LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Psychedelic Therapy ~Insurance Coverage Available
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal. Feya accepts Medicare for in-network coverage for all of our services!
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal. Feya accepts Medicare for in-network coverage for all of our services!
Axis Mundi would like to present Tyson Ayers. Tyson is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Elysha Martinez, LMFT (CA-93493). The supervisor works with Tyson to help develop their clinical skills and to ensure that they are providing quality care to you as the client. Tyson is also currently working towards receiving their Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Meridian University.
Statement by Tyson:
‘It’s okay to be exactly how you are — despite all the pressures to not be. I feel honored to therapeutically support others in cultivating self-awareness, self-authorship and psychosomatic liberation.
Axis Mundi would like to present Tyson Ayers. Tyson is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Elysha Martinez, LMFT (CA-93493). The supervisor works with Tyson to help develop their clinical skills and to ensure that they are providing quality care to you as the client. Tyson is also currently working towards receiving their Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Meridian University.
Statement by Tyson:
‘It’s okay to be exactly how you are — despite all the pressures to not be. I feel honored to therapeutically support others in cultivating self-awareness, self-authorship and psychosomatic liberation.
Hello, I am an Art Center grad turned therapist working with folks who are looking for deeper healing. I work with individuals and couples experiencing uncontrollable indecisiveness, emotional sensitivity, fear of doing something wrong, difficulty knowing or asking for their needs, and feeling burdened by wearing their mask. Our work integrates traditional talk therapy, somatic work, Brainspotting, and EMDR for deeper neurobiological and body healing.
Those flashes of uncontrollable emotions or thoughts become manageable with the greater understanding and toolbox we create together. So emotions don't control you, but inform you.
Hello, I am an Art Center grad turned therapist working with folks who are looking for deeper healing. I work with individuals and couples experiencing uncontrollable indecisiveness, emotional sensitivity, fear of doing something wrong, difficulty knowing or asking for their needs, and feeling burdened by wearing their mask. Our work integrates traditional talk therapy, somatic work, Brainspotting, and EMDR for deeper neurobiological and body healing.
Those flashes of uncontrollable emotions or thoughts become manageable with the greater understanding and toolbox we create together. So emotions don't control you, but inform you.
The evidence-based practice movement emphasizes integrating the best available scientific research with clinical expertise. In our sessions, we’ll work as a team to identify your goals and use interventions supported by psychological science to reach them. Throughout treatment, we’ll regularly measure progress to ensure your care remains effective, individualized, and aligned with your needs.
The evidence-based practice movement emphasizes integrating the best available scientific research with clinical expertise. In our sessions, we’ll work as a team to identify your goals and use interventions supported by psychological science to reach them. Throughout treatment, we’ll regularly measure progress to ensure your care remains effective, individualized, and aligned with your needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or stuck? Even the most accomplished person can sometimes feel like their life is not where they want it to be. Whether you're exhausted from over-performing at work or at home, struggling to relax due to constant fears that you aren't good enough, or going back and forth between doing way too much and doing nothing, my goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of what you actually want out of your life and make concrete changes to get there. I work with adults (18+) in individual and couple therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or stuck? Even the most accomplished person can sometimes feel like their life is not where they want it to be. Whether you're exhausted from over-performing at work or at home, struggling to relax due to constant fears that you aren't good enough, or going back and forth between doing way too much and doing nothing, my goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of what you actually want out of your life and make concrete changes to get there. I work with adults (18+) in individual and couple therapy.
Painful sex, low desire, sexual anxiety, or feeling disconnected from your body can make something that’s “supposed” to feel good feel complicated. Maybe you avoid intimacy, tense up when sex is initiated, struggle to become aroused, or feel frustrated that your mind wants something your body doesn’t. Over time, this can change how you feel about your body, relationships, and yourself. You don’t need more pressure to “fix” your sex life. Together, we’ll understand what’s underneath these patterns and what your brain, body, nervous system, relationships, and sexuality need to experience intimacy differently.
Painful sex, low desire, sexual anxiety, or feeling disconnected from your body can make something that’s “supposed” to feel good feel complicated. Maybe you avoid intimacy, tense up when sex is initiated, struggle to become aroused, or feel frustrated that your mind wants something your body doesn’t. Over time, this can change how you feel about your body, relationships, and yourself. You don’t need more pressure to “fix” your sex life. Together, we’ll understand what’s underneath these patterns and what your brain, body, nervous system, relationships, and sexuality need to experience intimacy differently.
Are you feeling alone? Stressed? Stuck in old patterns? Anxious or sad?
You are not alone and your story matters. I’m here to help you feel seen in your full complexity so you can begin to breathe, grow and connect. Let's help you get your life back!
Are you feeling alone? Stressed? Stuck in old patterns? Anxious or sad?
You are not alone and your story matters. I’m here to help you feel seen in your full complexity so you can begin to breathe, grow and connect. Let's help you get your life back!
Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
Treating eating disorders has been my passion since I started studying psychology. I work alongside your treatment team to make sure that we are working on all aspects of your ED. I have worked in many different levels of care (inpatient, IOP, PHP, outpatient) and understand the complex process of eating disorder treatment.
Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
Treating eating disorders has been my passion since I started studying psychology. I work alongside your treatment team to make sure that we are working on all aspects of your ED. I have worked in many different levels of care (inpatient, IOP, PHP, outpatient) and understand the complex process of eating disorder treatment.
Sometimes, our thoughts can become so frightening that we feel trapped inside our own minds. With over two decades of clinical experience, I'm here to help you find comfort within yourself and your relationships, without the use of medication. I help people taper from existing prescriptions when appropriate. I see clients of all ages, particularly adults and adolescents.
I blend techniques such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapies), DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic theory, existential therapy, and guided imagery. Due to the complexity of human experience, I adapt my therapeutic approach based on the individual needs of each client.
Sometimes, our thoughts can become so frightening that we feel trapped inside our own minds. With over two decades of clinical experience, I'm here to help you find comfort within yourself and your relationships, without the use of medication. I help people taper from existing prescriptions when appropriate. I see clients of all ages, particularly adults and adolescents.
I blend techniques such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapies), DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic theory, existential therapy, and guided imagery. Due to the complexity of human experience, I adapt my therapeutic approach based on the individual needs of each client.
People look to you for the answer and you usually have it. But, right now there seems to be an obstacle. You may consistently implement the "right" answer and it's still not working out. Leaving you with the issue still, overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, anxious, and/or depressed. We will look at various parts of yourself and the situation to find what's working and what's not to deepen insights and find what needs to be done, so desired outcomes and patterns can emerge. I have success helping clients improve relationships, understand their emotions and others, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
People look to you for the answer and you usually have it. But, right now there seems to be an obstacle. You may consistently implement the "right" answer and it's still not working out. Leaving you with the issue still, overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, anxious, and/or depressed. We will look at various parts of yourself and the situation to find what's working and what's not to deepen insights and find what needs to be done, so desired outcomes and patterns can emerge. I have success helping clients improve relationships, understand their emotions and others, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
When the topic of sex comes up, you feel more pressure and anxiety than excitement. Intimacy feels like an area where you’re unseen, yet the expectations never stop. Date nights that once brought joy now leave you feeling disconnected and disappointed. It’s as if your desire has vanished, and you can’t reignite it despite your efforts. Lost in a maze of “shoulds,” you may wonder if genuine connection is even possible. Deep down, you crave a fulfilling, authentic bond—not just with a partner but with yourself.
When the topic of sex comes up, you feel more pressure and anxiety than excitement. Intimacy feels like an area where you’re unseen, yet the expectations never stop. Date nights that once brought joy now leave you feeling disconnected and disappointed. It’s as if your desire has vanished, and you can’t reignite it despite your efforts. Lost in a maze of “shoulds,” you may wonder if genuine connection is even possible. Deep down, you crave a fulfilling, authentic bond—not just with a partner but with yourself.
Lauren Traitz, Chronic Illness & Medical
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
7 Endorsed
Online Only
I help women & LGBTQ folks heal their nervous system, rebuild trust in their bodies & reclaim their lives after years of being dismissed or disbelieved by the medical system.
Living with chronic illness can feel like a full time job. From juggling appointments to trying to get anything done during flares, the demands can feel endless. Maybe you've been dismissed by doctors, handed another referral that leads nowhere, or told your symptoms are "just stress & anxiety."
Medical gaslighting by the people who were supposed to help you is its own wound, & it deserves to be treated as one. You don't need another provider who doesn't believe you. You deserve a therapist who understands the grief, fear, nervous system overwhelm, identity shifts, & isolation that often accompany illness, pain, & medical trauma.
I help women & LGBTQ folks heal their nervous system, rebuild trust in their bodies & reclaim their lives after years of being dismissed or disbelieved by the medical system.
Living with chronic illness can feel like a full time job. From juggling appointments to trying to get anything done during flares, the demands can feel endless. Maybe you've been dismissed by doctors, handed another referral that leads nowhere, or told your symptoms are "just stress & anxiety."
Medical gaslighting by the people who were supposed to help you is its own wound, & it deserves to be treated as one. You don't need another provider who doesn't believe you. You deserve a therapist who understands the grief, fear, nervous system overwhelm, identity shifts, & isolation that often accompany illness, pain, & medical trauma.
I specialize in working with couples in high-distress situations, infidelity, communication issues, maternal mental health, and offering Queer Affirmative Therapy for individuals and couples.
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
I specialize in working with couples in high-distress situations, infidelity, communication issues, maternal mental health, and offering Queer Affirmative Therapy for individuals and couples.
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
As a mixed-race Asian American queer woman, introvert, and Highly Sensitive Person with lived experience with complex trauma, my approach is humanistic and non-pathological.
IFS, mindfulness, and somatic therapy for women in their 20s noticing relational patterns, grieving a heartbreak, or seeking a deeper sense of self-belonging. I specialize in working with Highly Sensitive People and complex trauma.
Together, we will create a gentle container to build your capacity to stay with yourself through activation, and move at the pace of your nervous system to find self-honesty and relief.
I offer online therapy as well as outdoor sessions, IFS intensives, and women's groups in LA.
As a mixed-race Asian American queer woman, introvert, and Highly Sensitive Person with lived experience with complex trauma, my approach is humanistic and non-pathological.
IFS, mindfulness, and somatic therapy for women in their 20s noticing relational patterns, grieving a heartbreak, or seeking a deeper sense of self-belonging. I specialize in working with Highly Sensitive People and complex trauma.
Together, we will create a gentle container to build your capacity to stay with yourself through activation, and move at the pace of your nervous system to find self-honesty and relief.
I offer online therapy as well as outdoor sessions, IFS intensives, and women's groups in LA.
I support clients working through trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, substance use concerns, identity exploration, LGBTQIA+ topics, self-harm, addiction, and phase-of-life transitions.
Love working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them to navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I take a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and social justice–oriented approach to therapy, with an emphasis on authenticity, connection, and collaboration. My style is warm and grounded, blending empathy, creativity, and humor to create a space where clients feel safe to explore and heal.
I support clients working through trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, substance use concerns, identity exploration, LGBTQIA+ topics, self-harm, addiction, and phase-of-life transitions.
Love working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them to navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I take a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and social justice–oriented approach to therapy, with an emphasis on authenticity, connection, and collaboration. My style is warm and grounded, blending empathy, creativity, and humor to create a space where clients feel safe to explore and heal.
My work reflects my lived identity as a queer neurodivergent person who is actively anti-fascist and anti-racist.
Let's make your life better! Being a human is freaking hard, and even more so when you get into complicated dynamics at home, at work, or in your community. Combining my training in art, exercise science, and diverse therapeutic modalities, I offer a healing experience that challenges old patterns in your mind and body so that you can explore new ways of being and grow into a life that you truly want to be living. We collaborate to discover a more resilient "you" and break free from pain and fear. I work with individual adults or adolescents, couples, or in groups to provide effective and creative therapy that will actually work!
My work reflects my lived identity as a queer neurodivergent person who is actively anti-fascist and anti-racist.
Let's make your life better! Being a human is freaking hard, and even more so when you get into complicated dynamics at home, at work, or in your community. Combining my training in art, exercise science, and diverse therapeutic modalities, I offer a healing experience that challenges old patterns in your mind and body so that you can explore new ways of being and grow into a life that you truly want to be living. We collaborate to discover a more resilient "you" and break free from pain and fear. I work with individual adults or adolescents, couples, or in groups to provide effective and creative therapy that will actually work!
Beckett Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPC
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Waitlist for new clients
I started working with clients in 2016 after completing a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification, afterwards I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Queer Studies and lastly received my Master's in Clinical Psychology.
Welcome! I focus my practice on helping people who feel overwhelmed with the pressures we face - personal, political and as a collective. Whether you are navigating your identity, trauma, or just trying to find some peace in a world that is constantly shifting, you don’t have to do it alone. In my work as a therapist, I create a safe space where you can explore the layers of who you are, what you are going through and your experience in the world. I believe there is a lot more to therapy than exploring your past or addressing symptoms, it is about finding your way through it all with a sense of wholeness and connection.
I started working with clients in 2016 after completing a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification, afterwards I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Queer Studies and lastly received my Master's in Clinical Psychology.
Welcome! I focus my practice on helping people who feel overwhelmed with the pressures we face - personal, political and as a collective. Whether you are navigating your identity, trauma, or just trying to find some peace in a world that is constantly shifting, you don’t have to do it alone. In my work as a therapist, I create a safe space where you can explore the layers of who you are, what you are going through and your experience in the world. I believe there is a lot more to therapy than exploring your past or addressing symptoms, it is about finding your way through it all with a sense of wholeness and connection.
Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, trauma, dissociation, relationships, or existential despair, I am here to help. By approaching your well-being from every angle, we will work together to facilitate a mindful exploration of your conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I will help you build a personalized self-care regimen aimed to help you learn about yourself in a kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. This may allow you to begin exploring how your mind and body process experiences; how your past may get activated in your present; and how your body instinctually responds.
Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, trauma, dissociation, relationships, or existential despair, I am here to help. By approaching your well-being from every angle, we will work together to facilitate a mindful exploration of your conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I will help you build a personalized self-care regimen aimed to help you learn about yourself in a kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. This may allow you to begin exploring how your mind and body process experiences; how your past may get activated in your present; and how your body instinctually responds.
To everyone else, you look capable, driven, and completely put together. But behind the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and over-functioning is a nervous system that has been running in survival mode for far too long. Even when you're exhausted, slowing down to relax feels stressful, leaving you swinging between overdrive and total shutdown. The result is often abandoning your own feelings, wants, and needs.
To everyone else, you look capable, driven, and completely put together. But behind the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and over-functioning is a nervous system that has been running in survival mode for far too long. Even when you're exhausted, slowing down to relax feels stressful, leaving you swinging between overdrive and total shutdown. The result is often abandoning your own feelings, wants, and needs.
Big life transitions such as trauma, death, health changes, and/or sexual identity often bring challenges, questions, and identity confusion. Whether those changes are voluntary or forced on us, we often find that the previous patterns and coping skills no longer work as effectively in the new "normal". I help people grow and adapt so they can create a sense of safety, control, and optimism for the future. I typically work with people who want more effective tools to improve their health and well-being so they can focus on meaning and purpose again.
Big life transitions such as trauma, death, health changes, and/or sexual identity often bring challenges, questions, and identity confusion. Whether those changes are voluntary or forced on us, we often find that the previous patterns and coping skills no longer work as effectively in the new "normal". I help people grow and adapt so they can create a sense of safety, control, and optimism for the future. I typically work with people who want more effective tools to improve their health and well-being so they can focus on meaning and purpose again.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
- Baldwin Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Rancho Park
- Venice
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
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.