LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Pacifica, CA

Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Michelle Settergren, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Settergren
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I'm a believer in transparency and provide feedback and observations often.
Hi there! My name is Michelle Settergren and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Huntington Beach, providing teletherapy services across California. I've worked in various healing capacities for over 12 years and believe we all have the potential to be self-healers. I'm gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I specialize in working with adults who've suffered from trauma/PTSD, first responder/military trauma, anxiety/social anxiety/agoraphobia, depression, personality disorders, panic disorders, communication issues, addiction, and identity confusion.
I'm a believer in transparency and provide feedback and observations often.
Hi there! My name is Michelle Settergren and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Huntington Beach, providing teletherapy services across California. I've worked in various healing capacities for over 12 years and believe we all have the potential to be self-healers. I'm gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I specialize in working with adults who've suffered from trauma/PTSD, first responder/military trauma, anxiety/social anxiety/agoraphobia, depression, personality disorders, panic disorders, communication issues, addiction, and identity confusion.
(650) 643-5945 View (650) 643-5945
Photo of Fritz Bixler, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Fritz Bixler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
I also have a deep love for working with LGBTQ+ clients, and provide gender-affirming care for trans and nonbinary individuals.
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
I also have a deep love for working with LGBTQ+ clients, and provide gender-affirming care for trans and nonbinary individuals.
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
(925) 966-3435 View (925) 966-3435
Photo of Claire Castle, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claire Castle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hello, name is Claire Castle, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in the LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, women's issues, neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression, using Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to provide my clients validation and teach them an expanded emotional vocabulary, so they can live the best version of their lives.
Hello, name is Claire Castle, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in the LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, women's issues, neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression, using Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to provide my clients validation and teach them an expanded emotional vocabulary, so they can live the best version of their lives.
(669) 291-1958 View (669) 291-1958
Photo of Nick Krieger, MA, LMFT, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nick Krieger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
As a member of LGBTQ+ communities for the past 25 years, I bring my own lifelong experience of feeling different from others.
I love working with queer and trans folks. Whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t have to educate, I am here to support you. I work with folks dealing with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma and attachment wounding. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who have felt marginalized or different from others.
As a member of LGBTQ+ communities for the past 25 years, I bring my own lifelong experience of feeling different from others.
I love working with queer and trans folks. Whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t have to educate, I am here to support you. I work with folks dealing with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma and attachment wounding. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who have felt marginalized or different from others.
(415) 903-4465 View (415) 903-4465
Photo of Rodrigo Caldera, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rodrigo Caldera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hi. I can offer deep listening and reflections unique to you and your experience. I can support you in enhancing your perspective, gaining a greater sense of connection with your needs and your voice. Sometimes we are looking for a companion to walk with us through this journey of life; we long for stability, trust, a place of refuge. From here we can learn to move in different ways, think in different ways, experience our lives in different ways. Perhaps your nervous system is on high alert all the time due to a poor quality of relationships. You need to reset your nervous system. I offer somatic practices to do just that.
Hi. I can offer deep listening and reflections unique to you and your experience. I can support you in enhancing your perspective, gaining a greater sense of connection with your needs and your voice. Sometimes we are looking for a companion to walk with us through this journey of life; we long for stability, trust, a place of refuge. From here we can learn to move in different ways, think in different ways, experience our lives in different ways. Perhaps your nervous system is on high alert all the time due to a poor quality of relationships. You need to reset your nervous system. I offer somatic practices to do just that.
(650) 648-4144 View (650) 648-4144
Photo of Meg Henry, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meg Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, stress, LGBTQQI issues, teens (high school and older), and women's issues.
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, stress, LGBTQQI issues, teens (high school and older), and women's issues.
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
(650) 898-6041 View (650) 898-6041
Photo of Cat Bilski, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cat Bilski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
We as human beings desire and long for fulfilling relationships and a sense that we are living to our fullest potential. Many of us along our paths face challenges to achieving our dreams that might make us feel like we are repeating the same mistakes or just feel stuck in not knowing how to move forward. Whether you are facing urgent life challenges and need immediate attention and assistance or you have long-term concerns which require compassionate inquiry, I am here to support you and your needs.
We as human beings desire and long for fulfilling relationships and a sense that we are living to our fullest potential. Many of us along our paths face challenges to achieving our dreams that might make us feel like we are repeating the same mistakes or just feel stuck in not knowing how to move forward. Whether you are facing urgent life challenges and need immediate attention and assistance or you have long-term concerns which require compassionate inquiry, I am here to support you and your needs.
(530) 627-2870 View (530) 627-2870
Photo of Mollie Yocum, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mollie Yocum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
(650) 547-0943 View (650) 547-0943
Photo of Maggie B. de Vera, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
(415) 237-2396 View (415) 237-2396
Photo of Christina Marie Balistreri, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
(415) 855-7947 View (415) 855-7947
Photo of David Shoup, PhD, Psychologist
David Shoup
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
Are you striving to appear confident, professional, and composed on the outside while feeling overwhelmed on the inside? Do anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, or relationship challenges often hinder your progress? Many skilled professionals envision the life they desire but struggle to achieve it. If you're encountering setbacks and frustrations, remember you don't have to face them alone. Sometimes, an external perspective can help clear the internal obstacles preventing you from reaching your potential.
Are you striving to appear confident, professional, and composed on the outside while feeling overwhelmed on the inside? Do anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, or relationship challenges often hinder your progress? Many skilled professionals envision the life they desire but struggle to achieve it. If you're encountering setbacks and frustrations, remember you don't have to face them alone. Sometimes, an external perspective can help clear the internal obstacles preventing you from reaching your potential.
(650) 278-5217 View (650) 278-5217
Photo of Enna Ruth O'Donnell, MA, CPCC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Enna Ruth O'Donnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
At the heart of our struggles and pains are relationships. At the heart of our hopes and dreams are relationships. Whether it is your relationship with anxiety and depression, with your career, with your partner, sister, son, daughter, boss, or parent-everything is about relationships. Therapy helps you tackle some of the most challenging questions we all face. How do we repair what needs to be fixed in our relationships, including the relationship with ourselves? What needs attention, a new perspective, a better skill, or emotional resolve to enable you to become more authentic and improve your connection to self and others?
At the heart of our struggles and pains are relationships. At the heart of our hopes and dreams are relationships. Whether it is your relationship with anxiety and depression, with your career, with your partner, sister, son, daughter, boss, or parent-everything is about relationships. Therapy helps you tackle some of the most challenging questions we all face. How do we repair what needs to be fixed in our relationships, including the relationship with ourselves? What needs attention, a new perspective, a better skill, or emotional resolve to enable you to become more authentic and improve your connection to self and others?
(650) 239-2513 View (650) 239-2513
Ray Simnegar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I have been offering psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families for the past 27 years. I would particularly like to work with couples, whether it is in the very beginning of the relationship to check for compatibility, during the relationship to deal with problems that arise, or working on amicable separation. I offer conflict resolution to individual, couples and families. I am also trained in divorce mediation to work on uncontested divorce where we can create a win/win situation for both parties. All the work can be done in a few sessions and this could save you legal fees that can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
I have been offering psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families for the past 27 years. I would particularly like to work with couples, whether it is in the very beginning of the relationship to check for compatibility, during the relationship to deal with problems that arise, or working on amicable separation. I offer conflict resolution to individual, couples and families. I am also trained in divorce mediation to work on uncontested divorce where we can create a win/win situation for both parties. All the work can be done in a few sessions and this could save you legal fees that can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
(415) 658-9929 View (415) 658-9929
Photo of Dahlia Lavery, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dahlia Lavery
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Therapy is a place where you can slow down and experience feeling welcomed and celebrated exactly as you are. I’m passionate about working with folks who are exhausted from the “grass is always greener” mentality and are ready to deepen into a process of self exploration and healing. In a world where productivity is often valued above connection, creativity and authentic self-expression, you may find yourself feeling depleted and lonely with a yearning for something more.
Therapy is a place where you can slow down and experience feeling welcomed and celebrated exactly as you are. I’m passionate about working with folks who are exhausted from the “grass is always greener” mentality and are ready to deepen into a process of self exploration and healing. In a world where productivity is often valued above connection, creativity and authentic self-expression, you may find yourself feeling depleted and lonely with a yearning for something more.
(415) 322-8632 View (415) 322-8632
Photo of Joseph Campi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joseph Campi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
(415) 610-7772 View (415) 610-7772
Photo of Sally King, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sally King
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
I love my work, and deeply cherish the courage, trust, struggle, humor, and transformation that it can entail.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
I love my work, and deeply cherish the courage, trust, struggle, humor, and transformation that it can entail.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
(415) 687-1149 View (415) 687-1149
Photo of Shane David, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shane David
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing integrative psychotherapy to adult individuals. I offer therapy for a variety of psychological and emotional issues and enjoy providing both depth-oriented therapy as well as short-term work and crisis intervention. I use relational, experiential, and somatic approaches to help people heal from difficult past experiences, to skillfully navigate the challenges of daily life, and to deepen personal growth.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing integrative psychotherapy to adult individuals. I offer therapy for a variety of psychological and emotional issues and enjoy providing both depth-oriented therapy as well as short-term work and crisis intervention. I use relational, experiential, and somatic approaches to help people heal from difficult past experiences, to skillfully navigate the challenges of daily life, and to deepen personal growth.
(510) 876-9447 View (510) 876-9447
Photo of Ginny Pizzardi, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ginny Pizzardi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
(415) 787-2980 View (415) 787-2980
Photo of Bonnie Ring, Psychologist
Bonnie Ring
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
As a caring & experienced psychotherapist, I listen carefully & respond honestly in person or by phone, FaceTime, zoom, Skype. Parental neglect or abuse leaves us with low self esteem, unresolved hurts & insufficient coping skills. Self criticism leads to painful and negative beliefs that cause depression and anxiety. We begin with the formative events in your life & your current issues. By drawing on family systems & psychodynamic principles, I use the latest interpersonal, cognitive & behavioral techniques with an informal and collaborative therapeutic approach that leads you toward greater self understanding & positive steps.
As a caring & experienced psychotherapist, I listen carefully & respond honestly in person or by phone, FaceTime, zoom, Skype. Parental neglect or abuse leaves us with low self esteem, unresolved hurts & insufficient coping skills. Self criticism leads to painful and negative beliefs that cause depression and anxiety. We begin with the formative events in your life & your current issues. By drawing on family systems & psychodynamic principles, I use the latest interpersonal, cognitive & behavioral techniques with an informal and collaborative therapeutic approach that leads you toward greater self understanding & positive steps.
(510) 831-2547 View (510) 831-2547
1
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.