LGBTQ+ Therapists in Columbia, San Diego, CA
Devin Xayasomloth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101
Change is constant. At times, it leaves us feeling like we’ve disconnected. You may feel stuck, or your body & emotions numb. Maybe you feel drawn to seek a fresh perspective on issues you’ve had with yourself, a partner, friends, or family. At times, we know we need a shift, but it sounds exhausting to go through alone. Many of my clients find that they feel better when they have an ear to listen and affirming space to feel seen and explore. You have the medicine, and i'm happy to be a compassionate witness on your healing journey, please reach out to collaborate with me today!
Change is constant. At times, it leaves us feeling like we’ve disconnected. You may feel stuck, or your body & emotions numb. Maybe you feel drawn to seek a fresh perspective on issues you’ve had with yourself, a partner, friends, or family. At times, we know we need a shift, but it sounds exhausting to go through alone. Many of my clients find that they feel better when they have an ear to listen and affirming space to feel seen and explore. You have the medicine, and i'm happy to be a compassionate witness on your healing journey, please reach out to collaborate with me today!
Sara Abdeltawab
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Hello! Welcome to a place of comfort, vulnerability, and most of all, open arms. I am here to help guide you to where you want to be no matter the means. Often mental health is overlooked and labeled as “just being in your head,” but with me, your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are validated and taken into great consideration. My goal for you is to feel a million times lighter after each session, as if the weight of your situation, whether good or bad, is lifted off of your shoulders. You matter, your well-being matters, and you deserve to have someone remind you that
Hello! Welcome to a place of comfort, vulnerability, and most of all, open arms. I am here to help guide you to where you want to be no matter the means. Often mental health is overlooked and labeled as “just being in your head,” but with me, your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are validated and taken into great consideration. My goal for you is to feel a million times lighter after each session, as if the weight of your situation, whether good or bad, is lifted off of your shoulders. You matter, your well-being matters, and you deserve to have someone remind you that
Dr. Nusha Nouhi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Welcome to Marina Health of California, led by Dr. Nouhi, providing a secure space for adults navigating life transitions—career, family, or health stress. Grounded in the bio-psycho-social model, we tailor support for chronic conditions. Our therapists specialize in major life changes—transition to adulthood (18-25), relationship endings, and managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and auto-immune disorders. In addition to 1:1 therapy, we offer pre-surgical bariatric evaluations. At Marina Health of California, under Dr. Nouhi's guidance, we empower and promote resilience in every journey.
Welcome to Marina Health of California, led by Dr. Nouhi, providing a secure space for adults navigating life transitions—career, family, or health stress. Grounded in the bio-psycho-social model, we tailor support for chronic conditions. Our therapists specialize in major life changes—transition to adulthood (18-25), relationship endings, and managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and auto-immune disorders. In addition to 1:1 therapy, we offer pre-surgical bariatric evaluations. At Marina Health of California, under Dr. Nouhi's guidance, we empower and promote resilience in every journey.
Maureen McCartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
Asher I Johnson PhD Prof Corp Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101
If you struggle with anger management, sexual aggression, sex/pornography addiction, poor self-regulation/impulse control, anxiety, depression, trauma, antisocial, narcissistic, and psychopathic/sociopathic personalities, in need of a forensic psychological evaluation or testing, have a criminal record and/or required to register as a sex offender, have adult ADHD, difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships, low self-esteem, problems with healthy masculine expression, then you have found someone with the expertise, ability, and willingness to help.
If you struggle with anger management, sexual aggression, sex/pornography addiction, poor self-regulation/impulse control, anxiety, depression, trauma, antisocial, narcissistic, and psychopathic/sociopathic personalities, in need of a forensic psychological evaluation or testing, have a criminal record and/or required to register as a sex offender, have adult ADHD, difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships, low self-esteem, problems with healthy masculine expression, then you have found someone with the expertise, ability, and willingness to help.
Becca Lantry
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I believe that you are the expert of your own experiences. Together we can collaborate to come to a place in life that you prefer. I implement a tailored approach that meets your needs by fusing approaches from Narrative Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy practices. If you think I may be a good fit for you, feel free to text, call or email Becca for a free 15 minute consultation.
I believe that you are the expert of your own experiences. Together we can collaborate to come to a place in life that you prefer. I implement a tailored approach that meets your needs by fusing approaches from Narrative Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy practices. If you think I may be a good fit for you, feel free to text, call or email Becca for a free 15 minute consultation.
I am a psychologist, faith based counselor, and life coach with over 30 years of experience providing therapy and assessment to adults, couples, military personnel and their dependents. My expertise include depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship problems, and personality issues. I have worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, educational and correctional systems, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and currently affiliated with Metro Psychological Services. I have performed psychological assessments for clinical trials, employment, court proceedings, and served as an expert witness for the courts.
I am a psychologist, faith based counselor, and life coach with over 30 years of experience providing therapy and assessment to adults, couples, military personnel and their dependents. My expertise include depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship problems, and personality issues. I have worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, educational and correctional systems, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and currently affiliated with Metro Psychological Services. I have performed psychological assessments for clinical trials, employment, court proceedings, and served as an expert witness for the courts.
Sentiero is an outpatient practice comprised of school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and registered psychological associates who conduct psychotherapy and psychological assessments. The approach at Sentiero is not a “one size fits all” model. While many of our clinicians utilize various theoretic modalities, we are grounded in psychoanalytic theory and tailor treatment to the needs of the patient.
Sentiero is an outpatient practice comprised of school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and registered psychological associates who conduct psychotherapy and psychological assessments. The approach at Sentiero is not a “one size fits all” model. While many of our clinicians utilize various theoretic modalities, we are grounded in psychoanalytic theory and tailor treatment to the needs of the patient.
Alexis Fernandez Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist working with individuals and couples. My primary focus is sex therapy and sexual/relational problems in men and women in all stages of life. Areas of expertise include sexual dysfunction; arousal, desire, and orgasmic issues; intimacy issues with self and partners; compulsive/hypersexual behavior/sex addiction; love addiction; paraphilias; and treating partners of sex addicts. Please note that I am licensed in both CA & NY.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist working with individuals and couples. My primary focus is sex therapy and sexual/relational problems in men and women in all stages of life. Areas of expertise include sexual dysfunction; arousal, desire, and orgasmic issues; intimacy issues with self and partners; compulsive/hypersexual behavior/sex addiction; love addiction; paraphilias; and treating partners of sex addicts. Please note that I am licensed in both CA & NY.
Getting praised for being so "together", when inside you feel like you're crumbling to pieces? Feeling pressured to change, but don't know where to start? I'd like to help. If you're feeling confused, overwhelmed, anxious or sad and know you need to make some changes, Im here to help. If you and your partner are stuck in negative cycles and get frustrated trying to work through it couples therapy can help. I teach couples like you how to negotiate your needs and how to strengthen and rebuild your bond.
Getting praised for being so "together", when inside you feel like you're crumbling to pieces? Feeling pressured to change, but don't know where to start? I'd like to help. If you're feeling confused, overwhelmed, anxious or sad and know you need to make some changes, Im here to help. If you and your partner are stuck in negative cycles and get frustrated trying to work through it couples therapy can help. I teach couples like you how to negotiate your needs and how to strengthen and rebuild your bond.
Online Therapists
Barbara Morett, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
I work with all relationship configurations, including non-monogamy, and have a speciality in working with LGBTQ+ couples.
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes (Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.
I work with all relationship configurations, including non-monogamy, and have a speciality in working with LGBTQ+ couples.
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes (Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
Scott Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I identify as Mexican-American, gay, and ex-military.
To me, a large part of therapy is about grieving, acceptance, and peace within ourselves and others; I am particularly good at helping people get in touch with their feelings. I tend to work with the heavier side of therapy, that include drug/ alcohol /cannabis addiction, domestic violence, narcissism, borderline, sex/porn addiction, sex offense, sexual shame, couples working through sobriety-recovery dynamics, infidelity, poly relationships, court, and anger management. I tend to work really well with those who enjoy dark humor, who are avoidant by nature, and those who are seeking redemption from guilt/shame.
I identify as Mexican-American, gay, and ex-military.
To me, a large part of therapy is about grieving, acceptance, and peace within ourselves and others; I am particularly good at helping people get in touch with their feelings. I tend to work with the heavier side of therapy, that include drug/ alcohol /cannabis addiction, domestic violence, narcissism, borderline, sex/porn addiction, sex offense, sexual shame, couples working through sobriety-recovery dynamics, infidelity, poly relationships, court, and anger management. I tend to work really well with those who enjoy dark humor, who are avoidant by nature, and those who are seeking redemption from guilt/shame.
Scott D Altamirano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
With over a decade of experience, I considering myself a tough and compassionate therapist who will help you get to the truth. I specialize in complex cases, including LGBT issues, trauma, domestic violence, addiction, porn addiction, avoidant attachment, and personality disorders like borderline and narcissism.
Kink-Informed Sex Therapist Renee Santos
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
Breanne Ferrara - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109
I am a bi-sexual queer woman and my services are queer, kink, and poly friendly.
Find clarity and get in touch with your authentic Self. I offer new perspectives, helpful tools, and can support you through growth and change. Like a trusted friend I am fiercely supportive, and can deliver hard truths when needed. If you are looking for more creativity, gratitude, playfulness and help feeling good about yourself, we might be a good fit. I often support clients with their self-esteem, LGBTQ+ identity, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Working with artists (or aspiring creatives!) is a passion of mine as well.
I am a bi-sexual queer woman and my services are queer, kink, and poly friendly.
Find clarity and get in touch with your authentic Self. I offer new perspectives, helpful tools, and can support you through growth and change. Like a trusted friend I am fiercely supportive, and can deliver hard truths when needed. If you are looking for more creativity, gratitude, playfulness and help feeling good about yourself, we might be a good fit. I often support clients with their self-esteem, LGBTQ+ identity, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Working with artists (or aspiring creatives!) is a passion of mine as well.
It is so courageous to be human, especially for QTBIPOC folx. The freedom to be or express ourselves can feel impossible. The big emotions with life transitions and internal crises can be overwhelming. The pressures of family and cultural expectations can make you feel lost or inadequate. The confusion of answering existential questions: “Who am I?” or “Why am I like this?” can be a never ending spiral. We are not meant to navigate our humanness alone. Together, we can hold the tenderness and expansion of life. I am a queer Khmer Filipinx gender fluid person with roots from the Central Valley of CA.
It is so courageous to be human, especially for QTBIPOC folx. The freedom to be or express ourselves can feel impossible. The big emotions with life transitions and internal crises can be overwhelming. The pressures of family and cultural expectations can make you feel lost or inadequate. The confusion of answering existential questions: “Who am I?” or “Why am I like this?” can be a never ending spiral. We are not meant to navigate our humanness alone. Together, we can hold the tenderness and expansion of life. I am a queer Khmer Filipinx gender fluid person with roots from the Central Valley of CA.
Elizabeth Vines
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
As an LGBTQIA+ allied clinician, I am kink/poly/cnm friendly and feel passionate about helping people thrive in their chosen lifestyle.
Online openings: Mon 2:30, Tues 2:30, 3:30. I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
As an LGBTQIA+ allied clinician, I am kink/poly/cnm friendly and feel passionate about helping people thrive in their chosen lifestyle.
Online openings: Mon 2:30, Tues 2:30, 3:30. I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
I am passionate about working with queer and trans communities, BIPOC communities, as well as walking alongside those on a journey of finding body acceptance, or body positivity, and fostering self-compassion.
My name is Alexis Smith and I am a multiracial, queer associate clinical social worker with a passion for empowering and walking alongside others who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community on their life journey. My goal is to provide a safe space for the individuals I work with to explore their many identities as well as empower my clients to be their most true, beautiful and unique selves. My approach to therapy is client centered and led. I believe the greatest gift of therapy is in the therapeutic connection formed between the client and the therapist and I work to create a safe, welcoming and affirming space.
I am passionate about working with queer and trans communities, BIPOC communities, as well as walking alongside those on a journey of finding body acceptance, or body positivity, and fostering self-compassion.
My name is Alexis Smith and I am a multiracial, queer associate clinical social worker with a passion for empowering and walking alongside others who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community on their life journey. My goal is to provide a safe space for the individuals I work with to explore their many identities as well as empower my clients to be their most true, beautiful and unique selves. My approach to therapy is client centered and led. I believe the greatest gift of therapy is in the therapeutic connection formed between the client and the therapist and I work to create a safe, welcoming and affirming space.
As a gay therapist, I am passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I bring an open, non-judgmental, and empathetic approach to therapy. I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I started my career as an HIV test counselor, supporting people through what can be a scary and difficult time. I later earned my master's in social work from San Diego State University, where my area of study was community mental health. Serving the community and connecting with individuals has been a driving force in my career. I know it is really difficult to be human. My values of compassion and empathy drive me to do this work.
As a gay therapist, I am passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I bring an open, non-judgmental, and empathetic approach to therapy. I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I started my career as an HIV test counselor, supporting people through what can be a scary and difficult time. I later earned my master's in social work from San Diego State University, where my area of study was community mental health. Serving the community and connecting with individuals has been a driving force in my career. I know it is really difficult to be human. My values of compassion and empathy drive me to do this work.
See more therapy options for Columbia, San Diego
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Columbia, San Diego
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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.