LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Silver Lake, CA
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of stress, struggling with painful memories, feeling lost in a relationship, or navigating a major life transition. Perhaps you simply have a sense that something isn’t quite right—that you’re not living the life you truly want.
Whatever you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to support you in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of stress, struggling with painful memories, feeling lost in a relationship, or navigating a major life transition. Perhaps you simply have a sense that something isn’t quite right—that you’re not living the life you truly want.
Whatever you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to support you in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow.
I work affirmatively & sex-positively with LGBTQIA+ people exploring their intersectional identities, sexuality, gender & relationships (kink, poly, ENM).
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
I work affirmatively & sex-positively with LGBTQIA+ people exploring their intersectional identities, sexuality, gender & relationships (kink, poly, ENM).
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
If you're worried about your teen, I am ready to help. Having spent years working with young adults and adolescents who are struggling, I am skilled in providing support in a caring, non-judgmental way. Together I work with clients to lay down the groundwork of self-compassion to build healthier thinking, behaviors, and relationships. Over time, my teen clients have more insight and skills to use in their daily lives. My experiences working in residential substance abuse and eating disorder facilities have helped me connect with teens and develop an arsenal of skills to assist even the most withdrawn adolescent.
If you're worried about your teen, I am ready to help. Having spent years working with young adults and adolescents who are struggling, I am skilled in providing support in a caring, non-judgmental way. Together I work with clients to lay down the groundwork of self-compassion to build healthier thinking, behaviors, and relationships. Over time, my teen clients have more insight and skills to use in their daily lives. My experiences working in residential substance abuse and eating disorder facilities have helped me connect with teens and develop an arsenal of skills to assist even the most withdrawn adolescent.
Anxiety With Life & Relationships Katie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with high-achieving professionals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people who are self-aware but still can't shift their anxiety.
As of 7/22/26, scheduling new clients in CA&NC. You're functioning well by every external measure. You're capable, responsible, probably the person others lean on. Your nervous system hasn't genuinely rested in years. You understand your anxiety. You might have even done therapy before. But insight hasn't made the feeling stop. Anxiety isn't only a thought pattern. It runs through threat responses moving faster than conscious thought, which is why understanding it hasn't changed it. This is exactly what I work with. It's why people who've tried everything else tend to find their way here.
I work with high-achieving professionals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people who are self-aware but still can't shift their anxiety.
As of 7/22/26, scheduling new clients in CA&NC. You're functioning well by every external measure. You're capable, responsible, probably the person others lean on. Your nervous system hasn't genuinely rested in years. You understand your anxiety. You might have even done therapy before. But insight hasn't made the feeling stop. Anxiety isn't only a thought pattern. It runs through threat responses moving faster than conscious thought, which is why understanding it hasn't changed it. This is exactly what I work with. It's why people who've tried everything else tend to find their way here.
Illuminating Hope, CA & Martha's
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMHC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I take a personal, relatable approach to working with all of my clients. I sincerely care about helping my clients gain clarity and insight while progressing towards developing the skills necessary to independently problem solve in the future. I do feel that we sometimes need to look backwards and work through past issues in order to lay a better foundation for the present. I will always seek to speak the truth with grace, even though it may be difficult to hear, in order to ensure that my clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their situation.
I take a personal, relatable approach to working with all of my clients. I sincerely care about helping my clients gain clarity and insight while progressing towards developing the skills necessary to independently problem solve in the future. I do feel that we sometimes need to look backwards and work through past issues in order to lay a better foundation for the present. I will always seek to speak the truth with grace, even though it may be difficult to hear, in order to ensure that my clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their situation.
Additionally, I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and issues relating to race, class, and culture.
Finding the right therapist is a vital part of the healing process. I work with individuals, couples, and relationships, using curiosity, warmth, direct feedback, and—when fitting—a sense of humor. My approach draws from attachment-based, trauma-informed, and depth psychology frameworks to support greater self-awareness, clarity, and connection.
I offer a non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world and bring unconscious patterns into consciousness. Together, we deepen your connection to your aspirations, dreams and desires.
Additionally, I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and issues relating to race, class, and culture.
Finding the right therapist is a vital part of the healing process. I work with individuals, couples, and relationships, using curiosity, warmth, direct feedback, and—when fitting—a sense of humor. My approach draws from attachment-based, trauma-informed, and depth psychology frameworks to support greater self-awareness, clarity, and connection.
I offer a non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world and bring unconscious patterns into consciousness. Together, we deepen your connection to your aspirations, dreams and desires.
There is no shame in taking time to find the therapist that is right for you: a therapist that you can be emotionally safe with. I work with people who suffer from trauma responses that have impacted their quality of life.
There is no shame in taking time to find the therapist that is right for you: a therapist that you can be emotionally safe with. I work with people who suffer from trauma responses that have impacted their quality of life.
I am a queer identified therapist and I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, and non-judgmental. I engage with my clients through empathy, humor, curiosity, and creativity to foster a supportive and collaborative environment. My approach with each individual and relationship is unique. Through Depth/Jungian, somatic, psychodynamic, and CBT, I make use of multiple therapeutic methods.
I am a queer identified therapist and I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, and non-judgmental. I engage with my clients through empathy, humor, curiosity, and creativity to foster a supportive and collaborative environment. My approach with each individual and relationship is unique. Through Depth/Jungian, somatic, psychodynamic, and CBT, I make use of multiple therapeutic methods.
If obsessions and compulsions are getting in the way of you living your life fully, I'm so glad you're here, and I would be honored to support you. Living with OCD can make it challenging to show up in your relationships, to do your job, and to show up in life. I use evidence-based treatments, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help my clients change their relationships with their thoughts and unwanted compulsions so they can get back to life.
If obsessions and compulsions are getting in the way of you living your life fully, I'm so glad you're here, and I would be honored to support you. Living with OCD can make it challenging to show up in your relationships, to do your job, and to show up in life. I use evidence-based treatments, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help my clients change their relationships with their thoughts and unwanted compulsions so they can get back to life.
I see clients who want more authentic, meaningful connections with self and others.
Maybe you have lots of friends but never feel you can be your authentic self. Maybe you struggle to find others who are like you. Perhaps you are working hard to make sure everyone else is okay, afraid that if you stop those relationships will disappear. Or you are the quiet one, wanting to connect but afraid to be seen. Maybe you are feeling the existential weight of our sociopolitical world, where isolation and disconnection are the norm.
I see clients who want more authentic, meaningful connections with self and others.
Maybe you have lots of friends but never feel you can be your authentic self. Maybe you struggle to find others who are like you. Perhaps you are working hard to make sure everyone else is okay, afraid that if you stop those relationships will disappear. Or you are the quiet one, wanting to connect but afraid to be seen. Maybe you are feeling the existential weight of our sociopolitical world, where isolation and disconnection are the norm.
My special interests include working with couples/partners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, creative & neurodivergent populations.
I offer a safe, judgment-free space that respects who you are and where you come from. Together, we can create room for your deepest thoughts and feelings to be voiced and held. And from this foundation, we can begin to understand who you truly are beneath the surface, and gently bring warmth and life to the parts of you that have felt hardest to reach.
My special interests include working with couples/partners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, creative & neurodivergent populations.
I offer a safe, judgment-free space that respects who you are and where you come from. Together, we can create room for your deepest thoughts and feelings to be voiced and held. And from this foundation, we can begin to understand who you truly are beneath the surface, and gently bring warmth and life to the parts of you that have felt hardest to reach.
If you're queer and holding it all together on the outside, but underneath there's a secret boxing match going on from childhood trauma, codependency, high-functioning anxiety and depression, or ADHD/AuDHD you're in the right place.
Queers, creatives, weirdos, and rebels: If past trauma still runs the show, a breakup revealed patterns you need to quit, or the political dumpster fire has your anxiety spiraling, let's talk. Fear of conflict, fear of being alone, fear of starting over; when you've grown up in chaos, those fears make sense. They also don't have to run your life forever.
If you're queer and holding it all together on the outside, but underneath there's a secret boxing match going on from childhood trauma, codependency, high-functioning anxiety and depression, or ADHD/AuDHD you're in the right place.
Queers, creatives, weirdos, and rebels: If past trauma still runs the show, a breakup revealed patterns you need to quit, or the political dumpster fire has your anxiety spiraling, let's talk. Fear of conflict, fear of being alone, fear of starting over; when you've grown up in chaos, those fears make sense. They also don't have to run your life forever.
As a Latinx and openly queer therapist, I bring the intersection of my identities to my work and am committed to understanding the complexity of each of my clients in their identities.
You want meaningful change and self understanding. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling exhausted by patterns they can't quite understand, struggling in relationships, or carrying burdens they no longer want to carry alone. I approach therapy with warmth, sensitivity, and an endless curiosity to understand your unique needs and story. I want to help explore what has shaped you and your thinking, offer space to slow down and help you make sense of what you're experiencing now. Understanding the deeper roots of our challenges in therapy can illuminate new ways of relating, being, and feeling.
As a Latinx and openly queer therapist, I bring the intersection of my identities to my work and am committed to understanding the complexity of each of my clients in their identities.
You want meaningful change and self understanding. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling exhausted by patterns they can't quite understand, struggling in relationships, or carrying burdens they no longer want to carry alone. I approach therapy with warmth, sensitivity, and an endless curiosity to understand your unique needs and story. I want to help explore what has shaped you and your thinking, offer space to slow down and help you make sense of what you're experiencing now. Understanding the deeper roots of our challenges in therapy can illuminate new ways of relating, being, and feeling.
Clients often come to me for: Couples Counseling, Men's Mental Health, Big Life Transitions, Trauma, Anxiety & Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Care, Kink & Open Relationship Dynamics, Corporate Executives & High-Profile Individuals, Recovering Perfectionists & People Pleasers, & Therapists-as-Clients.
Clients often come to me when they feel stuck—whether they’re navigating mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, or mood disorders, or processing significant life events and transitions. Many times, it’s a mix of both. I’m Dr. AJ Rich, PsyD, LMFT (he/him), but my clients simply call me AJ. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who, from the outside, may seem like they have it all together but inside feel insecure, dissatisfied, or unhappy. You can easily get on my calendar with a few clicks at my website for a free 20-minute consultation.
Clients often come to me for: Couples Counseling, Men's Mental Health, Big Life Transitions, Trauma, Anxiety & Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Care, Kink & Open Relationship Dynamics, Corporate Executives & High-Profile Individuals, Recovering Perfectionists & People Pleasers, & Therapists-as-Clients.
Clients often come to me when they feel stuck—whether they’re navigating mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, or mood disorders, or processing significant life events and transitions. Many times, it’s a mix of both. I’m Dr. AJ Rich, PsyD, LMFT (he/him), but my clients simply call me AJ. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who, from the outside, may seem like they have it all together but inside feel insecure, dissatisfied, or unhappy. You can easily get on my calendar with a few clicks at my website for a free 20-minute consultation.
My practice centers on Gottman Method couples therapy, adult ADHD, therapy for gay men and LGBTQ+ clients, and anxiety — particularly the kind that gets tangled up with ambition, high standards, and demanding careers.
My clinical foundation is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for individuals and the Gottman Method for couples — both well-researched, practical approaches. I'm active and engaged in sessions: I ask thoughtful questions, offer candid observations, and collaborate with clients on ways to apply therapy to daily life.
My practice centers on Gottman Method couples therapy, adult ADHD, therapy for gay men and LGBTQ+ clients, and anxiety — particularly the kind that gets tangled up with ambition, high standards, and demanding careers.
My clinical foundation is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for individuals and the Gottman Method for couples — both well-researched, practical approaches. I'm active and engaged in sessions: I ask thoughtful questions, offer candid observations, and collaborate with clients on ways to apply therapy to daily life.
Many gay men I work with are navigating open or non-traditional relationship structures and want practical tools to set clearer boundaries, disengage from unhealthy dynamics, and build relationships that feel more stable, reciprocal, and self-respecting.
I’m a Stanford-trained psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping gay men change unhelpful relationship patterns using science-based, skills-focused therapy. My approach is structured and direct. We identify what keeps you stuck and develop clear strategies to respond differently and make more confident relationship decisions.
Many gay men I work with are navigating open or non-traditional relationship structures and want practical tools to set clearer boundaries, disengage from unhealthy dynamics, and build relationships that feel more stable, reciprocal, and self-respecting.
I’m a Stanford-trained psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping gay men change unhelpful relationship patterns using science-based, skills-focused therapy. My approach is structured and direct. We identify what keeps you stuck and develop clear strategies to respond differently and make more confident relationship decisions.
I specialize in working with gay men & lesbians through Gay-Centered Depth Analysis, a soulful approach focused on addressing the actual causes of one’s current symptoms, one’s “unfinished family business” from childhood.
Gay-Centered Depth Analysis assists you in uncovering and understanding the early-life causes of your present-day difficulties from a gay/ lesbian perspective. In the process you will learn about your own inner life and how to work with it to begin the healing process and improve your overall well-being, with the main goal to realize your gay/ lesbian self.
I specialize in working with gay men & lesbians through Gay-Centered Depth Analysis, a soulful approach focused on addressing the actual causes of one’s current symptoms, one’s “unfinished family business” from childhood.
Gay-Centered Depth Analysis assists you in uncovering and understanding the early-life causes of your present-day difficulties from a gay/ lesbian perspective. In the process you will learn about your own inner life and how to work with it to begin the healing process and improve your overall well-being, with the main goal to realize your gay/ lesbian self.
I hold additional certifications in various trauma therapies, as well as LGBTQIA affirming care.
In treating anxiety, depression, challenging life changes, or identity issues, I accompany clients through a process of increasing insight, skill building, and self-awareness through a lively engagement with everything we might take for granted. Awakening (or reawakening) deep compassion and curiosity about ourselves and the world is the first step and the foundation of my treatment approach.
I hold additional certifications in various trauma therapies, as well as LGBTQIA affirming care.
In treating anxiety, depression, challenging life changes, or identity issues, I accompany clients through a process of increasing insight, skill building, and self-awareness through a lively engagement with everything we might take for granted. Awakening (or reawakening) deep compassion and curiosity about ourselves and the world is the first step and the foundation of my treatment approach.
I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them,
navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.
My style is warm but direct: I'll reflect your experience back and challenge you when it helps, so you feel both validated and pushed forward. Having grown up in Ukraine and lived in several countries before Los Angeles, I understand identity, belonging, and reinvention firsthand. My approach is integrative and affirming, with LGBTQ+ work at its core.
I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them,
navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.
My style is warm but direct: I'll reflect your experience back and challenge you when it helps, so you feel both validated and pushed forward. Having grown up in Ukraine and lived in several countries before Los Angeles, I understand identity, belonging, and reinvention firsthand. My approach is integrative and affirming, with LGBTQ+ work at its core.
I work primarily with queer/ gay folks to explore our stories of anxiety, loneliness, depression, and grief.
I provide a safe and confidential space to witness and explore your stories of Self.
I've been trained in IFS and EFT techniques and can help you build Self-to-part connections, so you can heal.
We'll shift patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you. I use a trauma-informed, antiracist, and harm reduction lens, always with warmth and compassion.
I work primarily with queer/ gay folks to explore our stories of anxiety, loneliness, depression, and grief.
I provide a safe and confidential space to witness and explore your stories of Self.
I've been trained in IFS and EFT techniques and can help you build Self-to-part connections, so you can heal.
We'll shift patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you. I use a trauma-informed, antiracist, and harm reduction lens, always with warmth and compassion.
See more therapy options for Silver Lake
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Silver Lake
- Alhambra
- Eagle Rock
- East Los Angeles
- Glassell Park
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Hollywood
- Huntington Park
- Los Angeles
- Playa Vista
- South Pasadena
- West Hollywood
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.