LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Brentwood, CA
Brace Bacon
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Your culture impacts the way you view the world, the way it views you, and your experience in seeking therapy. As someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and a man of color, I understand the importance of inclusion. I am here to help you navigate anxieties, depression, romantic and peer relationships, career choices, sexual orientation, parenting, self-esteem, and recovery support. Our time together will be collaborative and an opportunity for growth where I see my role as someone walking alongside you.
Your culture impacts the way you view the world, the way it views you, and your experience in seeking therapy. As someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and a man of color, I understand the importance of inclusion. I am here to help you navigate anxieties, depression, romantic and peer relationships, career choices, sexual orientation, parenting, self-esteem, and recovery support. Our time together will be collaborative and an opportunity for growth where I see my role as someone walking alongside you.
Elisa E Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and love to work with all people.
I am currently accepting new clients to my virtual practice. This is Telehealth only and private pay. New clients can have appointments within two weeks. I work from a Strength Based, Strategic therapy model which means I am about addressing the issues and not just here for venting. If you want to change things in your life, career or relationships I will join you in that corner. If you would like to proceed please use the email feature to tell me a bit about yourself and what you are looking for, as well as days and times that work best for you. I look forward to working with you.
I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and love to work with all people.
I am currently accepting new clients to my virtual practice. This is Telehealth only and private pay. New clients can have appointments within two weeks. I work from a Strength Based, Strategic therapy model which means I am about addressing the issues and not just here for venting. If you want to change things in your life, career or relationships I will join you in that corner. If you would like to proceed please use the email feature to tell me a bit about yourself and what you are looking for, as well as days and times that work best for you. I look forward to working with you.
Madeline A. Ivanchenko
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I place a strong emphasis on the therapist-client relationship, and am committed to providing culturally competent and affirmative therapy for individuals in the lgbtqia+ community.
Welcome! It is my privilege and honor to work as a licensed clinical psychologist practicing out of Virginia and California. I am an integrative therapist, drawing on a range of techniques to meet your specific needs. My primary goal is to create a safe environment for you to explore your feelings and experiences. I will meet you where you're at, and we will work collaboratively to address your concerns.
I place a strong emphasis on the therapist-client relationship, and am committed to providing culturally competent and affirmative therapy for individuals in the lgbtqia+ community.
Welcome! It is my privilege and honor to work as a licensed clinical psychologist practicing out of Virginia and California. I am an integrative therapist, drawing on a range of techniques to meet your specific needs. My primary goal is to create a safe environment for you to explore your feelings and experiences. I will meet you where you're at, and we will work collaboratively to address your concerns.
Emily Rebecca Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
I have experience with LGBTQ+ issues.
Are you ready to stop feeling anxious and/or depressed? Do you want to learn skills to calm your racing mind? Do you remember a time when anxiety, depression, & personal issues weren’t a part of your daily life? I can give you the tools and coping skills to change this. I help children/teenagers, couples, and individuals just like you: ones that have it within them to learn how to cope with their anxiety or depression and go back to living life the way that they remember it. I can support you on your journey towards feeling more self-confident, happy, fulfilled. I can help to guide you to a better understanding of yourself & others.
I have experience with LGBTQ+ issues.
Are you ready to stop feeling anxious and/or depressed? Do you want to learn skills to calm your racing mind? Do you remember a time when anxiety, depression, & personal issues weren’t a part of your daily life? I can give you the tools and coping skills to change this. I help children/teenagers, couples, and individuals just like you: ones that have it within them to learn how to cope with their anxiety or depression and go back to living life the way that they remember it. I can support you on your journey towards feeling more self-confident, happy, fulfilled. I can help to guide you to a better understanding of yourself & others.
Dr. Andrea F Polard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
Carolyn Breaud
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I offer a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQ.
If you've never had therapy before, you may be imagining a silent, clinical note-taker who may not truly understand your perspective. I want to be the therapist to change that for you. My interactive, laid-back, upfront style helps my clients feel at ease. Alfred Adler, an early pioneer of psychotherapy says, "Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another." This best describes my approach to therapy. I have a natural authentic interest in the stories of others and the experiences they bring in.
I offer a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQ.
If you've never had therapy before, you may be imagining a silent, clinical note-taker who may not truly understand your perspective. I want to be the therapist to change that for you. My interactive, laid-back, upfront style helps my clients feel at ease. Alfred Adler, an early pioneer of psychotherapy says, "Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another." This best describes my approach to therapy. I have a natural authentic interest in the stories of others and the experiences they bring in.
Beth Chiarelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have been providing safe spaces for over 25 years in highly energetic medical settings. I approach each individual with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to prioritize their autonomy and self-determination. I work with people with CPTSD, PTSD, Grief, Complex Medical Issues, Co-Dependency, LGBTQ+, and Addiction to alcohol and drugs. I specialize in individualized treatment plans by assessing needs, providing reflective listening and clarifying goals. Your collaboration and input is vital. Checking in to make sure that we are moving at a pace convenient for you. I am committed to your well being.
I have been providing safe spaces for over 25 years in highly energetic medical settings. I approach each individual with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to prioritize their autonomy and self-determination. I work with people with CPTSD, PTSD, Grief, Complex Medical Issues, Co-Dependency, LGBTQ+, and Addiction to alcohol and drugs. I specialize in individualized treatment plans by assessing needs, providing reflective listening and clarifying goals. Your collaboration and input is vital. Checking in to make sure that we are moving at a pace convenient for you. I am committed to your well being.
Taylor Sorenson
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, HSP
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I specialize in working with anxiety and panic disorders, ADHD and learning disabilities, depressive disorders, LGBTQ+, and self-esteem.
It can be difficult to open up to a stranger about personal difficulties, but I truly believe in each person’s ability to make positive changes. This is why I strive to create a calm, warm, welcoming, and open environment where you can feel comfortable working through your thoughts and emotions. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I provide individual counseling services, ADHD and learning disability evaluations, and performance psychology services for athletes and performers.
I specialize in working with anxiety and panic disorders, ADHD and learning disabilities, depressive disorders, LGBTQ+, and self-esteem.
It can be difficult to open up to a stranger about personal difficulties, but I truly believe in each person’s ability to make positive changes. This is why I strive to create a calm, warm, welcoming, and open environment where you can feel comfortable working through your thoughts and emotions. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I provide individual counseling services, ADHD and learning disability evaluations, and performance psychology services for athletes and performers.
Haleigh Butler
Counselor, MS, NCC, CCMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I am a sex-positive and LGBTQ-affirmative therapist.
Is your relationship hurting right now? It's so hard to keep the closeness and loving feelings when you're not communicating, or there's been hurt. Though you may be feeling discouraged, or even doubtful that you can repair, don't give up hope on your relationship. I will help you learn ways to talk without fighting and to start feeling heard. If there have been injuries to your trust, I will help you find healing together. Couples can create stronger and closer relationships than they ever thought possible. Call or schedule online your free initial consultation and start healing today!
I am a sex-positive and LGBTQ-affirmative therapist.
Is your relationship hurting right now? It's so hard to keep the closeness and loving feelings when you're not communicating, or there's been hurt. Though you may be feeling discouraged, or even doubtful that you can repair, don't give up hope on your relationship. I will help you learn ways to talk without fighting and to start feeling heard. If there have been injuries to your trust, I will help you find healing together. Couples can create stronger and closer relationships than they ever thought possible. Call or schedule online your free initial consultation and start healing today!
Lauren Kirk Murry
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I am an advocate and offer support for the LGBTQIA+ population, along with addressing issues concerning substance use and addiction.
My name is Lauren Kirk Murry and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) working with clients via telehealth in California. I work with individuals and families from a collaborative humanistic perspective, specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use/addiction, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ matters, challenging life transitions, relationship concerns, pre/postnatal support, and trauma.
I am an advocate and offer support for the LGBTQIA+ population, along with addressing issues concerning substance use and addiction.
My name is Lauren Kirk Murry and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) working with clients via telehealth in California. I work with individuals and families from a collaborative humanistic perspective, specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use/addiction, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ matters, challenging life transitions, relationship concerns, pre/postnatal support, and trauma.
Tiffany Star Engeldinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Do you feel like your teen or adolescent is out of control? Are you an adult that struggles with anger, depression, anxiety or negative thinking? I specialize in working with clients using CBT along with meeting each client where they are to treat behavioral problems such as defiance, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression and daily stresses . I look at each client as an individual and work with them to identify their personal needs. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, defiant teens, parenting issues, ADHD, social skills, addiction, anger management, bipolar, families, relationships, domestic violence.
Do you feel like your teen or adolescent is out of control? Are you an adult that struggles with anger, depression, anxiety or negative thinking? I specialize in working with clients using CBT along with meeting each client where they are to treat behavioral problems such as defiance, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression and daily stresses . I look at each client as an individual and work with them to identify their personal needs. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, defiant teens, parenting issues, ADHD, social skills, addiction, anger management, bipolar, families, relationships, domestic violence.
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Emily Rosenbloom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
Are you constantly consumed by anxiety and unwanted thoughts? Together, we can build a new relationship with worrying and unresolved trauma and keep it from dictating your life's path. Starting your healing journey can be daunting, but the good news is you don't have to take the first step alone. Together, we will rediscover strategies for handling and effectively managing anxiety. I invite you to take the courageous step toward healing and make yourself a priority today.
Are you constantly consumed by anxiety and unwanted thoughts? Together, we can build a new relationship with worrying and unresolved trauma and keep it from dictating your life's path. Starting your healing journey can be daunting, but the good news is you don't have to take the first step alone. Together, we will rediscover strategies for handling and effectively managing anxiety. I invite you to take the courageous step toward healing and make yourself a priority today.
Charlin Amber Lumia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and thank you for taking the time to view my profile and taking the first step in your journey. Everyone has a unique story and circumstances. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I am here to help navigate the process and identify needs and goals. What do you want from therapy? If things were better what would they look like? What is your best possible you and life? Are you as happy as you can be? No goal is too big or too small :) Therapy is a collaborative process and mutual trust is critical to success.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to view my profile and taking the first step in your journey. Everyone has a unique story and circumstances. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I am here to help navigate the process and identify needs and goals. What do you want from therapy? If things were better what would they look like? What is your best possible you and life? Are you as happy as you can be? No goal is too big or too small :) Therapy is a collaborative process and mutual trust is critical to success.
Jeff McIntosh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have been providing professional therapeutic services to a wide range of individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. My current specialized areas of interest are life transitions, mindfulness with teens, trauma healing using EMDR, and recovery from sexual abuse and addiction.
I have been providing professional therapeutic services to a wide range of individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. My current specialized areas of interest are life transitions, mindfulness with teens, trauma healing using EMDR, and recovery from sexual abuse and addiction.
Joseph Hudson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CIHC
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Feeling stuck in life? Perhaps you're not even sure what it is that you want? Or, perhaps you know what it is that you want, but you find that something keeps holding you back? Maybe that something is an old habit you want to let go of or a new habit you want to create? Maybe your mind is preoccupied with what happened in the past? Maybe fear and anxiety over what others will think of you? Maybe the need to be "perfect?" Whatever it is that is blocking you, you are ready to get out of the past, out of your head, and into action - moving forward toward living a better life!
Feeling stuck in life? Perhaps you're not even sure what it is that you want? Or, perhaps you know what it is that you want, but you find that something keeps holding you back? Maybe that something is an old habit you want to let go of or a new habit you want to create? Maybe your mind is preoccupied with what happened in the past? Maybe fear and anxiety over what others will think of you? Maybe the need to be "perfect?" Whatever it is that is blocking you, you are ready to get out of the past, out of your head, and into action - moving forward toward living a better life!
Rene L. Lewellyn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
Relationships are a fact of life. We all live in relation to each other as spouses, children, parents & friends. Even in the best of these relationships, inevitably, problems occur. Often, we are able to resolve problems on our own. However, there are times when the help of an expert in relationships, such as a Marriage and Family Therapist, is needed to: *improve communications, *increase understanding in relationships, *resolve conflicts, *improve parenting skills,*relieve stress, depression, anxiety,*strengthen the bonds of relationships & gain a better understanding of one another.
Relationships are a fact of life. We all live in relation to each other as spouses, children, parents & friends. Even in the best of these relationships, inevitably, problems occur. Often, we are able to resolve problems on our own. However, there are times when the help of an expert in relationships, such as a Marriage and Family Therapist, is needed to: *improve communications, *increase understanding in relationships, *resolve conflicts, *improve parenting skills,*relieve stress, depression, anxiety,*strengthen the bonds of relationships & gain a better understanding of one another.
Megan Bradley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
Macy Schoenthaler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
When we have an experience that is traumatic or incredibly stressful, our brains have a hard time processing that memory. This can create symptoms such as, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, difficult feelings, self-blame, or relationship problems, to name a few. If given the opportunity, our minds, like our bodies, have the innate ability to heal. The trouble with difficult experiences, however, is that these memories get tangled, leaving us feeling stuck or showing up in other destructive ways in our lives.
When we have an experience that is traumatic or incredibly stressful, our brains have a hard time processing that memory. This can create symptoms such as, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, difficult feelings, self-blame, or relationship problems, to name a few. If given the opportunity, our minds, like our bodies, have the innate ability to heal. The trouble with difficult experiences, however, is that these memories get tangled, leaving us feeling stuck or showing up in other destructive ways in our lives.
Cari M Denham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stressed out? Tired? Lack the motivation to get through your day? I am here to listen and help by giving you the tools you need to manage and overcome challenges that inevitably arise due to school or peer stress, life transitions, career issues, or relationship issues. I am here to help, without judgment, to walk with you on your journey to be the best version of yourself!
Accepting New Clients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stressed out? Tired? Lack the motivation to get through your day? I am here to listen and help by giving you the tools you need to manage and overcome challenges that inevitably arise due to school or peer stress, life transitions, career issues, or relationship issues. I am here to help, without judgment, to walk with you on your journey to be the best version of yourself!
Melissa Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
Parenting a teenager is challenging enough. Parenting a teen who has symptoms or has been diagnosed with ADHD adds an additional level of difficulty. There are academic and social pressures and expectations that do not match with your teenager's abilities or emotional maturity yet. These mismatches can create extreme frustrations and hopelessness in your teen and in YOU! I get it, I've lived it.
Parenting a teenager is challenging enough. Parenting a teen who has symptoms or has been diagnosed with ADHD adds an additional level of difficulty. There are academic and social pressures and expectations that do not match with your teenager's abilities or emotional maturity yet. These mismatches can create extreme frustrations and hopelessness in your teen and in YOU! I get it, I've lived it.
See more therapy options for Brentwood
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Brentwood
- Alamo
- Antioch
- Bay Point
- Concord
- Danville
- Discovery Bay
- Dublin
- Livermore
- Oakley
- Pittsburg
- San Ramon
- Walnut Creek
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.