LGBTQ+ Therapists in West University Heights, San Diego, CA
I have an extensive background working with minorities, including sexual minorities, transgender youth/adults, and their families, with expertise in navigating the transitioning process, and beyond.
I recognize that coming to therapy is a courageous first step and that you are taking a chance when you make that first appointment, especially when you are struggling. I consider it an honor to be entrusted by one seeking help. I demonstrate that honor by being committed to providing you with practical feedback in an empathetic and compassionate manner. With cognitive behavioral strategies, I provide techniques to manage and reduce negative symptoms by tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs.
I have an extensive background working with minorities, including sexual minorities, transgender youth/adults, and their families, with expertise in navigating the transitioning process, and beyond.
I recognize that coming to therapy is a courageous first step and that you are taking a chance when you make that first appointment, especially when you are struggling. I consider it an honor to be entrusted by one seeking help. I demonstrate that honor by being committed to providing you with practical feedback in an empathetic and compassionate manner. With cognitive behavioral strategies, I provide techniques to manage and reduce negative symptoms by tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs.
Lilia Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Welcome! I'm so happy you are here. I work with clients who want to explore different facets of their identities and better understand how these aspects shape their lives. I am especially passionate about working with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and unpacking the complexities of queer identity. I also enjoy supporting individuals who are trying to figure out their spiritual beliefs and addressing religious trauma if needed. Additionally, I love working with new parents on building confidence and clarifying their values in parenting.
Welcome! I'm so happy you are here. I work with clients who want to explore different facets of their identities and better understand how these aspects shape their lives. I am especially passionate about working with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and unpacking the complexities of queer identity. I also enjoy supporting individuals who are trying to figure out their spiritual beliefs and addressing religious trauma if needed. Additionally, I love working with new parents on building confidence and clarifying their values in parenting.
Shawnee Brew
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer nonbinary member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am particularly interested in exploring the unique issues, strengths, and gifts of our diverse community with you.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who delivers evidence-based treatment to adults. I offer a humanistic and affirmative approach and am passionate about supporting the holistic wellness of my clients. In an often harsh and exclusive healthcare system, I will do everything in my power to nurture you, validate you, and honor your value so you can safely explore and heal. I work to bring curiosity, authenticity, and lots of humor to my practice. I want to hold space to explore, heal, and expand through a blend of humanistic and behavioral techniques. I have spent my career working with adults navigating mental health concerns.
As a queer nonbinary member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am particularly interested in exploring the unique issues, strengths, and gifts of our diverse community with you.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who delivers evidence-based treatment to adults. I offer a humanistic and affirmative approach and am passionate about supporting the holistic wellness of my clients. In an often harsh and exclusive healthcare system, I will do everything in my power to nurture you, validate you, and honor your value so you can safely explore and heal. I work to bring curiosity, authenticity, and lots of humor to my practice. I want to hold space to explore, heal, and expand through a blend of humanistic and behavioral techniques. I have spent my career working with adults navigating mental health concerns.
Eunice A Palacios Ramírez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
I specialize in working with couples who are in conflict, who are in emotional pain and need help. I work with couples who are considering divorce but are not sure about separating. I help couples who keep having the same argument over and over and who get angry with each other often. I also have experience with couples where there has been infidelity and are in crisis. I also work with couples who want to prepare themselves for big transitions such as having kids, moving together, etc. I work with heterosexual couples and also have worked with many queer couples and interracial couples.
I specialize in working with couples who are in conflict, who are in emotional pain and need help. I work with couples who are considering divorce but are not sure about separating. I help couples who keep having the same argument over and over and who get angry with each other often. I also have experience with couples where there has been infidelity and are in crisis. I also work with couples who want to prepare themselves for big transitions such as having kids, moving together, etc. I work with heterosexual couples and also have worked with many queer couples and interracial couples.
Stepping Stones Life Transition Support
Psychologist
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
We pride ourselves in serving the African American and LGBTQ+ communities for their mental health needs.
Life inevitably brings challenges and change. Stepping Stones Life Transition Support specializes in helping people successfully navigate these transitions to create meaningful and balanced lives. We are trained clinicians with over 20 years of experience in supporting individuals to ride the waves of life with confidence and ease. We specialize in life transitions, as well as recovery from addiction and all forms of mental illness. We offer a unique values-based approach that is specifically tailored for each individual seeking change.
We pride ourselves in serving the African American and LGBTQ+ communities for their mental health needs.
Life inevitably brings challenges and change. Stepping Stones Life Transition Support specializes in helping people successfully navigate these transitions to create meaningful and balanced lives. We are trained clinicians with over 20 years of experience in supporting individuals to ride the waves of life with confidence and ease. We specialize in life transitions, as well as recovery from addiction and all forms of mental illness. We offer a unique values-based approach that is specifically tailored for each individual seeking change.
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, lgbtqia welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, lgbtqia welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends.
Nasheili González Reihling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Do you want less conflict and more connection in your relationships? Do you want to support your family's mental health as well as your own? Congratulations on taking the first step! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with children, teens, parents, and individuals. I provide culturally sensitive and empowering support to diverse families and individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma, life stressors, family separation, symptoms of anxiety or depression, intersectionality of identity, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and LGBTQIA+ matters.
Do you want less conflict and more connection in your relationships? Do you want to support your family's mental health as well as your own? Congratulations on taking the first step! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with children, teens, parents, and individuals. I provide culturally sensitive and empowering support to diverse families and individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma, life stressors, family separation, symptoms of anxiety or depression, intersectionality of identity, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and LGBTQIA+ matters.
Jenn Hourani
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92104 (Online Only)
My practice is affirming of all identities, including BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ clients.
Our lives are shaped by the stories we tell, and the stories we inherit. I cherish the work of helping people slow down, to reflect on the stories that guide their lives. Which stories support your relationship with yourself? Which stories need to be rewritten? How can you live a meaningful life shaped by values and hopes, versus fears and judgments? What unhelpful stories from “the outside” (family, society, etc.) must be filtered out, when reclaiming your power to write your own story?
My practice is affirming of all identities, including BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ clients.
Our lives are shaped by the stories we tell, and the stories we inherit. I cherish the work of helping people slow down, to reflect on the stories that guide their lives. Which stories support your relationship with yourself? Which stories need to be rewritten? How can you live a meaningful life shaped by values and hopes, versus fears and judgments? What unhelpful stories from “the outside” (family, society, etc.) must be filtered out, when reclaiming your power to write your own story?
Diane K. Pendragon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialized education and training in gender & human sexualities, lgbt youth issues, and domestic violence.
I believe that each of us deserves to live life as our best self. Often, shame and judgement about our problems can get in the way of solving them. Developing compassionate curiosity is key to empowering ourselves and creating change in our lives. I believe that therapy can be a bridge to increased satisfaction and a sense of well-being. When life's stresses feel overwhelming; a safe, caring environment can allow you to understand yourself and your feelings, manage your stress, and change your strategies for coping. I am privileged to be involved in such important and transformative work.
I have specialized education and training in gender & human sexualities, lgbt youth issues, and domestic violence.
I believe that each of us deserves to live life as our best self. Often, shame and judgement about our problems can get in the way of solving them. Developing compassionate curiosity is key to empowering ourselves and creating change in our lives. I believe that therapy can be a bridge to increased satisfaction and a sense of well-being. When life's stresses feel overwhelming; a safe, caring environment can allow you to understand yourself and your feelings, manage your stress, and change your strategies for coping. I am privileged to be involved in such important and transformative work.
Gregory E. Koch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. Believing deeply in the power of positive human connection, we can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships. Conflict in romantic relationships is an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. Using Imago Relationship Therapy, couples learn invaluable tools and techniques to enhance closeness in relationships and teach partners how to resolve conflicts while maintaining a deep sense of connection.
My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. Believing deeply in the power of positive human connection, we can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships. Conflict in romantic relationships is an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. Using Imago Relationship Therapy, couples learn invaluable tools and techniques to enhance closeness in relationships and teach partners how to resolve conflicts while maintaining a deep sense of connection.
Dan Vaci
Marriage & Family Therapist, Aetna, United, Optum, Cigna
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
When life gets tough, it forces us to look for ways to change, heal and grow. It helps to have somebody walk with us through these challenging periods. Let's see if we can get your life and your relationships back on the right track. There was a time when you felt more fully connected, more confident, less anxious & better able to move through those stuck places. It's time to break those old patterns that hold you back from realizing your full potential. Let's work together to create the life changes you've been wanting. You deserve it! I am In-Network with Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare and Cigna.
When life gets tough, it forces us to look for ways to change, heal and grow. It helps to have somebody walk with us through these challenging periods. Let's see if we can get your life and your relationships back on the right track. There was a time when you felt more fully connected, more confident, less anxious & better able to move through those stuck places. It's time to break those old patterns that hold you back from realizing your full potential. Let's work together to create the life changes you've been wanting. You deserve it! I am In-Network with Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare and Cigna.
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Are you searching to find meaning and struggle with negative thoughts about yourself and your life? I believe that given an environment of dignity, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard, every person can tap into their own resiliency, achieve personal growth and realize their own unique potential.I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience working as a therapist, researcher and educator. I see both individuals and couples with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, grief and loss, aging issues, substance abuse, gender, sexuality, sexual health and out of control sexual behavior.
Are you searching to find meaning and struggle with negative thoughts about yourself and your life? I believe that given an environment of dignity, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard, every person can tap into their own resiliency, achieve personal growth and realize their own unique potential.I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience working as a therapist, researcher and educator. I see both individuals and couples with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, grief and loss, aging issues, substance abuse, gender, sexuality, sexual health and out of control sexual behavior.
Sue Boyd - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Anna de la Paz Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Waitlist for new clients
Currently FULL - new client inquiries will be referred to another provider. - You are only human. This means needing secure, safe attachments with others in order to thrive. You want freedom from addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma. You’re experiencing conflicts in your most important relationships. These problems often block us from feeling confident or thinking clearly. You may be out of energy trying to fix what's not working and need a new perspective to resolve these difficulties. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I support individuals and relationships through solution-focused and strengths-based approaches.
Currently FULL - new client inquiries will be referred to another provider. - You are only human. This means needing secure, safe attachments with others in order to thrive. You want freedom from addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma. You’re experiencing conflicts in your most important relationships. These problems often block us from feeling confident or thinking clearly. You may be out of energy trying to fix what's not working and need a new perspective to resolve these difficulties. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I support individuals and relationships through solution-focused and strengths-based approaches.
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Do you have difficulty keeping up with the demands of life? Do you feel disconnected or down? Does it seem like your mind is often running away with worry? Are you going through a change and could use some guidance? You're not alone and I'd like to help! You and I both know that over time, life can get away from us. I can help you find new ways of living and being that reduce stress and struggle, while enhancing meaning, purpose, and enjoyment of life.
Do you have difficulty keeping up with the demands of life? Do you feel disconnected or down? Does it seem like your mind is often running away with worry? Are you going through a change and could use some guidance? You're not alone and I'd like to help! You and I both know that over time, life can get away from us. I can help you find new ways of living and being that reduce stress and struggle, while enhancing meaning, purpose, and enjoyment of life.
Shibley Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
Shibley Psychology is a private practice where we provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. We also specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases (such as extreme hardship, VAWA, U-Visas, asylum, competency, etc.) and forensic evaluations for State and Federal Court.
Shibley Psychology is a private practice where we provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. We also specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases (such as extreme hardship, VAWA, U-Visas, asylum, competency, etc.) and forensic evaluations for State and Federal Court.
Amanda Cross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Life and all of its stages are filled with change. At times those changes are welcomed, and other times they are unexpected, feel burdensome, and create worry. I will listen and will focus on understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to empower you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, set goals based on your values, and feel relief. As a clinical social worker, I focus on the whole person in their environment. I have developed a nurturing, inclusive, person-centered approach that values each individual’s unique situation and decision making process, and look forward to connecting with you.
Life and all of its stages are filled with change. At times those changes are welcomed, and other times they are unexpected, feel burdensome, and create worry. I will listen and will focus on understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to empower you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, set goals based on your values, and feel relief. As a clinical social worker, I focus on the whole person in their environment. I have developed a nurturing, inclusive, person-centered approach that values each individual’s unique situation and decision making process, and look forward to connecting with you.
Kira Sweetlove - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appt.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appt.
Kimberly Bailey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MBA, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is compassionate, insightful and intuitive about people and their issues. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families navigate the challenges of life, and achieve their goals for mental health and wellness. I realize seeking therapy can be a difficult decision, and I commend you for taking the step towards improving your emotional well-being. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
Hello and welcome! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is compassionate, insightful and intuitive about people and their issues. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families navigate the challenges of life, and achieve their goals for mental health and wellness. I realize seeking therapy can be a difficult decision, and I commend you for taking the step towards improving your emotional well-being. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
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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.