LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 91941
Greg Piken
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to private practice therapy for 5+ years, I have about 20 combined years of counseling experience in a variety of settings including drug & alcohol rehab, faith-based care ministry programs, and teaching on LGBTQ mental health.
Have you ever wrestled with questions like… "If people really knew me, would they really love me? Why do I feel so stressed/ ashamed/ lost/ angry/ hopeless/ lonely/ stuck? Am I the only one who feels like this? Will I always feel this bad?" You’d be amazed how many people like you and like me, have bravely asked those questions and found real answers and real hope. I really care about people, and whether I work with you individually, in a group, or as a couple, my hope is that therapy will be the safest and most inspiring place to discover that you are someone with an important story that deserves to be shared.
In addition to private practice therapy for 5+ years, I have about 20 combined years of counseling experience in a variety of settings including drug & alcohol rehab, faith-based care ministry programs, and teaching on LGBTQ mental health.
Have you ever wrestled with questions like… "If people really knew me, would they really love me? Why do I feel so stressed/ ashamed/ lost/ angry/ hopeless/ lonely/ stuck? Am I the only one who feels like this? Will I always feel this bad?" You’d be amazed how many people like you and like me, have bravely asked those questions and found real answers and real hope. I really care about people, and whether I work with you individually, in a group, or as a couple, my hope is that therapy will be the safest and most inspiring place to discover that you are someone with an important story that deserves to be shared.
Amanda Malka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
As a queer therapist, I really enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ population.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
As a queer therapist, I really enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ population.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
I am fluent in English, Spanish and Hebrew and I work with many culturally diverse clients, including LGBTQ, the Jewish community, the Military community and immigrants from all backgrounds.
My approach is based on neuro-developmental, psychodynamic and attachment theories, with a strong focus on creativity and self-empowerment.
I am fluent in English, Spanish and Hebrew and I work with many culturally diverse clients, including LGBTQ, the Jewish community, the Military community and immigrants from all backgrounds.
My approach is based on neuro-developmental, psychodynamic and attachment theories, with a strong focus on creativity and self-empowerment.
Marjorie Berry Simon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
Our therapists also have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, justice-impacted individuals, and those with chronic illness or disability.
As the founder of A Mindful Spot Wellness and Psychotherapy Services Collective, my mission is to provide high-quality, integrated, compassionate care to help you nurture your mind and cultivate growth. I believe that quality, holistic behavioral health services should be accessible to everyone. I take a client-centered, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each individual in the context of their environment. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based techniques and tailor my approach to best meet the needs of my clients.
Our therapists also have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, justice-impacted individuals, and those with chronic illness or disability.
As the founder of A Mindful Spot Wellness and Psychotherapy Services Collective, my mission is to provide high-quality, integrated, compassionate care to help you nurture your mind and cultivate growth. I believe that quality, holistic behavioral health services should be accessible to everyone. I take a client-centered, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each individual in the context of their environment. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based techniques and tailor my approach to best meet the needs of my clients.
I work with teens, young adults, adults and couples, as well as, the gay and lesbian population.
'It's never too late to have a happy childhood.' As a nurturing therapist, I believe my role is to provide support, guidance, and a SAFE place to share, vent, scream, cry, laugh or just sit quietly. I also believe it's not what happens to people that's most important, but what they do about it. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Though daunting, this realization can be extremely EMPOWERING--You are in charge of your life and your future happiness! With this knowledge, change can unfold.
I work with teens, young adults, adults and couples, as well as, the gay and lesbian population.
'It's never too late to have a happy childhood.' As a nurturing therapist, I believe my role is to provide support, guidance, and a SAFE place to share, vent, scream, cry, laugh or just sit quietly. I also believe it's not what happens to people that's most important, but what they do about it. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Though daunting, this realization can be extremely EMPOWERING--You are in charge of your life and your future happiness! With this knowledge, change can unfold.
Emily Holcomb @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Hello! I provide therapy for youth, families, and individuals and have worked with various populations. My experience includes working alongside children, adults, and couples, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC population by addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, communication, recovery. I am dedicated to empowering my clients in creating healthy and authentic lives, navigating emotional struggles, and interpersonal difficulties. I celebrate differences and provide a nonjudgmental space for anyone seeking support. If you are a loved one is facing challenges, I would be happy to help you through it.
Hello! I provide therapy for youth, families, and individuals and have worked with various populations. My experience includes working alongside children, adults, and couples, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC population by addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, communication, recovery. I am dedicated to empowering my clients in creating healthy and authentic lives, navigating emotional struggles, and interpersonal difficulties. I celebrate differences and provide a nonjudgmental space for anyone seeking support. If you are a loved one is facing challenges, I would be happy to help you through it.
Joey Guzman-Kuffel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in life? Are you overrun by hopelessness, anxiety, shame, depression or anger? Are you struggling with identity issues, infertility, family conflict, behavior patterns that negatively impact your relationships, or confronting challenges that accompany you every day? If this is what you are experiencing, you are not alone. It takes a lot of courage to seek help and the fact that you have come to this point to be reading this, you are one step closer to making positive change in your life. Through the power of human connection, collaboration and the therapeutic relationship, I can help you.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in life? Are you overrun by hopelessness, anxiety, shame, depression or anger? Are you struggling with identity issues, infertility, family conflict, behavior patterns that negatively impact your relationships, or confronting challenges that accompany you every day? If this is what you are experiencing, you are not alone. It takes a lot of courage to seek help and the fact that you have come to this point to be reading this, you are one step closer to making positive change in your life. Through the power of human connection, collaboration and the therapeutic relationship, I can help you.
Dr. Cody Gustaveson is a Psychologist in California who has been working in mental health since 2016. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, completed his Internship at Norton Sound Health Corporation, and his Post-Doc at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gustaveson is uniquely trained in health psychology and community mental health. This means that he has specialized training in treating individuals who experience depression, anxiety, or a whole host of other psychiatric disorders that occur with chronic illness as well as the entire spectrum of diagnoses.
Dr. Cody Gustaveson is a Psychologist in California who has been working in mental health since 2016. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, completed his Internship at Norton Sound Health Corporation, and his Post-Doc at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gustaveson is uniquely trained in health psychology and community mental health. This means that he has specialized training in treating individuals who experience depression, anxiety, or a whole host of other psychiatric disorders that occur with chronic illness as well as the entire spectrum of diagnoses.
Many people struggle with complex emotional issues and negative patterns of behavior and thought. I believe my clients are very powerful and brave to begin the journey of self-discovery and healing. As your therapist and partner in this work, I hold a safe space for you to approach your struggles by working together to understand your goals, develop greater insight and create the coping skills and strategies for a more satisfying and emotionally harmonious life.
Many people struggle with complex emotional issues and negative patterns of behavior and thought. I believe my clients are very powerful and brave to begin the journey of self-discovery and healing. As your therapist and partner in this work, I hold a safe space for you to approach your struggles by working together to understand your goals, develop greater insight and create the coping skills and strategies for a more satisfying and emotionally harmonious life.
Judy A Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
I commend you for taking the first step in self-discovery and healing! I invite you to share your feelings and emerge with a "Lighter Heart." I want to hear YOUR story. Does the world often overwhelm you? Do you seem to "feel" things deeply or become easily emotional? Then you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs are more prone to over-stimulation, depression, anxiety, addictions and relationship difficulties. As a Highly Sensitive therapist, I can help you to recognize the benefits and hardships of this trait, be more productive, have better relationships, and protect yourself from overwhelm.
I commend you for taking the first step in self-discovery and healing! I invite you to share your feelings and emerge with a "Lighter Heart." I want to hear YOUR story. Does the world often overwhelm you? Do you seem to "feel" things deeply or become easily emotional? Then you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs are more prone to over-stimulation, depression, anxiety, addictions and relationship difficulties. As a Highly Sensitive therapist, I can help you to recognize the benefits and hardships of this trait, be more productive, have better relationships, and protect yourself from overwhelm.
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Being a teenager in today's society is quite a journey. Do you ever feel hopeless when trying to figure out how to help your teen or preteen navigate their big emotions and social struggles? Has your teen lost motivation and connection with others and is no longer finding enjoyment in things they used to love? Being the parent of a teenager is no small feat, especially when they have lost their confidence and self identity. I have dedicated the last 6 years to helping teens, pre-teens, and their parents navigate this delicate time within life development.
Being a teenager in today's society is quite a journey. Do you ever feel hopeless when trying to figure out how to help your teen or preteen navigate their big emotions and social struggles? Has your teen lost motivation and connection with others and is no longer finding enjoyment in things they used to love? Being the parent of a teenager is no small feat, especially when they have lost their confidence and self identity. I have dedicated the last 6 years to helping teens, pre-teens, and their parents navigate this delicate time within life development.
Hello, I'm a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults in individual and couple's therapy. If you struggle with adjusting to a new phase of life, a new career or living in Southern California, you are not alone. Sometimes people can feel anxious or empty inside even though on the outside, their lives are looking fine. You've tried to hide those sad and lonely feelings from your friends and family, but feeling disconnected from those that you want to be close with is painful. You've noticed doing all kinds of things to not feel out of control.
Hello, I'm a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults in individual and couple's therapy. If you struggle with adjusting to a new phase of life, a new career or living in Southern California, you are not alone. Sometimes people can feel anxious or empty inside even though on the outside, their lives are looking fine. You've tried to hide those sad and lonely feelings from your friends and family, but feeling disconnected from those that you want to be close with is painful. You've noticed doing all kinds of things to not feel out of control.
Niamh ( Neeve) Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you wake up with a knot in your stomach ? Or get on a train of thought to the worst case scenario ? Are you worried about what others think and does this drive your life instead of you?
Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you wake up with a knot in your stomach ? Or get on a train of thought to the worst case scenario ? Are you worried about what others think and does this drive your life instead of you?
Aisha Pope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
The decision to talk to someone about things you may be struggling with is a brave one. Whether you're struggling with a recent stressor or a chronic one, whether it's an internal conflict, a relationship conflict, parenting, work, you're having difficulty setting or reaching goals, or something else entirely, finding the right person to talk to makes all the difference. I specialize in helping people make radical and sustainable changes in their personal lives, relationships, parenting, work, and other areas. I take a non-judgmental solution focused approach to helping you set goals and reach them.
The decision to talk to someone about things you may be struggling with is a brave one. Whether you're struggling with a recent stressor or a chronic one, whether it's an internal conflict, a relationship conflict, parenting, work, you're having difficulty setting or reaching goals, or something else entirely, finding the right person to talk to makes all the difference. I specialize in helping people make radical and sustainable changes in their personal lives, relationships, parenting, work, and other areas. I take a non-judgmental solution focused approach to helping you set goals and reach them.
Hais Lindeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
My specializations include individuals, families and relationships with co-occurring and complex mental health, substance use, problem gambling and personality disorders. Additionally, I have a special interest in women and couples who are experiencing a broad spectrum of fertility challenges, pregnancy losses, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and postpartum concerns.
My specializations include individuals, families and relationships with co-occurring and complex mental health, substance use, problem gambling and personality disorders. Additionally, I have a special interest in women and couples who are experiencing a broad spectrum of fertility challenges, pregnancy losses, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and postpartum concerns.
I am a devoted therapist who specializes in working with children, teens, families and individuals. I am driven by a profound commitment to empower each client I work with. My approach emphasizes not only addressing immediate concerns, but also equipping individuals and families with lasting tools for ongoing support. When working with families, I partner with the parents and I will work along side you to build a solid foundation, ensuring that your children, teens and family as a whole feels confident in being able to navigate life's complexities with courage, strength, understanding and lasting connections.
I am a devoted therapist who specializes in working with children, teens, families and individuals. I am driven by a profound commitment to empower each client I work with. My approach emphasizes not only addressing immediate concerns, but also equipping individuals and families with lasting tools for ongoing support. When working with families, I partner with the parents and I will work along side you to build a solid foundation, ensuring that your children, teens and family as a whole feels confident in being able to navigate life's complexities with courage, strength, understanding and lasting connections.
Jacqueline Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
Shirla de Magalhães
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S, RSP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
I offer a holistic approach to therapy where we can integrate different kinds of expressive arts therapies to help uncover underlying issues at your pace instead of just treating the surface symptoms. Together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles and trauma to help alleviate emotional pain, expand consciousness, access inner wisdom and awaken your creativity. I enjoy doing inner child work, parts work, shadow work, and being a support to those going through any sort of life transitions such as grief and loss, aging, menopause, acculturation, empty nesters, cancer and transitional youth..
I offer a holistic approach to therapy where we can integrate different kinds of expressive arts therapies to help uncover underlying issues at your pace instead of just treating the surface symptoms. Together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles and trauma to help alleviate emotional pain, expand consciousness, access inner wisdom and awaken your creativity. I enjoy doing inner child work, parts work, shadow work, and being a support to those going through any sort of life transitions such as grief and loss, aging, menopause, acculturation, empty nesters, cancer and transitional youth..
Veronica Martin-Parris has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2006 and has over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy. She has undergraduate degree in Health Science with an Emphasis in Community Health and a Minor in African American Studies. Mrs. Parris also has a Masters degree in Social Work with a concentration in Administration and Health from San Diego State University. Find more information about her at www.purposevisiontherapy.com
Veronica Martin-Parris has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2006 and has over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy. She has undergraduate degree in Health Science with an Emphasis in Community Health and a Minor in African American Studies. Mrs. Parris also has a Masters degree in Social Work with a concentration in Administration and Health from San Diego State University. Find more information about her at www.purposevisiontherapy.com
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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.