LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Brea, CA
Michael is also LGBTQIA friendly.
Michael D. Evans-Zepeda is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2011. It takes vulnerability and courage to reach out, especially when we are in pain. When working with clients, Michael does his best to co-create a safe containing environment that allows us to explore, integrate, change, and accept difficult aspects of our lived experience. This is accomplished through the exploration of how the past comes into the present moment and by working in the relational space between therapist and client.
Michael is also LGBTQIA friendly.
Michael D. Evans-Zepeda is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2011. It takes vulnerability and courage to reach out, especially when we are in pain. When working with clients, Michael does his best to co-create a safe containing environment that allows us to explore, integrate, change, and accept difficult aspects of our lived experience. This is accomplished through the exploration of how the past comes into the present moment and by working in the relational space between therapist and client.
I use an integrative model incorporating systems theories, existential theory, queer and feminist theory into my work with both clinicians and clients.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in gender and sexuality. I've been doing this work for more than ten years and enjoy it immensely. I value deep connection and enjoy helping people make positive changes in their lives. Some of my areas of interest include: intersectional identity, anxiety, relational issues, and ADHD.
I use an integrative model incorporating systems theories, existential theory, queer and feminist theory into my work with both clinicians and clients.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in gender and sexuality. I've been doing this work for more than ten years and enjoy it immensely. I value deep connection and enjoy helping people make positive changes in their lives. Some of my areas of interest include: intersectional identity, anxiety, relational issues, and ADHD.
Temma Knight
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
I enjoy working with men, women, children, young adults, families, and foster youth with a broad range of presenting problems. She really enjoys collaborating with women and families in the perinatal process through postpartum, and all age demographics dealing with anxiety, depression, stage of life, LGBTQIA, trauma, and sleep problems, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices.
I enjoy working with men, women, children, young adults, families, and foster youth with a broad range of presenting problems. She really enjoys collaborating with women and families in the perinatal process through postpartum, and all age demographics dealing with anxiety, depression, stage of life, LGBTQIA, trauma, and sleep problems, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices.
Francesca Kagy-Lauro
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821 (Online Only)
I have experience working with delicate issues surrounding the Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ community, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
You may want to work with me if you are a parent looking for support for your child, an adolescent/teen that needs someone to talk things through such as home/relationship/school stressors, a young adult balancing life's problems, or a couple looking for communication help. I have experience in working with delicate issues surrounding the Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ community, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I have experience working with delicate issues surrounding the Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ community, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
You may want to work with me if you are a parent looking for support for your child, an adolescent/teen that needs someone to talk things through such as home/relationship/school stressors, a young adult balancing life's problems, or a couple looking for communication help. I have experience in working with delicate issues surrounding the Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ community, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Flow With It Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
I have several years of experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA individuals struggling with change, acceptance & self love.
My approach to healing is to encourage you to unlearn and challenge deep rooted childhood patterns and maladaptive beliefs that you are undeserving of love & nurturing relationships. I would be honored to provide you with a safe place to tell your story and challenge these beliefs. My focus is to help individuals who are breaking cycles to begin to balancing emotions, reprocess traumatic events, break patterns of generational trauma, connect with their inner child and become aware of their inner strengths. I enjoy working with women in their healing journey.
I have several years of experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA individuals struggling with change, acceptance & self love.
My approach to healing is to encourage you to unlearn and challenge deep rooted childhood patterns and maladaptive beliefs that you are undeserving of love & nurturing relationships. I would be honored to provide you with a safe place to tell your story and challenge these beliefs. My focus is to help individuals who are breaking cycles to begin to balancing emotions, reprocess traumatic events, break patterns of generational trauma, connect with their inner child and become aware of their inner strengths. I enjoy working with women in their healing journey.
Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92822
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
Korean-American couples and families (especially those with 2nd generation Korean-American children), children and adolescents, pre-marital counseling, parenting, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obssesion, sexual identity issues including gay, lesbian, & bisexual orientations, eating disorders, self-mutilation, sexual abuse, gambling, shop lifting, & drug abuse.
I am a 1st generation Korean-American therapist who is fluent in both English and Korean. I am very familiar with the issues that divide 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans. Additionally, as an MFT professor I teach a graduate-level counseling course at a local university and supervise interns who are working towards becoming eligible to take their licensing examination. Specifically, I would like to serve as a mediator between 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans, catering to the unique generational differences they face so that their families may live together happily. My specialties are as follows:
Korean-American couples and families (especially those with 2nd generation Korean-American children), children and adolescents, pre-marital counseling, parenting, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obssesion, sexual identity issues including gay, lesbian, & bisexual orientations, eating disorders, self-mutilation, sexual abuse, gambling, shop lifting, & drug abuse.
I am a 1st generation Korean-American therapist who is fluent in both English and Korean. I am very familiar with the issues that divide 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans. Additionally, as an MFT professor I teach a graduate-level counseling course at a local university and supervise interns who are working towards becoming eligible to take their licensing examination. Specifically, I would like to serve as a mediator between 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans, catering to the unique generational differences they face so that their families may live together happily. My specialties are as follows:
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, grief and loss, LGBTQ issues, low self-esteem and other challenges of everyday life.
I believe you can change our life. But you don't have to do it alone. I'm committed to helping people just like you overcome obstacles that are holding them back and preventing them from living a happier and healthier life. Do you feel stuck or hopeless? Are you looking for more balance in your life? Are you trying to figure out who you are? Maybe you're struggling with relationships, anxiety or depression. Life's challenges can be overwhelming and we all need help at times.
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, grief and loss, LGBTQ issues, low self-esteem and other challenges of everyday life.
I believe you can change our life. But you don't have to do it alone. I'm committed to helping people just like you overcome obstacles that are holding them back and preventing them from living a happier and healthier life. Do you feel stuck or hopeless? Are you looking for more balance in your life? Are you trying to figure out who you are? Maybe you're struggling with relationships, anxiety or depression. Life's challenges can be overwhelming and we all need help at times.
Additionally I have experience supporting infertility, infidelity, and LGBTQ+ relationships.
My passion is connection, and my goal is to help you sift through the myriad of things that exist to get in the way of that connection. I work from a dual lens of attachment and intersectional feminism that seeks to understand how our relationship with our caregiver forms the way we seek interaction, and in which ways our social location is impacted by systems in our world. In other words, the melding of our past and our present. While I don't believe in eliminating relationship challenges, I do believe that our understanding of ourselves helps us to navigate challenges in a way that feels safe, manageable, and easeful.
Additionally I have experience supporting infertility, infidelity, and LGBTQ+ relationships.
My passion is connection, and my goal is to help you sift through the myriad of things that exist to get in the way of that connection. I work from a dual lens of attachment and intersectional feminism that seeks to understand how our relationship with our caregiver forms the way we seek interaction, and in which ways our social location is impacted by systems in our world. In other words, the melding of our past and our present. While I don't believe in eliminating relationship challenges, I do believe that our understanding of ourselves helps us to navigate challenges in a way that feels safe, manageable, and easeful.
Nicole DeSimone, LMFT - Relationship Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92621
My practice is LGBTQ+ , poly/ENM and kink affirming.
If you want to improve the relationships in your life, you have come to the right place. If you are coming here as a couple, we will collaborate to create a common love language uniquely tailored to your shared vision of partnership. If you are here on your own, we will explore your life on a deeper to level to facilitate growth and understanding. You will feel supported to align with your core values as you navigate the dating world, partnership, family, friendships and the workplace. In working through a relational lens, we are able to reduce symptoms connected with anxiety, depression, life transitions and relationship distress.
My practice is LGBTQ+ , poly/ENM and kink affirming.
If you want to improve the relationships in your life, you have come to the right place. If you are coming here as a couple, we will collaborate to create a common love language uniquely tailored to your shared vision of partnership. If you are here on your own, we will explore your life on a deeper to level to facilitate growth and understanding. You will feel supported to align with your core values as you navigate the dating world, partnership, family, friendships and the workplace. In working through a relational lens, we are able to reduce symptoms connected with anxiety, depression, life transitions and relationship distress.
Let's do this together. Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or experiencing a flood of emotions? Throughout my experience, I have learned how to be reflective, curious, and emphatic. Sometimes we just need to be heard and validated. I provide a safe non-judgmental space for clients where they can express and be their true selves. I am supportive and believe everyone has inner strengths. My experience as a therapist has taught me that we are resilient and have inner undiscovered coping skills that have gone unseen. I am eclectic and explore childhood experiences that tend to follow us through adulthood.
Let's do this together. Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or experiencing a flood of emotions? Throughout my experience, I have learned how to be reflective, curious, and emphatic. Sometimes we just need to be heard and validated. I provide a safe non-judgmental space for clients where they can express and be their true selves. I am supportive and believe everyone has inner strengths. My experience as a therapist has taught me that we are resilient and have inner undiscovered coping skills that have gone unseen. I am eclectic and explore childhood experiences that tend to follow us through adulthood.
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Dr. Melanie J. Cain is a licensed Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2007. She has an MPA from California State University and a PhD from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Cain is affiliated with the Santa Clara Pueblo and Jicarilla Apache tribes of Northern New Mexico. She has experience serving American Indians, Veterans, and other communities of color. In her practice, Dr. Cain focuses on the integration of culturally informed interventions, cognitive theories, and interpersonal modalities to create wellness and community connection.
Dr. Melanie J. Cain is a licensed Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2007. She has an MPA from California State University and a PhD from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Cain is affiliated with the Santa Clara Pueblo and Jicarilla Apache tribes of Northern New Mexico. She has experience serving American Indians, Veterans, and other communities of color. In her practice, Dr. Cain focuses on the integration of culturally informed interventions, cognitive theories, and interpersonal modalities to create wellness and community connection.
Gema Diaz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with more than five years of experience. She obtained her Bachelor in Psychology from California State University of Fullerton and her Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Phoenix. Gema believes in helping others who are seeking healing within their own individual hardships or their relationships. She is sensitive to the cultural values and views of others. Gema centers her practice to individual needs and their preferred identity.
Gema Diaz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with more than five years of experience. She obtained her Bachelor in Psychology from California State University of Fullerton and her Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Phoenix. Gema believes in helping others who are seeking healing within their own individual hardships or their relationships. She is sensitive to the cultural values and views of others. Gema centers her practice to individual needs and their preferred identity.
Alexis Garza is a licensed marriage and family therapist with two master's degrees from Pepperdine University: one in clinical psychology with a dual emphasis in marriage and family therapy and licensed professional clinical counselor, and one in psychology. She went to Vanguard University of Southern California for her undergraduate studies in psychology. She has over 20 years in the human services industry. Her first career was in law enforcement as a 911 operator/police dispatcher.
Alexis Garza is a licensed marriage and family therapist with two master's degrees from Pepperdine University: one in clinical psychology with a dual emphasis in marriage and family therapy and licensed professional clinical counselor, and one in psychology. She went to Vanguard University of Southern California for her undergraduate studies in psychology. She has over 20 years in the human services industry. Her first career was in law enforcement as a 911 operator/police dispatcher.
Welcome to Life Stance! It is my honor and privilege to work as a licensed clinical professional that can meet your needs for quality psychological care. It takes a lot of courage to seek quality mental health care, and I invite you to take a deep breath and allow me to support you in your journey towards mental healing. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist that has practiced psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families since 2005. I believe that every individual has the right to integrate their mind, body and soul to make up an authentic being and maintain quality relationship with others.
Welcome to Life Stance! It is my honor and privilege to work as a licensed clinical professional that can meet your needs for quality psychological care. It takes a lot of courage to seek quality mental health care, and I invite you to take a deep breath and allow me to support you in your journey towards mental healing. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist that has practiced psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families since 2005. I believe that every individual has the right to integrate their mind, body and soul to make up an authentic being and maintain quality relationship with others.
Caroline Chow is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Cognitive Psychology and National University with a M. A. in Counseling Psychology. Caroline believes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address a variety of mood disorders and emotional hardships associated with difficult life events and transitions. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, adolescents, and family therapy. In her spare time, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, cooking new recipes, and practicing yoga.
Caroline Chow is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Cognitive Psychology and National University with a M. A. in Counseling Psychology. Caroline believes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address a variety of mood disorders and emotional hardships associated with difficult life events and transitions. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, adolescents, and family therapy. In her spare time, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, cooking new recipes, and practicing yoga.
Dr. Preet Joneja is a licensed clinical Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2000. She has a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science. Dr. Joneja uses a biopsychosocial framework to health and recovery. She applies evidenced based interventions to help clients cope more effectively with stressful situations, mental health problems, addictions, and chronic conditions that interfere with life and physical health.
Dr. Preet Joneja is a licensed clinical Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2000. She has a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science. Dr. Joneja uses a biopsychosocial framework to health and recovery. She applies evidenced based interventions to help clients cope more effectively with stressful situations, mental health problems, addictions, and chronic conditions that interfere with life and physical health.
Dr. Lisa D. Lewis is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2004. The focus of Dr. Lewis's practice is to fully explore the meaning and purpose of each woman's life, well-lived, through each and every season. As you face the challenges of your life, you are always in the process of becoming yourself and seeking meaning and purpose in life. Dr. Lewis works with women in transitions: birth, death, new careers, changing careers, peri/post menopause, health challenges, retirement, child-free years, marital changes, crisis of faith and changing beliefs.
Dr. Lisa D. Lewis is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2004. The focus of Dr. Lewis's practice is to fully explore the meaning and purpose of each woman's life, well-lived, through each and every season. As you face the challenges of your life, you are always in the process of becoming yourself and seeking meaning and purpose in life. Dr. Lewis works with women in transitions: birth, death, new careers, changing careers, peri/post menopause, health challenges, retirement, child-free years, marital changes, crisis of faith and changing beliefs.
Licensed Marriage and Family therapy for over 4 years and experience in mental health field for over 20 years. Experience in treating patient's who struggle with life challenges, including depression, substance abuse anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and relational difficulties. Utilizing a client centered approach with individualized treatment plan to meet client's personalized needs.
Licensed Marriage and Family therapy for over 4 years and experience in mental health field for over 20 years. Experience in treating patient's who struggle with life challenges, including depression, substance abuse anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and relational difficulties. Utilizing a client centered approach with individualized treatment plan to meet client's personalized needs.
Candice Calderon-Lem
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821 (Online Only)
Out of a place of struggle or hopelessness, much can be discovered and learned. Having a witness to your life who listens without judgment can help remove barriers, so you are in a more hopeful place. There will be ups and downs through the therapeutic journey, and I am here to support you, as you develop awareness and understanding in order to make healthy choices. I will listen to your stories, perhaps offer a different perspective, practice coping skills, and help you discover how you can participate in your hopes to make them happen.
Out of a place of struggle or hopelessness, much can be discovered and learned. Having a witness to your life who listens without judgment can help remove barriers, so you are in a more hopeful place. There will be ups and downs through the therapeutic journey, and I am here to support you, as you develop awareness and understanding in order to make healthy choices. I will listen to your stories, perhaps offer a different perspective, practice coping skills, and help you discover how you can participate in your hopes to make them happen.
See more therapy options for Brea
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Brea
- Anaheim
- Anaheim Hills
- City of Industry
- Diamond Bar
- Fullerton
- La Habra
- La Mirada
- La Puente
- Placentia
- Rowland Heights
- Walnut
- Yorba Linda
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.