Therapists in 94596
Monica Gizelle Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AFMT, APCC
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in working with ages 5-25, particularly queer-identifying youth, experiencing trauma-related behavioral issues, and supporting the development of healthier coping skills and replacement behaviors.
Trauma impacts every aspect of day-to-day life, but it does not have to rule you. Suppose you are looking to explore your trauma, develop coping skills, and work through the various symptoms that are associated with trauma (for example, depression and anxiety). You may also want a nonjudgmental, safe environment to engage in play, art, music, or other expressive means to work through your unique needs. In that case, we may be a great match for one another!
I specialize in working with ages 5-25, particularly queer-identifying youth, experiencing trauma-related behavioral issues, and supporting the development of healthier coping skills and replacement behaviors.
Trauma impacts every aspect of day-to-day life, but it does not have to rule you. Suppose you are looking to explore your trauma, develop coping skills, and work through the various symptoms that are associated with trauma (for example, depression and anxiety). You may also want a nonjudgmental, safe environment to engage in play, art, music, or other expressive means to work through your unique needs. In that case, we may be a great match for one another!
My primary focus areas include: trauma, grief, racial identity exploration, queer identity exploration, ethical non-monogamy, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and the rediscovery of self.
I believe you are the expert in your life. I believe the decision to seek therapy can be beautiful, and complicated because such is life. Healing isn’t linear and is a journey that can be filled with a variety of feelings and emotions–expansion, discomfort, learning, relearning, and unlearning. My goal is to co-create a space and container that will allow you to explore, discover, and tap into parts of yourself unknown to you. I am committed to using a healing-centered, trauma-informed lens and feel your journey of holistic transformation is unique and valuable.
My primary focus areas include: trauma, grief, racial identity exploration, queer identity exploration, ethical non-monogamy, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and the rediscovery of self.
I believe you are the expert in your life. I believe the decision to seek therapy can be beautiful, and complicated because such is life. Healing isn’t linear and is a journey that can be filled with a variety of feelings and emotions–expansion, discomfort, learning, relearning, and unlearning. My goal is to co-create a space and container that will allow you to explore, discover, and tap into parts of yourself unknown to you. I am committed to using a healing-centered, trauma-informed lens and feel your journey of holistic transformation is unique and valuable.
Allen Choi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have also had my battles with mental health as a teen and an adult; identity issues as an Asian guy in the LGBTQ community; and toxic jobs and relationships.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
I have also had my battles with mental health as a teen and an adult; identity issues as an Asian guy in the LGBTQ community; and toxic jobs and relationships.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
Lacy Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Couples/Relationship Counseling. LGBTQ, Poly, & Kink friendly. Clients that like my style seek therapy mostly for anxiety or depression that comes from the feeling that life lacks purpose, feels stuck, or stale; especially during times of heartache, misunderstanding, break-ups, or even death. Many useful moments, crucial moments, can arise at the end of something - unresolved past hurts, spiritual dilemmas, a sudden urgency and passion for figuring out "why we're here" - understanding them and integrating them is what I offer. Closing the old stuff up well means new, exciting beginnings are possible...often in the same relationship!
Couples/Relationship Counseling. LGBTQ, Poly, & Kink friendly. Clients that like my style seek therapy mostly for anxiety or depression that comes from the feeling that life lacks purpose, feels stuck, or stale; especially during times of heartache, misunderstanding, break-ups, or even death. Many useful moments, crucial moments, can arise at the end of something - unresolved past hurts, spiritual dilemmas, a sudden urgency and passion for figuring out "why we're here" - understanding them and integrating them is what I offer. Closing the old stuff up well means new, exciting beginnings are possible...often in the same relationship!
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
My areas of specialization include: Relationship Issues, LGBTQ+ Concerns, Gender Transitions, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Resolving Past Trauma, Career Issues, and Treating Depression, and Anxiety.
Searching for a therapist is a brave act of self-love. Reaching out for help can be difficult. In our work together, your goals, your hopes, issues and your dreams for the future are at the center. This is your time to explore, to heal, and to grow. Old patterns may be difficult to change. A trained therapist can help you to make the changes you need in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.
My areas of specialization include: Relationship Issues, LGBTQ+ Concerns, Gender Transitions, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Resolving Past Trauma, Career Issues, and Treating Depression, and Anxiety.
Searching for a therapist is a brave act of self-love. Reaching out for help can be difficult. In our work together, your goals, your hopes, issues and your dreams for the future are at the center. This is your time to explore, to heal, and to grow. Old patterns may be difficult to change. A trained therapist can help you to make the changes you need in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Elisa (Lisie) Rosenberg Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I'm a direct and empathic therapist. I practice from a neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQ+ celebrating, trauma-informed and intersectional lens to help others feel validated in their unique experiences of the world while also providing them the tools to navigate modern society and relationships with an increased sense of self-compassion and empowerment and decreased sense of shame. I specialize in helping adult women navigate challenges with self esteem and neurodivergence and couples/families of all iterations. I have a collaborative, solution-focused, intuitive therapy style and prioritize building a deep bond with each client.
I'm a direct and empathic therapist. I practice from a neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQ+ celebrating, trauma-informed and intersectional lens to help others feel validated in their unique experiences of the world while also providing them the tools to navigate modern society and relationships with an increased sense of self-compassion and empowerment and decreased sense of shame. I specialize in helping adult women navigate challenges with self esteem and neurodivergence and couples/families of all iterations. I have a collaborative, solution-focused, intuitive therapy style and prioritize building a deep bond with each client.
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
We are LGBTQ+ allies.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
We are LGBTQ+ allies.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
In my practice, I also provide consultation and workshops for groups focused on LGBT competence in health services as well as Suicide Prevention.
I know that finding the right therapist for you or your family can be challenging. I work well with adults, adolescents and couples facing a variety of life challenges including addiction, codependency, communication, depression, chronic illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, depression, trauma and anxiety.
In my practice, I also provide consultation and workshops for groups focused on LGBT competence in health services as well as Suicide Prevention.
I know that finding the right therapist for you or your family can be challenging. I work well with adults, adolescents and couples facing a variety of life challenges including addiction, codependency, communication, depression, chronic illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, depression, trauma and anxiety.
Katie Malone, TheraThrive Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I also have a background in working with the LGBTQ+ community, eating differences, anxiety, and depression.
Do you, or your child, struggle with intense emotions? Do either of you spend time feeling alone and searching for meaning? Maybe you find it difficult to increase your sense of self-worth, and wonder what to do? If any of these questions resonate with you, then you have come to the right place. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (99859) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (4606), and I genuinely enjoy and feel honored to work with each of my clients, and provide them with the support they need to meet their goals.
I also have a background in working with the LGBTQ+ community, eating differences, anxiety, and depression.
Do you, or your child, struggle with intense emotions? Do either of you spend time feeling alone and searching for meaning? Maybe you find it difficult to increase your sense of self-worth, and wonder what to do? If any of these questions resonate with you, then you have come to the right place. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (99859) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (4606), and I genuinely enjoy and feel honored to work with each of my clients, and provide them with the support they need to meet their goals.
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LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Are you dealing with high stress, grief, loss, trauma? Have you been experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or overwhelmed? Would you like to gain control over the fear, anxiety, stress, or trauma? Would you like to develop strong coping skills to empower yourself & build confidence & self-esteem? Depression & PTSD don't always look the way described in media. If something feels off, and you don't feel like yourself, if your overall mood has changed, or you feel hopeless, please reach out for a free 15-20 minute consultation. We can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Are you dealing with high stress, grief, loss, trauma? Have you been experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or overwhelmed? Would you like to gain control over the fear, anxiety, stress, or trauma? Would you like to develop strong coping skills to empower yourself & build confidence & self-esteem? Depression & PTSD don't always look the way described in media. If something feels off, and you don't feel like yourself, if your overall mood has changed, or you feel hopeless, please reach out for a free 15-20 minute consultation. We can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern.
Ilia Mirkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
My practice offers a welcoming space for all clients including LGBTQ+, heterosexual, single, blended, and adoptive parents, couples, and families.
Experiencing challenges with communication, intimacy, or recurring conflicts in your relationship can be discouraging. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a betrayal, navigating separation, or trying to reignite the passion that once brought you together, I am here to help. With extensive experience and training in couples and family therapy, grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we will work on your relationship's unique needs. I create a space of safety and empathy, where both partners' voices can be heard. Together, we'll explore ways to create intimacy, understanding, and address concerns around sex.
My practice offers a welcoming space for all clients including LGBTQ+, heterosexual, single, blended, and adoptive parents, couples, and families.
Experiencing challenges with communication, intimacy, or recurring conflicts in your relationship can be discouraging. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a betrayal, navigating separation, or trying to reignite the passion that once brought you together, I am here to help. With extensive experience and training in couples and family therapy, grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we will work on your relationship's unique needs. I create a space of safety and empathy, where both partners' voices can be heard. Together, we'll explore ways to create intimacy, understanding, and address concerns around sex.
Melissa Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I work with clients presenting with a wide range of challenges including severe and persistent mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transition challenges. I work with people living with HIV and Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender expansive individuals. I also work with women in all stages of the life span and I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I work with clients presenting with a wide range of challenges including severe and persistent mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transition challenges. I work with people living with HIV and Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender expansive individuals. I also work with women in all stages of the life span and I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
Jessica Pfisterer
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you feeling weighed down by the stresses of life or grappling with past experiences that continue to affect your present? Are you yearning for a therapeutic space characterized by empathy, understanding, and a focus on your individual needs? Whether you're seeking support as an individual, a couple, or a family, I am committed to working collaboratively with you to foster healing, resilience, and deeper connections. I specialize in supporting those who have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and my fellow members of the LQBTQ+ community.
Are you feeling weighed down by the stresses of life or grappling with past experiences that continue to affect your present? Are you yearning for a therapeutic space characterized by empathy, understanding, and a focus on your individual needs? Whether you're seeking support as an individual, a couple, or a family, I am committed to working collaboratively with you to foster healing, resilience, and deeper connections. I specialize in supporting those who have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and my fellow members of the LQBTQ+ community.
Dana Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and issues arising from life transitions, learning differences, high sensitivity, sensory issues, giftedness, and twice exceptionality, or 2e (giftedness with learning differences).
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and issues arising from life transitions, learning differences, high sensitivity, sensory issues, giftedness, and twice exceptionality, or 2e (giftedness with learning differences).
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
My approach to therapy is client-centered, meeting each person I work with where they are at using diverse interventions including mindfulness and somatic experiencing techniques. I am a Bay Area native raised in a multicultural household with over 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. I specialize in working with people struggling with: anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, chronic stress, adjusting to life changes, trauma exposure/PTSD, gender and sexual orientation identity issues, and multicultural stress.
My approach to therapy is client-centered, meeting each person I work with where they are at using diverse interventions including mindfulness and somatic experiencing techniques. I am a Bay Area native raised in a multicultural household with over 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. I specialize in working with people struggling with: anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, chronic stress, adjusting to life changes, trauma exposure/PTSD, gender and sexual orientation identity issues, and multicultural stress.
Bill Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 1998. He has a Masters in Social Work. Bill has decades of experience in hospitals, prisons, and with parolees in private practice. He offers psychodynamic/neuropsychiatric point of view, good active listening, and compassion. Bill is excellent at boundary maintenance and understanding. Outside of work, Bill enjoys music, piano, ocean kayaking, hiking, and poetry.
Bill Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 1998. He has a Masters in Social Work. Bill has decades of experience in hospitals, prisons, and with parolees in private practice. He offers psychodynamic/neuropsychiatric point of view, good active listening, and compassion. Bill is excellent at boundary maintenance and understanding. Outside of work, Bill enjoys music, piano, ocean kayaking, hiking, and poetry.
Therapy is a journey of looking inward in order to move onward in your life in a more present, whole-hearted way. I believe deeply that every person has the ability to work through loss, sadness, anxiety and other painful experiences to become more fully alive. When we avoid or numb uncomfortable or difficult feelings, we also numb our ability to feel joy, peace of mind, gratitude and love. Speaking our truths in the presence of empathy, warmth and non-judgement can be the first step towards healing.
Therapy is a journey of looking inward in order to move onward in your life in a more present, whole-hearted way. I believe deeply that every person has the ability to work through loss, sadness, anxiety and other painful experiences to become more fully alive. When we avoid or numb uncomfortable or difficult feelings, we also numb our ability to feel joy, peace of mind, gratitude and love. Speaking our truths in the presence of empathy, warmth and non-judgement can be the first step towards healing.
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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.