LGBTQ+ Therapists in Circle Area, Long Beach, CA
Ericca Fonseca
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and the trans population using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
As a client, it is important that you are welcomed with a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space. Together, we can collaborate on how to address the issues you are coming in with through activities, psychoeducation, art, grounding activities, music and more. Therapy is meant to be a growing and empowering experience as you continue to learn about yourself. While it is important to identify your challenges, it is equally essential to identify your progress.
I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and the trans population using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
As a client, it is important that you are welcomed with a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space. Together, we can collaborate on how to address the issues you are coming in with through activities, psychoeducation, art, grounding activities, music and more. Therapy is meant to be a growing and empowering experience as you continue to learn about yourself. While it is important to identify your challenges, it is equally essential to identify your progress.
Rachel Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and allied.
Starting therapy is tough, I just want to commend you on taking the first step. Living day to day life can be exhausting, I know. Just being a human alone is hard, but even harder when we put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to certain unrealistic expectation or suppress difficult emotions. With a compassionate and warm approach, I support clients on their journey of healing and growth. Whether that is building confidence, exploring self-love, or finding inner peace, I always want my clients to know they have a safe space to explore all of life’s challenges.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and allied.
Starting therapy is tough, I just want to commend you on taking the first step. Living day to day life can be exhausting, I know. Just being a human alone is hard, but even harder when we put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to certain unrealistic expectation or suppress difficult emotions. With a compassionate and warm approach, I support clients on their journey of healing and growth. Whether that is building confidence, exploring self-love, or finding inner peace, I always want my clients to know they have a safe space to explore all of life’s challenges.
Michelle Taylor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90815
LGBTQIA-affirming.
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
LGBTQIA-affirming.
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
Kelsey Gavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Kelsey Gavin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2016. She received a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with specialization in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Kelsey provides a welcoming and accepting atmosphere to allow clients to feel safe and comfortable as they seek to become more empowered in their lives. She employs the Humanistic approach's warmth through unconditional regard and respect of the uniqueness and resiliency of each individual.
Kelsey Gavin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2016. She received a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with specialization in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Kelsey provides a welcoming and accepting atmosphere to allow clients to feel safe and comfortable as they seek to become more empowered in their lives. She employs the Humanistic approach's warmth through unconditional regard and respect of the uniqueness and resiliency of each individual.
Victoria Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Whether this is the first time you've sought out support or you've done so before, I'm glad you're doing it now. Seeing a therapist should be as normal as seeing a doctor for a check up. From looking for guidance in challenging relationships to working in increasing your quality of life, I am here and ready to help you take the first step in achieving your goals. I enjoy working with teens and women, especially women of color dealing with communication challenges, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Whether this is the first time you've sought out support or you've done so before, I'm glad you're doing it now. Seeing a therapist should be as normal as seeing a doctor for a check up. From looking for guidance in challenging relationships to working in increasing your quality of life, I am here and ready to help you take the first step in achieving your goals. I enjoy working with teens and women, especially women of color dealing with communication challenges, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Brianna Patti
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Accepting new clients! - - - You have an internal sense of who you are and what you want, but you might not know where to turn for help. Maybe you tried to figure things out on your own, or you confided in unsafe people. Wherever your past led you, I'm here to support you on a new path to exploring your true self.
Accepting new clients! - - - You have an internal sense of who you are and what you want, but you might not know where to turn for help. Maybe you tried to figure things out on your own, or you confided in unsafe people. Wherever your past led you, I'm here to support you on a new path to exploring your true self.
Reina Foxworthy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Reina Foxworthy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 2014. She earned her Master of Science degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2016 and has gained experience in a wide variety of settings. She has worked in outpatient programs with formerly incarcerated people, substance abuse treatment, behavioral health hospitals, and has more recently found her passion in working with individuals in group practice settings. Reina specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and chemical dependency.
Reina Foxworthy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 2014. She earned her Master of Science degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2016 and has gained experience in a wide variety of settings. She has worked in outpatient programs with formerly incarcerated people, substance abuse treatment, behavioral health hospitals, and has more recently found her passion in working with individuals in group practice settings. Reina specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and chemical dependency.
Caring Conversations
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804 (Online Only)
Seeking therapy requires a great deal of courage. Be proud that you have taken the first step – attempting to find a therapist. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which we as a collaborative team will explore barriers to happiness and help you deal with issues that are troubling you. In our practice, we believe therapeutic relationships are sacred, and created in partnership with each client to foster safety, compassion, patience, and a sense of curiosity. We address the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of well-being.
Seeking therapy requires a great deal of courage. Be proud that you have taken the first step – attempting to find a therapist. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which we as a collaborative team will explore barriers to happiness and help you deal with issues that are troubling you. In our practice, we believe therapeutic relationships are sacred, and created in partnership with each client to foster safety, compassion, patience, and a sense of curiosity. We address the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of well-being.
Jessica Faith Achugbue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Expecting, birthing, or parenting a baby brings the underlying "stuff" to the surface. You might be noticing tensed muscles, an aching head, an upset stomach, or racing thoughts about the most awful things that have happened or that possibly could happen. Maybe you feel exhausted and drained all day long but lie awake at night with your heart pounding, too anxious to fall asleep. Maybe you're yearning to bond with your little one but feeling like you're blocked by a wall. Too overwhelmed, too worried, too tangled up in the scary thoughts, and in too much pain to be present. But this chapter doesn't have to feel this way!
Expecting, birthing, or parenting a baby brings the underlying "stuff" to the surface. You might be noticing tensed muscles, an aching head, an upset stomach, or racing thoughts about the most awful things that have happened or that possibly could happen. Maybe you feel exhausted and drained all day long but lie awake at night with your heart pounding, too anxious to fall asleep. Maybe you're yearning to bond with your little one but feeling like you're blocked by a wall. Too overwhelmed, too worried, too tangled up in the scary thoughts, and in too much pain to be present. But this chapter doesn't have to feel this way!
Vanessa L Pezo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804 (Online Only)
You are a complex being. You've had painful life experiences that continue to impact you even though you don't want them to. You may find yourself feeling stuck, reacting in ways that don't make sense, and reliving past experiences over and over in your thoughts or even in your dreams. Fear comes out of nowhere, and it is exhausting being on guard all the time. It may feel like you can't trust anyone, sometimes not even yourself. But healing is possible. You deserve joy, peace, and deep healing. When you heal, you heal the generations before and after you.
You are a complex being. You've had painful life experiences that continue to impact you even though you don't want them to. You may find yourself feeling stuck, reacting in ways that don't make sense, and reliving past experiences over and over in your thoughts or even in your dreams. Fear comes out of nowhere, and it is exhausting being on guard all the time. It may feel like you can't trust anyone, sometimes not even yourself. But healing is possible. You deserve joy, peace, and deep healing. When you heal, you heal the generations before and after you.
Alysha Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You may find yourself constantly doubting yourself, often asking others for their input about major life decisions. You may feel that others “have it all together” while feeling overwhelmed with your roles and responsibilities. You may worry about everyone else’s needs but feel empty when you’ve made sure everyone else is taken care of. If any of this is true for you, you’ve come to the right place. Therapy is a safe and supportive haven to remind you that YOU matter. Your desires, strengths, and needs deserve to be held and acknowledged.
You may find yourself constantly doubting yourself, often asking others for their input about major life decisions. You may feel that others “have it all together” while feeling overwhelmed with your roles and responsibilities. You may worry about everyone else’s needs but feel empty when you’ve made sure everyone else is taken care of. If any of this is true for you, you’ve come to the right place. Therapy is a safe and supportive haven to remind you that YOU matter. Your desires, strengths, and needs deserve to be held and acknowledged.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Ryan
Michelle Taylor
Vanessa L Pezo
Sara Abadie
Sid Tarpinian, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Successful therapy depends on a solid therapeutic relatiionship, in a confidential and peaceful environment where you can address and resolve what led you to seek professional support. Relationship issues and solutions can be explored. I am currently scheduling individual adult clients in my office on Mondays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Telephone and/or video sessions are also available.
Successful therapy depends on a solid therapeutic relatiionship, in a confidential and peaceful environment where you can address and resolve what led you to seek professional support. Relationship issues and solutions can be explored. I am currently scheduling individual adult clients in my office on Mondays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Telephone and/or video sessions are also available.
Inner Strength
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Whether your child is struggling with Anxiety, ADD/ADHD symptoms, Anger Management, Self-Harm, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors, Trouble in school, Experienced abuse or neglect, Life transitions such as parent’s divorce, Difficulty adjusting to a new environment, Loss of a loved one, Behavioral problems at school or home, Lack of social skills and interactions, Illegal drug use, Emotional or psychological problems, it is important that you know they don’t have to be alone in this journey.
Whether your child is struggling with Anxiety, ADD/ADHD symptoms, Anger Management, Self-Harm, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors, Trouble in school, Experienced abuse or neglect, Life transitions such as parent’s divorce, Difficulty adjusting to a new environment, Loss of a loved one, Behavioral problems at school or home, Lack of social skills and interactions, Illegal drug use, Emotional or psychological problems, it is important that you know they don’t have to be alone in this journey.
Maple Moriji
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
Therapy is an art, not a science. Since every person is a unique individual, therapy will vary depending on the persons involved. Hence, there can be no one approach to therapy which works for everyone. To facilitate change, different techniques may be used. However, the forging of a therapeutic alliance is essential for change. Research has shown that a successful outcome in therapy depends on this. In humanistic psychology, emphasis is placed on self-actualization. A propensity to self-actualize is presumed to exist in all persons. Karen Horney made the following analogy to illustrate this phenomenon.
Therapy is an art, not a science. Since every person is a unique individual, therapy will vary depending on the persons involved. Hence, there can be no one approach to therapy which works for everyone. To facilitate change, different techniques may be used. However, the forging of a therapeutic alliance is essential for change. Research has shown that a successful outcome in therapy depends on this. In humanistic psychology, emphasis is placed on self-actualization. A propensity to self-actualize is presumed to exist in all persons. Karen Horney made the following analogy to illustrate this phenomenon.
Melody Foxx
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804
I'd like to help... Your Relationship Within Yourself and With Others. I believe your mind and body work together; that you can create your own happiness by how you choose to respond to your feelings, and act towards yourselves and the world around you. If you are ready for change in your life, or would like to explore new ways of thinking and living your life, my Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy approaches may help. My goals for you are to receive new insight/tools that you can use to help create a better, happier life.
I'd like to help... Your Relationship Within Yourself and With Others. I believe your mind and body work together; that you can create your own happiness by how you choose to respond to your feelings, and act towards yourselves and the world around you. If you are ready for change in your life, or would like to explore new ways of thinking and living your life, my Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy approaches may help. My goals for you are to receive new insight/tools that you can use to help create a better, happier life.
Sara Abadie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Circle Area, Long Beach, CA 90804 (Online Only)
Are you ready for a happier, more satisfying life? It is possible and I can help. Whether you are troubled by depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, relationship issues, or other problems, you will discover that how you feel can improve. Your path to well-being depends on your ability to feel good about yourself and I work with people to make their lives, and their relationship with themselves, easier and happier. My therapy involves releasing painful feelings while working to foster understanding of self-sabotaging behavior in order to bring more self-respect and a sense of inner peace into your life.
Are you ready for a happier, more satisfying life? It is possible and I can help. Whether you are troubled by depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, relationship issues, or other problems, you will discover that how you feel can improve. Your path to well-being depends on your ability to feel good about yourself and I work with people to make their lives, and their relationship with themselves, easier and happier. My therapy involves releasing painful feelings while working to foster understanding of self-sabotaging behavior in order to bring more self-respect and a sense of inner peace into your life.
Online Therapists
Ana Velouise - Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807 (Online Only)
I’m a queer, neurodivergent mother of twins and my lived experience with perinatal loss, birth trauma, NICU parenting, being postpartum in 2020, and perinatal mental health disorders drew me to this work.
No one warned you about how lonely it would be to shift intergenerational patterns while parenting. You want something better for your child(ren) than you had but sometimes you doubt your ability to do so. You worry that you will pass on intergenerational trauma to your kids and frequently feel that you’re not a good enough parent. You envy others who have healthy, supportive relationships with their parents. If you feel like all your “stuff” is coming up now that you’re a parent, you’re not alone.
I’m a queer, neurodivergent mother of twins and my lived experience with perinatal loss, birth trauma, NICU parenting, being postpartum in 2020, and perinatal mental health disorders drew me to this work.
No one warned you about how lonely it would be to shift intergenerational patterns while parenting. You want something better for your child(ren) than you had but sometimes you doubt your ability to do so. You worry that you will pass on intergenerational trauma to your kids and frequently feel that you’re not a good enough parent. You envy others who have healthy, supportive relationships with their parents. If you feel like all your “stuff” is coming up now that you’re a parent, you’re not alone.
Kel Mathews
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90802
As an African American woman who also identifies as part of the LGBTQ community, I have a passion for working with people of color and those who identify as LGBTQ.
At the root of depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues is trauma. Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines of life and watching? Are you wanting and waiting to be truly happy? These are just a few of the issues, my clients and I are processing and working through.
As an African American woman who also identifies as part of the LGBTQ community, I have a passion for working with people of color and those who identify as LGBTQ.
At the root of depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues is trauma. Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines of life and watching? Are you wanting and waiting to be truly happy? These are just a few of the issues, my clients and I are processing and working through.
Henry Campagna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to my therapist profile. My name is Henry, and I am a 1st-generation gay man of Italian and Mexican descent. I've spent the majority of my life advocating for my community, and I'm honored to provide a safe and creative therapy space for my clients to express themselves openly and freely.
Hello and welcome to my therapist profile. My name is Henry, and I am a 1st-generation gay man of Italian and Mexican descent. I've spent the majority of my life advocating for my community, and I'm honored to provide a safe and creative therapy space for my clients to express themselves openly and freely.
Myles Marcotte
Associate Clinical Social Worker, BSW, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90814 (Online Only)
You hope for a therapist who won't shy away from the difficult topics. Every part of you is welcome here. As a trans therapist and HAES-informed provider, I believe that you deserve a non-judgemental space where you can build a sense of safety and trust on your own terms. You want to shed feelings of shame and guilt that keep you looping back to unhealthy behaviors. I believe in your ability to learn new coping skills and your capacity to become even more resilient. If you decide you want to, together we can face the memories and emotions you've had to avoid in order to survive. You choose the destination, I’ll help you get there.
You hope for a therapist who won't shy away from the difficult topics. Every part of you is welcome here. As a trans therapist and HAES-informed provider, I believe that you deserve a non-judgemental space where you can build a sense of safety and trust on your own terms. You want to shed feelings of shame and guilt that keep you looping back to unhealthy behaviors. I believe in your ability to learn new coping skills and your capacity to become even more resilient. If you decide you want to, together we can face the memories and emotions you've had to avoid in order to survive. You choose the destination, I’ll help you get there.
See more therapy options for Circle Area, Long Beach
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.