LGBTQ+ Therapists in San Carlos, San Diego, CA

Photo of Heather Murray, LPC-A, Pre-Licensed Professional
Heather Murray
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92120  (Online Only)
Specialties: LGBTQIA, Military Families, Trauma.
Hello, I'm Heather, a trauma therapist dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals navigating through challenging experiences. With a specialization in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a focus on LGBTQIA+ issues, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, I'm here to offer a compassionate and effective approach to healing. My commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and expertise as you embark on your path towards healing and growth. If you're ready to take the next step towards healing, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support
Specialties: LGBTQIA, Military Families, Trauma.
Hello, I'm Heather, a trauma therapist dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals navigating through challenging experiences. With a specialization in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a focus on LGBTQIA+ issues, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, I'm here to offer a compassionate and effective approach to healing. My commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and expertise as you embark on your path towards healing and growth. If you're ready to take the next step towards healing, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support
(619) 789-6974 View (619) 789-6974
Photo of Lauren Thibodeau, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lauren Thibodeau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92120
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
(657) 214-7701 View (657) 214-7701
Photo of Misty Johnson, LCSW, MSW, WGS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92120
I also specialize in working with the queer community, trans community, kink community, as well as working with poly, polyamory, and ethically non-monogamous ( ENM ) folks.
Communication challenges? Struggles with sex and intimacy? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and sexuality? I am here to support you and offer you tools and a place to process your current experience. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
I also specialize in working with the queer community, trans community, kink community, as well as working with poly, polyamory, and ethically non-monogamous ( ENM ) folks.
Communication challenges? Struggles with sex and intimacy? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and sexuality? I am here to support you and offer you tools and a place to process your current experience. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
(408) 583-5606 View (408) 583-5606
Photo of Gyna Costa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gyna Costa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92120  (Online Only)
I am a Latinx therapist and part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I enjoy working with neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ clients, and/or clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I can help clients who may be going through life transitions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or may be experiencing issues related to acculturation and the emotions that may cause. I have informed my practices around trauma, inclusion, connection, and sense of belonging. I enjoy learning from the people I serve and provide care to. I believe that developing a good therapeutic connection is key to a successful treatment.
I am a Latinx therapist and part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I enjoy working with neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ clients, and/or clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I can help clients who may be going through life transitions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or may be experiencing issues related to acculturation and the emotions that may cause. I have informed my practices around trauma, inclusion, connection, and sense of belonging. I enjoy learning from the people I serve and provide care to. I believe that developing a good therapeutic connection is key to a successful treatment.
(619) 648-5142 View (619) 648-5142
Photo of Amaya Tueller - Amaya Tueller ADHD and Autism Therapist , AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amaya Tueller ADHD and Autism Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I love working with queer clients! I work with sexual and gender identity helping you to find your authentic self.
Welcome to my page! I work primarily with neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, PDA) clients and mixed neurotype couples/polycules . As a queer, and late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I love helping others to understand themselves better and advocate for their needs. Receiving my own diagnosis in adulthood came with grief and I’d love opportunity to help you work through the complicated emotions inherent in this type of identity exploration. Working with my brain instead of against it as been incredibly healing and has drastically improved my mental health; I hope to help my clients achieve the same freedom.
As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I love working with queer clients! I work with sexual and gender identity helping you to find your authentic self.
Welcome to my page! I work primarily with neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, PDA) clients and mixed neurotype couples/polycules . As a queer, and late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I love helping others to understand themselves better and advocate for their needs. Receiving my own diagnosis in adulthood came with grief and I’d love opportunity to help you work through the complicated emotions inherent in this type of identity exploration. Working with my brain instead of against it as been incredibly healing and has drastically improved my mental health; I hope to help my clients achieve the same freedom.
(619) 404-5461 View (619) 404-5461
Photo of Miranda Rose Millican - Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist , MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
(510) 272-7281 View (510) 272-7281
Photo of Ah Hyun Lee - WALTZ Trauma Care and Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
WALTZ Trauma Care and Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92120  (Online Only)
We are a trauma-focused telehealth group practice in California. We help adult individuals find their way to a healing journey through feeling heard and seen. Individuals come see us to address their underlying trauma, family of origin issues, relationship challenges, substance use issues, depression, and anxiety. We love working with BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ communities.
We are a trauma-focused telehealth group practice in California. We help adult individuals find their way to a healing journey through feeling heard and seen. Individuals come see us to address their underlying trauma, family of origin issues, relationship challenges, substance use issues, depression, and anxiety. We love working with BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ communities.
(415) 604-9810 View (415) 604-9810
Photo of Michelle Pappalardi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Pappalardi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Michelle Pappalardi is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) that has experience working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. She worked with system-involved youth and families at the County of San Diego over 15 years before coming to Lifestance Health, Inc. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies at Antioch College in Ohio, her master’s degree in Social Work at San Diego State University in 2004, and became licensed to practice therapy in 2013. She is comfortable working with many populations, including abuse and trauma survivors, youth and teens, seniors, clients in recovery.
Michelle Pappalardi is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) that has experience working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. She worked with system-involved youth and families at the County of San Diego over 15 years before coming to Lifestance Health, Inc. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies at Antioch College in Ohio, her master’s degree in Social Work at San Diego State University in 2004, and became licensed to practice therapy in 2013. She is comfortable working with many populations, including abuse and trauma survivors, youth and teens, seniors, clients in recovery.
(858) 879-6216 View (858) 879-6216
Photo of Dora Gilbert, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dora Gilbert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Dr. Gilbert incorporates her cultural experience, educator knowledge, and interest in families and children into her therapeutic work. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist she focuses on treating families, adults, adolescents and children through a family-systems approach. She works with individuals and/or families to overcome lifetime challenges and provide assistance to create a meaningful balanced life.
Dr. Gilbert incorporates her cultural experience, educator knowledge, and interest in families and children into her therapeutic work. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist she focuses on treating families, adults, adolescents and children through a family-systems approach. She works with individuals and/or families to overcome lifetime challenges and provide assistance to create a meaningful balanced life.
(858) 786-0380 View (858) 786-0380
Photo of Michael Nelson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Mike Nelson graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling in 2013. This multi-cultural Marriage and Family Therapy program paved the way for the diverse cultural populations he encountered when providing therapy in clinical settings, middle and high school-based counseling, grief work with Hospice, private practice, and work with youths in the foster system. Within these varied groups, Mike has worked with many people who have experienced trauma in their lives.
Mike Nelson graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling in 2013. This multi-cultural Marriage and Family Therapy program paved the way for the diverse cultural populations he encountered when providing therapy in clinical settings, middle and high school-based counseling, grief work with Hospice, private practice, and work with youths in the foster system. Within these varied groups, Mike has worked with many people who have experienced trauma in their lives.
(858) 326-9482 View (858) 326-9482
Photo of Sue Shrader-Hanes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue Shrader-Hanes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
About Sue Shrader-Hanes, MFT I began my career in San Diego California working with community based agencies. Initially most of my work was with youth at San Diego Youth Services. I was a case manager/therapist at the Storefront, a shelter for homeless youth that promoted education and I worked with what is now called the Monarch School to help youth on the streets continue their education even though they did not have parents to enroll them in school. This was groundbreaking in California.
About Sue Shrader-Hanes, MFT I began my career in San Diego California working with community based agencies. Initially most of my work was with youth at San Diego Youth Services. I was a case manager/therapist at the Storefront, a shelter for homeless youth that promoted education and I worked with what is now called the Monarch School to help youth on the streets continue their education even though they did not have parents to enroll them in school. This was groundbreaking in California.
(858) 465-4920 View (858) 465-4920
Photo of Myel Joy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Myel Joy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Myel has a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University, with an emphasis in Psychotherapy and Mental Health. And over twenty-five years of clinical experience, working with adults, children, and families. In addition to private practice, Myel has worked in a variety of settings, including; inpatient and out-patient facilities (both psychiatric and chemical dependency) and in a variety of mental health related capacities; therapist, clinical coordinator and program director. Myel primarily uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), though calls from many theoretical approaches.
Myel has a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University, with an emphasis in Psychotherapy and Mental Health. And over twenty-five years of clinical experience, working with adults, children, and families. In addition to private practice, Myel has worked in a variety of settings, including; inpatient and out-patient facilities (both psychiatric and chemical dependency) and in a variety of mental health related capacities; therapist, clinical coordinator and program director. Myel primarily uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), though calls from many theoretical approaches.
(858) 786-2164 View (858) 786-2164
Photo of Richard Bladh, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard Bladh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.
Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.
(858) 321-8649 View (858) 321-8649
Photo of Mary Bosker, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Bosker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Dr. Bosker's Mission: - to restore hope to those who have lost hope - to help people improve their sense of self-worth, value, and purpose in life - to facilitate healing, recovery, and personal growth in a safe harbor of compassion and understanding Dr. Bosker is the first in her family to be born in the U. S. and also the first to earn a doctoral degree. She earned her Bachelors degree from Hope College in 1993. She majored in psychology, but also studied various languages and religions, and lived overseas for half a year.
Dr. Bosker's Mission: - to restore hope to those who have lost hope - to help people improve their sense of self-worth, value, and purpose in life - to facilitate healing, recovery, and personal growth in a safe harbor of compassion and understanding Dr. Bosker is the first in her family to be born in the U. S. and also the first to earn a doctoral degree. She earned her Bachelors degree from Hope College in 1993. She majored in psychology, but also studied various languages and religions, and lived overseas for half a year.
(858) 331-1731 View (858) 331-1731
Photo of Porscha Diaz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Porscha Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
I am so happy to have the opportunity to help guide you through your mental health journey. Sometimes we need a little help and that's ok. I provide a warm welcoming and supportive environment that fosters change. I help empower you to reach your goals and live the happy and healthy life you have been trying to attain. I have experience working with a multitude of mental health diagnosis, as well as a vas diversity of client populations. No matter what brings you to therapy you will have access to tools for change and a place to process all that life can throw at you. I ensure you feel heard and supported after each session.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to help guide you through your mental health journey. Sometimes we need a little help and that's ok. I provide a warm welcoming and supportive environment that fosters change. I help empower you to reach your goals and live the happy and healthy life you have been trying to attain. I have experience working with a multitude of mental health diagnosis, as well as a vas diversity of client populations. No matter what brings you to therapy you will have access to tools for change and a place to process all that life can throw at you. I ensure you feel heard and supported after each session.
(619) 383-2469 View (619) 383-2469
Photo of Kim Swain - GameChanger Therapy and Consulting, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
GameChanger Therapy and Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
Therefore, I believe transparency and unconditional positive regard with clients is necessary to facilitate a safe environment, which fosters growth.
Hello, my name is Kim Swain. I strive to be a culturally competent person and clinician. I believe the first step to making progress in therapy, is making sure that we develop a collaborative approach. I gear treatment toward emphasizing your strengths and solutions, beginning with assessing readiness and motivation. My therapy approach is rooted in Family Systems, Narrative and Structural therapies with various interventions to ensure care is tailored to you. To foster a greater self-awareness, self-esteem, growth, independence and the development of new skills that can be practiced between therapy sessions, as well as lifelong.
Therefore, I believe transparency and unconditional positive regard with clients is necessary to facilitate a safe environment, which fosters growth.
Hello, my name is Kim Swain. I strive to be a culturally competent person and clinician. I believe the first step to making progress in therapy, is making sure that we develop a collaborative approach. I gear treatment toward emphasizing your strengths and solutions, beginning with assessing readiness and motivation. My therapy approach is rooted in Family Systems, Narrative and Structural therapies with various interventions to ensure care is tailored to you. To foster a greater self-awareness, self-esteem, growth, independence and the development of new skills that can be practiced between therapy sessions, as well as lifelong.
(619) 759-7454 View (619) 759-7454
Photo of Jacqueline Hazel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline Hazel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
My name is Jacqueline and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides virtual therapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples. I understand that everyone may struggle at some time in their life and I am here to support people through those times.
My name is Jacqueline and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides virtual therapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples. I understand that everyone may struggle at some time in their life and I am here to support people through those times.
(619) 304-6556 View (619) 304-6556
Photo of Angela H Cruz, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela H Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119
Waitlist for new clients
Not currently accepting new clients. At some point in our lives we can feel lost, sad, and/or anxious and could use an objective person to help us through. I work collaboratively to assist clients in gaining the coping and communication skills to improve their overall well-being and relationships. I offer both long-term and short-term evidence based treatment which is based off of a clients trauma history, wants, and needs. I believe in helping clients gain the insight and skills to be able to reach the goals we set at the onset of therapy, and to end confidently and able to handle life's stressors in a healthier way.
Not currently accepting new clients. At some point in our lives we can feel lost, sad, and/or anxious and could use an objective person to help us through. I work collaboratively to assist clients in gaining the coping and communication skills to improve their overall well-being and relationships. I offer both long-term and short-term evidence based treatment which is based off of a clients trauma history, wants, and needs. I believe in helping clients gain the insight and skills to be able to reach the goals we set at the onset of therapy, and to end confidently and able to handle life's stressors in a healthier way.
(619) 880-3648 View (619) 880-3648
Photo of Courtney Muir, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Muir
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
You’ve been working hard and pushing through the instability and frustrations of a global pandemic for years now. Maybe you’ve even recognized the value of mental health, attempted to set boundaries at work, or added self-care tasks to your to-do list. From the outside, so much in your life seems to be going “right” but deep down you’re exhausted. Your efforts to leave work at work and to listen to a meditation app in the morning aren’t cutting it. You just aren’t happy and you’re not sure why. You may have even been to therapy before and learned some decent strategies, but didn’t get the deep results you were hoping for. I can help
You’ve been working hard and pushing through the instability and frustrations of a global pandemic for years now. Maybe you’ve even recognized the value of mental health, attempted to set boundaries at work, or added self-care tasks to your to-do list. From the outside, so much in your life seems to be going “right” but deep down you’re exhausted. Your efforts to leave work at work and to listen to a meditation app in the morning aren’t cutting it. You just aren’t happy and you’re not sure why. You may have even been to therapy before and learned some decent strategies, but didn’t get the deep results you were hoping for. I can help
(619) 279-5778 View (619) 279-5778
Photo of Joseph De Vico, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joseph De Vico
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
Hi, it's Joseph. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the impossible future is simply your future. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; old stories about yourself that have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go.
Hi, it's Joseph. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the impossible future is simply your future. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; old stories about yourself that have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go.
(619) 648-1856 View (619) 648-1856
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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.