LGBTQ+ Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
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Ashley Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
As a
queer
woman, I am attuned to questions regarding gender and sexuality and welcome clients who are in the process of exploring these and other parts of self.
Hi, I'm Ashley, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 13 years of experience working with adults, couples and families affected by substance use disorders, trauma and acute mental health disorders. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings which include residential, outpatient, community mental health, private practice and teaching graduate students in an adjunct role.
Zachary M Zaret
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I am a
queer
cis white male therapist with a passion for both mental health and the entertainment industry. I believe that a combination of a
queer
affirmative lens and my background in performance make me different from other therapists. My background in entertainment allows me to bring a creative and innovative approach to therapy so I can provide a unique and valuable experience to every client. My approach is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Rainer Geissler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I'm proud to support the
LGBTQ
+, sex-positive, polyamorous, and non-monogamy communities and consider sexuality to be an important part of life that should be fun for everyone.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. I strive to create an environment of compassion, authenticity and understanding, inclusive and welcoming to all clients. In working with me, you will identify the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and beliefs that are preventing you from living joyfully. I work with you to help you discover your strengths and capabilities so that you can live a life that is meaningful, rewarding and free from conflict. I believe that therapy must be engaging, non-judgmental, and supportive to facilitate growth.
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services (ADRS)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Mike Rizzo, LMFT I have worked in the addiction recovery field since 2004. From 2007 to 2019 I worked at the Los Angeles
LGBT
Center, developing and managing their Addiction Recovery Services / Crystal Meth Recovery Services. Since 7/19 thru 12/21 I was the Program Director of CAST Centers in West Hollywood. Please visit my website for more information.
Waitlist for new clients
Soren Nilsson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Many of the people who consult with me identify as artists, writers, filmmakers, educators, activists, sex workers,
queer
,
transgender
, nonbinary, polyamorous/non-monogamous, or are living in resistance to social norms in one way or another. Problems can seem to take over our lives when we choose live near the edges of what's deemed "acceptable," "respectable," or even "healthy."
Alison Picard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
13 Endorsed
Verified
13 Endorsed
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, influenced by post-modern feminist therapy and
LGBTQIA
+ affirmative therapy.
The decision to enter therapy can be prompted by many different things. Do you want to untangle old and restrictive patterns? Seek relief from depression or anxiety? Work through grief or trauma? Deepen a relationship to your authentic self? It can begin here. Your therapy process will be unique to you. Some of the elements that I bring to our work will be an exploration of what you feel and how you express it, how your past is influencing your present, and how those dynamics may show up in the therapy space, where we can slow them down and work with them. Curiosity, collaboration, and compassion will guide this process.
Sarah Brock Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
I identify as a
queer
, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism,
queer
&
trans
-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
Aaron M. Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am committed to
LGBTQIA
+ affirming therapy that is anti-racist and trauma-informed.
Are you feeling tired, foggy, overwhelmed? Have you tried to change but still feel stuck? Maybe it is time for something new. Therapy may help. It is not a quick fix, but I can be with you as you learn to feel and grow. Maybe you are trying to balance too much. You are not alone. Like me, many of my clients are in the
LGBTQIA
+ community. Some are also neurodivergent (a spectrum including autism and ADHD). Some people are navigating conflicts in families, at work, or in romantic partnerships. Whatever you are struggling with, I offer a nonjudgmental ear and a gentle approach to feedback. I also rely on my compassion and intuition.
Robert O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I have advanced training in treating anxiety, ADD/ADHD and
LGBTQ
issues and much of my work centers on helping people increase their daily focus and motivation and rediscover meaning and purpose in their lives.
Feeling stuck or caught in an endless loop of personal challenges? Fortunately, therapy is where we can discover the unconscious patterns of our behavior that unknowingly create recurring problems in our lives. It is also where we can explore our hidden selves and examine what it means to be both vulnerable and strong. You may be seeking therapy for emotional healing, relationship challenges or contemplating a significant life change. Whatever your reason, my goal as a therapist is to help the people I work with ignite healing transformations through insight, awareness, self-discovery, self-compassion and cognitive skill building.
Connor McCabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with a wide range of people, though through my own personal experience and specialized education, I have a passion for working with the
LGBTQ
+ community, creative individuals, couples and those with relational trauma.
Change can feel impossible. No matter how badly we want it, we feel stuck in a loop trying the same things over and over again. We want a sense of relief and for things to feel easier, but can feel hopeless, constantly fighting the same battles. Despite this, I do believe we are all inherently resilient. We possess unique strengths, but they get shielded from our view because societal expectations and past experiences box us into how we think we ‘should’ be or act. We no longer see ourselves as who we actually are, but rather who the world has told us we are. We want to hold more hopeful beliefs about ourselves and the future.
Brian Carpenter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
18 Endorsed
Verified
18 Endorsed
Are you an
LGBT
person who struggles with coming out, doubts your own self-worth, believes others' negative opinions, or is affected by prejudice and discrimination? I help
LGBT
folks to be proud of who they are and to empower themselves.
I work with individuals and couples. I address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? And I'm especially qualified to help Creative and
LGBT
people. Are you a Creative person with high standards for yourself or who has a hard time dealing with rejection? As a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA, I help you to recognize that being creative is hard and to strive for excellence instead of "perfection."
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Kyle McCurdy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a
queer
therapist, I'll provide a secure and accepting space for you to come as you are.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lost? Is your past keeping you weighed down? Have you tried EVERYTHING to change this discomfort but you're not moving forward? Together, we can address these roadblocks and get you on your way to living a meaningful life.
Joe Taravella
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified
Verified
I’ve also trained other psychologists and have a special interest and experience working with individuals and couples looking to create families, and the
LGBTQ
population.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth and fulfillment with me? I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist who embodies a compassionate, understanding, and respectful therapeutic approach with all my clients. My expertise lies in identifying and treating psychological, emotional, and relationship issues, and I have been instrumental in getting individuals to achieve breakthroughs by revealing toxic secrets and long-standing issues. Our work together will enhance your ability to effectively communicate, identify triggers, break maladaptive patterns, and achieve your greatest potential in life.
Dr. Douglas G. Sadownick
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I founded the Antioch University
LGBT
Specialization and Colors
LGBTQ
Youth Counseling Center in 2006.
I come from the heart. I'm here to help you feel safe and secure. I am here to go on a journey with you to find your true self, to lift depression, to work with anxiety, and transform this time of crisis into stronger relationships and more heart-felt productivity. As a
gay
, Jewish man, I have an ear for all people struggling with difference and oppression. I can go deep with you into healing old trauma. Or I can help you coach you with day-to-day career and relationship challenges. If you need a therapy to jump-start new growth in the New Year, I am here for you on that quest of both self-discovery and seeing more palpable results.
Expansive Therapy- Immediate Availability
Counselor, AMFT, LPCC, LMFT, LCSW, ACSW
Verified
Verified
We welcome all sexual and gender identities and make
LGBTQ
affirming space a priority.
Expansive Therapy is a bicoastal psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City and Los Angeles. We offer online therapy to individuals, couples, and families anywhere in New York State and California State. We have a diverse team of therapists offering a wide variety of modalities and specialties, and we match you with a therapist who can meet your needs and availability.
Therapy Is Here
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Give yourself permission to be vulnerable by putting yourself first. Negative and highly-critical self-talk, especially for
gay
men, is the root of many of our problems and addictions. You may feel “less-than” others, think poorly of yourself, or are unsure how to get your needs met. I can help you to shed light on where this inner-critic is coming from, how to quiet it, and help you rebuild your relationship with self/others. Next, we can develop tools to manage anxiety and depression, embrace your sexuality, develop a healthier relationship to sex/porn, heal infidelity, integrate love and sex, or improve your relationships.
Nicole Minor- Expansive Therapy
Counselor, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Seeking therapy can be the first step on a healing journey and I hope to walk alongside you as you pursue personal growth. I believe that therapy can be a great way to access some of the tools that are already within us but that we may need help employing. I understand the importance of intersectionality as a
queer
Black woman and therapist and can understand how necessary it is to acknowledge the impact of intersecting identities when working with clients. I use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to re-frame their narrative and identify and process complex emotions.
Anthony Barnes
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified
Verified
As an openly
gay
bi-cultural man, I’ve spent the better part of my adult life unlearning the harmful messages our world tells us about what is means to be different - that we’re somehow broken or unworthy. I am here to tell you they are wrong. You are fabulous, vibrant and deserving of all the gifts this world has to offer. I became a therapist to share what I’ve learned and to bring healing not just to
queer
folks, but to anyone who knows what it feels like to be left out. When we work together, you can expect a safe, affirming, and sometimes silly space where we collaborate to find real solutions you can implement right away.
Matthew Spector
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in working with the
LGBTQ
+/
queer
community and also tend to work with individuals and partners of all ages and gender identities dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, and body image issues.
Welcome! My task as your therapist is to first provide a space where you’ll feel free to talk openly and be your truest self. Then, together, we will get to the bottom of whatever it is that may be contributing to the way you're feeling, and collaborate on ways you can begin to feel more at ease, empowered, and in alignment with your personal values, goals, and unique identity. I believe that we all hold the ability to manage life's challenges. To do this, we sometimes need a supportive guide. Enter therapy.
Aba Horthy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I am a
queer
mixed nonbinary therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I specialize in & have lived experience in
LGBTQIA
+ affirmative therapy, transitioning, complex trauma & PTSD, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, grief & loss. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I see individual adults & couples. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. If you do too much for others & not enough for yourself I may be a right fit.
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.