LGBTQ+ Therapists in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA
Abi Weissman-Waves A Psych Co. Centering Lgbtq+ Care
Psychologist, PsyD, MHP-500
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92101
Through queer and/or trans-centered individualized weekly talk and/or somatic therapy, Waves psychologists and therapists help teens and adults, including families, & relational units, better understand themselves and start living their best life. We offer queer and trans - affirming trauma-informed talk therapy, EMDR, and Connecting to Your body sessions using Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. We are all about neurodiversity and are actively working towards being anti-racist. We are also fat-affirming and Jewish - knowledgeable.
Through queer and/or trans-centered individualized weekly talk and/or somatic therapy, Waves psychologists and therapists help teens and adults, including families, & relational units, better understand themselves and start living their best life. We offer queer and trans - affirming trauma-informed talk therapy, EMDR, and Connecting to Your body sessions using Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. We are all about neurodiversity and are actively working towards being anti-racist. We are also fat-affirming and Jewish - knowledgeable.
Stephen M White
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92128 (Online Only)
*LGBT issues, including Sexual Orientation work (questioning, internalized homophobia, dealing with discrimination), Gender Identity work (exploration, transition questions, support) and work with Parents of LGBT Children (crisis support, community resources, positive parenting).
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Rancho Bernardo. I am currently working through telehealth only, and I generally work with clients shorter term (3-6 months). I primarily work in the morning and early afternoon. I have been trained in the following approaches: *Cognitive Therapy, which helps people improve their mood and functioning by increasing awareness of the thoughts they have associated with different kinds of distress. *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT helps individuals stop avoiding and struggling with unwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories, and improve ability to pursue valued goals.
*LGBT issues, including Sexual Orientation work (questioning, internalized homophobia, dealing with discrimination), Gender Identity work (exploration, transition questions, support) and work with Parents of LGBT Children (crisis support, community resources, positive parenting).
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Rancho Bernardo. I am currently working through telehealth only, and I generally work with clients shorter term (3-6 months). I primarily work in the morning and early afternoon. I have been trained in the following approaches: *Cognitive Therapy, which helps people improve their mood and functioning by increasing awareness of the thoughts they have associated with different kinds of distress. *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT helps individuals stop avoiding and struggling with unwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories, and improve ability to pursue valued goals.
I have been in private practice for 10+ years focusing on clients with relationship issues, personal growth, depression, anxiety, and LGBT issues. I view therapy as a collaboration where we discover the areas where you want to make changes in your life and work toward reaching your full potential. I believe it is important that you have a good fit with your therapist, and I begin the process by discussing your unique issues you are bringing to therapy to determine if I can be an effective therapist for you.
I have been in private practice for 10+ years focusing on clients with relationship issues, personal growth, depression, anxiety, and LGBT issues. I view therapy as a collaboration where we discover the areas where you want to make changes in your life and work toward reaching your full potential. I believe it is important that you have a good fit with your therapist, and I begin the process by discussing your unique issues you are bringing to therapy to determine if I can be an effective therapist for you.
Olivia Waldorf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
My own clinical background is rooted in destigmatization, relationship work, trauma-informed care, queer identity and experience, as well as childhood trauma.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As a therapist, I believe in the power of the statement "we can do hard things". You might be experiencing something that is making daily life exhausting, heavy, challenging, or more complicated than life can already be, so I'm grateful you've landed on my page. Something really special that I bring into the therapy space is artmaking and creative expression; as research shows, art is a powerful healing tool, so I use this creativity to help you navigate interpersonal dynamics, life changes, grief & loss, identity exploration, hard emotions, or to just be present with yourself in a world of noise.
My own clinical background is rooted in destigmatization, relationship work, trauma-informed care, queer identity and experience, as well as childhood trauma.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As a therapist, I believe in the power of the statement "we can do hard things". You might be experiencing something that is making daily life exhausting, heavy, challenging, or more complicated than life can already be, so I'm grateful you've landed on my page. Something really special that I bring into the therapy space is artmaking and creative expression; as research shows, art is a powerful healing tool, so I use this creativity to help you navigate interpersonal dynamics, life changes, grief & loss, identity exploration, hard emotions, or to just be present with yourself in a world of noise.
Red Galura
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127 (Online Only)
I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC folks find themselves through therapy.
Together, we will support the changes you want to make by first understanding more of who you are and what's important to you. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that have may gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take that next step. By collaborating on effective solutions, we will come up with a clearer sense of what you need to experience a greater sense of connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities aligned with your life goals.
I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC folks find themselves through therapy.
Together, we will support the changes you want to make by first understanding more of who you are and what's important to you. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that have may gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take that next step. By collaborating on effective solutions, we will come up with a clearer sense of what you need to experience a greater sense of connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities aligned with your life goals.
Natalia I Melancon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127 (Online Only)
If you are looking for a therapist who will help you feel accepted, supported and free to process your feelings and thoughts in a safe judgment-free space, you will find me a good fit for your needs. I will not tell you what to do but will gently guide you through your journey toward your goals and your own decisions. I love working with adults (18+) and helping them navigate challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ and life transitions issues in a warm and compassionate environment.
If you are looking for a therapist who will help you feel accepted, supported and free to process your feelings and thoughts in a safe judgment-free space, you will find me a good fit for your needs. I will not tell you what to do but will gently guide you through your journey toward your goals and your own decisions. I love working with adults (18+) and helping them navigate challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ and life transitions issues in a warm and compassionate environment.
Riza Loreine P Callejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
I focus on working with youth and adults with depression, anxiety, and self-identity issues - especially APIDA, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized folx who grew up with conflicting messages they no longer align with.
Looking for a therapist of color who can help honor all the different cultures you identify with and represent? Because there is a huge blindspot in Western mental health, I take on a very intentional and holistic approach to helping you feel safe to unpack the many layers that make up You. Together, we can explore any past trauma (intergenerational, racial, childhood), learn how to express and regulate your emotions, reduce people-pleasing and over-functioning that often leads to burnout, improve your confidence, practice self-compassion/acceptance, and ultimately, your relationship with yourself and others.
I focus on working with youth and adults with depression, anxiety, and self-identity issues - especially APIDA, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized folx who grew up with conflicting messages they no longer align with.
Looking for a therapist of color who can help honor all the different cultures you identify with and represent? Because there is a huge blindspot in Western mental health, I take on a very intentional and holistic approach to helping you feel safe to unpack the many layers that make up You. Together, we can explore any past trauma (intergenerational, racial, childhood), learn how to express and regulate your emotions, reduce people-pleasing and over-functioning that often leads to burnout, improve your confidence, practice self-compassion/acceptance, and ultimately, your relationship with yourself and others.
Christina Brouwer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Hello, I'm Christina. I care deeply about my clients and try to create an affirming space for all. I specialize in working with families, children, teens, and young adults. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community and people experiencing trauma disorders, anxiety, depression, adoption and attachment issues, behavioral challenges, and other life and relationship stressors. My approach is trauma-informed and strength-based. I help my clients work toward their goals while feeling safe and connected with themselves and others.
Hello, I'm Christina. I care deeply about my clients and try to create an affirming space for all. I specialize in working with families, children, teens, and young adults. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community and people experiencing trauma disorders, anxiety, depression, adoption and attachment issues, behavioral challenges, and other life and relationship stressors. My approach is trauma-informed and strength-based. I help my clients work toward their goals while feeling safe and connected with themselves and others.
Melody Donboli
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92128
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.
Daniel Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
I’m passionate about working with all types of individuals facing a wide variety of challenges. People come to therapy because they’re wanting support, change, or healing. I believe that together we can co-create a therapy space that helps accomplish this. I have experience helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, low self-esteem, and self harm. As a gay man, I have particular clinical interest, personal experience, and professional knowledge helping individuals seeking therapy to process their sexual identity. Additionally, I'm trained in EMDR for trauma reprocessing and recovery.
I’m passionate about working with all types of individuals facing a wide variety of challenges. People come to therapy because they’re wanting support, change, or healing. I believe that together we can co-create a therapy space that helps accomplish this. I have experience helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, low self-esteem, and self harm. As a gay man, I have particular clinical interest, personal experience, and professional knowledge helping individuals seeking therapy to process their sexual identity. Additionally, I'm trained in EMDR for trauma reprocessing and recovery.
Sarah Fraser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
I also have experience supporting clients that are part of the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about providing affirming care.
I am part of a group practice that's primary focus is on supporting client's with eating disorders, mood issues, trauma, women's health, and identity exploration. I practice from a client-centered treatment approach, one that is both deeply rooted in compassion, autonomy, and social justice. My goal for clients is to help clients to feel more connected with their emotions, their bodies, and themselves - in turning, allowing them to live more presently in their lives.
I also have experience supporting clients that are part of the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about providing affirming care.
I am part of a group practice that's primary focus is on supporting client's with eating disorders, mood issues, trauma, women's health, and identity exploration. I practice from a client-centered treatment approach, one that is both deeply rooted in compassion, autonomy, and social justice. My goal for clients is to help clients to feel more connected with their emotions, their bodies, and themselves - in turning, allowing them to live more presently in their lives.
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Abi Weissman-Waves A Psych Co. Centering Lgbtq+ Care
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Gaelle Carey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92128 (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Gaëlle Carey and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with all types of people, from CEOs to stay-at-home parents. My ideal client is anyone who is interested in empowering their life. I am a direct person and like to get right down to business, but I also genuinely care about my clients' success. I have experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adolescents and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anger management, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Personality Disorders, ADHD management, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Welcome! My name is Gaëlle Carey and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with all types of people, from CEOs to stay-at-home parents. My ideal client is anyone who is interested in empowering their life. I am a direct person and like to get right down to business, but I also genuinely care about my clients' success. I have experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adolescents and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anger management, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Personality Disorders, ADHD management, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Kelsey Hopson-Shiller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
I'm Kelsey Hopson-Shiller and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I think everyone should go to therapy because therapy makes life easier! I provide a warm, non-judgmental environment for my clients to work on the places where they feel like they're struggling. I work with individuals- especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community- of all ages. I do most of my work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I primarily see adults currently, but I have a lot of experience (and really enjoy) working with teens and young adults as well.
I'm Kelsey Hopson-Shiller and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I think everyone should go to therapy because therapy makes life easier! I provide a warm, non-judgmental environment for my clients to work on the places where they feel like they're struggling. I work with individuals- especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community- of all ages. I do most of my work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I primarily see adults currently, but I have a lot of experience (and really enjoy) working with teens and young adults as well.
Dr. Jason N Linder & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92128
I help people, especially entrepreneurs, have better relationships, resolve painful memories (I'm certified & train in EMDR), embrace who they are, and decrease anxiety. I adjust my approach to fit your needs and preferences. Expert in transgender, ESA, VA, immigration, and trauma evaluations. Advanced in trauma, addiction, relationships, and mindfulness (I write about them on Psychology Today). You can usually expect change in 2-8 sessions. As a psychology doctor and professor, I’m updated on the latest research, and am dedicated, caring, and collaborative. You should feel understood, hopeful, and safe in your confidential therapy.
I help people, especially entrepreneurs, have better relationships, resolve painful memories (I'm certified & train in EMDR), embrace who they are, and decrease anxiety. I adjust my approach to fit your needs and preferences. Expert in transgender, ESA, VA, immigration, and trauma evaluations. Advanced in trauma, addiction, relationships, and mindfulness (I write about them on Psychology Today). You can usually expect change in 2-8 sessions. As a psychology doctor and professor, I’m updated on the latest research, and am dedicated, caring, and collaborative. You should feel understood, hopeful, and safe in your confidential therapy.
Yana Drukin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Yana Drukin is a Board Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social work and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Israel. In addition, she completed 3 years of Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapy study and training. She has 13 years of experience working in outpatient mental health clinics and private practice settings. In her practice she utilizes multimodal therapeutic approaches as psychodynamic, CBT, brief intervention, psycho-educational, coaching, and can adapt her treatment approach to meet the client's needs.
Yana Drukin is a Board Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social work and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Israel. In addition, she completed 3 years of Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapy study and training. She has 13 years of experience working in outpatient mental health clinics and private practice settings. In her practice she utilizes multimodal therapeutic approaches as psychodynamic, CBT, brief intervention, psycho-educational, coaching, and can adapt her treatment approach to meet the client's needs.
Karly Bastrire is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2020. Karly provides evidence-based treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of challenges such as mood disorders (e. g. anxiety, depression), trauma, behavioral issues, personality disorders, and help transitioning through different stages of life. Karly is passionate about utilizing an integrated approach and providing individualized treatment to each patient that allows them to develop coping skills and the personal insight needed to improve their overall functioning and expand their quality of life.
Karly Bastrire is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2020. Karly provides evidence-based treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of challenges such as mood disorders (e. g. anxiety, depression), trauma, behavioral issues, personality disorders, and help transitioning through different stages of life. Karly is passionate about utilizing an integrated approach and providing individualized treatment to each patient that allows them to develop coping skills and the personal insight needed to improve their overall functioning and expand their quality of life.
Diane Dameron
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Diane Dameron is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 1991. She has a B.A. in Child Development and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. Diane’s hope for you is that you feel heard, respected, and as comfortable in your appointments as possible. Together you and Diane can utilize the appointments to identify and work on goals, discuss the impact of recent issues and events, or just talk about how to build strengths and overcome negative feelings. She has experience working in nonprofit, group practice and has spent many years on the military base working with active-duty military members
Diane Dameron is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 1991. She has a B.A. in Child Development and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. Diane’s hope for you is that you feel heard, respected, and as comfortable in your appointments as possible. Together you and Diane can utilize the appointments to identify and work on goals, discuss the impact of recent issues and events, or just talk about how to build strengths and overcome negative feelings. She has experience working in nonprofit, group practice and has spent many years on the military base working with active-duty military members
Sharna Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Sharna Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2018. Sharna provides a warm, empathic approach focused on building a healthy therapeutic relationship and working together to empower the client. She additionally is strengths-based and likes to address what is already working well for a client. With her social work background, Sharna is very skilled at finding and helping clients utilize resources in the community. Outside of work, Sharna loves to spend time with her friends and family whether it's getting lunch, walking the farmers market, going to the beach, or going on a walk.
Sharna Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2018. Sharna provides a warm, empathic approach focused on building a healthy therapeutic relationship and working together to empower the client. She additionally is strengths-based and likes to address what is already working well for a client. With her social work background, Sharna is very skilled at finding and helping clients utilize resources in the community. Outside of work, Sharna loves to spend time with her friends and family whether it's getting lunch, walking the farmers market, going to the beach, or going on a walk.
Leslie Salas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Leslie Salas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2023. Leslie, as a first-generation Mexican American, is passionate about providing mental health support to those who are bilingual or monolingual (Spanish/English). She understands and empathizes with the challenges faced by individuals coming to the United States. Leslie offers Evidence-Based Therapy approaches such as DBT, ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Leslie Salas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2023. Leslie, as a first-generation Mexican American, is passionate about providing mental health support to those who are bilingual or monolingual (Spanish/English). She understands and empathizes with the challenges faced by individuals coming to the United States. Leslie offers Evidence-Based Therapy approaches such as DBT, ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Dusti Romans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA 92127
Dusti D. Romans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. She has a Masters in Social Work from USC. Change only happens during difficult times. Dusti wants to stand by you through these times while giving you the skills to be able to handle the challenges of life on your own. Dusti loves her pets and works with local shelters and rescues and fosters often.
Dusti D. Romans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. She has a Masters in Social Work from USC. Change only happens during difficult times. Dusti wants to stand by you through these times while giving you the skills to be able to handle the challenges of life on your own. Dusti loves her pets and works with local shelters and rescues and fosters often.
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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.