LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Kern County, CA
Cal Care Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Do you feel as if you are emotionally stuck and need a helping hand? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and tired? You may be going through a life transition, relationship difficulty, or problems managing daily life. Most people go through times in their lives when they need some guidance. You don't have to go through this hardship alone. Reach out and let's get through this together. I am offering free consultations over the phone, at this time, to assess your comfort level before we have a full session. I am able to see individuals with a residence in the state of California and Nevada.
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Do you feel as if you are emotionally stuck and need a helping hand? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and tired? You may be going through a life transition, relationship difficulty, or problems managing daily life. Most people go through times in their lives when they need some guidance. You don't have to go through this hardship alone. Reach out and let's get through this together. I am offering free consultations over the phone, at this time, to assess your comfort level before we have a full session. I am able to see individuals with a residence in the state of California and Nevada.
Cal Care Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Do you feel as if you are emotionally stuck and need a helping hand? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and tired? You may be going through a life transition, relationship difficulty, or problems managing daily life. Most people go through times in their lives when they need some guidance. You don't have to go through this hardship alone. Reach out and let's get through this together. I am offering free consultations over the phone, at this time, to assess your comfort level before we have a full session. I am able to see individuals with a residence in the state of California and Nevada..
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Do you feel as if you are emotionally stuck and need a helping hand? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and tired? You may be going through a life transition, relationship difficulty, or problems managing daily life. Most people go through times in their lives when they need some guidance. You don't have to go through this hardship alone. Reach out and let's get through this together. I am offering free consultations over the phone, at this time, to assess your comfort level before we have a full session. I am able to see individuals with a residence in the state of California and Nevada..
My clinical interests and specialties include childhood/adult trauma, childhood sexual abuse, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, couples/relationship issues, identity and intersectionality, gender and sexuality, and grief/loss.
Seeking therapy for yourself can be complex and multi-layered. Finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I work interactively and collaboratively to support you at your pace while helping you move toward the fullest expression of the life you wish to lead. I value and utilize a trauma-informed lens wherein I aim to co-create a safe holding environment where the changes you hope for can occur. The therapeutic relationship is the backdrop for investigation, integration, and healing with openness, curiosity, self-compassion, and tenderness. I aim to embody authenticity, humor, and generosity throughout my work with clients.
My clinical interests and specialties include childhood/adult trauma, childhood sexual abuse, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, couples/relationship issues, identity and intersectionality, gender and sexuality, and grief/loss.
Seeking therapy for yourself can be complex and multi-layered. Finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I work interactively and collaboratively to support you at your pace while helping you move toward the fullest expression of the life you wish to lead. I value and utilize a trauma-informed lens wherein I aim to co-create a safe holding environment where the changes you hope for can occur. The therapeutic relationship is the backdrop for investigation, integration, and healing with openness, curiosity, self-compassion, and tenderness. I aim to embody authenticity, humor, and generosity throughout my work with clients.
Lillian Fox
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304 (Online Only)
In a world full of noise and expectation, are you feeling stuck? My passion lies in supporting Queer young adults as they actively seek identities, lifestyles, career paths & relationships that truly reflect their authentic selves. Along this journey of self-discovery, we also work on rejecting what doesn’t fit—whether it's the weight of parental expectations, the influence of religion, or the burden of internalized societal norms. Therapy with me is a space where you can find confidence in the life path that resonates with you, overcoming the anxiety, attachments, trauma & grief that may have characterized your life until now.
In a world full of noise and expectation, are you feeling stuck? My passion lies in supporting Queer young adults as they actively seek identities, lifestyles, career paths & relationships that truly reflect their authentic selves. Along this journey of self-discovery, we also work on rejecting what doesn’t fit—whether it's the weight of parental expectations, the influence of religion, or the burden of internalized societal norms. Therapy with me is a space where you can find confidence in the life path that resonates with you, overcoming the anxiety, attachments, trauma & grief that may have characterized your life until now.
My name is Andrea Espinoza, LMFT. I help individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, parenting issues, LGBTQIA issues, and more. My AASECT training helps me in my work with individuals and couples seeking to improve intimacy and sexual wellness, including sex education and empowerment. I prefer a Narrative approach in the work that I do, which allows me to help others in considering perspectives in their stories which could help alleviate problems experienced and contribute to a more preferred existence, or story. My role is to help guide you on your journey and empower people to live their most authentic lives.
My name is Andrea Espinoza, LMFT. I help individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, parenting issues, LGBTQIA issues, and more. My AASECT training helps me in my work with individuals and couples seeking to improve intimacy and sexual wellness, including sex education and empowerment. I prefer a Narrative approach in the work that I do, which allows me to help others in considering perspectives in their stories which could help alleviate problems experienced and contribute to a more preferred existence, or story. My role is to help guide you on your journey and empower people to live their most authentic lives.
Cindi Lane-Pompa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I am knowledgeable in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, LGBTQIA+ and Polyamory.
Are you tired of being on the hamster wheel of life, feeling like you need to make changes, but you don’t know where to start? Change is possible and I would love to help you learn the skills you need to make the changes you want in your life. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Therapy can be a place to address your concerns such as working through difficult emotions, past traumas, present struggles, learning new ways of coping and be a place to help you grow.
I am knowledgeable in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, LGBTQIA+ and Polyamory.
Are you tired of being on the hamster wheel of life, feeling like you need to make changes, but you don’t know where to start? Change is possible and I would love to help you learn the skills you need to make the changes you want in your life. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Therapy can be a place to address your concerns such as working through difficult emotions, past traumas, present struggles, learning new ways of coping and be a place to help you grow.
Jodi Fiel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (Online Only)
I have specialized training and experience in working with queer and transgender clients and am a skilled couples therapist.
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and offer services statewide via telehealth. I am in-network with Magellan, Blue Shield, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross.
I have specialized training and experience in working with queer and transgender clients and am a skilled couples therapist.
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and offer services statewide via telehealth. I am in-network with Magellan, Blue Shield, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross.
Hello, I'm Jenny Raz, a licensed clinical social worker. I work with adults and teens struggling with a range of mental health topics from relationship issues, aging & end of life, grief, suicidal ideations, veteran issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. I am effective in utilizing CBT, psychodynamic approach, and person-centered therapeutic modalities. Therapy is a safe place to share, problem-solve and/or accept the present moment for what it is.
Hello, I'm Jenny Raz, a licensed clinical social worker. I work with adults and teens struggling with a range of mental health topics from relationship issues, aging & end of life, grief, suicidal ideations, veteran issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. I am effective in utilizing CBT, psychodynamic approach, and person-centered therapeutic modalities. Therapy is a safe place to share, problem-solve and/or accept the present moment for what it is.
Danielle Lovelady Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tehachapi, CA 93561 (Online Only)
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we just need someone to talk to about it. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in multiple states with experience working with diverse populations. My specialty areas include working with veterans, trauma victims, PTSD, medical illnesses and LGBTQ. Helping individuals and families improve their quality of life is important to me. Book with me today by clicking on my website.
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we just need someone to talk to about it. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in multiple states with experience working with diverse populations. My specialty areas include working with veterans, trauma victims, PTSD, medical illnesses and LGBTQ. Helping individuals and families improve their quality of life is important to me. Book with me today by clicking on my website.
Accepting new clients in-person or telehealth. English and Spanish services available. Welcome, congratulations for taking the first step in your journey to a better you. I enjoy working with teen and adult individuals who are struggling with a wide variety of problems such as depression, negative thoughts patterns, low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, acculturation stress, cultural trauma/adjustment, grief, and struggles with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Accepting new clients in-person or telehealth. English and Spanish services available. Welcome, congratulations for taking the first step in your journey to a better you. I enjoy working with teen and adult individuals who are struggling with a wide variety of problems such as depression, negative thoughts patterns, low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, acculturation stress, cultural trauma/adjustment, grief, and struggles with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sequoia Prindle - Neurodiversity Affirming Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
I love working with the LGBTQIA& community and the polyamory/consensual nonmonogamy community.
Please note: emailing me via Psychology Today is preferred to calling, thank you! I know it's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve to have a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
I love working with the LGBTQIA& community and the polyamory/consensual nonmonogamy community.
Please note: emailing me via Psychology Today is preferred to calling, thank you! I know it's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve to have a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
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Scott Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
Scott Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
Scott D Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
Scott D Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
Fernando Macias Mariscal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
I have a vast background working with adults and children, and LGBTQ+ community.
Greetings, my name is Fernando Macias, LMFT. I welcome you to take the opportunity to heal and find helpful solutions to your day to day issues, and to the most complex of situations. Life is not easy, however it can be a very exciting ride.
I have a vast background working with adults and children, and LGBTQ+ community.
Greetings, my name is Fernando Macias, LMFT. I welcome you to take the opportunity to heal and find helpful solutions to your day to day issues, and to the most complex of situations. Life is not easy, however it can be a very exciting ride.
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
Hi! I am Stacey Rydell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion for helping those on their healing journey to find more meaning in life. I focus primarily on working with LGBTQ+, women-identifying adults ages 18-40 years old. Much of my experience is treating anxiety, depression, Bipolar, gender identity, and disordered eating. Working with adults of all ages, I guide my clients toward their inner knowing that we are all born with but have lost contact with due to trauma, societal pressures, family dynamics, and much more.
Hi! I am Stacey Rydell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion for helping those on their healing journey to find more meaning in life. I focus primarily on working with LGBTQ+, women-identifying adults ages 18-40 years old. Much of my experience is treating anxiety, depression, Bipolar, gender identity, and disordered eating. Working with adults of all ages, I guide my clients toward their inner knowing that we are all born with but have lost contact with due to trauma, societal pressures, family dynamics, and much more.
Vicki Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 15 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
I have worked with various populations and issues, including forensics, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, transgender, gay & lesbian, adolescents, crisis, self-harming behaviors, couples & families.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 15 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
Hi, my name is Dr. Kristina Holt-Reber, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I value and put collaboration with YOU first and use a person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I have spent a lot of my education focusing on Trauma and Anxiety related disorders and have a passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community. I typically work with clients struggling with anxiety, mood or trauma-related concerns and feel very comfortable treating those conditions.
Hi, my name is Dr. Kristina Holt-Reber, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I value and put collaboration with YOU first and use a person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I have spent a lot of my education focusing on Trauma and Anxiety related disorders and have a passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community. I typically work with clients struggling with anxiety, mood or trauma-related concerns and feel very comfortable treating those conditions.
See more therapy options for Kern County
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.