LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Mateo, CA
With a background as a gay Jew with ADHD, I deeply understand diversity and challenge.
Feeling stuck? I'm here to help. As a caring, licensed mental health therapist with over 30 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and feelings of loneliness. Whether you're grappling with your identity, family dynamics, or dissatisfaction at work, you don't have to face it alone. If you're seeking a safe space to share and grow, let's connect and explore how I can support your journey toward healing and fulfillment.
With a background as a gay Jew with ADHD, I deeply understand diversity and challenge.
Feeling stuck? I'm here to help. As a caring, licensed mental health therapist with over 30 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and feelings of loneliness. Whether you're grappling with your identity, family dynamics, or dissatisfaction at work, you don't have to face it alone. If you're seeking a safe space to share and grow, let's connect and explore how I can support your journey toward healing and fulfillment.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 146802) offering telehealth therapy across California, including services for San Mateo County residents through Medi-Cal (HPSM).
Rooted in cultural sensitivity, my approach honors your unique worldview and lived experiences. Through collaboration and mutual respect, I strive to build a therapeutic alliance that supports your autonomy, self-acceptance, and overall well-being. Using a variety of evidence-based modalities, I tailor our work to what resonates most with you—helping you navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing and wholeness.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 146802) offering telehealth therapy across California, including services for San Mateo County residents through Medi-Cal (HPSM).
Rooted in cultural sensitivity, my approach honors your unique worldview and lived experiences. Through collaboration and mutual respect, I strive to build a therapeutic alliance that supports your autonomy, self-acceptance, and overall well-being. Using a variety of evidence-based modalities, I tailor our work to what resonates most with you—helping you navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing and wholeness.
As a registered drama therapist & somatic practitioner, I support queer creatives & nonconformists to find authenticity beyond the binary.
I embrace gentle honesty, humor, and courage in healing. Our sessions may include drama therapy, politicized trauma-informed somatics, and expressive modalities like writing & guided visualization. I often work w/ healers, empaths, artists, & those who may struggle with perfectionism, caregiver burnout, low self worth, or balancing self/community care.
As a registered drama therapist & somatic practitioner, I support queer creatives & nonconformists to find authenticity beyond the binary.
I embrace gentle honesty, humor, and courage in healing. Our sessions may include drama therapy, politicized trauma-informed somatics, and expressive modalities like writing & guided visualization. I often work w/ healers, empaths, artists, & those who may struggle with perfectionism, caregiver burnout, low self worth, or balancing self/community care.
I specialize in working with Gay/ Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
I specialize in working with Gay/ Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
LGBTQ+ clients may seek support in living authentically and finding acceptance.
Therapy anywhere in California, based in San Mateo. I work with adults & teens on ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and more. As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I help clients embrace their authentic selves and live true to who they are.
LGBTQ+ clients may seek support in living authentically and finding acceptance.
Therapy anywhere in California, based in San Mateo. I work with adults & teens on ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and more. As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I help clients embrace their authentic selves and live true to who they are.
Take some time away from the demand of daily life to focus on yourself. This is a time for you to work on your goals and have support in areas that are most important to you.
Each of our counselors is here to provide you with individualized support. This approach allows you to meet with one of our counselors and design a plan that is best suited to fit your needs and busy schedule.
Take some time away from the demand of daily life to focus on yourself. This is a time for you to work on your goals and have support in areas that are most important to you.
Each of our counselors is here to provide you with individualized support. This approach allows you to meet with one of our counselors and design a plan that is best suited to fit your needs and busy schedule.
Priscilla specializes working with religious trauma, codependency, navigating Asian American identity, and self-esteem issues. This might look like letting go of fear and shame, honoring personal needs, and cultivating self-acceptance.
Priscilla specializes working with religious trauma, codependency, navigating Asian American identity, and self-esteem issues. This might look like letting go of fear and shame, honoring personal needs, and cultivating self-acceptance.
I also love working with LGBTQ couples, families, teens, and young children to improve communication, relationship patterns, and a variety of other issues.
Looking to start therapy and use your insurance? Hi! I'm Shelly Holland, AMFT. I provide therapy in person in San Mateo, and via teletherapy for anyone in California. I accept insurance including Anthem, Cigna, Health Plan of San Mateo, United HealthPlan, and EAP. I work with adults, couples, children, teens, and families using a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at achieving your specific therapy goals. If you're not sure if therapy is for you, just ask - I do free 15 minute consultations!
I also love working with LGBTQ couples, families, teens, and young children to improve communication, relationship patterns, and a variety of other issues.
Looking to start therapy and use your insurance? Hi! I'm Shelly Holland, AMFT. I provide therapy in person in San Mateo, and via teletherapy for anyone in California. I accept insurance including Anthem, Cigna, Health Plan of San Mateo, United HealthPlan, and EAP. I work with adults, couples, children, teens, and families using a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at achieving your specific therapy goals. If you're not sure if therapy is for you, just ask - I do free 15 minute consultations!
I specialize in LGBTQIA+, individuals who are questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality, women's issues, neurodivergence, and mindfulness.
If you ever feel lost, alone, misunderstood, or tired of trying to hold it all together - I see you. Maybe you feel like it is impossible to find spaces where you belong, or keeping up your to-do list feels like an impossible task. You are not alone. I am here to help you work through these challenging feelings and thoughts.
In our work together we will explore and challenge these emotions, making you feel empowered while creating a safe space to dig into the hard things.
I am based in the Bay Area and offer online sessions, while offering limited in-person sessions at a local park or outdoor setting that feels restorative.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+, individuals who are questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality, women's issues, neurodivergence, and mindfulness.
If you ever feel lost, alone, misunderstood, or tired of trying to hold it all together - I see you. Maybe you feel like it is impossible to find spaces where you belong, or keeping up your to-do list feels like an impossible task. You are not alone. I am here to help you work through these challenging feelings and thoughts.
In our work together we will explore and challenge these emotions, making you feel empowered while creating a safe space to dig into the hard things.
I am based in the Bay Area and offer online sessions, while offering limited in-person sessions at a local park or outdoor setting that feels restorative.
This is why I’ve spent years working with people of a variety of intersectional backgrounds, have been trained in trauma informed, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ affirming care, have worked with people of all ages with ADHD, Autism, HSP, twice-exceptionality, and use a variety of effective therapeutic approaches that are individualized to and with clients.
Do you worry what others think, have negative self-talk, or feel down, and like something is missing in your life? Have goals or dreams that have gone to the wayside? Or does being on time, and washing the dishes consistently feel almost impossible?
If so, then you may have come to the right place. Thinking of, much less opening up to someone about these challenges can be hard enough, and may be even harder if you’re also concerned that you might be misunderstood, or not getting the best treatment possible because factors like ethnic background, gender identity, or neurodivergence are being considered too little (or too much).
This is why I’ve spent years working with people of a variety of intersectional backgrounds, have been trained in trauma informed, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ affirming care, have worked with people of all ages with ADHD, Autism, HSP, twice-exceptionality, and use a variety of effective therapeutic approaches that are individualized to and with clients.
Do you worry what others think, have negative self-talk, or feel down, and like something is missing in your life? Have goals or dreams that have gone to the wayside? Or does being on time, and washing the dishes consistently feel almost impossible?
If so, then you may have come to the right place. Thinking of, much less opening up to someone about these challenges can be hard enough, and may be even harder if you’re also concerned that you might be misunderstood, or not getting the best treatment possible because factors like ethnic background, gender identity, or neurodivergence are being considered too little (or too much).
As a former corporate high-tech employee, an Asian immigrant, and an LGBTQ person of color, I can relate to many of your struggles.
My approach to therapy over the last decade has been holistic. I learned Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Dr. David Burns. I am a team lead at his weekly Stanford class. For 20+ years, I’ve taught mindfulness meditation. I was a Dale Carnegie career coach. I collaborate with primary care physicians to create integrated treatments for teens and adults.
As a former corporate high-tech employee, an Asian immigrant, and an LGBTQ person of color, I can relate to many of your struggles.
My approach to therapy over the last decade has been holistic. I learned Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Dr. David Burns. I am a team lead at his weekly Stanford class. For 20+ years, I’ve taught mindfulness meditation. I was a Dale Carnegie career coach. I collaborate with primary care physicians to create integrated treatments for teens and adults.
I specialize in helping folks who are neurodivergent, queer, trans, sensitive, seeking, or survivors by fusing Somatics, IFS and Attachment therapies.
Ever feel like existing is hard? Are you often interrupted and derailed by thoughts + images of the past? Tired of feeling at odds with your body and the world? Aware of self-defeating behaviors, but can't seem to change them? You may have had a late-in-life diagnosis, realized your gender or childhood weren’t what you thought they were. Perhaps you're burnt out, opening a relationship, or coming to terms with trauma. Wherever you’re at, you want long-lasting change, a holistic approach, satisfying relationships, and a Right-Fit Therapist. Someone who holds similar identities as you, listens fully, engages dynamically in session.
I specialize in helping folks who are neurodivergent, queer, trans, sensitive, seeking, or survivors by fusing Somatics, IFS and Attachment therapies.
Ever feel like existing is hard? Are you often interrupted and derailed by thoughts + images of the past? Tired of feeling at odds with your body and the world? Aware of self-defeating behaviors, but can't seem to change them? You may have had a late-in-life diagnosis, realized your gender or childhood weren’t what you thought they were. Perhaps you're burnt out, opening a relationship, or coming to terms with trauma. Wherever you’re at, you want long-lasting change, a holistic approach, satisfying relationships, and a Right-Fit Therapist. Someone who holds similar identities as you, listens fully, engages dynamically in session.
As a biracial, queer woman, I can understand your struggle.
Do your daily stressors, inner critique, and unhealed trauma leave you feeling defeated and unseen? Does this get in the way of your healing process, or affect your current relationships? Life is not meant to be tackled alone, especially in today's world, which is full of overwhelming stressors and increasing disconnectedness; both disconnection from ourselves, and others. In providing a non-judgmental, affirming space for you, we can explore your story, struggles, and strengths together, at a pace that feels safe for you. Are you also constantly having to navigate multiple marginalized identities?
As a biracial, queer woman, I can understand your struggle.
Do your daily stressors, inner critique, and unhealed trauma leave you feeling defeated and unseen? Does this get in the way of your healing process, or affect your current relationships? Life is not meant to be tackled alone, especially in today's world, which is full of overwhelming stressors and increasing disconnectedness; both disconnection from ourselves, and others. In providing a non-judgmental, affirming space for you, we can explore your story, struggles, and strengths together, at a pace that feels safe for you. Are you also constantly having to navigate multiple marginalized identities?
I use a trauma informed approach that is both neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ affirming.
I help individuals build on their strengths, increase self-awareness, and develop practical tools to manage overwhelm, regulate emotions, and improve communication. With couples, I support partners in understanding each other’s needs and neurotypes, reducing conflict, and creating deeper, more secure connections.
I use a trauma informed approach that is both neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ affirming.
I help individuals build on their strengths, increase self-awareness, and develop practical tools to manage overwhelm, regulate emotions, and improve communication. With couples, I support partners in understanding each other’s needs and neurotypes, reducing conflict, and creating deeper, more secure connections.
My expertise in sexuality and gender also allows me to aid my straight/cis as well as my LGBTQ+ clients exploring these themes.
I find great meaning in helping adults struggling with stress and navigating big life questions, particularly when triggered by change, loss or trauma. My practice focuses on exploring deeper aspects of oneself while using insights to live a fuller, more meaningful and values-driven life. Although I specialize in long-term approaches focused on personal growth, my extensive training in brief evidence-based and skills-focused models of care offers great flexibility. In addition to my practice, I've written two books (a trauma treatment manual and a psychedelic integration guide) and previously worked at the National Center for PTSD.
My expertise in sexuality and gender also allows me to aid my straight/cis as well as my LGBTQ+ clients exploring these themes.
I find great meaning in helping adults struggling with stress and navigating big life questions, particularly when triggered by change, loss or trauma. My practice focuses on exploring deeper aspects of oneself while using insights to live a fuller, more meaningful and values-driven life. Although I specialize in long-term approaches focused on personal growth, my extensive training in brief evidence-based and skills-focused models of care offers great flexibility. In addition to my practice, I've written two books (a trauma treatment manual and a psychedelic integration guide) and previously worked at the National Center for PTSD.
Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.
Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.
If you're seeking a therapist who understands the unique needs of queer, kinky, and polyamorous relationships, you've come to the right place.
What if self-compassion and deeper connection were your reality? At Rouse Relational Wellness, we help you move beyond rigid norms and into authentic relating. Explore individual and couples therapy, group therapy and workshops, innovative approaches like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and more.
If you're seeking a therapist who understands the unique needs of queer, kinky, and polyamorous relationships, you've come to the right place.
What if self-compassion and deeper connection were your reality? At Rouse Relational Wellness, we help you move beyond rigid norms and into authentic relating. Explore individual and couples therapy, group therapy and workshops, innovative approaches like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and more.
As a Queer woman, I provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to process trauma, explore identity, connection, and quiet the pressure of "having it all together" while managing life’s transitions.
My approach is direct, collaborative, and trauma-informed. We focus on what is happening beneath the surface—protective patterns, emotional wounds, and interpersonal dynamics. I often draw from CBT, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Gottman methods, integrating techniques from various approaches to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change.
As a Queer woman, I provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to process trauma, explore identity, connection, and quiet the pressure of "having it all together" while managing life’s transitions.
My approach is direct, collaborative, and trauma-informed. We focus on what is happening beneath the surface—protective patterns, emotional wounds, and interpersonal dynamics. I often draw from CBT, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Gottman methods, integrating techniques from various approaches to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change.
Are you struggling with feeling down and stuck? Are there experiences from the past that are impacting you negatively now? I mostly work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Are you struggling with feeling down and stuck? Are there experiences from the past that are impacting you negatively now? I mostly work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Welcome! Are you exhausted from keeping it all together and handling all of life's difficulties alone? Whether you're feeling weighed down by day to day life or experiences in your past, overwhelmed with anxiety, or struggling with depression and finding it difficult to find motivation to complete daily tasks, my hope is for therapy to be a space where you are able to show up as your authentic self without judgement and feel truly supported and cared for.
Welcome! Are you exhausted from keeping it all together and handling all of life's difficulties alone? Whether you're feeling weighed down by day to day life or experiences in your past, overwhelmed with anxiety, or struggling with depression and finding it difficult to find motivation to complete daily tasks, my hope is for therapy to be a space where you are able to show up as your authentic self without judgement and feel truly supported and cared for.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for San Mateo
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- El Granada
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- Woodside
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.