LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in South San Francisco, CA
Many of the couples I work with, including LGBTQ+ partners, are navigating betrayal, trauma, attachment injuries, or long standing relational patterns that feel overwhelming or exhausting.
I am an experienced couples therapist who has spent several years working almost exclusively with couples, including LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), an evidence-based approach that helps partners understand their attachment needs, identify and break negative cycles, and rebuild emotional connection.
Many of the couples I work with, including LGBTQ+ partners, are navigating betrayal, trauma, attachment injuries, or long standing relational patterns that feel overwhelming or exhausting.
I am an experienced couples therapist who has spent several years working almost exclusively with couples, including LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), an evidence-based approach that helps partners understand their attachment needs, identify and break negative cycles, and rebuild emotional connection.
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.
My name is Peter Carnini (he, him, his), and I'm a licensed psychotherapist providing direct, interactive, authentic counseling and psychotherapy for gay, queer, and bisexual men in the San Francisco Bay Area.
You deserve more... and interactive, authentic help is available! Having helped a wide range of ethnic groups in 5 major LGBTQ mental health programs over the past 20+ years, I have a LOT of experience doing this kind of work and helping gay men overcome anxiety and depression, work through identity-related issues, and better cope with age-related concerns.
My name is Peter Carnini (he, him, his), and I'm a licensed psychotherapist providing direct, interactive, authentic counseling and psychotherapy for gay, queer, and bisexual men in the San Francisco Bay Area.
You deserve more... and interactive, authentic help is available! Having helped a wide range of ethnic groups in 5 major LGBTQ mental health programs over the past 20+ years, I have a LOT of experience doing this kind of work and helping gay men overcome anxiety and depression, work through identity-related issues, and better cope with age-related concerns.
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Do you struggle with anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, social anxiety, or excessive worry? My goal in therapy is to help you find flexible and effective ways of responding to and breaking out of unhelpful old patterns. I'm an experienced and caring therapist and my style is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we can focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Do you struggle with anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, social anxiety, or excessive worry? My goal in therapy is to help you find flexible and effective ways of responding to and breaking out of unhelpful old patterns. I'm an experienced and caring therapist and my style is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we can focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I provide an authentic, caring and safe environment that allows for clients to access their own internal resources to do the all-important work of therapy. Evening and Saturday availability.
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I provide an authentic, caring and safe environment that allows for clients to access their own internal resources to do the all-important work of therapy. Evening and Saturday availability.
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).
Hey there! Feeling weighed down by depression or anxiety? Lost in life's twists and turns? Your journey matters, and I'm here to walk alongside you. Specializing in depression, anxiety, and navigating life's challenges, I offer a caring and compassionate approach to therapy. My sessions are interactive, empowering you to map out your path forward. I'm dedicated to helping you move toward a brighter, more fulfilling life. Let's kick off this incredible journey together for a brighter tomorrow.
Hey there! Feeling weighed down by depression or anxiety? Lost in life's twists and turns? Your journey matters, and I'm here to walk alongside you. Specializing in depression, anxiety, and navigating life's challenges, I offer a caring and compassionate approach to therapy. My sessions are interactive, empowering you to map out your path forward. I'm dedicated to helping you move toward a brighter, more fulfilling life. Let's kick off this incredible journey together for a brighter tomorrow.
My practice focuses on relational issues and alternative lifestyles, BDSM, Kink, Transgender and Polyamory.
I approach treatment focused on finding solutions and combine different styles and therapy models according to your needs. I am experienced in: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, relational Problems, Depression, Alternative Relationships, BDSM, Polyamory, Kink, Substance Abuse Issues, Domestic Violence, Transgender issues, HIV/AIDS, and Bilingual Spanish
My practice focuses on relational issues and alternative lifestyles, BDSM, Kink, Transgender and Polyamory.
I approach treatment focused on finding solutions and combine different styles and therapy models according to your needs. I am experienced in: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, relational Problems, Depression, Alternative Relationships, BDSM, Polyamory, Kink, Substance Abuse Issues, Domestic Violence, Transgender issues, HIV/AIDS, and Bilingual Spanish
Before becoming a social worker and a therapist, I was a meditator in the Buddhist tradition. I was attracted to Buddhism because it directly addressed the problem of suffering and what to do about it. It offered practices to relieve suffering and promote happiness, which I began to experience the more I practiced. This inspired me to train to become a therapist, through which I learned about many additional forms of suffering and ways to relieve that suffering in myself and others.
Before becoming a social worker and a therapist, I was a meditator in the Buddhist tradition. I was attracted to Buddhism because it directly addressed the problem of suffering and what to do about it. It offered practices to relieve suffering and promote happiness, which I began to experience the more I practiced. This inspired me to train to become a therapist, through which I learned about many additional forms of suffering and ways to relieve that suffering in myself and others.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
I’m a queer cisgender woman in my 30s who lives with ADHD.
My motivation began with seeing how often people suffer alone. In therapy with me, you can expect curiosity, collaboration, and steady support. I respect the pace your nervous system needs and listen to the story your whole self is telling. My approach is personal and rooted in care that affirms who you are.
I’m a queer cisgender woman in my 30s who lives with ADHD.
My motivation began with seeing how often people suffer alone. In therapy with me, you can expect curiosity, collaboration, and steady support. I respect the pace your nervous system needs and listen to the story your whole self is telling. My approach is personal and rooted in care that affirms who you are.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (diagnosed or not), and couples where one or both members are neurodivergent (or might be). I also teach and consult about neurodiversity.
I support my clients in feeling fully heard, understood, and accepted.
With this foundation, we can work on any of a number of concerns: depression, anxiety, & social anxiety; ordinary adulting; great relationships: dating, long term partnership, endings; self-compassion & self-esteem; task management & goal achievement; motivation & focus; life purpose.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (diagnosed or not), and couples where one or both members are neurodivergent (or might be). I also teach and consult about neurodiversity.
I support my clients in feeling fully heard, understood, and accepted.
With this foundation, we can work on any of a number of concerns: depression, anxiety, & social anxiety; ordinary adulting; great relationships: dating, long term partnership, endings; self-compassion & self-esteem; task management & goal achievement; motivation & focus; life purpose.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, LGBTQ+, motivation, self-esteem, men’s issues, and career challenges.
I practice supporting people with sexuality, gender and relationship exploration and creating a sense of well-being.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, LGBTQ+, motivation, self-esteem, men’s issues, and career challenges.
I practice supporting people with sexuality, gender and relationship exploration and creating a sense of well-being.
Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, & distracted? Getting through your day in an organized and timely manner feels like an insurmountable task. Others in your past may have unfairly labeled you as "lazy” or “irresponsible.” ADHD affects every part of someone's life: their health, career, relationships with others, and even the relationship they have with themselves. For BIPOC individuals, additional challenges arise due to cultural insensitivity and limited access to accurate information.
Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, & distracted? Getting through your day in an organized and timely manner feels like an insurmountable task. Others in your past may have unfairly labeled you as "lazy” or “irresponsible.” ADHD affects every part of someone's life: their health, career, relationships with others, and even the relationship they have with themselves. For BIPOC individuals, additional challenges arise due to cultural insensitivity and limited access to accurate information.
Hey. I’m Jen, and I specialize in helping partners find their way back to each other. I know how hard it can be to wake up one day and wonder, “How did we get here?” Connecting used to feel much easier, but now you’re met with the same repeating argument or maybe you feel that you’re drifting further and further apart in icy silence. The frustration, the confusion, the doubts—they all make sense, and the disconnect is painful. I get it. I’m here to help you navigate the uncertainty and to give you the pacing, space, and guidance to really talk and figure out what needs to change so that you both feel better, together.
Hey. I’m Jen, and I specialize in helping partners find their way back to each other. I know how hard it can be to wake up one day and wonder, “How did we get here?” Connecting used to feel much easier, but now you’re met with the same repeating argument or maybe you feel that you’re drifting further and further apart in icy silence. The frustration, the confusion, the doubts—they all make sense, and the disconnect is painful. I get it. I’m here to help you navigate the uncertainty and to give you the pacing, space, and guidance to really talk and figure out what needs to change so that you both feel better, together.
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
Your whole day can be ruined by seeing your weight. You have to eat perfectly or you feel like a failure. You're ashamed of your body. Your eating habits cycle between being “good” (under-eating/ rigidity) and “bad” (overeating/ losing control). You vow to be “good” going forward. Your self esteem is conditional. You're growing more obsessed and frustrated by the day and don't understand why you can't figure this out on your own. Even when you succeed, you never feel like it's enough. It's difficult to enjoy time with your friends, feel confident dating, or just get your mind off of your body and food. You feel stuck.
Your whole day can be ruined by seeing your weight. You have to eat perfectly or you feel like a failure. You're ashamed of your body. Your eating habits cycle between being “good” (under-eating/ rigidity) and “bad” (overeating/ losing control). You vow to be “good” going forward. Your self esteem is conditional. You're growing more obsessed and frustrated by the day and don't understand why you can't figure this out on your own. Even when you succeed, you never feel like it's enough. It's difficult to enjoy time with your friends, feel confident dating, or just get your mind off of your body and food. You feel stuck.
Welcome! I'm Danielle, a psychodynamic depth therapist and alum of Pacifica Graduate Institute. As a registered associate MFT, and PCC, Reiki Master, and Coach, I work remotely with clients across California to offer a holistic and integrative approach to therapy, focusing on the physical, spiritual, social, energetic, and psychological aspects of self. My passion for Jungian works, dreams, spirituality, rites of passage, and initiations enriches our work, assisting with transformative healing experiences. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs, finding inspiration in every season of life.
Welcome! I'm Danielle, a psychodynamic depth therapist and alum of Pacifica Graduate Institute. As a registered associate MFT, and PCC, Reiki Master, and Coach, I work remotely with clients across California to offer a holistic and integrative approach to therapy, focusing on the physical, spiritual, social, energetic, and psychological aspects of self. My passion for Jungian works, dreams, spirituality, rites of passage, and initiations enriches our work, assisting with transformative healing experiences. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs, finding inspiration in every season of life.
I specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, through a EMDR lens to help desensitize and reprocess negative thoughts and emotional distress. I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years, working with adults using evidence-based and alternative practices. I work under a multicultural and trauma-informed lens that allows me to understand your individual needs and meet you where you are in your journey. Together we will focus on your currents needs and goals to help create trust within the therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, through a EMDR lens to help desensitize and reprocess negative thoughts and emotional distress. I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years, working with adults using evidence-based and alternative practices. I work under a multicultural and trauma-informed lens that allows me to understand your individual needs and meet you where you are in your journey. Together we will focus on your currents needs and goals to help create trust within the therapeutic relationship.
My foundational work and experience is rooted in decades of hands-on social justice, advocacy and community organizing work primarily with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ folx and survivors of partner violence, sexual violence and labor exploitation.
My therapeutic healing lens and orientation is embedded in Feminist Theory, Critical Race Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic based healing, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Strengths-based work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational Psychodynamic and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
My foundational work and experience is rooted in decades of hands-on social justice, advocacy and community organizing work primarily with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ folx and survivors of partner violence, sexual violence and labor exploitation.
My therapeutic healing lens and orientation is embedded in Feminist Theory, Critical Race Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic based healing, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Strengths-based work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational Psychodynamic and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
See more therapy options for South San Francisco
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for South San Francisco
- Alameda
- Burlingame
- Colma
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- San Bruno
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
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.