LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Orange County, CA
See all therapists in Orange County 
Justin Amigo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 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.
Emily Ruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
As a
queer
, latinx 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.
Chad Michael Marvosh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My population of focus is Families, Adults, Adolescence,
LGBTQ
(Adult, Adolescence) Parenting, and Couples.
LGBTQ+ Couples, Children, and Teens
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.
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.
Kai Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I am a
queer
transgender
therapist with client experience across all
LGBTQ
identities.
Perhaps you are brand new to therapy, or returning for better results. Maybe you are looking for a therapist that relates to the
LGBTQ
+ identities/experiences you have, and how those may affect other areas of your life. You're looking for a space to be authentic and explore complex parts of who you are in a safe, affirming space. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, confusion, or other barriers to your well-being. My priority is inviting you to share who you are so we can create positive outcomes. I combine evidence-based practices with real-world application, placing your experiences at the forefront of therapy.
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.
John J Raasch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
It is both courageous and wise that you have noticed a need and are seeking help. Your mental health is a huge part of your overall well-being and life fulfillment. The following is a partial list of the types of folks I have worked with and the challenges we have addressed together: • The
LGBTQ
+ community • Spiritual seekers/crises of faith/religious abuse • College students/those transitioning to adulthood • Creatives • Death and dying • Depression • Anxiety • Addiction • Infertility • Adoption • Men’s mental health • Life transitions • Trauma • Disability/learning disability • Domestic violence/conflict
Waitlist for new clients
Yanel Bueno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
If you are looking for a therapist who will SEE and HEAR you, you’ve come to the right place. I specialize in working with the
LGBTQ
+ community, specifically gender identity, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, codependency, people-pleasing tendencies, intergenerational trauma, intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. My approach is strength-based, client-focused, and trauma-informed. I love to challenge my clients to reframe negative thinking patterns to eventually be able to challenge those distortions themselves. My goal is to help you build your coping skills to manage independently because YOU ARE capable!
Nick Ulrich
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe that one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Beginning in therapy can be a way for you to start to put together the pieces of your life and who you are. And ultimately, you deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning. If you're someone that struggles with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues,
LGBTQIA
issues, and past trauma, I'd love to help you work through those challenges. I want to be the therapist that helps you along that journey.
Hilary Ghozali
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hilary enjoys working with people who are undergoing life transitions, those who have unique cultural needs, and members of the
LGBTQIA
+ community.
Hilary is an open and objective clinician who provides a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. She believes that respectfulness and acceptance of her clients is key to building a therapeutic relationship. Hilary grew up in Indonesia and understands the unique struggles of clients with diverse backgrounds. Hilary believes that cultural differences play a crucial role in each client’s life. Hilary holds a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and is currently working to obtain her doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
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Everardo Alvizo
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.
Ben N Quan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
As
LGBTQ
minorities, we often find ourselves wondering "where is my community?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we don't feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder... when is this going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just "don't get it." We really want someone who can connect to us and make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.
Steven Su
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I work well with adults, young adults, and teenagers that are dealing with depression, anxiety, phase-of-life issues, trauma, and grief. I work with couples working to strengthen their relationships and improve communication skills. I specialize working with the
LGBTQIA
+ population, racial minorities, Asian Americans, children of immigrants, people with autism and their family members.
Alexandra Rosenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in creating an affirming space for
LGBTQ
folks.
You're not exactly sure why, but sometimes you feel alone even when there are other people around. It's overwhelming navigating through shame and trying to find self-acceptance. Maybe you are feeling as if you don't know exactly who you are and are having difficulties with your relationships. Or maybe that you lose yourself in some relationships. Either way, you feel an emptiness that seems like no one else will understand. Despite not knowing exactly how to shake this feeling, you know that it's time for change.
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.
Johann Ortizo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a
gay
, cisgender man, Johann warmly embraces the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself. He extends a heartfelt invitation to his clients, encouraging them to feel comfortable and empowered in expressing their genuine selves during their sessions. Johann passionately believes that embracing one's true identity is crucial for achieving successful therapy outcomes, and he takes pride in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner selves freely.
Burney Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Megan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with all eating disorders, body image struggles, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chemical dependency,
LGBTQ
concerns, domestic violence, and identity/self-esteem struggles. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. She has worked at various levels of care—from residential to outpatient treatment. In session, Megan has a warm, caring, non-judgmental, explorative, and honest approach. She utilizes CBT, DBT, ACT and various other evidence-based practices, tailoring each intervention to suit your unique needs.
Tracey M Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I use an integrative model incorporating systems theories, existential theory,
queer
and feminist theory into my work with both clinicians and clients.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in gender and sexuality. I've been doing this work for more than ten years and enjoy it immensely. I value deep connection and enjoy helping people make positive changes in their lives. Some of my areas of interest include: intersectional identity, anxiety, relational issues, and ADHD.
Kaitlin Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hi, I'm Kaitlin! Are you exhausted from trying to "do it all" and struggle to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Do you feel stuck and disconnected from purpose in your life? Do you feel lost in old habitual patterns that no longer support the life you want to live, uncertain how to find your way out? Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety,
lgbtq
+ concerns, relationship challenges, trauma, low confidence, and/or life transitions, I'm here to help. It takes a lot of strength and courage to journey toward a more fulfilling and happy life. If you’re ready to take the next step, I am here to support and empower you
See more therapy options for Orange County
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.