Transgender Therapists in California
Dr. Aydin Olson-Kennedy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Informed by fifteen years of clinical experience working with over one-thousand clients and my personal experiences as a trans person, I can help parents better understand the experiences of gender dysphoria and how dysphoria can lead to anxiety and depression, and how in an attempt to cope with dysphoria, many youths turn to isolation and disengagement.
Trust and confidentiality are vital to the therapeutic relationship and process. For parents of transgender and non-binary youth, this can sometimes leave them feeling "out of the loop." Before their child came out, they came in. As a result, parents often find themselves behind and may feel confused, overwhelmed, and sometimes scared about what this new information means about their child and future. In an attempt to close the knowledge gap, parents often rely on asking questions but are often met with anger from their children and sometimes feel shut out.
Informed by fifteen years of clinical experience working with over one-thousand clients and my personal experiences as a trans person, I can help parents better understand the experiences of gender dysphoria and how dysphoria can lead to anxiety and depression, and how in an attempt to cope with dysphoria, many youths turn to isolation and disengagement.
Trust and confidentiality are vital to the therapeutic relationship and process. For parents of transgender and non-binary youth, this can sometimes leave them feeling "out of the loop." Before their child came out, they came in. As a result, parents often find themselves behind and may feel confused, overwhelmed, and sometimes scared about what this new information means about their child and future. In an attempt to close the knowledge gap, parents often rely on asking questions but are often met with anger from their children and sometimes feel shut out.
I am also a woman of queer, transgender experience and I love to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or past misfortune. I use a collaborative approach to therapy, to work with clients in understanding both their challenges and their goals, and together to find ways of making positive changes along the psychological, social, and biological axes of life. I believe that no one is an island, and that there is no shame in reaching out for help. On the contrary, doing so is an indicator of strength. I seek to provide an empathetic and intellectually engaged environment to cultivate insights and promote growth.
I am also a woman of queer, transgender experience and I love to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or past misfortune. I use a collaborative approach to therapy, to work with clients in understanding both their challenges and their goals, and together to find ways of making positive changes along the psychological, social, and biological axes of life. I believe that no one is an island, and that there is no shame in reaching out for help. On the contrary, doing so is an indicator of strength. I seek to provide an empathetic and intellectually engaged environment to cultivate insights and promote growth.
Dahkotahv Beckham
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montecito, CA 93108
I specialize in anxiety, gender dysphoria, PTSD, dual diagnosis, people on the spectrum, and ADHD.
As an openly transgender therapist, I know it can be difficult to find the right person to confide in. Wanting to be loved and accepted doesn’t make you needy, or extra, or selfish, or weak. It makes you human. To me, you are not just some random psychology textbook or theory. In our work together, my focus is to build goals and a relationship where you feel comfortable exploring what you think, feel, want, and need. My style as a therapist is warm, relaxed, and conversational. I use playfulness, imagery, art, metaphors, curiosity, creativity, self-compassion, and humor when appropriate to support the therapeutic process.
I specialize in anxiety, gender dysphoria, PTSD, dual diagnosis, people on the spectrum, and ADHD.
As an openly transgender therapist, I know it can be difficult to find the right person to confide in. Wanting to be loved and accepted doesn’t make you needy, or extra, or selfish, or weak. It makes you human. To me, you are not just some random psychology textbook or theory. In our work together, my focus is to build goals and a relationship where you feel comfortable exploring what you think, feel, want, and need. My style as a therapist is warm, relaxed, and conversational. I use playfulness, imagery, art, metaphors, curiosity, creativity, self-compassion, and humor when appropriate to support the therapeutic process.
Lyle Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a white, neurospicy (ADHD), NB/ transgender person with a history as an art worker. I work from an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, and social justice oriented lens. As someone who has sat on the therapy couch for many years, I know how daunting it is to find a therapist that understands the needs of neurodiverse and transgender people. But, you don't have to identify in those ways to seek therapy with me. I work with many people of different ages, races, sexualities, and genders. All are welcome. If you find yourself in periods of self-isolation and loneliness due to things that have happened in the past, you're not alone.
I am a white, neurospicy (ADHD), NB/ transgender person with a history as an art worker. I work from an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, and social justice oriented lens. As someone who has sat on the therapy couch for many years, I know how daunting it is to find a therapist that understands the needs of neurodiverse and transgender people. But, you don't have to identify in those ways to seek therapy with me. I work with many people of different ages, races, sexualities, and genders. All are welcome. If you find yourself in periods of self-isolation and loneliness due to things that have happened in the past, you're not alone.
Aubrey Grande-Strathdee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also specialize in working with queer, transgender, and non-binary individuals and all members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who may be exploring their gender and could use some support on their journey of self discovery.
My approach is centered around curiosity, possibility, and the celebration of each individual’s unique story. I offer a collaborative therapeutic environment that counters normativity and recognizes the impact of oppressive systems within our society. I utilize narrative therapy in my work, this approach will recognize your personal values and highlight your skills. I aim to assist you in exploring and strengthening the version of you that might be struggling to come to the surface.
I also specialize in working with queer, transgender, and non-binary individuals and all members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who may be exploring their gender and could use some support on their journey of self discovery.
My approach is centered around curiosity, possibility, and the celebration of each individual’s unique story. I offer a collaborative therapeutic environment that counters normativity and recognizes the impact of oppressive systems within our society. I utilize narrative therapy in my work, this approach will recognize your personal values and highlight your skills. I aim to assist you in exploring and strengthening the version of you that might be struggling to come to the surface.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
Hello! I'm Katy and I'm a nonbinary, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist. My specialty is transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming teens and adults. Gender identity issues are difficult to navigate whether it's exploring gender or coming out. Through personal and work experience, I've worked with many clients and at the client request, their families to navigate gender questions and challenges. Come visit for an hour and let's see how we can work through this time together.
Hello! I'm Katy and I'm a nonbinary, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist. My specialty is transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming teens and adults. Gender identity issues are difficult to navigate whether it's exploring gender or coming out. Through personal and work experience, I've worked with many clients and at the client request, their families to navigate gender questions and challenges. Come visit for an hour and let's see how we can work through this time together.
I offer: Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP offered in California only), Support for the Transgender Community, Support for Gender Transition, LGBTQIA+ affirmative Psychotherapy, Support for the BDSM/Kink and Polyamorus community.
Do you feel trapped in a fog? Living but feeling unfulfilled, held back by things in your life that are out of your control? As a therapist I believe that you already have the answers you seek within. My role as your therapist will be to hold the lantern to guide you through the darkness and help you find your way to the answers you seek.
I offer: Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP offered in California only), Support for the Transgender Community, Support for Gender Transition, LGBTQIA+ affirmative Psychotherapy, Support for the BDSM/Kink and Polyamorus community.
Do you feel trapped in a fog? Living but feeling unfulfilled, held back by things in your life that are out of your control? As a therapist I believe that you already have the answers you seek within. My role as your therapist will be to hold the lantern to guide you through the darkness and help you find your way to the answers you seek.
Pamuela Halliwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
Waitlist for new clients
I am a transgender therapist embarking on my own personal journey to transitioning.
I think we all can have a time in our lives where we reach a problem or a series of problems and are faced with the question of "how do I get through this?" or "what should I do?" Regardless of what brought you to that crossroad, therapy is a useful means to help you figure out what to do next. Your time is important and your life is meant to be full of happiness. We all are transitioning from something and have to make the choice about what is best for us. Live your life and enjoy it.
I am a transgender therapist embarking on my own personal journey to transitioning.
I think we all can have a time in our lives where we reach a problem or a series of problems and are faced with the question of "how do I get through this?" or "what should I do?" Regardless of what brought you to that crossroad, therapy is a useful means to help you figure out what to do next. Your time is important and your life is meant to be full of happiness. We all are transitioning from something and have to make the choice about what is best for us. Live your life and enjoy it.
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
Mika Micha
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802
My ideal client is queer and transgender, seeking either individual support or a container for a relationship, navigating healing attachment wounding while showing up for abolition in an actively harmful world. They would like support and loving witnessing in a deep-dive self-discovery of their inner workings while tending to relationships. Their goal is to take back their power in order to live a meaningful honest life of integrity with communities and relationships built in sincerity and authenticity. They want therapy as a space that will safely support that transformation in whatever form or stage it is currently at.
My ideal client is queer and transgender, seeking either individual support or a container for a relationship, navigating healing attachment wounding while showing up for abolition in an actively harmful world. They would like support and loving witnessing in a deep-dive self-discovery of their inner workings while tending to relationships. Their goal is to take back their power in order to live a meaningful honest life of integrity with communities and relationships built in sincerity and authenticity. They want therapy as a space that will safely support that transformation in whatever form or stage it is currently at.
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Dana L Aleshire
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
I have special experience with queer, transgender & GNC/nonbinary, and Intersex people, activists, & athletes.
I am inspired by the innate human drive to heal. This healing is courageous, intimate, and deserving of honor and care. I bring compassion and respect for all the ways we humans adapt to survive. Together, we can find new ways of being that can liberate us from strategies that no longer serve us. I can help you holistically address a number of issues, such as: complex and developmental trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, embodiment and dissociation issues, compulsions, addiction, assertiveness, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, gender, and sexuality.
I have special experience with queer, transgender & GNC/nonbinary, and Intersex people, activists, & athletes.
I am inspired by the innate human drive to heal. This healing is courageous, intimate, and deserving of honor and care. I bring compassion and respect for all the ways we humans adapt to survive. Together, we can find new ways of being that can liberate us from strategies that no longer serve us. I can help you holistically address a number of issues, such as: complex and developmental trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, embodiment and dissociation issues, compulsions, addiction, assertiveness, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, gender, and sexuality.
I specialize in working with transgender, non-binary, and queer clients who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
Do you feel trapped and alone, with no one to talk to about your worries, fears, gender, or sexuality? Are you stuck in cycles of conflict with your loved ones that you can't break free from, or do you need to set boundaries with family or coworkers? A therapist is a safe person to support you with these very concerns. I will help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, or trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.
I specialize in working with transgender, non-binary, and queer clients who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
Do you feel trapped and alone, with no one to talk to about your worries, fears, gender, or sexuality? Are you stuck in cycles of conflict with your loved ones that you can't break free from, or do you need to set boundaries with family or coworkers? A therapist is a safe person to support you with these very concerns. I will help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, or trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.
As a queer and transgender person myself, supporting other LGBTQ+ folks is my personal and professional passion.
We all deserve to feel seen, included, and understood, no matter who we are. As a LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, my aim is to help you better see yourself in all aspects of who you are, feel more included in relation to those around you, and experience a greater understanding of how you fit into a wider world. Maybe you’re exploring your non-binary gender for the first time. Maybe you’re supporting a transgender family member or partner. Maybe you’re working through relationship challenges as an LGBTQ+ person. Together, we can explore what “seen,” “included,” and “understood” mean for you and how you can achieve them.
As a queer and transgender person myself, supporting other LGBTQ+ folks is my personal and professional passion.
We all deserve to feel seen, included, and understood, no matter who we are. As a LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, my aim is to help you better see yourself in all aspects of who you are, feel more included in relation to those around you, and experience a greater understanding of how you fit into a wider world. Maybe you’re exploring your non-binary gender for the first time. Maybe you’re supporting a transgender family member or partner. Maybe you’re working through relationship challenges as an LGBTQ+ person. Together, we can explore what “seen,” “included,” and “understood” mean for you and how you can achieve them.
Jacob Wangel-Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a trans, queer psychotherapist and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Certified Member. I’m dedicated to providing safe, therapeutic space for transgender, queer, and questioning clients. As a dual-state licensed clinician in California and New York, my clinical practice, Transcendent Identity Therapy serves to fill a critical need in creating competent, affirming, accessible care for our community and offers a warm environment to explore, process, and repair relationships within the self and with others. We’ll explore how your lived experience impacts your internal and external worlds.
I’m a trans, queer psychotherapist and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Certified Member. I’m dedicated to providing safe, therapeutic space for transgender, queer, and questioning clients. As a dual-state licensed clinician in California and New York, my clinical practice, Transcendent Identity Therapy serves to fill a critical need in creating competent, affirming, accessible care for our community and offers a warm environment to explore, process, and repair relationships within the self and with others. We’ll explore how your lived experience impacts your internal and external worlds.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
Alyss Marie Swanson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MTh, Rev
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
As a pastoral psychotherapist and theologian--who also happens to be queer and transgender--I am deeply connected to my faith that leans towards thoughts in Christian mysticism.
Sudden and dramatic life transitions can rock our world, causing us to frequently feel disoriented and unsettled. Whether such moments are encountered through loss of a loved one, divorce, trauma, substance recovery or something equally profound, ones faith, meaning, purpose, and direction is often called on as a means to sustain us. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to heuristically discover and strengthen your inner-self and potentiality.
As a pastoral psychotherapist and theologian--who also happens to be queer and transgender--I am deeply connected to my faith that leans towards thoughts in Christian mysticism.
Sudden and dramatic life transitions can rock our world, causing us to frequently feel disoriented and unsettled. Whether such moments are encountered through loss of a loved one, divorce, trauma, substance recovery or something equally profound, ones faith, meaning, purpose, and direction is often called on as a means to sustain us. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to heuristically discover and strengthen your inner-self and potentiality.
My specialty is working with transgender and gender non-conforming clients.
Ideally, I would like to use my extensive training and 40+ years of counseling experience to support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum, while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey in their true identity. Naturally, I do NOT exclude others from becoming clients, since I also have a wealth of experience serving clients from the vast straight and cisgender community.
My specialty is working with transgender and gender non-conforming clients.
Ideally, I would like to use my extensive training and 40+ years of counseling experience to support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum, while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey in their true identity. Naturally, I do NOT exclude others from becoming clients, since I also have a wealth of experience serving clients from the vast straight and cisgender community.
As queer, transgender, Asian American, and neurodivergent, my therapeutic stance combines my professional and personal experiences with what I learn from you so we may co-create the best approach. Allow me to walk with you on your path, and I will lend guidance and perspective without ever imposing my will over yours. Let’s work together to find the next steps to whatever you bring, the middle path between the burdens and the joys. This can be more somatic-leaning, philosophically-inclined, skills-based, or any combination thereof.
As queer, transgender, Asian American, and neurodivergent, my therapeutic stance combines my professional and personal experiences with what I learn from you so we may co-create the best approach. Allow me to walk with you on your path, and I will lend guidance and perspective without ever imposing my will over yours. Let’s work together to find the next steps to whatever you bring, the middle path between the burdens and the joys. This can be more somatic-leaning, philosophically-inclined, skills-based, or any combination thereof.
Kwilanzo Amitai-Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the California Behavioral Board of Science and a transgender retired combat vet.
Have you ever felt invisible? Even to the people who matter to you most? Are you interested in making a change in your life? Or finding/creating the new you? I believe that we are all on our own heroic journey in search of our own unique calling. My passion is to assist you in your journey and to help you find the treasure buried within you.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the California Behavioral Board of Science and a transgender retired combat vet.
Have you ever felt invisible? Even to the people who matter to you most? Are you interested in making a change in your life? Or finding/creating the new you? I believe that we are all on our own heroic journey in search of our own unique calling. My passion is to assist you in your journey and to help you find the treasure buried within you.
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Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.