LGBTQ+ Therapists in Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA
Sam Scheidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
I am an EMDR trained therapist. I am passionate about working with teen and young adult clients who want to overcome struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
I am an EMDR trained therapist. I am passionate about working with teen and young adult clients who want to overcome struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
Elizabeth Torres
Psychologist, Elizabeth Torres, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121 (Online Only)
I am a good fit if you are looking for a highly-experienced, collaborative, pragmatic, straight-forward, and solution-oriented therapist. My early training in psychodynamic and behavioral theories combined with my years of specialized trainings gives me a rich tool kit to draw on. I see adult individuals and couples, and welcome LGBTQ clients. I will work collaboratively with you to individualize your care.
I am a good fit if you are looking for a highly-experienced, collaborative, pragmatic, straight-forward, and solution-oriented therapist. My early training in psychodynamic and behavioral theories combined with my years of specialized trainings gives me a rich tool kit to draw on. I see adult individuals and couples, and welcome LGBTQ clients. I will work collaboratively with you to individualize your care.
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
Rachel Tarantino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
My therapeutic passions including working with OCD and anxiety, depression, military populations, life transitions, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and it's okay to seek support along the way! Whether you're struggling with managing stress, coping with difficult emotions, or facing obstacles in relationships, let me help you navigate the barriers that have prevented you from living the life you imagined. I collaborate with my clients because it is important to blend my therapeutic knowledge with your personal motivations. Working together to help you achieve your goals allows for the most growth and lasting success. Remember you are not your mental health. You have a name, a personality, a history, and a story to tell.
My therapeutic passions including working with OCD and anxiety, depression, military populations, life transitions, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and it's okay to seek support along the way! Whether you're struggling with managing stress, coping with difficult emotions, or facing obstacles in relationships, let me help you navigate the barriers that have prevented you from living the life you imagined. I collaborate with my clients because it is important to blend my therapeutic knowledge with your personal motivations. Working together to help you achieve your goals allows for the most growth and lasting success. Remember you are not your mental health. You have a name, a personality, a history, and a story to tell.
Lynette Walker Lively Cookson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
Waitlist for new clients
I work with military families facing transitions and disenfranchised communities navigating trauma, value-based living, identity formation and relational conflicts. Those challenged with experiences such as loss, grief, trauma, maladaptive relationship dynamics, challenges with career and academic achievement, perinatal/post partum challenges, and mood and anxiety can find personalized treatment with me to support their goals of whole-person healing.
I work with military families facing transitions and disenfranchised communities navigating trauma, value-based living, identity formation and relational conflicts. Those challenged with experiences such as loss, grief, trauma, maladaptive relationship dynamics, challenges with career and academic achievement, perinatal/post partum challenges, and mood and anxiety can find personalized treatment with me to support their goals of whole-person healing.
I completed my doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) at La Salle University in Philadelphia and am licensed in CA and WA. I have worked with children, teens, & adults with emotional & behavioral dysregulation, relationship issues, suicidal thinking, substance abuse issues, & difficulty with life transitions. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness acceptance-based approaches. Specializing further, using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure for treating trauma. I have expertise in treating Eating Disorders, Body image issues, Trauma, Suicidal behaviors, & Borderline Personality disorder.
I completed my doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) at La Salle University in Philadelphia and am licensed in CA and WA. I have worked with children, teens, & adults with emotional & behavioral dysregulation, relationship issues, suicidal thinking, substance abuse issues, & difficulty with life transitions. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness acceptance-based approaches. Specializing further, using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure for treating trauma. I have expertise in treating Eating Disorders, Body image issues, Trauma, Suicidal behaviors, & Borderline Personality disorder.
Imani Fortier-Tutt
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
Waitlist for new clients
There are times where life can feel overwhelming but, you're not alone. You’re not alone in feeling weighed down by your past experiences, present responsibilities or future decisions. Whether you feel pressure from the expectations of society, others or yourself. The pressures of life can leave us feeling unsure of what direction to go in, feeling isolated, anxious, unmotivated, and unsatisfied; when what we want is to feel confident, empowered, and secure in the way we move through our lives.
There are times where life can feel overwhelming but, you're not alone. You’re not alone in feeling weighed down by your past experiences, present responsibilities or future decisions. Whether you feel pressure from the expectations of society, others or yourself. The pressures of life can leave us feeling unsure of what direction to go in, feeling isolated, anxious, unmotivated, and unsatisfied; when what we want is to feel confident, empowered, and secure in the way we move through our lives.
Jennifer Reimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
Do you often feel like you're moving through life without purpose or direction? Maybe it feels as if life is happening to you, rather than with you. Together, we can work toward creating a life worth living—one that's more intentional and aligned with your values. We'll focus on developing coping skills, understanding your emotions, and finding ways to prioritize the many things you balance in daily life. At the heart of it all is you—your unique experience and perspective. My goal is to better understand you and support you in navigating your personal journey with clarity and confidence.
Do you often feel like you're moving through life without purpose or direction? Maybe it feels as if life is happening to you, rather than with you. Together, we can work toward creating a life worth living—one that's more intentional and aligned with your values. We'll focus on developing coping skills, understanding your emotions, and finding ways to prioritize the many things you balance in daily life. At the heart of it all is you—your unique experience and perspective. My goal is to better understand you and support you in navigating your personal journey with clarity and confidence.
Megan Barroso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
Do you feel disconnected from yourself, others, or the world around you? Are you finding challenge in deciding where to go next in life? My goal is to support you in making impactful change that assists you in reconnecting with life’s beauty and in moving forward toward your goals. My passion lies in creating healing spaces that allow individuals to discover their inherent wisdom and step into their most authentic selves.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself, others, or the world around you? Are you finding challenge in deciding where to go next in life? My goal is to support you in making impactful change that assists you in reconnecting with life’s beauty and in moving forward toward your goals. My passion lies in creating healing spaces that allow individuals to discover their inherent wisdom and step into their most authentic selves.
Sarah Mugford
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
With extensive experience in trauma recovery, including PTSD and CPTSD, I offer a safe and empathetic space for healing and growth. My approach is strength-based, empathic, and collaborative, drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment theory. I also provide comprehensive DBT program tailored to meet your unique needs. By integrating these methodologies, I help clients build resilience, manage emotional distress, and improve their overall well-being.
With extensive experience in trauma recovery, including PTSD and CPTSD, I offer a safe and empathetic space for healing and growth. My approach is strength-based, empathic, and collaborative, drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment theory. I also provide comprehensive DBT program tailored to meet your unique needs. By integrating these methodologies, I help clients build resilience, manage emotional distress, and improve their overall well-being.
Megan Turley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
I’ve had the honor of helping folks manage depression and anxiety, navigate change, explore their identity, cope with daily stress, discover healthy boundaries, process grief and trauma, build self-esteem, manage anger, improve relationships, and find more joy, balance, and meaning in their lives. Together we can explore your story, foster helpful insights, and build skills that help you cultivate well being and self compassion.
I’ve had the honor of helping folks manage depression and anxiety, navigate change, explore their identity, cope with daily stress, discover healthy boundaries, process grief and trauma, build self-esteem, manage anger, improve relationships, and find more joy, balance, and meaning in their lives. Together we can explore your story, foster helpful insights, and build skills that help you cultivate well being and self compassion.
15 Second Videos
Sam Scheidler
Rachel Tarantino
Imani Fortier-Tutt
Megan Turley
Shaina Ponce
Kathryn Kendall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA 92121
Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to build the life you have always wanted? Intense emotions, symptoms of anxiety and depression often get in the way of our ability to live life to its full potential. My goal is to help you better understand your emotions and teach you the skills needed to improve emotional regulation and build self-efficacy. I believe that everyone has the ability to work in harmony with their mind, rather than feeling like they are working against it. I am passionate about helping clients to heal and achieve their goals. I am here to support you to build the life that is in alignment with your values.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to build the life you have always wanted? Intense emotions, symptoms of anxiety and depression often get in the way of our ability to live life to its full potential. My goal is to help you better understand your emotions and teach you the skills needed to improve emotional regulation and build self-efficacy. I believe that everyone has the ability to work in harmony with their mind, rather than feeling like they are working against it. I am passionate about helping clients to heal and achieve their goals. I am here to support you to build the life that is in alignment with your values.
Are you experiencing a very challenging time in your life? Does it feel like you can't see your way back to you? Is it hard to recognize who you are from the way you feel? I can be there for you when it seems like the darkest, most difficult time in life. Many of my clients have told me that I am mothering and nurturing as a therapist. I approach therapy from a caring and compassionate perspective, more so after I became a mother of three children. Together we can use DBT techniques to help you reconnect with the things that are important to you and help you get back to being the person you want to be with the life you want to live.
Are you experiencing a very challenging time in your life? Does it feel like you can't see your way back to you? Is it hard to recognize who you are from the way you feel? I can be there for you when it seems like the darkest, most difficult time in life. Many of my clients have told me that I am mothering and nurturing as a therapist. I approach therapy from a caring and compassionate perspective, more so after I became a mother of three children. Together we can use DBT techniques to help you reconnect with the things that are important to you and help you get back to being the person you want to be with the life you want to live.
Online Therapists
Linda Huey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
My hope is to help you remove whatever is keeping you from being the best version of yourself you can be. This often means looking at the things that make us feel vulnerable.. This isn't always easy considering that vulnerability is often considered a weakness. Supporting my clients to transform vulnerabilities into strengths is what I do best. And sometimes asking for help can be the hardest thing to do. It is through connection that we grow and become our authentic selves. I have been licensed since 2001. My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, LGBTQ, and bicultural issues.
My hope is to help you remove whatever is keeping you from being the best version of yourself you can be. This often means looking at the things that make us feel vulnerable.. This isn't always easy considering that vulnerability is often considered a weakness. Supporting my clients to transform vulnerabilities into strengths is what I do best. And sometimes asking for help can be the hardest thing to do. It is through connection that we grow and become our authentic selves. I have been licensed since 2001. My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, LGBTQ, and bicultural issues.
Amaya Tueller Eating Disorder Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Additionally, I am a queer therapist and I love working with LGBTQIA+ clients!.
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
Additionally, I am a queer therapist and I love working with LGBTQIA+ clients!.
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
Merissa Mathews
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Are you experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, feeling stuck in a dark place of depression or addiction? Maybe you are experiencing challenges with feeling too needy in relationships or having difficulty connecting emotionally. Perhaps, you are wanting to be more assertive, have less stress in social situations, and have more confidence at work. Past experiences can strongly influence the way you feel about yourself and the world. Past events can be anything from experiencing emotional/physical/sexual abuse, bullying, emotional neglect, experiencing racial trauma, or not feeling accepted for being LGBTQ+.
Are you experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, feeling stuck in a dark place of depression or addiction? Maybe you are experiencing challenges with feeling too needy in relationships or having difficulty connecting emotionally. Perhaps, you are wanting to be more assertive, have less stress in social situations, and have more confidence at work. Past experiences can strongly influence the way you feel about yourself and the world. Past events can be anything from experiencing emotional/physical/sexual abuse, bullying, emotional neglect, experiencing racial trauma, or not feeling accepted for being LGBTQ+.
Doug Aucoin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Taking the first steps to make changes and move towards recovery and growth is often not easy but feeling better matters. You may feel as if you’re struggling even if you’re smart, hard-working and motivated, but you can feel better. Clients come to therapy burdened with such things as anxiety/mood concerns, grief/loss issues, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ issues, men's issues or challenges with life transitions. You want to move forward and make positive changes but are not sure where to start. Have a mature, relational, compassionate and insight- oriented therapeutic partner with you on this journey. If you contact me, I will reach out.
Taking the first steps to make changes and move towards recovery and growth is often not easy but feeling better matters. You may feel as if you’re struggling even if you’re smart, hard-working and motivated, but you can feel better. Clients come to therapy burdened with such things as anxiety/mood concerns, grief/loss issues, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ issues, men's issues or challenges with life transitions. You want to move forward and make positive changes but are not sure where to start. Have a mature, relational, compassionate and insight- oriented therapeutic partner with you on this journey. If you contact me, I will reach out.
Accepting new clients. Political stress and need to talk about the future? Burned out at work? Feel like you're failing at your relationships? Do you smoke too much, drink too much, isolate, or do you have trouble talking about feelings? I am a direct therapist that works well with people who have troubles opening up. Send me an email so that we can start to fix things in your life. I identify as a gay male Hispanic liberal and military veteran, open minded and welcoming, who is a huge fan of dark humor.
Accepting new clients. Political stress and need to talk about the future? Burned out at work? Feel like you're failing at your relationships? Do you smoke too much, drink too much, isolate, or do you have trouble talking about feelings? I am a direct therapist that works well with people who have troubles opening up. Send me an email so that we can start to fix things in your life. I identify as a gay male Hispanic liberal and military veteran, open minded and welcoming, who is a huge fan of dark humor.
Harry Dixon
Counselor, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Have you been struggling or looking for a therapist who "gets you"? Do you have mental health, culture, sexuality, kinks, and/or relationship concerns that you have never been able to talk to a therapist about? I'm here for you. I am a gay, poly, Korean American counselor, and I understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community. With my help you can better understand yourself and find healing through my effective use of my cultural awareness, cognitive, and self-compassion based therapies.
Have you been struggling or looking for a therapist who "gets you"? Do you have mental health, culture, sexuality, kinks, and/or relationship concerns that you have never been able to talk to a therapist about? I'm here for you. I am a gay, poly, Korean American counselor, and I understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community. With my help you can better understand yourself and find healing through my effective use of my cultural awareness, cognitive, and self-compassion based therapies.
Hilario (Rio) M.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is a space that is both engaging and supportive. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can access therapy as a means to enrich your life. I come from a unique cultural background, being half Salvadorian and half Filipino, a first-generation child of immigrant parents, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. These diverse cultural influences have significantly shaped my personal identity and professional development. This journey of straddling multiple cultures has taught me the richness of our intersectional identities and how we all engage with the world through a complex web of lived experiences.
Therapy is a space that is both engaging and supportive. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can access therapy as a means to enrich your life. I come from a unique cultural background, being half Salvadorian and half Filipino, a first-generation child of immigrant parents, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. These diverse cultural influences have significantly shaped my personal identity and professional development. This journey of straddling multiple cultures has taught me the richness of our intersectional identities and how we all engage with the world through a complex web of lived experiences.
See more therapy options for Torrey Pines, 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.