LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Costa Mesa, CA
My speciality is in the transgender and gender expansive/nonconforming communities, sexuality and gender exploration, ethical nonmonogamy, and beyond.
Perhaps you are brand new to therapy, or returning for continued growth. Maybe you are looking for a therapist that relates to the LGBTQ+ identities/experiences you have, and how those may affect other areas of your life. You're looking for a space to be authentic and explore complex parts of who you are in a safe, affirming space. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, confusion, or other barriers to your well-being. My priority is inviting you to share who you are so we can create positive outcomes. I combine evidence-based practices with real-world application, placing your experiences at the forefront of therapy.
My speciality is in the transgender and gender expansive/nonconforming communities, sexuality and gender exploration, ethical nonmonogamy, and beyond.
Perhaps you are brand new to therapy, or returning for continued growth. Maybe you are looking for a therapist that relates to the LGBTQ+ identities/experiences you have, and how those may affect other areas of your life. You're looking for a space to be authentic and explore complex parts of who you are in a safe, affirming space. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, confusion, or other barriers to your well-being. My priority is inviting you to share who you are so we can create positive outcomes. I combine evidence-based practices with real-world application, placing your experiences at the forefront of therapy.
Eliott Gillooly
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
I work with children, teenagers, and adults, and I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQ, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individuals of all ages. I am here to create an empathetic and supportive space to assist clients in exploring a range of mental health concerns effectively, including depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, ADHD, Autism, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma and PTSD.
I work with children, teenagers, and adults, and I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQ, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individuals of all ages. I am here to create an empathetic and supportive space to assist clients in exploring a range of mental health concerns effectively, including depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, ADHD, Autism, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma and PTSD.
Mike Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Online Only)
As a queer, second-generation, Asian-American, I believe that kindness and compassion are my natural orientation and I position myself accordingly as a therapist. I believe that we're all inherently enough no matter what we’ve learned from our childhood, what society has told us we are capable of, or who we think we should be to have self-worth and fulfilling relationships. I believe we're all capable of unlearning and learning, and giving ourselves the grace to do so. My clients typically struggle with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relational conflict, intimacy and trust, and childhood and intergenerational trauma.
As a queer, second-generation, Asian-American, I believe that kindness and compassion are my natural orientation and I position myself accordingly as a therapist. I believe that we're all inherently enough no matter what we’ve learned from our childhood, what society has told us we are capable of, or who we think we should be to have self-worth and fulfilling relationships. I believe we're all capable of unlearning and learning, and giving ourselves the grace to do so. My clients typically struggle with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relational conflict, intimacy and trust, and childhood and intergenerational trauma.
Insight4Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, transgender and gender non-conforming, and culturally diverse communities.
Hello! I'm a licensed therapist practicing in Costa Mesa, CA, who enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, self/family acceptance, relationship conflicts, and trauma. If you are feeling stuck and wanting to change, therapy is an option worth exploring. Let me help you improve your emotional well being, enhance your ability to engage in relationships, and empower you with the tools necessary to restore balance in your life.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, transgender and gender non-conforming, and culturally diverse communities.
Hello! I'm a licensed therapist practicing in Costa Mesa, CA, who enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, self/family acceptance, relationship conflicts, and trauma. If you are feeling stuck and wanting to change, therapy is an option worth exploring. Let me help you improve your emotional well being, enhance your ability to engage in relationships, and empower you with the tools necessary to restore balance in your life.
Constantly anxious or find your self people pleasing? Have difficulty identifying how you are feeling and what you might even need? You might even feel overwhelmed with this huge list of therapists you are scrolling through! I get it and understand just how overwhelming life can be. If you are looking for help with anxiety, perfectionism, and/or relationship conflicts, there is help. Looking for a therapist that understands gay issues with couples? I am an LGBTQ affirming therapist with extensive experience in this area.
Constantly anxious or find your self people pleasing? Have difficulty identifying how you are feeling and what you might even need? You might even feel overwhelmed with this huge list of therapists you are scrolling through! I get it and understand just how overwhelming life can be. If you are looking for help with anxiety, perfectionism, and/or relationship conflicts, there is help. Looking for a therapist that understands gay issues with couples? I am an LGBTQ affirming therapist with extensive experience in this area.
Kristel Yoneda
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Online Only)
As a queer Japanese-American, I believe the authentic self is a hard-earned accomplishment. Clients who connect with me are often similarly invested in identity work and reauthoring their narrative to reflect who they are. Together, we explore how external systems such as capitalism and patriarchy impact how they understand themselves, how they walk through the world, and how they connect with others.
As a queer Japanese-American, I believe the authentic self is a hard-earned accomplishment. Clients who connect with me are often similarly invested in identity work and reauthoring their narrative to reflect who they are. Together, we explore how external systems such as capitalism and patriarchy impact how they understand themselves, how they walk through the world, and how they connect with others.
Welcome. I am here to help you heal and grow in a safe, non judgmental environment. I work with people who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Trauma. I also work with LGBTQ+ issues including writing GAC letters. I practice using personalized and evidence-based approaches. My unique style includes elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have advanced training from the Beck Institute for CBT as well as advanced certifications from the EMDR International Association.
Welcome. I am here to help you heal and grow in a safe, non judgmental environment. I work with people who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Trauma. I also work with LGBTQ+ issues including writing GAC letters. I practice using personalized and evidence-based approaches. My unique style includes elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have advanced training from the Beck Institute for CBT as well as advanced certifications from the EMDR International Association.
Alicia Guerrero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! Whether you struggle with moderate/severe anxiety, depression, unbalanced relationships or boundaries, chronic pain/illness or burnout- I may be able to help! Many (but not all) of my clients are: women or non-binary folks between the ages of 16-60 & part of the LGBTQ+ community • Identify as BIPOC, Latinx, or multiracial • Work in highly stressful positions (including entrepreneurs) and struggle with chronic burnout • Have experienced significant traumas and/or abuse. My couples' therapy clients often love each other immensely, but struggle with healthy communication, trust, and/or intimacy issues.
Accepting new clients! Whether you struggle with moderate/severe anxiety, depression, unbalanced relationships or boundaries, chronic pain/illness or burnout- I may be able to help! Many (but not all) of my clients are: women or non-binary folks between the ages of 16-60 & part of the LGBTQ+ community • Identify as BIPOC, Latinx, or multiracial • Work in highly stressful positions (including entrepreneurs) and struggle with chronic burnout • Have experienced significant traumas and/or abuse. My couples' therapy clients often love each other immensely, but struggle with healthy communication, trust, and/or intimacy issues.
Donald W (Donny) Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Waitlist for new clients
Over 80% of my clientele have identified as transsexual or transgender.
Hello there! Are you transgender or are you gender-questioning? Do you identify as gay or lesbian or bisexual? Are you unsure about who or with what label you identify with, or are you even sure you want to be labeled? Welcome, you've come to the right place....
Over 80% of my clientele have identified as transsexual or transgender.
Hello there! Are you transgender or are you gender-questioning? Do you identify as gay or lesbian or bisexual? Are you unsure about who or with what label you identify with, or are you even sure you want to be labeled? Welcome, you've come to the right place....
OC Teen Center- Adolescent and Teen Mental Health
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
If your child has depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal ideation, or trans/identity issues please call us.
Dr. Lauren Armstrong is a highly passionate licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director with a PsyD from Pepperdine University, and has been working with children and adolescents for the past ten years. She is an expert in working with challenging psychological presentations such as trauma, self harm, mood changes, aggression, and other unsafe or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dr. Lauren always believes in her patients, even when everyone else has stopped believing in them. She never loses hope, and tirelessly works with patients and their families on improving their relationships, coping skills, and positive change.
If your child has depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal ideation, or trans/identity issues please call us.
Dr. Lauren Armstrong is a highly passionate licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director with a PsyD from Pepperdine University, and has been working with children and adolescents for the past ten years. She is an expert in working with challenging psychological presentations such as trauma, self harm, mood changes, aggression, and other unsafe or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dr. Lauren always believes in her patients, even when everyone else has stopped believing in them. She never loses hope, and tirelessly works with patients and their families on improving their relationships, coping skills, and positive change.
My passion is in working with BIPOC/mixed/ queer folks, partnerships, parent-child relationship, sexual trauma survivors, complex trauma, ambiguous loss, and friendship loss.
My name is Dr. Zamani (she/her) and I am a queer Afghan-American mixed licensed doctor in marriage & family therapy. I specialize in working with Complex Trauma for folks who have been exposed to consistent stressful experiences throughout their development ranging from childhood trauma, displacement, financial instability, and abandonment. Since I went to school for 9 years and had to complete a doctoral exam and dissertation, I have a wide range of knowledge and experience working from different therapy modalities and approaches. Most of which originate from eastern teachings and indigenous practices.
My passion is in working with BIPOC/mixed/ queer folks, partnerships, parent-child relationship, sexual trauma survivors, complex trauma, ambiguous loss, and friendship loss.
My name is Dr. Zamani (she/her) and I am a queer Afghan-American mixed licensed doctor in marriage & family therapy. I specialize in working with Complex Trauma for folks who have been exposed to consistent stressful experiences throughout their development ranging from childhood trauma, displacement, financial instability, and abandonment. Since I went to school for 9 years and had to complete a doctoral exam and dissertation, I have a wide range of knowledge and experience working from different therapy modalities and approaches. Most of which originate from eastern teachings and indigenous practices.
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Miguel Graciano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Online Only)
My name is Miguel Graciano. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 10 years of clinical Experience. Proud member of the Queer Community. I provide support and guidance to all individuals who deal with issues such as gender exploration, sexuality, caregiving stress, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship issues.
My name is Miguel Graciano. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 10 years of clinical Experience. Proud member of the Queer Community. I provide support and guidance to all individuals who deal with issues such as gender exploration, sexuality, caregiving stress, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship issues.
James Brillon - Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
I am a LGBTQ-Affirmative Therapist.
Life can be hard, and that doesn't mean you're weak, it means you're human. If your struggle is with identity, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, managing emotions, addiction or other compulsivity, I am here to help. I want to help you not just manage your life, but love your life. I specialize in working with the LGBTQ Community, with men, recovery from narcissistic abuse, addictions and recovery from trauma. I want to help you integrate the various parts of your life and develop a mindful approach to your life. I work with adults, and adolescents, couples and families seeking healing.
I am a LGBTQ-Affirmative Therapist.
Life can be hard, and that doesn't mean you're weak, it means you're human. If your struggle is with identity, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, managing emotions, addiction or other compulsivity, I am here to help. I want to help you not just manage your life, but love your life. I specialize in working with the LGBTQ Community, with men, recovery from narcissistic abuse, addictions and recovery from trauma. I want to help you integrate the various parts of your life and develop a mindful approach to your life. I work with adults, and adolescents, couples and families seeking healing.
Sara Wolfrom
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
My therapeutic focus is LGBTQ+ affirming care, non-traditional relationships such as ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, the kink community, gender identity issues, relationship issues, integration of psychedelic experiences, and anxiety.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to check out my profile! My approach to therapy is non-pathologizing and client centered meaning I believe my clients are the experts of their own story. I work to collaborate with my clients on ways to approach their issues from a place of empathy and compassion. I place emphasis on my clients strengths and work to uncover areas in which my clients may not be able to see their skills being used.
My therapeutic focus is LGBTQ+ affirming care, non-traditional relationships such as ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, the kink community, gender identity issues, relationship issues, integration of psychedelic experiences, and anxiety.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to check out my profile! My approach to therapy is non-pathologizing and client centered meaning I believe my clients are the experts of their own story. I work to collaborate with my clients on ways to approach their issues from a place of empathy and compassion. I place emphasis on my clients strengths and work to uncover areas in which my clients may not be able to see their skills being used.
The Nest Counseling Center, INC Lgbtq Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Providing in person and telehealth care throughout California. Trained in LGBTQ and Allied Care, we are a Group Practice that is diverse in identity, age and backgrounds. We work with Individuals, Couples, Gay Men, Lesbian Women, Trans and Non Binary folx, Neurodivergent, Sex Workers, Poly and ENM, Furries and Religious Trauma. We provide a safe and affirming environment so you can heal.
Providing in person and telehealth care throughout California. Trained in LGBTQ and Allied Care, we are a Group Practice that is diverse in identity, age and backgrounds. We work with Individuals, Couples, Gay Men, Lesbian Women, Trans and Non Binary folx, Neurodivergent, Sex Workers, Poly and ENM, Furries and Religious Trauma. We provide a safe and affirming environment so you can heal.
My typical client focus is the LGBTQIA population and college-aged individuals.
Hello! My name is Kameron "Kam" Kaveh, I am an LMFT licensed in California. My therapeutic approach is two parts, therapy should be something you look forward to, and should be a place where you can process the changes that you would like to make in your life. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ populations with a particular emphasis on advocacy and religious trauma. I tend to approach clients from an integrative standpoint. Starting with the initial assessment I look to understand developmental "stuck points" that inhibit forward progress.
My typical client focus is the LGBTQIA population and college-aged individuals.
Hello! My name is Kameron "Kam" Kaveh, I am an LMFT licensed in California. My therapeutic approach is two parts, therapy should be something you look forward to, and should be a place where you can process the changes that you would like to make in your life. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ populations with a particular emphasis on advocacy and religious trauma. I tend to approach clients from an integrative standpoint. Starting with the initial assessment I look to understand developmental "stuck points" that inhibit forward progress.
Brittany Minna
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
I have experience working with couples and adults related to codependency, anxiety, stress, loss, depression and relationship issues in addition to gender identity, gay/ lesbian/bi sexuality.
Life is full of difficulty and uncertainty, as a therapist, I work towards creating a safe space for my clients to explore themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to help them heal through self discovery. My hope is to provide them with the necessary understanding to create change and minimize suffering. I invite my clients to explore their earliest relationships to help them identify how those dynamics may be impacting their current life. I believe by bringing awareness to what is unconscious, my clients will have a better opportunity to make healthier lasting change with understanding.
I have experience working with couples and adults related to codependency, anxiety, stress, loss, depression and relationship issues in addition to gender identity, gay/ lesbian/bi sexuality.
Life is full of difficulty and uncertainty, as a therapist, I work towards creating a safe space for my clients to explore themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to help them heal through self discovery. My hope is to provide them with the necessary understanding to create change and minimize suffering. I invite my clients to explore their earliest relationships to help them identify how those dynamics may be impacting their current life. I believe by bringing awareness to what is unconscious, my clients will have a better opportunity to make healthier lasting change with understanding.
Krishna K Kharva
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Working with the LGBTQ+ community, childhood mental health, and the complexities of sexuality and gender have been cornerstones of my practice.
Ideally, therapy is a place in which you’re encouraged to reflect on your challenging experiences, process your emotions, and develop insight to support you in the future. A therapeutic relationship with an emphasis on understanding allows us to collaborate in a uniquely empathetic way and discuss what is most important to you.
Working with the LGBTQ+ community, childhood mental health, and the complexities of sexuality and gender have been cornerstones of my practice.
Ideally, therapy is a place in which you’re encouraged to reflect on your challenging experiences, process your emotions, and develop insight to support you in the future. A therapeutic relationship with an emphasis on understanding allows us to collaborate in a uniquely empathetic way and discuss what is most important to you.
Linh Blackney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, and LGBTQ issues, but am able to address many other issues as well.
I focus on the whole person from a systemic perspective and recognize people as more than their diagnosis. I am passionate about understanding everyone as an individual in the context of their interpersonal and interpersonal relationships. I believe that everyone can grow and I'd love the opportunity to help you get to where you want to be. I provide a non-judgmental and safe space for clients.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, and LGBTQ issues, but am able to address many other issues as well.
I focus on the whole person from a systemic perspective and recognize people as more than their diagnosis. I am passionate about understanding everyone as an individual in the context of their interpersonal and interpersonal relationships. I believe that everyone can grow and I'd love the opportunity to help you get to where you want to be. I provide a non-judgmental and safe space for clients.
Lgbtq Therapist Brooklynn Kendall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Growing up in the Gay Community (my first Pride Parade was at age 5) teaches you that love comes from many different places and the world truly is a rainbow.
With extensive training in the LGBTQ community, their allies, kink and polyamorous communities I have specialized my work with those who feel "othered." My past and current work involves life changing medical diagnosis, questions surrounding sexuality and gender, and couples working through whether to get married, stay together, navigating separation with families, and healing relationship wounds. I founded The Nest Counseling Center to provide opportunities for Associate Therapists to continue their education in providing therapy to the LGBTQ Community.
Growing up in the Gay Community (my first Pride Parade was at age 5) teaches you that love comes from many different places and the world truly is a rainbow.
With extensive training in the LGBTQ community, their allies, kink and polyamorous communities I have specialized my work with those who feel "othered." My past and current work involves life changing medical diagnosis, questions surrounding sexuality and gender, and couples working through whether to get married, stay together, navigating separation with families, and healing relationship wounds. I founded The Nest Counseling Center to provide opportunities for Associate Therapists to continue their education in providing therapy to the LGBTQ Community.
See more therapy options for Costa Mesa
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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.