LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
Larry A Woodland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Waitlist for new clients
For BIPOC people and LGBTQIA+ folks, finding a space to be their authentic and unique selves feels impossible.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, chronic health issues, and self-image issues using a variety of techniques including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy among other techniques based on the needs of the client.
For BIPOC people and LGBTQIA+ folks, finding a space to be their authentic and unique selves feels impossible.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, chronic health issues, and self-image issues using a variety of techniques including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy among other techniques based on the needs of the client.
As a queer therapist and individual, I am passionate and excited to be able to build a practice that provides affirmative psychotherapy to my community.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families on topics related to sexuality, gender identity, body image, and non-traditional relationships and boundary-setting. Additionally, I have experience and training working with substance use disorders, sexual addiction, depression and anxiety, co-dependency, and sexual and religious trauma.
As a queer therapist and individual, I am passionate and excited to be able to build a practice that provides affirmative psychotherapy to my community.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families on topics related to sexuality, gender identity, body image, and non-traditional relationships and boundary-setting. Additionally, I have experience and training working with substance use disorders, sexual addiction, depression and anxiety, co-dependency, and sexual and religious trauma.
As a queer, mixed (Latine & white) therapist, I offer a secure, nurturing, judgment-free space where you can be yourself.
Are you feeling stuck in life, despite trying everything to move forward? When relationships struggle and your self-worth takes a hit, it can feel like you're facing an insurmountable roadblock. I help individuals like you move through these challenges, equipping you with healthy skills to manage daily symptoms while we work to resolve the negative life experiences contributing to your struggles.
As a queer, mixed (Latine & white) therapist, I offer a secure, nurturing, judgment-free space where you can be yourself.
Are you feeling stuck in life, despite trying everything to move forward? When relationships struggle and your self-worth takes a hit, it can feel like you're facing an insurmountable roadblock. I help individuals like you move through these challenges, equipping you with healthy skills to manage daily symptoms while we work to resolve the negative life experiences contributing to your struggles.
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.
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.
I’ve also received specialized training in working with couples and with the LGBT community.
My favorite part of being a therapist is when someone sitting across from me realizes, even if just for a moment, that they are okay. That past and present traumas, mistakes, fears, desires, pain, doubt, joy, anger, sadness, guilt, loss, and love are all part of the human experience, and that in this way they are not alone. Beyond my confidence in your humanity, I believe therapy to be the client’s own unique journey — one I’m honored to bear witness to and facilitate as best I can.
I’ve also received specialized training in working with couples and with the LGBT community.
My favorite part of being a therapist is when someone sitting across from me realizes, even if just for a moment, that they are okay. That past and present traumas, mistakes, fears, desires, pain, doubt, joy, anger, sadness, guilt, loss, and love are all part of the human experience, and that in this way they are not alone. Beyond my confidence in your humanity, I believe therapy to be the client’s own unique journey — one I’m honored to bear witness to and facilitate as best I can.
And I'm especially qualified to help Creative and LGBT people.
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.
And I'm especially qualified to help Creative and LGBT people.
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 am a queer psychotherapist whose focus is providing identity and affirming and trauma-informed mental health services with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, and relational stressors.
I take a warm and collaborative approach to helping folks heal from trauma and improve their ability to cope with stressors. I believe that through building an authentic and respectful therapeutic relationship, considerable healing and growth are possible.
I am a queer psychotherapist whose focus is providing identity and affirming and trauma-informed mental health services with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, and relational stressors.
I take a warm and collaborative approach to helping folks heal from trauma and improve their ability to cope with stressors. I believe that through building an authentic and respectful therapeutic relationship, considerable healing and growth are possible.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
I provide a safe, affirming space for all clients, including specialized LGBTQ affirmative therapy for those seeking support that aligns with their identity.
Are you navigating life’s complexities and seeking a therapist who truly understands your unique challenges? I’m here to support you in building self-esteem, fostering resilience, and creating a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, or significant life changes, my compassionate, effective support can help you move forward. Sessions are offered via telehealth for your convenience.
I provide a safe, affirming space for all clients, including specialized LGBTQ affirmative therapy for those seeking support that aligns with their identity.
Are you navigating life’s complexities and seeking a therapist who truly understands your unique challenges? I’m here to support you in building self-esteem, fostering resilience, and creating a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, or significant life changes, my compassionate, effective support can help you move forward. Sessions are offered via telehealth for your convenience.
Many have benefitted from my short-term services, including my 12-week program specific for gay men.
Above all, I love my work as a psychologist. This profession allows me to act as both scientist and artist, and I take joy from watching people evolve in their lives. Blending science & art, therapy is a unique process where we talk over events of your life, some in the distant past, and some happening currently.
Many have benefitted from my short-term services, including my 12-week program specific for gay men.
Above all, I love my work as a psychologist. This profession allows me to act as both scientist and artist, and I take joy from watching people evolve in their lives. Blending science & art, therapy is a unique process where we talk over events of your life, some in the distant past, and some happening currently.
As a gay person of color, I honor your unique individuality as well as all diverse rich backgrounds to bring about greater empowerment and satisfaction in life.
For so many, these are times that come with added stressors and effects on daily functioning, on one's overall outlook on life, and on actual safety concerns. Members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC individuals, and other marginalized groups deserve attention on many important and relevant experiences. I am here to support you around these possible concerns.
As a gay person of color, I honor your unique individuality as well as all diverse rich backgrounds to bring about greater empowerment and satisfaction in life.
For so many, these are times that come with added stressors and effects on daily functioning, on one's overall outlook on life, and on actual safety concerns. Members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC individuals, and other marginalized groups deserve attention on many important and relevant experiences. I am here to support you around these possible concerns.
I have worked in the LGBTQ community for many years helping individuals with the many different issues that they face with understanding and information.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
I have worked in the LGBTQ community for many years helping individuals with the many different issues that they face with understanding and information.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
As a sex-positive, anti-racist, LGBTQ therapist, I’ll help you to stop outsourcing your self-worth, and to tune into your inner voice and your body’s messages.
You know that feeling of being suffocated by everyone else's expectations? The constant pressure to fit into predetermined boxes—of relationships, careers, success? There's a brilliant, uncharted version of yourself waiting to emerge—powerful, confident, and unapologetically authentic. You're yearning to break free, to hear your own voice clearly amid the chaos of external demands. Together, we'll quiet the noise, dismantle the limiting beliefs, and create space for your truest self to step forward. Your dreams are not just possibilities; they're your birthright waiting to be claimed– let’s help you reach them!
As a sex-positive, anti-racist, LGBTQ therapist, I’ll help you to stop outsourcing your self-worth, and to tune into your inner voice and your body’s messages.
You know that feeling of being suffocated by everyone else's expectations? The constant pressure to fit into predetermined boxes—of relationships, careers, success? There's a brilliant, uncharted version of yourself waiting to emerge—powerful, confident, and unapologetically authentic. You're yearning to break free, to hear your own voice clearly amid the chaos of external demands. Together, we'll quiet the noise, dismantle the limiting beliefs, and create space for your truest self to step forward. Your dreams are not just possibilities; they're your birthright waiting to be claimed– let’s help you reach them!
Are you a person of color and/or a part of the LGBTQ community who struggles with shame or fitting into a society that can be disaffirming and intolerant?
I use an integrative counseling approach, commonly incorporating humanistic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology and multicultural perspectives, tailoring my style to meet your unique and specific needs.
I am also connected to Headway and Grow Therapy which take many insurances so contact me if you would like to connect.
Are you a person of color and/or a part of the LGBTQ community who struggles with shame or fitting into a society that can be disaffirming and intolerant?
I use an integrative counseling approach, commonly incorporating humanistic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology and multicultural perspectives, tailoring my style to meet your unique and specific needs.
I am also connected to Headway and Grow Therapy which take many insurances so contact me if you would like to connect.
I'm a queer telehealth therapist helping queer & trans people heal trauma & shift negative self-perceptions.
You may be feeling the weight of living in a world that doesn't always embrace your queerness or gender. Maybe you're grappling with the scars of past trauma or struggling to find spaces where you feel seen, valued, and truly affirmed. You might even feel disconnected from yourself, unsure how to express your true identity. But one thing is for sure: you're ready for a shift. You're ready to reclaim your story, embrace your authentic self, and heal those wounds. Most of all, you're ready to live your truth fully, boldly, and unapologetically.
I'm a queer telehealth therapist helping queer & trans people heal trauma & shift negative self-perceptions.
You may be feeling the weight of living in a world that doesn't always embrace your queerness or gender. Maybe you're grappling with the scars of past trauma or struggling to find spaces where you feel seen, valued, and truly affirmed. You might even feel disconnected from yourself, unsure how to express your true identity. But one thing is for sure: you're ready for a shift. You're ready to reclaim your story, embrace your authentic self, and heal those wounds. Most of all, you're ready to live your truth fully, boldly, and unapologetically.
I specialize in providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy with teens, adults, and relationship partners who are exploring their sexuality, gender, and relationship-expansive (kink, poly, ENM) identities.
There are infinite reasons we seek therapy. You may find yourself disconnected from your relationships and exhausted by not feeling understood. You may feel pressure to be a perfect person, partner and parent, or struggling to name your feelings or needs in your relationships. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe space and our collaboration will center around your hopes, goals, and intersectional identities. When we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, and connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships.
I specialize in providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy with teens, adults, and relationship partners who are exploring their sexuality, gender, and relationship-expansive (kink, poly, ENM) identities.
There are infinite reasons we seek therapy. You may find yourself disconnected from your relationships and exhausted by not feeling understood. You may feel pressure to be a perfect person, partner and parent, or struggling to name your feelings or needs in your relationships. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe space and our collaboration will center around your hopes, goals, and intersectional identities. When we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, and connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships.
As a gay, Jewish man, I have an ear for all people struggling with difference and oppression.
I founded the Antioch University LGBT Specialization and Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center in 2006. I I have spent the last 25 years training therapists as a professor at Antioch University. My training has helped me feel into a great affinity with people of color, women, LGBTQ people, Hollywood folk, and heterosexual men wanting new answers.
As a gay, Jewish man, I have an ear for all people struggling with difference and oppression.
I founded the Antioch University LGBT Specialization and Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center in 2006. I I have spent the last 25 years training therapists as a professor at Antioch University. My training has helped me feel into a great affinity with people of color, women, LGBTQ people, Hollywood folk, and heterosexual men wanting new answers.
In addition, he has training in the psychological treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), insomnia, and bipolar disorder, as well as an extensive background working with LGBTQ+ clients.
Dr. Mystkowski received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University. At UCLA, Dr. Mystkowski acquired a strong foundation in applying behavior theories to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, published several papers on this topic, and serves as a Clinical Professor.
In addition, he has training in the psychological treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), insomnia, and bipolar disorder, as well as an extensive background working with LGBTQ+ clients.
Dr. Mystkowski received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University. At UCLA, Dr. Mystkowski acquired a strong foundation in applying behavior theories to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, published several papers on this topic, and serves as a Clinical Professor.
I’ve helped countless members of the LGBTQ+ community find peace, and I can help you, too.
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that there are parts of your identity that you had to hide. So, you built a façade to protect yourself. You felt safer pretending you were just like everybody else. As you’ve gotten older, you’ve learned to accept these parts of your identity more, but it still feels like you’re hiding. You still watch what you say and how you behave around certain people. And a part of you continues trying to conform to society’s expectations. You wish you could just be your authentic self without fear of judgment, but you don’t know how. You feel trapped and helpless.
I’ve helped countless members of the LGBTQ+ community find peace, and I can help you, too.
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that there are parts of your identity that you had to hide. So, you built a façade to protect yourself. You felt safer pretending you were just like everybody else. As you’ve gotten older, you’ve learned to accept these parts of your identity more, but it still feels like you’re hiding. You still watch what you say and how you behave around certain people. And a part of you continues trying to conform to society’s expectations. You wish you could just be your authentic self without fear of judgment, but you don’t know how. You feel trapped and helpless.
I love working with queer youth/adults, creatives, folks healing from religious trauma, and C-PSTD.
Do you feel stuck in the past? Perhaps you're telling yourself a story about the world that no longer resonates, but it's still hard to shake. Maybe you're reckoning with your identity/ies in various ways, and need a guide and witness to help make space for your evolution. Using a trauma informed, body-centric approach, I can help you access tools already within yourself to live a more vibrant authentic life.
I love working with queer youth/adults, creatives, folks healing from religious trauma, and C-PSTD.
Do you feel stuck in the past? Perhaps you're telling yourself a story about the world that no longer resonates, but it's still hard to shake. Maybe you're reckoning with your identity/ies in various ways, and need a guide and witness to help make space for your evolution. Using a trauma informed, body-centric approach, I can help you access tools already within yourself to live a more vibrant authentic life.
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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.