I enjoy working with individuals and couples interested in healing personal or relational difficulties. I will listen to what your current issues are and how these connect with your historical experiences. I will listen carefully to how you understand your experience, and will help make sense of what might feel confusing. I believe it is important that you feel safe and respected as you work toward understanding and healing.
Brittany Minna
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I am a
LGBTQIA
+ affirming and specialize in helping clients understand themselves and experience whether issues be specific to their gender and identity or relationships with others.
Life is full of difficulty and uncertainty, as a therapist, I work towards creating a safe space for my clients to explore themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to help them heal through self discovery. My hope is to provide them with the necessary understanding to create change and minimize suffering. I invite my clients to explore their earliest relationships to help them identify how those dynamics may be impacting their current life. I believe by bringing awareness to what is unconscious, my clients will have a better opportunity to make healthier lasting change with understanding.
Linh Blackney
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, and
LGBTQ
issues, but am able to address many other issues as well.
Have you ever needed someone who can listen- actually listen- and help you work through problems in your life? So have I! We all have and that’s why I became a therapist. I believe that everyone can grow and I'd love the opportunity to help you get to where you want to be. I provide a non-judgmental and safe space for clients as you embark on this path to self-discovery and healing.
Sara Hoadley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in adult ADD/ADHD management, sex therapy, and
LGBTQ
+ affirmative, kink/poly affirmative care for individuals and couples.
I work with clients to find a new perspective on life. Growing up, we are told/hear things about what we “should” do or how we “should” feel. Should statements can cause clients to struggle with anxiety, depression, issues with connections with themselves or others, and much more. I view clients as the expert in their life and work with them to find their authentic selves by working on compassion, acceptance, and empowerment. Our world has changed, and societal expectations are changing, this gives us all the opportunity to discover our true priorities. How we show up for ourselves, friends, family, relationships, and our careers.
Jin S. Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I specialize in helping navigate the complex experiences of people who hold multiple identities, in other words, those who identify with one or more traditionally marginalized and oppressed groups such as
LGBTQ
, racial, gender, religious, and cultural minorities.
Authenticity, self-acceptance, and social justice are the tenets that guide my work as a therapist. Through our work in cultivating an affirming and nonjudgemental relationship, and drawing from both of our lived experiences, I will support you in deconstructing what is causing ongoing distress in your life, help facilitate insight and empowerment, and foster building healthier and more authentic relationships with your self and with others.
Sarina Lagor I Anxiety Trauma Attachment
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You should feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I aim to create that environment for each of my clients. I specialize in working with those that want to improve their anxiety, trauma, and/or ADHD. I only do Telehealth sessions, meaning you can wear sweatpants and do phone, video, or instant message sessions from your couch. I am
LGBTQ
+ affirming, and strive to be anti-racist in my personal and professional life.
Andy Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT, EMDR
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
I'm also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) with experience working with Asian American men, Christian ministry workers, and
LGBTQ
clients.
I'm a 2nd generation Korean-American Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma, sexual addictions, and Christian spirituality issues. Not everyone is gravely affected by trauma, but some of us may find that our past experiences have made it increasingly difficult to manage our lives. As an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist (and Consultant in Training), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and Certified Brainspotting Professional (BSP), I employ the latest techniques to help people recover from trauma and learn to see life from a more adaptive perspective.
Joseph Mauch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I'm experienced with relational and emotional issues including depression, anxiety, transition,
LGBTQ
issues, complex trauma, spirituality, substance abuse and identity issues.
I’m a clinical psychologist and I specialize in therapy for adults. If you’re here, I’m guessing it’s because you are struggling with something in your life and feel like you need help. I know how hard it can be to reach out and ask for help, and I’m glad that you’ve made it this far. Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting and mysterious. At the most basic level, therapy is just two people relating with one another in a relaxed, safe, and supportive atmosphere. What makes it different from other relationships is that we keep the focus on you, and I have specialized training that enables me to foster the conditions necessary for change.
See more therapy options for
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.