LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Stanford, CA
I’m dedicated to providing trauma-informed, inclusive, and compassionate care to survivors of trauma, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent adults and anyone struggling with anxiety, stress or relationships.
Are you feeling anxious or on edge? Are you overwhelmed because of past or recent trauma? I know how scary it can be to cope with trauma and anxiety. It can feel devastating, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting; and it impacts every part of you and your life. Together we will work to normalize how you're feeling, understand how trauma and anxiety are manifesting for you, and find ways for you to feel more grounded, empowered, and in control.
I’m dedicated to providing trauma-informed, inclusive, and compassionate care to survivors of trauma, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent adults and anyone struggling with anxiety, stress or relationships.
Are you feeling anxious or on edge? Are you overwhelmed because of past or recent trauma? I know how scary it can be to cope with trauma and anxiety. It can feel devastating, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting; and it impacts every part of you and your life. Together we will work to normalize how you're feeling, understand how trauma and anxiety are manifesting for you, and find ways for you to feel more grounded, empowered, and in control.
Do you feel anxious, down, or disconnected from your emotions? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your emotions and self-critical thoughts, or do you try to avoid your thoughts and feelings altogether? In your relationship, are communication and emotional intimacy a struggle, or do you feel stuck in the same conflict patterns over and over again? If you’re ready to break out of these cycles but feel unsure how, you are not alone. Often, the protective strategies that once helped us survive can keep us from thriving—both as individuals and in our most meaningful relationships. Here, your healing journey begins.
Do you feel anxious, down, or disconnected from your emotions? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your emotions and self-critical thoughts, or do you try to avoid your thoughts and feelings altogether? In your relationship, are communication and emotional intimacy a struggle, or do you feel stuck in the same conflict patterns over and over again? If you’re ready to break out of these cycles but feel unsure how, you are not alone. Often, the protective strategies that once helped us survive can keep us from thriving—both as individuals and in our most meaningful relationships. Here, your healing journey begins.
I specialize in working with eating disorders, the queer/ LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergence such as autism and ADHD.
I practice evidence-based interventions, including components of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, ACT, and DBT). But before all of that, I am a human in the therapy room and believe in the power of a warm and compassionate therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in working with eating disorders, the queer/ LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergence such as autism and ADHD.
I practice evidence-based interventions, including components of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, ACT, and DBT). But before all of that, I am a human in the therapy room and believe in the power of a warm and compassionate therapeutic relationship.
Hi there - I’m Dr. Angelina Gomez, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in compassionate, mindfulness-based therapy for adults and couples. You may be feeling anxious, low, disconnected, or stuck - wondering why familiar patterns keep showing up in your thoughts, relationships, or sense of self. Perhaps you’re navigating depression, relationship challenges, neurodivergence, body image concerns, or questions around identity and meaning. You want relief, clarity, and a deeper sense of wholeness - not just coping, but truly understanding yourself.
Hi there - I’m Dr. Angelina Gomez, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in compassionate, mindfulness-based therapy for adults and couples. You may be feeling anxious, low, disconnected, or stuck - wondering why familiar patterns keep showing up in your thoughts, relationships, or sense of self. Perhaps you’re navigating depression, relationship challenges, neurodivergence, body image concerns, or questions around identity and meaning. You want relief, clarity, and a deeper sense of wholeness - not just coping, but truly understanding yourself.
Sarah Pulvere
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I don't believe in an "ideal" or "typical" client. People are people-y and we all deserve to be seen, heard and held, irrespective of our experiences or identities.
We all become anxious, sometimes.
We all feel down, sometimes.
We all get stuck, sometimes.
It’s all part of being human. But it’s not something you have to go through alone.
I don't believe in an "ideal" or "typical" client. People are people-y and we all deserve to be seen, heard and held, irrespective of our experiences or identities.
We all become anxious, sometimes.
We all feel down, sometimes.
We all get stuck, sometimes.
It’s all part of being human. But it’s not something you have to go through alone.
The main issues I support with are anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, LGBTQ issues, and eating disorders.
There are seasons in life when everything feels too heavy—grief that won’t lift, anxiety that loops endlessly, the numbness of depression, the ache of not belonging. I work with adolescents and adults navigating these depths: anxiety, depression, PTSD, gender and identity issues, eating disorders, grief, and the quiet heartbreaks we carry unseen.
The main issues I support with are anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, LGBTQ issues, and eating disorders.
There are seasons in life when everything feels too heavy—grief that won’t lift, anxiety that loops endlessly, the numbness of depression, the ache of not belonging. I work with adolescents and adults navigating these depths: anxiety, depression, PTSD, gender and identity issues, eating disorders, grief, and the quiet heartbreaks we carry unseen.
I also specialize in supporting the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition to AEDP (level 2), IFS, CBT and EFT, my work with individuals, couples and families is informed by my training in Family Systems and Collaborative Couple Therapy. My practice is Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory and Kink positive. I also have training and experience with Motivational Interviewing for clients who want to examine their substance use.
I also specialize in supporting the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition to AEDP (level 2), IFS, CBT and EFT, my work with individuals, couples and families is informed by my training in Family Systems and Collaborative Couple Therapy. My practice is Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory and Kink positive. I also have training and experience with Motivational Interviewing for clients who want to examine their substance use.
I work with adults (individuals, families, couples, and relationship constellations) on ways to release the grip on coping skills that are no longer serving them, and explore sustainable and affirming perspectives about themselves and the people they care about. I believe that many of the ways we interact with the world are connected to the attachments we have to each other, and attachments/ruptures we experienced in our childhoods. Together, we can explore how these experiences manifest in your life today; and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
I work with adults (individuals, families, couples, and relationship constellations) on ways to release the grip on coping skills that are no longer serving them, and explore sustainable and affirming perspectives about themselves and the people they care about. I believe that many of the ways we interact with the world are connected to the attachments we have to each other, and attachments/ruptures we experienced in our childhoods. Together, we can explore how these experiences manifest in your life today; and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
As a queer and trans immigrant who has navigated multiple cultures and life changes, I am drawn to working with people seeking deeper self-knowledge, real relationships, and breaking cycles that no longer serve them.
My approach goes beyond surface-level symptom relief. Rooted in contemporary psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy, I draw from attachment theory, liberation and somatic frameworks, and tools from CBT and DBT as needed. I attune to culture, race, gender, and all parts of who you are — because context is never separate from healing.
As a queer and trans immigrant who has navigated multiple cultures and life changes, I am drawn to working with people seeking deeper self-knowledge, real relationships, and breaking cycles that no longer serve them.
My approach goes beyond surface-level symptom relief. Rooted in contemporary psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy, I draw from attachment theory, liberation and somatic frameworks, and tools from CBT and DBT as needed. I attune to culture, race, gender, and all parts of who you are — because context is never separate from healing.
I approach my work with patients in psychotherapy with a relational framework. What this means, and what research has shown, is that a trusting, supportive, and effective treatment relationship with providers is the single most important factor to improvement of patient mental health. Patients who are seeking a supportive, ongoing alliance with their therapist, as well as a talk-space conducive to reconciling present, recent, and formative mental health concerns, will excel in their work with me. While building therapeutic rapport, we will also address the symptomology of any present diagnosis with evidenced-based interventions.
I approach my work with patients in psychotherapy with a relational framework. What this means, and what research has shown, is that a trusting, supportive, and effective treatment relationship with providers is the single most important factor to improvement of patient mental health. Patients who are seeking a supportive, ongoing alliance with their therapist, as well as a talk-space conducive to reconciling present, recent, and formative mental health concerns, will excel in their work with me. While building therapeutic rapport, we will also address the symptomology of any present diagnosis with evidenced-based interventions.
Hi there! I'm Dr. Lindsay Wakayama, a licensed psychologist with nearly a decade of experience helping adults improve their emotional and physical well-being. I completed my advanced doctoral training through the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium and have worked in leading healthcare systems including Stanford, UCSF, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most recently, I served as a Program Lead at the San Francisco VA, specializing in obesity, weight management, and eating disorders.
Hi there! I'm Dr. Lindsay Wakayama, a licensed psychologist with nearly a decade of experience helping adults improve their emotional and physical well-being. I completed my advanced doctoral training through the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium and have worked in leading healthcare systems including Stanford, UCSF, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most recently, I served as a Program Lead at the San Francisco VA, specializing in obesity, weight management, and eating disorders.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive space where you can be yourself, explore your experiences, and feel empowered to grow. My style is warm, relational, and flexible - I meet you where you are with curiosity, compassion, and respect. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders, complex trauma, OCD, and women’s mental health both in English and in Spanish.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive space where you can be yourself, explore your experiences, and feel empowered to grow. My style is warm, relational, and flexible - I meet you where you are with curiosity, compassion, and respect. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders, complex trauma, OCD, and women’s mental health both in English and in Spanish.
I treat adolescent girls and women coping with a variety of presenting problems/diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting challenges, and overall mental health. In addition, I have specific expertise in working with young people experiencing anti-Semitism. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable, and I focus on developing a collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem.
I treat adolescent girls and women coping with a variety of presenting problems/diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting challenges, and overall mental health. In addition, I have specific expertise in working with young people experiencing anti-Semitism. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable, and I focus on developing a collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem.
Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Sleep Issues, Stress, Mood Disorders, and LGBTQ Affirming Care.
Hi there. I'm Dr. Katie Fracalanza, a licensed psychologist specializing in compassionate, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, and depression. My goal is to help you move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to experiencing clarity and relief. Together we'll gently understand the patterns holding you back, build effective new strategies, and empower you to feel calm, confident, and fulfilled.
Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Sleep Issues, Stress, Mood Disorders, and LGBTQ Affirming Care.
Hi there. I'm Dr. Katie Fracalanza, a licensed psychologist specializing in compassionate, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, and depression. My goal is to help you move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to experiencing clarity and relief. Together we'll gently understand the patterns holding you back, build effective new strategies, and empower you to feel calm, confident, and fulfilled.
A Stanford and Harvard trained clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment for individuals who have experienced trauma or illness. Additionally, through my neuropsychology clinic, I offer assessment, differential diagnosis, and recommendations for neurocognitive disorders.
Has something happened and you just don't feel like yourself anymore? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to get through the day? Do you feel anxious, angry, or stuck? If so, you're not alone! Experiencing major events and illnesses can leave us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and frustrated.
A Stanford and Harvard trained clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment for individuals who have experienced trauma or illness. Additionally, through my neuropsychology clinic, I offer assessment, differential diagnosis, and recommendations for neurocognitive disorders.
Has something happened and you just don't feel like yourself anymore? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to get through the day? Do you feel anxious, angry, or stuck? If so, you're not alone! Experiencing major events and illnesses can leave us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and frustrated.
Beginning therapy is a courageous and intentional decision, and I view it as privilege to walk alongside people as we explore the depth of the human experience – the pain, the uncertainty, the joy. My hope is to provide a warm and non-judgmental space where we can explore and uncover parts of your history, experiences, patterns, and how they impact you now. Together we we can approach the things that burden you with compassion and curiosity to connect to your values and move towards a more meaningful life.
Beginning therapy is a courageous and intentional decision, and I view it as privilege to walk alongside people as we explore the depth of the human experience – the pain, the uncertainty, the joy. My hope is to provide a warm and non-judgmental space where we can explore and uncover parts of your history, experiences, patterns, and how they impact you now. Together we we can approach the things that burden you with compassion and curiosity to connect to your values and move towards a more meaningful life.
Many of my clients are HSP's (Highly Sensitive People) and/or identify as being LGBTQIA plus.
What if the voice of your inner critic isn’t actually the truth about you?
It’s hard to feel connected or fulfilled when you’re beating yourself up inside. When you begin relating to yourself with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism, something shifts. Energy frees up. You can finally experience joy and self trust.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty years of experience. I use mindfulness-based practices and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help people understand themselves more deeply and work with difficult emotions and past experiences in a gentle, non-judgmental process.
Many of my clients are HSP's (Highly Sensitive People) and/or identify as being LGBTQIA plus.
What if the voice of your inner critic isn’t actually the truth about you?
It’s hard to feel connected or fulfilled when you’re beating yourself up inside. When you begin relating to yourself with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism, something shifts. Energy frees up. You can finally experience joy and self trust.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty years of experience. I use mindfulness-based practices and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help people understand themselves more deeply and work with difficult emotions and past experiences in a gentle, non-judgmental process.
Online therapy appointments available and easily scheduled through www.parheliawellness.com to make the process of getting help easier. You are the expert of you. As such, collaboration and trust are key parts to helping you guide treatment to suit your needs and meet your goals. In our first appointment, I hope to work with you to help you decide your next steps. To schedule an online appointment, click on the "website" button where you can click on "request appointment."
Online therapy appointments available and easily scheduled through www.parheliawellness.com to make the process of getting help easier. You are the expert of you. As such, collaboration and trust are key parts to helping you guide treatment to suit your needs and meet your goals. In our first appointment, I hope to work with you to help you decide your next steps. To schedule an online appointment, click on the "website" button where you can click on "request appointment."
It is crucial to find a therapist that is a good fit, therefore, I like to take the first few sessions to get to know each other and decide if we want to work together. My expertise is working with people who have PTSD, Complex Trauma, and/or Borderline Personality Disorder. I use acceptance and exposure based principles to help you get in touch with your emotions, in the service of living a life that is aligned with your values. I will help you face your fears by taking action steps towards what is most important to you, reducing the hold that trauma has on your life.
It is crucial to find a therapist that is a good fit, therefore, I like to take the first few sessions to get to know each other and decide if we want to work together. My expertise is working with people who have PTSD, Complex Trauma, and/or Borderline Personality Disorder. I use acceptance and exposure based principles to help you get in touch with your emotions, in the service of living a life that is aligned with your values. I will help you face your fears by taking action steps towards what is most important to you, reducing the hold that trauma has on your life.
I help thoughtful, driven clients navigate the tension between ambition and emotional well-being. My non-traditional life path, leaving Stanford and Facebook to become an immigrant, social entrepreneur, and Outward Bound leader, gives me a unique lens into both high achievement and life transitions. As a father & husband, I also understand the complex reality of balancing impact with personal connection. Whether you are a professional, academic, artist, or entrepreneur, the work of therapy is to break old patterns and build a steadier, more connected life where impact and soul align.
I help thoughtful, driven clients navigate the tension between ambition and emotional well-being. My non-traditional life path, leaving Stanford and Facebook to become an immigrant, social entrepreneur, and Outward Bound leader, gives me a unique lens into both high achievement and life transitions. As a father & husband, I also understand the complex reality of balancing impact with personal connection. Whether you are a professional, academic, artist, or entrepreneur, the work of therapy is to break old patterns and build a steadier, more connected life where impact and soul align.
See more therapy options for Stanford
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Stanford
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Palo Alto
- Portola Valley
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Sunnyvale
- Woodside
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.