LGBTQ+ Therapists in Sherman Oaks, CA
See all therapists in Sherman Oaks
Remi Larson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified
Verified
I work from a client-centered perspective that is strengths-based, trauma-informed, sex positive, and
trans
and poly affirming.
Have you ever wondered why you struggle with certain things while others seem to face these challenges head-on? I believe that while our biology may explain how we exist in the world, it is our social environment that shapes how we perceive and engage with the world around us. I hope to work with you so we can understand how these two forces have come together to create patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how we can use this knowledge to recover from the past and create a life that feels worth living. Together, we can process the past, live in the present, and lay the foundation for a healthy future.
Alek Koundakjian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
As a member of the
LGBTQ
+ community, I understand how everyone’s life and experiences are unique.
Hello! My goal as your therapist is to create a space that feels safe and supportive. Whether you are having a particular difficulty such as anxiety, depression, family concerns, or just need a safe haven to show up once a week, I’m here to provide support in a way that specifically meets your needs. I believe that connection and trust are foundational aspects of a therapeutic relationship and will prioritize getting to know you as a full person instead of a list of symptoms.
Not accepting new clients
Nina Firooz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My passion is in working with the
LGBTQ
population, and I specialize in working with
LGBTQ
Christians who are reconciling faith, sexuality, and gender.
At some point in your life, you received messages from society, family, peers, and/or the world that said you were 'less-than' because of how you identify. You probably internalized the message: "I am not enough." Sound like something you're dealing with? At the same time, something in you might want to fight those negative messages, and live a life full of joy, peace, laughter, and authenticity. Whatever you are dealing with or have endured, I will gladly join you in your journey of self-acceptance, contextualizing your circumstances, and building up your authentic self.
Robbert Jan Schalekamp
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
The majority of my clients are people over 40, many of them
gay
men, who want to make sense of their life and its transitions: where they come from, where they are and where they are going. They might have specific issues: work, relationships, health challenges (sometimes HIV), aging parents, substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Sometimes there is no specific issue, just a desire to sort out things. Their history might include trauma in childhood or later in life, and multiple losses, including loss to suicide. Depression and anxiety often show up as part of the work.
Sherman Oaks Mental Health Group GP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am an LCSW with almost 30 years of experience in treating clients with anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and loss, animal companion losses,
LGBTQ
identity, and the unique needs of the artistic personality. I work with great sensitivity, empathy, and compassion for those who come to me in pain, seeking relief from those conflicts that weigh you down and prevent you from reaching your maximum potential and dignity as worthy and valuable human beings. I am also an EMDR trained therapist who specializes in treating a variety of simple and complex traumas.
Laurie Stephens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My recent passion is the intersection of autism with
LGBTQIA
+ identity.
I have been working in the field of autism spectrum disorders since the late 1980’s, I have worked with the full expression of the spectrum and hold as a core belief that my job is not to make you “not autistic”, but to help you gain the insight/skills/coping techniques you seek. I see my clients as part of a system, and thus will work with parents, schools, other therapists, psychiatrists and others to ensure continuity of care. In addition to psychotherapy, I conduct diagnostic evaluations and school observations. I have provided trainings all over the world to clinicians and educators alike.
Casey Weitzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
At the core of my practice, Gender Wellness of Los Angeles (GWLA), I provide counseling for the
transgender
and non-binary community — and their families — at any point of the journey.
I’ve spent most of my 30+ years in private practice working with clients on issues related to gender identity. Until recently, transitioning was strictly thought of in binary terms: Male-to-Female (MtF), Female-to-Male (FtM). Today, thankfully, we have evolved to include gender non-binary models. Maybe, you identify as “
trans
,” “non-binary,” or some other term denoting gender variance. Or, perhaps, you’re the parent of a child that identifies this way. Putting labels aside, for the moment, the journey can be challenging and self-acceptance is key. We all long to be loved, but the love must come from within, too.
Teddy Goyer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Welcome! I'm Teddy (they/them). I am a
queer
/
trans
and neurodivergent therapist. I specialize in
queer
-,
trans
-, and neurodiversty-affirmative therapy. My clients often come to therapy looking for a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where all of you is seen, heard, respected, and empowered in working towards your goals. I frequently work with
queer
and neurodivergent individuals, couples - especially those with different neurotypes, and parents of
queer
and neurodivergent children and adults.
Susan J Leviton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
For my
transgender
clients, there are additional challenges.
Many people do not get the nurturing they should when they are growing up, so they have inaccurate pictures of themselves. This leads to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Therapy helps you process your experiences so that you can have a more realistic picture of who you are, feel better, and make life choices that work for you.
Patrick Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I'm an Certified Couples and Sex Therapist, and have experience working with diverse populations (straight,
gay
,
lesbian
,
trans
), various relationship configurations (monogamous, open, polyamorous, etc), and challenging issues both in and outside of the bedroom.
Life can be painful and difficult. Intimate relationships can be particularly challenging if you don't have the communication skills needed to express your feelings and resolve conflicts effectively. This can lead to anger, resentment, fear and loneliness. Over time, intimacy and sexual connection will often suffer due to these feelings. Therapy can help you sort through and understand the challenges you're facing, and identify solutions that work for you. With the proper support, things can get better.
Kimberly Resnick Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, AASECT
Verified
Verified
I've also treated thousands of individuals with varied sexual lifestyles including
LGBT
, Polyamory and BDSM clients.
Everyone has a 'sexual story.' Our culture has a love-hate relationship with sex and sends many mixed messages. I help people explore the legacy of their sexual story and identify the biological, social and psychological barriers to sexual health and satisfaction. I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine with 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. I developed my own model of talking to clients about sex ("Comfort-Inducing Sexuality Dialogue") that is both comforting and profoundly liberating.
Michal Rogers
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, MSW
Verified
Verified
I am a kink-knowledgeable, poly-aware,
LGBTQIA
+ friendly associate therapist. Together we can address obstacles that prevent you from having the sex life you desire. For clients who are experiencing pain during sex, struggling to feel safe in their identity, or just want to talk about depression with a therapist who gets their D/s dynamic, I'm here to support. Additionally, as a therapist with ADHD, I have a lot of experience addressing the needs of neurodivergents. Let's work together to create a pathway to full self-expression and passionate living.
Counseling West
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
The center provides counseling for children, adults, couples and families on a sliding scale fee structure. You will find that our depth psychological approach honors your individuality and encourages a deeper exploration of ones inner world. There is great wisdom in these depths. With over 30 therapists on staff, we are able to offer guidance with an array of presenting challenges such as depression,anxiety,loss, trauma and relationship issues. Our services are offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Farsi, Armenian, German, Romanian and Arabic. Our center is
LGBT
affirmative.
Michael Southerland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In addition to my primary experience, I have experience in working with those in the
LGBT
community and
gay
men living with HIV/AIDS.
My ideal client has the potential to recognize that they have the answer lies within and that I, as a therapist, am there to help them find the answer within themselves. All of us seeking therapy have that potential within ourselves. I am trained and skilled in working with all ages. I have experience in working with clients with different cultural backgrounds, especially
LGBT
clients.
Britt Kusserow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am passionate about work with the
LGBTQ
+ community and the treatment of anxiety and OCD.
The most important part of our therapeutic relationship is a strong alignment between therapist and client. I am here to provide a supportive environment where you can develop confidence in your own abilities and move forward courageously. My ideal client is curious about themself, and about the systems and stories that have shaped their current experience. They might be struggling with shame or anxiety, and finding it difficult to separate their understanding of self from that experience.
Adam Bruno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPSA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I frequently work with the
LGBTQIA
+/SAGA communities, as well.
I am a licensed MFT with experience as a hospice volunteer, behaviorist, and career counselor. I have worked with everyone from preschool children to centenarians. I have been in the mental health field for over ten years. I have an office in Sherman Oaks, and I offer free evaluations and consultations.
Yana Kaminsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My life experiences introduced me to a multitude of diverse cultural learning opportunities. I have experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss,
LGBTQ
affirmative, issues of entertainment industry and creative arts, aging and relationships.
Jessica Whitehead
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide therapy and counseling services to individuals and couples experiencing relational and personal issues surrounding relationship/martial conflict, sexuality and intimacy issues, life transition issues, gender identity concerns and sexual dysfunction. I practice from a strength-based, solution-focused, systems, feminist and insight oriented perspective, believing therapy is an art my clients and I engage in collaboratively. I also incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy and DBT to help my clients meet their personal and relationship goals.I provide
LGBTQ
+ Aware and Affirmative therapy.
Not accepting new clients
Lea Witemberg Engle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treating older (17+) adolescents and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, mood-disregulation, athletes with anxiety, EDOs, PTSD, relationship issues, and pregnancy issues. I have extensive experience working with the
LGBTQ
+ community, with individuals and couples, especially those struggling with cultural expectations of their family of origin, specifically the Latino population. I use a strength-based and client-centered approach which allows my clients to be active participants in their treatment process, empowering them to be active participants in their healing and change.
Patricia Diane Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
My expertise also includes treating Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Parenting, Addiction, Trauma, Domestic Violence, Loss/Grief, and
LGBTQ
+ Issues.
Have you been suddenly hit with overwhelming fear, worry, anxiety, leaving you feeling out of control? Are you feeling sad and lonely but you are too ashamed or reluctant to tell anyone about it? These experiences can leave a person feeling helpless and hopeless. There are ways to alleviate these intense feelings. There are many mental health professionals from whom to choose, but what really matters now is, "Who can help me?" Entering psychotherapy can be confusing. In an empathic and safe environment, I help each client understand how their past affects their present so that they may achieve the desired change in their life.
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How can I find a therapist in Sherman Oaks?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online or over the phone can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the United States, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
What type of therapist is right for me?
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist, psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.