LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Diego, CA
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I love working with queer/trans clients or those exploring.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I work with autistic children and teens and those who love them! I have personal experience in this area, I am a neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic/PDA) therapist who is a parent to a "neurospicy" chid. PDA is pathological demand avoidance, or as I like to call it “persistent drive for autonomy". Although not yet an official diagnosis in the US, my goal is to create community and support around folks who identify themselves with these traits. I support children, teens, and parents around autism and PDA to create more harmonious family relationships and support the mental health of PDAers.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I love working with queer/trans clients or those exploring.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I work with autistic children and teens and those who love them! I have personal experience in this area, I am a neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic/PDA) therapist who is a parent to a "neurospicy" chid. PDA is pathological demand avoidance, or as I like to call it “persistent drive for autonomy". Although not yet an official diagnosis in the US, my goal is to create community and support around folks who identify themselves with these traits. I support children, teens, and parents around autism and PDA to create more harmonious family relationships and support the mental health of PDAers.
How much time do you spend consumed by your thoughts or trying to ignore your thoughts/emotions? If we have thousands of thoughts a day, why do we spend more time focused on certain thoughts? I can help you manage your thoughts and emotions in a healthier way. I treat a variety of concerns ranging from everyday life stressors, social anxiety and relationship challenges, to chronic mood disorders (i.e. depression, anxiety), obsessions and compulsions, trauma, and engrained unhealthy styles of coping. I serve a wide range of clients from transitional aged youth to older adults, from many different backgrounds.
How much time do you spend consumed by your thoughts or trying to ignore your thoughts/emotions? If we have thousands of thoughts a day, why do we spend more time focused on certain thoughts? I can help you manage your thoughts and emotions in a healthier way. I treat a variety of concerns ranging from everyday life stressors, social anxiety and relationship challenges, to chronic mood disorders (i.e. depression, anxiety), obsessions and compulsions, trauma, and engrained unhealthy styles of coping. I serve a wide range of clients from transitional aged youth to older adults, from many different backgrounds.
Kelly Hutton, Chronic pain and illness therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
My other specialties include: depression/anxiety, ADHD, dementia/neurocognitive disorders, death and dying, grief and trauma and LGBTQIA+ clients.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
My other specialties include: depression/anxiety, ADHD, dementia/neurocognitive disorders, death and dying, grief and trauma and LGBTQIA+ clients.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
You might be the strong one, the fixer, the one everyone leans on... but inside you’re exhausted, anxious, or just not feeling like yourself. That’s where we come in.
You don’t have to hold it all together here. It's exhausting. Be you and let us help the best part of you shine!
We’re a group of real people who also happen to be really good therapists. We’re not going to stare at you blankly or ask, “And how does that make you feel?” on repeat. We actually care, we’re not afraid to be human in the room, and we know that healing happens when you feel safe, seen, and not judged.
You might be the strong one, the fixer, the one everyone leans on... but inside you’re exhausted, anxious, or just not feeling like yourself. That’s where we come in.
You don’t have to hold it all together here. It's exhausting. Be you and let us help the best part of you shine!
We’re a group of real people who also happen to be really good therapists. We’re not going to stare at you blankly or ask, “And how does that make you feel?” on repeat. We actually care, we’re not afraid to be human in the room, and we know that healing happens when you feel safe, seen, and not judged.
I understand that life can feel heavy, and I often work with clients who feel anxious, stuck, or tired of repeating the same patterns. I approach therapy in a grounded, collaborative, and very human way. I explore where relational patterns come from and help build practical tools to manage anxiety, strengthen boundaries, and reduce self-doubt. I work from a trauma-informed, relational lens and believe growth happens when support and gentle challenge exist together. I begin exactly where each client is.
I understand that life can feel heavy, and I often work with clients who feel anxious, stuck, or tired of repeating the same patterns. I approach therapy in a grounded, collaborative, and very human way. I explore where relational patterns come from and help build practical tools to manage anxiety, strengthen boundaries, and reduce self-doubt. I work from a trauma-informed, relational lens and believe growth happens when support and gentle challenge exist together. I begin exactly where each client is.
I'm queer, a parent, and a first-generation American.
People-pleasing tendencies, difficulty resting, a strong inner critic, anxiety, lack of trust with others, difficulty being vulnerable, and disconnection from who we are, our bodies, or our emotions are just some of the ways we have adapted and survived. Trauma comes in many shapes and sizes, sometimes a single incident, other times it is lack of attunement by our caregivers, or it may be intergenerational. Many of us have to navigate layers of trauma and stress on a daily basis from our systems and past. Relief is possible—we can rewire, reparent, and heal ourselves to feel more alive and connected.
I'm queer, a parent, and a first-generation American.
People-pleasing tendencies, difficulty resting, a strong inner critic, anxiety, lack of trust with others, difficulty being vulnerable, and disconnection from who we are, our bodies, or our emotions are just some of the ways we have adapted and survived. Trauma comes in many shapes and sizes, sometimes a single incident, other times it is lack of attunement by our caregivers, or it may be intergenerational. Many of us have to navigate layers of trauma and stress on a daily basis from our systems and past. Relief is possible—we can rewire, reparent, and heal ourselves to feel more alive and connected.
Is stress or anxiety affecting more than just your mood? You may find yourself lying awake at night, constantly overthinking, feeling emotionally exhausted, or noticing that stress is beginning to impact your relationships, work, or even your physical health. From the outside, you may seem like you're holding everything together, while inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you've lost yourself. If you've been trying to push through on your own but keep finding yourself in the same patterns, you're not alone.
Is stress or anxiety affecting more than just your mood? You may find yourself lying awake at night, constantly overthinking, feeling emotionally exhausted, or noticing that stress is beginning to impact your relationships, work, or even your physical health. From the outside, you may seem like you're holding everything together, while inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you've lost yourself. If you've been trying to push through on your own but keep finding yourself in the same patterns, you're not alone.
Do you have difficulty keeping up with the demands of life? Do you feel disconnected or down? Does it seem like your mind is often running away with worry? Are you going through a change and could use some guidance? You're not alone and I'd like to help! You and I both know that over time, life can get away from us. I can help you find new ways of living and being that reduce stress and struggle, while enhancing meaning, purpose, and enjoyment of life.
Do you have difficulty keeping up with the demands of life? Do you feel disconnected or down? Does it seem like your mind is often running away with worry? Are you going through a change and could use some guidance? You're not alone and I'd like to help! You and I both know that over time, life can get away from us. I can help you find new ways of living and being that reduce stress and struggle, while enhancing meaning, purpose, and enjoyment of life.
My niches include trauma work, identity work, depression, anxiety, psychosis and paranoia, shame, guilt, non-traditional relationship styles and non-monogamy/polyamory, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. I’d love to meet you right where you are.
My approach centers genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you are seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
My niches include trauma work, identity work, depression, anxiety, psychosis and paranoia, shame, guilt, non-traditional relationship styles and non-monogamy/polyamory, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. I’d love to meet you right where you are.
My approach centers genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you are seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
Our ideal client is someone doing their best while carrying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, identity stress, or relationship challenges. They may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsupported in traditional systems and are looking for care that actually fits their lived experience. They want relief, stability, and a therapeutic space where they feel safe, affirmed, and not judged. Their goals include building emotional regulation, improving relationships, healing past pain, and feeling more grounded, confident, and connected.
Our ideal client is someone doing their best while carrying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, identity stress, or relationship challenges. They may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsupported in traditional systems and are looking for care that actually fits their lived experience. They want relief, stability, and a therapeutic space where they feel safe, affirmed, and not judged. Their goals include building emotional regulation, improving relationships, healing past pain, and feeling more grounded, confident, and connected.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
My specialties include working with immigrants through a multicultural lens, LGBTQ+ people, and college and graduate students.
You’re tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to reach out to a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anyone really help me? On the surface, you function well in life, but deep down you feel like you’re not truly “showing up” or that you don’t fully “belong.” It’s as if your authentic self is hiding, sensing that being fully you might not be safe. There may be parts of your life story that may explain why you feel uncomfortable, different from others, or weighed down by anxiety or sadness. I would love to work with you in therapy to explore these issues and help you improve your daily life and feel more fully yourself.
My specialties include working with immigrants through a multicultural lens, LGBTQ+ people, and college and graduate students.
You’re tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to reach out to a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anyone really help me? On the surface, you function well in life, but deep down you feel like you’re not truly “showing up” or that you don’t fully “belong.” It’s as if your authentic self is hiding, sensing that being fully you might not be safe. There may be parts of your life story that may explain why you feel uncomfortable, different from others, or weighed down by anxiety or sadness. I would love to work with you in therapy to explore these issues and help you improve your daily life and feel more fully yourself.
As a gay, kinky, queer therapist, I understand the complexities and importance of relationships - both with each other and with ourselves.
If pain from past traumas is affecting your internal or relational landscape, we can work together to soften lingering emotional charges and the influences they have on your experience in the present moment. Together, we can embrace your fullest expression and set aside the shame and guilt holding you back from living your best life.
As a gay, kinky, queer therapist, I understand the complexities and importance of relationships - both with each other and with ourselves.
If pain from past traumas is affecting your internal or relational landscape, we can work together to soften lingering emotional charges and the influences they have on your experience in the present moment. Together, we can embrace your fullest expression and set aside the shame and guilt holding you back from living your best life.
As a queer / Aroace woman, I love working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping clients to explore their gender and sexuality.
Hi, I am Brookelynn and I work with neurodivergent adults and teens in therapy! Aside from my clinical experience, I am neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) myself. I have a passion for working with clients to understand their brain and neurotype, unmask, manage burn out, and cope in ways that work with their brains and not against them! Whether you are struggling with relationships, work, school, or parenting - I can meet you where you are at and support you. We can thrive when we accommodate ourselves in the ways that we need, and I am here to support you in understanding what this looks like for you.
As a queer / Aroace woman, I love working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping clients to explore their gender and sexuality.
Hi, I am Brookelynn and I work with neurodivergent adults and teens in therapy! Aside from my clinical experience, I am neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) myself. I have a passion for working with clients to understand their brain and neurotype, unmask, manage burn out, and cope in ways that work with their brains and not against them! Whether you are struggling with relationships, work, school, or parenting - I can meet you where you are at and support you. We can thrive when we accommodate ourselves in the ways that we need, and I am here to support you in understanding what this looks like for you.
I specialize in working with queer, nonmonogamous, and kinky folks, though I'm happy to show up for anyone who is ready to nurture a deeper sense of connection in their lives.
As a trauma-informed certified sex therapist, I'm here to offer you a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore all the things you've been afraid to say out loud. Together we'll build your sense of internal safety so that you have the confidence to navigate life's challenges and embrace all the parts of yourself that show up along the way.
I specialize in working with queer, nonmonogamous, and kinky folks, though I'm happy to show up for anyone who is ready to nurture a deeper sense of connection in their lives.
As a trauma-informed certified sex therapist, I'm here to offer you a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore all the things you've been afraid to say out loud. Together we'll build your sense of internal safety so that you have the confidence to navigate life's challenges and embrace all the parts of yourself that show up along the way.
Supporting the LGBTQ community is something that matters greatly to me, and I'm here to offer a safe, understanding space for everyone.
Are you exhausted from carrying so much on your own? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or struggling to find your way through anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, depression, or a major life transition. You don't have to navigate it alone. Therapy offers a space to set down what you've been carrying and come up for air. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel genuinely heard and supported.
Supporting the LGBTQ community is something that matters greatly to me, and I'm here to offer a safe, understanding space for everyone.
Are you exhausted from carrying so much on your own? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or struggling to find your way through anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, depression, or a major life transition. You don't have to navigate it alone. Therapy offers a space to set down what you've been carrying and come up for air. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel genuinely heard and supported.
If you often feel overwhelmed by past experiences or find it difficult to connect with yourself and others, you’re not alone. My approach is to help you understand the reasons behind your emotions and to guide you in discovering tools that support meaningful change. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families facing a range of mental health challenges related to trauma, and I’m here to support you in understanding how those experiences continue to shape your life and relationships today.
If you often feel overwhelmed by past experiences or find it difficult to connect with yourself and others, you’re not alone. My approach is to help you understand the reasons behind your emotions and to guide you in discovering tools that support meaningful change. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families facing a range of mental health challenges related to trauma, and I’m here to support you in understanding how those experiences continue to shape your life and relationships today.
I bring clinical knowledge, you bring lived experience. Together, we create something tailored to who you are - not who you were told to be. Rather than reducing clients to diagnoses, symptoms, or productivity-based measures of “wellness,” I approach therapy through a lens of curiosity, context, and humanity. I believe many mental health symptoms are often understandable responses to trauma, relational wounds, systemic oppression, chronic stress, and environments that ask people to survive in ways that disconnect them from themselves - as opposed to evidence of failure, brokenness, or dysfunction.
I bring clinical knowledge, you bring lived experience. Together, we create something tailored to who you are - not who you were told to be. Rather than reducing clients to diagnoses, symptoms, or productivity-based measures of “wellness,” I approach therapy through a lens of curiosity, context, and humanity. I believe many mental health symptoms are often understandable responses to trauma, relational wounds, systemic oppression, chronic stress, and environments that ask people to survive in ways that disconnect them from themselves - as opposed to evidence of failure, brokenness, or dysfunction.
As a queer, person of color and non-binary therapist, I take pride in providing a genuine, lighthearted, non-judgmental but direct approach to those managing mental health and/or relationship issues. I also specialize in LGBTQ+/GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse) issues including gender therapy to the Trans community and their families/partners. I utilize an eclectic style with various modalities and interventions including DBT, CBT, IFS and whatever may be relevant for YOUR treatment and success.
As a queer, person of color and non-binary therapist, I take pride in providing a genuine, lighthearted, non-judgmental but direct approach to those managing mental health and/or relationship issues. I also specialize in LGBTQ+/GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse) issues including gender therapy to the Trans community and their families/partners. I utilize an eclectic style with various modalities and interventions including DBT, CBT, IFS and whatever may be relevant for YOUR treatment and success.
As a queer-identified therapist, I understand what it means to need affirming care.
You deserve support through life’s challenges and the chance to thrive. When life doesn’t go as planned, it can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer a warm, safe space where you are heard and valued. Together, we’ll create a personalized path to healing, whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Using evidence-based techniques and mindfulness within a culturally supportive framework, I’ll help you shift your relationship with difficult emotions and increase your confidence. You deserve a fulfilling life, and I’m here to collaborate and support you in creating lasting, meaningful change.
As a queer-identified therapist, I understand what it means to need affirming care.
You deserve support through life’s challenges and the chance to thrive. When life doesn’t go as planned, it can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer a warm, safe space where you are heard and valued. Together, we’ll create a personalized path to healing, whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Using evidence-based techniques and mindfulness within a culturally supportive framework, I’ll help you shift your relationship with difficult emotions and increase your confidence. You deserve a fulfilling life, and I’m here to collaborate and support you in creating lasting, meaningful change.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.