LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 91106
Thomas Blake (he/him/his) is a licensed marriage and family therapist working with adolescents and adults of all ages. Thomas is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and somatic based therapy which he integrates into his process as a psychotherapist practicing through a Humanistic-Existential lens. In addition to his work in private practice, Thomas received his clinical training from The LGBTQ Center in Orange County, California and currently provides professional consultation at The Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention service supporting LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 years old.
Thomas Blake (he/him/his) is a licensed marriage and family therapist working with adolescents and adults of all ages. Thomas is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and somatic based therapy which he integrates into his process as a psychotherapist practicing through a Humanistic-Existential lens. In addition to his work in private practice, Thomas received his clinical training from The LGBTQ Center in Orange County, California and currently provides professional consultation at The Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention service supporting LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 years old.
Philip “Tad” King
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
While I work with clients of all sexual orientations, I specialize in work with LGBTQ+ clients.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and addiction. In recent years I have developed a focus on work with couples, utilizing the science of human bonding and love. I have a strength in helping couples decode negative patterns or cycles that keep them feeling disconnected and alone. I will help you build a strong and lasting bond with your partner or spouse that provides a deeper sense of safety and connection.
While I work with clients of all sexual orientations, I specialize in work with LGBTQ+ clients.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and addiction. In recent years I have developed a focus on work with couples, utilizing the science of human bonding and love. I have a strength in helping couples decode negative patterns or cycles that keep them feeling disconnected and alone. I will help you build a strong and lasting bond with your partner or spouse that provides a deeper sense of safety and connection.
Clarity & Growth Center for Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
We're a group of Master's-level therapists, experienced in helping with ADHD; anxiety; depression; relationship/family, financial, and job stress; religious trauma; and issues stemming from being neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+.
Finding a therapist who's the right fit can be stressful and time-consuming. Thank you for taking a minute to see if one of our therapists is right for you. You may be feeling stressed, worried, anxious, angry, hopeless - or all of the above! - and you just want to feel better. Maybe there's a problem you need to talk through, find some clarity around, and take action on. Or perhaps you're looking for someone who can help you clarify your goals, develop your potential, and bring your dreams into reality. In any case, we'd love to help!
We're a group of Master's-level therapists, experienced in helping with ADHD; anxiety; depression; relationship/family, financial, and job stress; religious trauma; and issues stemming from being neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+.
Finding a therapist who's the right fit can be stressful and time-consuming. Thank you for taking a minute to see if one of our therapists is right for you. You may be feeling stressed, worried, anxious, angry, hopeless - or all of the above! - and you just want to feel better. Maybe there's a problem you need to talk through, find some clarity around, and take action on. Or perhaps you're looking for someone who can help you clarify your goals, develop your potential, and bring your dreams into reality. In any case, we'd love to help!
If you've ever been told you're "too much," welcome. I understand. I believe you deserve to be empowered to be your truest, most expressive self. As a therapist, I foster growth and confidence for women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC to feel empowered. I'm affirming of non-traditional relationships, including non-monogamy and kink. I use evidence-based, somatic interventions to strengthen your mind-body connection, overcome trauma/CPTSD, and help you live your most authentic life. Using a strengths-based, active approach, I will help you make meaningful change in your life so you can go from surviving to thriving.
If you've ever been told you're "too much," welcome. I understand. I believe you deserve to be empowered to be your truest, most expressive self. As a therapist, I foster growth and confidence for women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC to feel empowered. I'm affirming of non-traditional relationships, including non-monogamy and kink. I use evidence-based, somatic interventions to strengthen your mind-body connection, overcome trauma/CPTSD, and help you live your most authentic life. Using a strengths-based, active approach, I will help you make meaningful change in your life so you can go from surviving to thriving.
I work with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety: gay, lesbian issues and the gender diverse community: relationships & intimacy issues: Mood disorders, anger and control issues.
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times. Navigating to enhance your potential in relationship to everything, helping to ultimately increase your integrative sense of self, self worth and motivation to move.
I work with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety: gay, lesbian issues and the gender diverse community: relationships & intimacy issues: Mood disorders, anger and control issues.
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times. Navigating to enhance your potential in relationship to everything, helping to ultimately increase your integrative sense of self, self worth and motivation to move.
LGBTQI+: Having a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming to the unique experiences held by members of the LGBTQI+ community is necessary for safety, growth, and change in the therapeutic setting.
Trauma Work: It can be incredibly frustrating and shame inducing when you find yourself repeating the same negative relationship patterns, behavioral and emotional responses, and maladaptive thought processes. My approach to trauma work is both holistic and central nervous system oriented; focusing on the brain, body, and behavior to see how your body’s trauma stress response is keeping you stuck in old narratives and patterns. I am trained in EMDR which is perfect for clients who do not want to rehash the details of trauma or who feel that they have not had success with traditional talk therapy.
LGBTQI+: Having a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming to the unique experiences held by members of the LGBTQI+ community is necessary for safety, growth, and change in the therapeutic setting.
Trauma Work: It can be incredibly frustrating and shame inducing when you find yourself repeating the same negative relationship patterns, behavioral and emotional responses, and maladaptive thought processes. My approach to trauma work is both holistic and central nervous system oriented; focusing on the brain, body, and behavior to see how your body’s trauma stress response is keeping you stuck in old narratives and patterns. I am trained in EMDR which is perfect for clients who do not want to rehash the details of trauma or who feel that they have not had success with traditional talk therapy.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, adjusting to life transitions, facing grief or loss, having interpersonal difficulties, identify as LGBTQ+, or just need someone to talk to, please reach out. Hannah has clinical training in ART (accelerated resolution therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based therapy, non-violent communication, trauma-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Hannah aims to empower her clients to access their strengths and values to navigate obstacles and challenges.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, adjusting to life transitions, facing grief or loss, having interpersonal difficulties, identify as LGBTQ+, or just need someone to talk to, please reach out. Hannah has clinical training in ART (accelerated resolution therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based therapy, non-violent communication, trauma-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Hannah aims to empower her clients to access their strengths and values to navigate obstacles and challenges.
Yolanda Batres-Espinoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
Welcome! My name is Yolanda Batres-Espinoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Medical Family Therapy. I developed my passion for psychotherapy at the age of eight when I first had a therapist of my own. From then on, I was determined to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and help others as I was helped during my youth. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and a member of the community.
Welcome! My name is Yolanda Batres-Espinoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Medical Family Therapy. I developed my passion for psychotherapy at the age of eight when I first had a therapist of my own. From then on, I was determined to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and help others as I was helped during my youth. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and a member of the community.
I was born and raised in Northeast LA. I traveled to the Midwest for my undergraduate education, before returning to the Valley to finish my graduate degree in Psychology. In my practice I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I provide services in English and Spanish. I serve a diverse clientele including members of minority communities like BIPOC and LGBTQ. I have worked with issues of acculturation and racial trauma. I also work with clients facing generalized anxiety. I have experience helping survivors of sexual and physical abuse.
I was born and raised in Northeast LA. I traveled to the Midwest for my undergraduate education, before returning to the Valley to finish my graduate degree in Psychology. In my practice I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I provide services in English and Spanish. I serve a diverse clientele including members of minority communities like BIPOC and LGBTQ. I have worked with issues of acculturation and racial trauma. I also work with clients facing generalized anxiety. I have experience helping survivors of sexual and physical abuse.
Ana Velouise - Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
I’m a queer, neurodivergent mother of twins and my lived experience with perinatal loss, birth trauma, NICU parenting, being postpartum in 2020, and perinatal mental health disorders drew me to this work.
Why did no one warn you about how hard the transition to parenthood was going to be? You often feel that you’re not doing a “good enough” job and wonder why other parents seem to have it all figured out. You may not have had the pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience that you wanted. You love your baby more than anything but you don’t always love being a parent.
I’m a queer, neurodivergent mother of twins and my lived experience with perinatal loss, birth trauma, NICU parenting, being postpartum in 2020, and perinatal mental health disorders drew me to this work.
Why did no one warn you about how hard the transition to parenthood was going to be? You often feel that you’re not doing a “good enough” job and wonder why other parents seem to have it all figured out. You may not have had the pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience that you wanted. You love your baby more than anything but you don’t always love being a parent.
S C (Stacy-Colleen) Nameth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EMDR, SEP, RYT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
Specializations: Childhood/adult trauma, substance abuse,co-addiction, LGBTQ, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, parenting, fertility, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, body image, yoga, young professionals, industry.
If you've become lost amongst obstacles on your journey, I'd like to help guide you to more happiness by offering suggestions, uncovering unwanted patterns, and leading you from the past to the present in order to heal and evolve, enhancing your happiness. Through changes in perceptions/attitudes and being willing to see situations with a new pair of glasses, you can reach your goals and evolve. My clients report that they enjoy my down-to-earth attitude and humor and my use of Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, TRM, meditation and yoga to treat mind-body symptoms. I work best with clients who are motivated to gain self-awareness and see patterns that are no longer serving them. I give homework between sessions in order to keep the continuity of healing working consistently. I feel very blessed to be working in a field that serves people who are finding their best selves and evolving into the people they want to be.
Specializations: Childhood/adult trauma, substance abuse,co-addiction, LGBTQ, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, parenting, fertility, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, body image, yoga, young professionals, industry.
If you've become lost amongst obstacles on your journey, I'd like to help guide you to more happiness by offering suggestions, uncovering unwanted patterns, and leading you from the past to the present in order to heal and evolve, enhancing your happiness. Through changes in perceptions/attitudes and being willing to see situations with a new pair of glasses, you can reach your goals and evolve. My clients report that they enjoy my down-to-earth attitude and humor and my use of Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, TRM, meditation and yoga to treat mind-body symptoms. I work best with clients who are motivated to gain self-awareness and see patterns that are no longer serving them. I give homework between sessions in order to keep the continuity of healing working consistently. I feel very blessed to be working in a field that serves people who are finding their best selves and evolving into the people they want to be.
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Deenah Vollmer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
My practice is trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent affirmed.
I help adults, teens, and couples feel better, less stuck, and more aligned in their relationships, careers, and creative pursuits. My office is a judgment-free place to explore thoughts and feelings, no matter how banal or extreme they may seem. Together we identify patterns and adaptations that no longer serve us— but that were mostly likely critical to helping us survive childhood. As we become less reactive, we find we have more choice and agency in our lives than we could have imagined. And when we get in touch with our self-compassion, we begin to live the lives we always dreamed of living.
My practice is trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent affirmed.
I help adults, teens, and couples feel better, less stuck, and more aligned in their relationships, careers, and creative pursuits. My office is a judgment-free place to explore thoughts and feelings, no matter how banal or extreme they may seem. Together we identify patterns and adaptations that no longer serve us— but that were mostly likely critical to helping us survive childhood. As we become less reactive, we find we have more choice and agency in our lives than we could have imagined. And when we get in touch with our self-compassion, we begin to live the lives we always dreamed of living.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative care.
I firmly believe that all of my clients are the experts of their lives. I thus use a strength-based and trauma-informed lens to assist individuals through navigating their relationships with themselves and others. My work as a therapist is informed by the belief that for us to heal, we must begin with an acceptance that our struggles are valid and deserving of attention. I strive to create an inclusive, affirmative space where individuals feel supported to speak their truth.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative care.
I firmly believe that all of my clients are the experts of their lives. I thus use a strength-based and trauma-informed lens to assist individuals through navigating their relationships with themselves and others. My work as a therapist is informed by the belief that for us to heal, we must begin with an acceptance that our struggles are valid and deserving of attention. I strive to create an inclusive, affirmative space where individuals feel supported to speak their truth.
Danielle Hurwitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
She is a proud member of both the LGBTQIA+ and differently abled bodied population and has spent several years enhancing and promoting ways to provide support to the unique intersectional needs of both groups.
The Healing Collective, PC is a private practice that offers an array of mental health treatment and wellness services within the community of Pasadena and throughout the state of California. THC is comprised of qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Our licensed therapists are trained in a variety of trauma-informed, holistic, strengths-based, and culturally competent mental health treatments. We provide mental health treatment to adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Our mental health services include individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy (both coming soon).
She is a proud member of both the LGBTQIA+ and differently abled bodied population and has spent several years enhancing and promoting ways to provide support to the unique intersectional needs of both groups.
The Healing Collective, PC is a private practice that offers an array of mental health treatment and wellness services within the community of Pasadena and throughout the state of California. THC is comprised of qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Our licensed therapists are trained in a variety of trauma-informed, holistic, strengths-based, and culturally competent mental health treatments. We provide mental health treatment to adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Our mental health services include individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy (both coming soon).
Jennifer Strehle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 146538
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
Whether you're a first-generation individual, a member of the LGBTQIA+ communities, or someone living an alternative lifestyle, your needs are unique.
Are you motivated and seeking change? Perhaps you're looking to uncover patterns of behavior rooted in your past and feel ready to make meaningful adjustments. My ideal client is someone just like you—driven to improve their life but facing challenges along the way.
Whether you're a first-generation individual, a member of the LGBTQIA+ communities, or someone living an alternative lifestyle, your needs are unique.
Are you motivated and seeking change? Perhaps you're looking to uncover patterns of behavior rooted in your past and feel ready to make meaningful adjustments. My ideal client is someone just like you—driven to improve their life but facing challenges along the way.
Linda Rivadeneyra
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
LGBTQ+ affirmative.
HeIlo! Welcome! This is safe zone. LGBTQ+ affirmative. Let’s meet to get acquainted with one another. I like to help clients heal and grow. Some of the issues my clients experience are Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal, ADHD, Abuse, and Trauma. I work with clients who have dysfunctional family backgrounds, have survived various types of abuse, and are struggling with dealing with family members or others, and/or are recovering from their childhoods. Also I help with work stress, life changes, and transitions. I have personal experience with a lot of issues I help others address, in addition to years of experience.
LGBTQ+ affirmative.
HeIlo! Welcome! This is safe zone. LGBTQ+ affirmative. Let’s meet to get acquainted with one another. I like to help clients heal and grow. Some of the issues my clients experience are Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal, ADHD, Abuse, and Trauma. I work with clients who have dysfunctional family backgrounds, have survived various types of abuse, and are struggling with dealing with family members or others, and/or are recovering from their childhoods. Also I help with work stress, life changes, and transitions. I have personal experience with a lot of issues I help others address, in addition to years of experience.
Dominique Oster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis, and things do not have to be bad to get better. As a sex & relationship therapist, I know that we all contain multitudes! You are allowed to be grateful for your life AND want more! More Connection. Pleasure. Joy. Your desires are valid and undeserving of shame or judgment. I believe that our bodies have wisdom beyond what our minds may acknowledge, and unlocking the ways our deepest selves have learned to store/apply our legacies of trauma, indoctrination, and shame can open the gates to experiencing pleasure and wholeness in the present. I am unreservedly kink, queer, SW & BIPOC affirming.
Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis, and things do not have to be bad to get better. As a sex & relationship therapist, I know that we all contain multitudes! You are allowed to be grateful for your life AND want more! More Connection. Pleasure. Joy. Your desires are valid and undeserving of shame or judgment. I believe that our bodies have wisdom beyond what our minds may acknowledge, and unlocking the ways our deepest selves have learned to store/apply our legacies of trauma, indoctrination, and shame can open the gates to experiencing pleasure and wholeness in the present. I am unreservedly kink, queer, SW & BIPOC affirming.
Valerie Labanca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
I have extensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, and relational therapy. I have had many years of experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, mood disorders, ADHD, postpartum depression/anxiety, issues related to infertility, interpersonal relational challenges, panic disorders, immigration challenges, parenting challenges, insomnia, trans-related challenges
I have extensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, and relational therapy. I have had many years of experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, mood disorders, ADHD, postpartum depression/anxiety, issues related to infertility, interpersonal relational challenges, panic disorders, immigration challenges, parenting challenges, insomnia, trans-related challenges
David Sepulveda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and relational issues. My training also includes working with the LGBTQ2s+ community I am a part of and those with nontraditional relationships. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am excited to meet with you. I am committed to collaborating with you on developing a treatment plan that fits your needs and therapy goals. I will hold a safe space in our sessions to allow you to work through your issues. Let me help you navigate life so you can live it to your fullest potential.
I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and relational issues. My training also includes working with the LGBTQ2s+ community I am a part of and those with nontraditional relationships. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am excited to meet with you. I am committed to collaborating with you on developing a treatment plan that fits your needs and therapy goals. I will hold a safe space in our sessions to allow you to work through your issues. Let me help you navigate life so you can live it to your fullest potential.
Jackie Eppinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
Cancer can change your life in an instant. Even after treatment, it can feel like the weight of what happened follows you throughout your day to day life. You don't feel like the same person you were before the diagnosis and you might feel alone in processing what happened. Maybe you're struggling with your relationships because no one seems to get it or you find yourself more anxious than before. You don't have to deal with this pain alone. I help young women who have been through the traumatic experience of cancer and allow for them to process and work through their story.
Cancer can change your life in an instant. Even after treatment, it can feel like the weight of what happened follows you throughout your day to day life. You don't feel like the same person you were before the diagnosis and you might feel alone in processing what happened. Maybe you're struggling with your relationships because no one seems to get it or you find yourself more anxious than before. You don't have to deal with this pain alone. I help young women who have been through the traumatic experience of cancer and allow for them to process and work through their story.
See more therapy options for 91106
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.