LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Diego, CA
Alexa Douros
LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I am a queer therapist that practices through an intersectional, multicultural, and decolonizing lens.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. My approach emphasizes genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you're seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
I am a queer therapist that practices through an intersectional, multicultural, and decolonizing lens.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. My approach emphasizes genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you're seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
Glen Hilton @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Hello and welcome. I collaborate with clients to co-create solutions that empower each participant to have voice and self-agency. I enjoy working with youth and families. I have been providing mental health care since 2002. I help individuals, couples, and families overcome a range of mental health and relationship issues. I have speciality experience working with gender. I enjoy connecting and support LGBTQIA+ and their families navigating any challenges.
Hello and welcome. I collaborate with clients to co-create solutions that empower each participant to have voice and self-agency. I enjoy working with youth and families. I have been providing mental health care since 2002. I help individuals, couples, and families overcome a range of mental health and relationship issues. I have speciality experience working with gender. I enjoy connecting and support LGBTQIA+ and their families navigating any challenges.
Bryan Schnebelt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
We are all continually moving through different spaces trying to establish who we are and what is important to us. Adjusting to these environments can be especially difficult if who you are is not embraced, whether it is within your family, at work, in the military, in a social group, or faith-based community. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am an advocate for underrepresented individuals and communities, and try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood. Therapy can be a space to better recognize your needs, your values, and how to cope more effectively.
We are all continually moving through different spaces trying to establish who we are and what is important to us. Adjusting to these environments can be especially difficult if who you are is not embraced, whether it is within your family, at work, in the military, in a social group, or faith-based community. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am an advocate for underrepresented individuals and communities, and try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood. Therapy can be a space to better recognize your needs, your values, and how to cope more effectively.
Greg Piken
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
In addition to private practice therapy for 5+ years, I have about 20 combined years of counseling experience in a variety of settings including drug & alcohol rehab, faith-based care ministry programs, and teaching on LGBTQ mental health.
Have you ever wrestled with questions like… "If people really knew me, would they really love me? Why do I feel so stressed/ ashamed/ lost/ angry/ hopeless/ lonely/ stuck? Am I the only one who feels like this? Will I always feel this bad?" You’d be amazed how many people like you and like me, have bravely asked those questions and found real answers and real hope. I really care about people, and whether I work with you individually, in a group, or as a couple, my hope is that therapy will be the safest and most inspiring place to discover that you are someone with an important story that deserves to be shared.
In addition to private practice therapy for 5+ years, I have about 20 combined years of counseling experience in a variety of settings including drug & alcohol rehab, faith-based care ministry programs, and teaching on LGBTQ mental health.
Have you ever wrestled with questions like… "If people really knew me, would they really love me? Why do I feel so stressed/ ashamed/ lost/ angry/ hopeless/ lonely/ stuck? Am I the only one who feels like this? Will I always feel this bad?" You’d be amazed how many people like you and like me, have bravely asked those questions and found real answers and real hope. I really care about people, and whether I work with you individually, in a group, or as a couple, my hope is that therapy will be the safest and most inspiring place to discover that you are someone with an important story that deserves to be shared.
Red Galura
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
As a queer, Filipino immigrant, my lived experience showed me how our social identities impact our mental health.
Together, we will support the changes you want to make by first understanding more of who you are and what's important to you. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that have may gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take that next step. By collaborating on effective solutions, we will come up with a clearer sense of what you need to experience the sense of connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities aligned with your life goals.
As a queer, Filipino immigrant, my lived experience showed me how our social identities impact our mental health.
Together, we will support the changes you want to make by first understanding more of who you are and what's important to you. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that have may gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take that next step. By collaborating on effective solutions, we will come up with a clearer sense of what you need to experience the sense of connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities aligned with your life goals.
Herb Schnabel 134453
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
I find myself very honored to be working as a therapist and helping those who have taken the brave and vulnerable step to engage in therapy. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have a special passion for providing affirmative care for those in this community. I additionally love working with couples, families, and those experiencing difficult life transitions such as trauma, grief, and gender transition.
I find myself very honored to be working as a therapist and helping those who have taken the brave and vulnerable step to engage in therapy. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have a special passion for providing affirmative care for those in this community. I additionally love working with couples, families, and those experiencing difficult life transitions such as trauma, grief, and gender transition.
Tara Eileen McGrath
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92176
Hi! I’m Tara. I help queer & trans folks recover from anxiety, religious trauma, relational and family problems, and more. People who are coming out later in life are also a favorite of mine. I’m into self-compassion, and balancing boundaries with deep connection. I believe laughter is healing, tears can be restorative, and swearing can be cathartic (sometimes all in one session!). I am a queer-identified, secular therapist who has also experienced religious harm. Check out my website, Taramcgrath.com for more info. You can book an intro call with me directly on my site. Let’s chat.
Hi! I’m Tara. I help queer & trans folks recover from anxiety, religious trauma, relational and family problems, and more. People who are coming out later in life are also a favorite of mine. I’m into self-compassion, and balancing boundaries with deep connection. I believe laughter is healing, tears can be restorative, and swearing can be cathartic (sometimes all in one session!). I am a queer-identified, secular therapist who has also experienced religious harm. Check out my website, Taramcgrath.com for more info. You can book an intro call with me directly on my site. Let’s chat.
Hazel Hamann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Are you queer and/or trans? Do you feel lost and disconnected from your daily life? Exhausted by life's endless responsibilities? Unhappy and dissatisfied with the relationships in your life? I believe in your capacity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. I'm here to support your path there. I'm a queer, transgender, & Latinx therapist who has worked with my communities and beyond for 10+ years. I specialize in working with concerns related to relationships, life transitions, intimacy, gender, and sexuality. Let’s work together toward greater balance, growth, and freedom.
Are you queer and/or trans? Do you feel lost and disconnected from your daily life? Exhausted by life's endless responsibilities? Unhappy and dissatisfied with the relationships in your life? I believe in your capacity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. I'm here to support your path there. I'm a queer, transgender, & Latinx therapist who has worked with my communities and beyond for 10+ years. I specialize in working with concerns related to relationships, life transitions, intimacy, gender, and sexuality. Let’s work together toward greater balance, growth, and freedom.
Elizabeth Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Elizabeth. My pronouns are they/them/elle. I identify as a bicultural nonbinary therapist (Mexican-American). I have worked with the LGBT community for several years connecting clients to not only mental health, but medical gender affirming care as well.
Hello, my name is Elizabeth. My pronouns are they/them/elle. I identify as a bicultural nonbinary therapist (Mexican-American). I have worked with the LGBT community for several years connecting clients to not only mental health, but medical gender affirming care as well.
Nathan Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123
I specialize in working with people within the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities and all are welcome here.
Do you feel stuck in your patterns of thought and behavior? Do you feel like there must be a better way to live as an individual and in relationships? Do you struggle to live with the impacts of depression, anxiety, or ADHD? You are not alone and I'm here to help. So much of how you experience yourself, others, and the world can be understood through experiences you had within your family, school, and culture. Understanding these influences and the ideas that they made reality, can free up space for you to choose your own experiences and relationships.
I specialize in working with people within the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities and all are welcome here.
Do you feel stuck in your patterns of thought and behavior? Do you feel like there must be a better way to live as an individual and in relationships? Do you struggle to live with the impacts of depression, anxiety, or ADHD? You are not alone and I'm here to help. So much of how you experience yourself, others, and the world can be understood through experiences you had within your family, school, and culture. Understanding these influences and the ideas that they made reality, can free up space for you to choose your own experiences and relationships.
Ezak Marquez
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
15 Second Videos
Bryan Schnebelt
Greg Piken
Red Galura
Herb Schnabel 134453
Tara Eileen McGrath
Giselle Laguna
Rina Schul
Bob Basque
Brace Bacon
Anthony Barnes
Amy Salgado
Waves, A Psych Co - Centering LGBTQI mental health
Heather Johns
Amber Merziotis
Janina Scarlet
Diana Lozoya
Becca Graham
Shawnee Brew
Angela Medrano
Liz Nordenholt
Yaron Pruginin, Psy.D.
Scott Altamirano
Scott D Altamirano
Scott Altamirano
Scott D Altamirano
Jenna Vinson
Lina Hong
Adam LeHaf
Léah Ferreira
Eric van der Voort
Kayla Knopp
Thuy Linh Pham
Julia Mendoza
Reina Remy
Dr. Jason N Linder
Em Mitchell
Neha Rathaur
Eunice A Palacios Ramírez
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Riza Loreine P Callejas
Elizabeth A. Hill
Kelly Rein - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Daniel Fuller
Amanda Turull
Lisa Bendimez
Jody Saltzman
Maren Jorgensen
Melissa E Munoz
Natalie Blair
Silver Lake Psychology
Miranda Millican
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Hi there, welcome! My specialty areas include trauma, relationships and body image issues. As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, my passions include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent clients (ADHD, autism, PDA traits). As a neurodiversity affirming provider, I see all neurotypes as equal, and not an issue that needs "treatment". Rather, it is a process of finding your way back to yourself and who you really are. Additionally, I work with the ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink/BDSM community. I work with individuals, teens, and couples and enjoy working with all relationship structures.
Hi there, welcome! My specialty areas include trauma, relationships and body image issues. As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, my passions include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent clients (ADHD, autism, PDA traits). As a neurodiversity affirming provider, I see all neurotypes as equal, and not an issue that needs "treatment". Rather, it is a process of finding your way back to yourself and who you really are. Additionally, I work with the ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink/BDSM community. I work with individuals, teens, and couples and enjoy working with all relationship structures.
Giselle Laguna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I’m skilled and experienced in working with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, HIV, and other LGBTQ+ individuals as well as first gen Latines.
Welcome to my page! If life feels overwhelming, you feel unsupported or lost, and your relationships aren't where you want them to be, you’ve come to the right place. I aim to help you create the life you envision for yourself in the fastest and easiest way possible, starting from our very first session. Therapy is more effective if we work as a team to empower you and help you reach YOUR goals. I understand how different aspects of our identities shape our experiences and I believe this is an important component in therapy. I strive to create a safe, open, and relaxing environment because your comfort and safety are my priority.
I’m skilled and experienced in working with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, HIV, and other LGBTQ+ individuals as well as first gen Latines.
Welcome to my page! If life feels overwhelming, you feel unsupported or lost, and your relationships aren't where you want them to be, you’ve come to the right place. I aim to help you create the life you envision for yourself in the fastest and easiest way possible, starting from our very first session. Therapy is more effective if we work as a team to empower you and help you reach YOUR goals. I understand how different aspects of our identities shape our experiences and I believe this is an important component in therapy. I strive to create a safe, open, and relaxing environment because your comfort and safety are my priority.
June Cabales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Together, we can be in better understanding of how you've come to story your life - challenging the limiting influence of messages that sound like "what should be" and "what's supposed to be" - and come into more preferred ways of being. I am guided to support you through sex and gender issues, identity development across different contexts like age and culture, relationship problems, and life transitions by my own experiences in the identities I hold as a queer, 1st generation Filipino-American as well as my training and values as a therapist. We may encounter difficult moments together, but I'll be with you every step of the way!
Together, we can be in better understanding of how you've come to story your life - challenging the limiting influence of messages that sound like "what should be" and "what's supposed to be" - and come into more preferred ways of being. I am guided to support you through sex and gender issues, identity development across different contexts like age and culture, relationship problems, and life transitions by my own experiences in the identities I hold as a queer, 1st generation Filipino-American as well as my training and values as a therapist. We may encounter difficult moments together, but I'll be with you every step of the way!
Lauren Thibodeau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Riley Cormack
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92120 (Online Only)
Riley works with individuals, couples, families, and groups on a wide range of issues, including relationship concerns, sexuality, depression, personal development, LGBT issues, parenting, finances, business & career and more.
Riley works with individuals, couples, families, and groups on a wide range of issues, including relationship concerns, sexuality, depression, personal development, LGBT issues, parenting, finances, business & career and more.
Rina Schul
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
My specialties include working with immigrants / foreigners, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.
You are so tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to contact a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anybody really help me? On the face of it, you function well in life, but deep inside you feel you don't actually “show up,” or you don't fully “belong.” It is as if your real authentic self is hiding, sensing that “being you” might not be safe enough. Aspects of your life story might explain why you feel uncomfortable, why you feel different than others, or why you are down or anxious. I would love to help you explore such issues in therapy, and work with you on improving your daily life experience.
My specialties include working with immigrants / foreigners, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.
You are so tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to contact a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anybody really help me? On the face of it, you function well in life, but deep inside you feel you don't actually “show up,” or you don't fully “belong.” It is as if your real authentic self is hiding, sensing that “being you” might not be safe enough. Aspects of your life story might explain why you feel uncomfortable, why you feel different than others, or why you are down or anxious. I would love to help you explore such issues in therapy, and work with you on improving your daily life experience.
Harry Dixon
Counselor, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are struggling to find a therapist who understands the intersection of race/ethnicity, culture, and sexuality and gender and your mental health? I am an experienced counselor who specializes in understanding and helping you. I identify as a gay, poly, Korean American counselor (he/him). With my help you can better understand yourself and find healing through my effective use of my cultural awareness, cognitive, and self-compassion based therapies.
Are struggling to find a therapist who understands the intersection of race/ethnicity, culture, and sexuality and gender and your mental health? I am an experienced counselor who specializes in understanding and helping you. I identify as a gay, poly, Korean American counselor (he/him). With my help you can better understand yourself and find healing through my effective use of my cultural awareness, cognitive, and self-compassion based therapies.
James Sharkey @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Hello! I enjoy treating: grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, identity development, LGBTQ+, men’s mental health, relationship infidelity, divorce and separation, co- parenting, and communication development. I work with adults, children, teens, families, and couples. I establish a safe and affirming space, tailoring sessions to address diverse needs. I invite clients to explore their own unique journey and I am here to support you through navigating life's challenges in a self-compassionate and healing manner. I am a sensitive and thoughtful provider.
Hello! I enjoy treating: grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, identity development, LGBTQ+, men’s mental health, relationship infidelity, divorce and separation, co- parenting, and communication development. I work with adults, children, teens, families, and couples. I establish a safe and affirming space, tailoring sessions to address diverse needs. I invite clients to explore their own unique journey and I am here to support you through navigating life's challenges in a self-compassionate and healing manner. I am a sensitive and thoughtful provider.
Kurt Helfrich
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with LGBTQ community, and individuals who have experienced trauma.
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you need that extra support? I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides a supportive environment to allow individuals to grow and reach their full potential. I work with adults and couples.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ community, and individuals who have experienced trauma.
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you need that extra support? I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides a supportive environment to allow individuals to grow and reach their full potential. I work with adults and couples.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.