LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Colin Fyfe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I specialize in working with Gay/Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
I specialize in working with Gay/Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Expansive Therapy is a 100% LGBTQ+ owned and focused therapy practice. We wanted to go beyond checking a box for queer affirming therapy to creating a practice that was committed to the community, where queer people could bring their whole selves into therapy. Queer theory asks that we look at the world in a new way, not through a heteronormative lens, but from each individual perspective which is unique and perfect. We are passionate about understanding the unique challenges of our community and helping our queer clients to heal.
Expansive Therapy is a 100% LGBTQ+ owned and focused therapy practice. We wanted to go beyond checking a box for queer affirming therapy to creating a practice that was committed to the community, where queer people could bring their whole selves into therapy. Queer theory asks that we look at the world in a new way, not through a heteronormative lens, but from each individual perspective which is unique and perfect. We are passionate about understanding the unique challenges of our community and helping our queer clients to heal.
I specialize in couples work, Queer & LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
My clients often show up to therapy because of a need for meaningful change in their lives, and a desire to feel happier and more fulfilled. You may find yourself struggling with self-doubt and a harsh, critical inner voice; feeling stuck, sad, far away, and disconnected; navigating a new or difficult circumstance such as death of a loved one; or wanting help to reduce conflict and improve communication with your partner. I see therapy as an opportunity for transformative insight, creativity, self-expression, and healing. It is a place to process and move past the painful experience that stick with us and hold us back.
I specialize in couples work, Queer & LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
My clients often show up to therapy because of a need for meaningful change in their lives, and a desire to feel happier and more fulfilled. You may find yourself struggling with self-doubt and a harsh, critical inner voice; feeling stuck, sad, far away, and disconnected; navigating a new or difficult circumstance such as death of a loved one; or wanting help to reduce conflict and improve communication with your partner. I see therapy as an opportunity for transformative insight, creativity, self-expression, and healing. It is a place to process and move past the painful experience that stick with us and hold us back.
Anna Tyrer-Vasell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I offer safe and affirming couples and individual therapy for adults, teens and couples of all identities, with a specialty in working with LGBTQ+, Trans, and Non Binary communities. I work with clients who struggle with self-identity, self-worth, anxiety, codependency, relationships, and trauma. I pull from my training in gestalt, mindfulness, emotion-focused, IFS and attachment theory to create an environment that allows you to develop a greater understanding of what’s holding you back from the life you want.
I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I offer safe and affirming couples and individual therapy for adults, teens and couples of all identities, with a specialty in working with LGBTQ+, Trans, and Non Binary communities. I work with clients who struggle with self-identity, self-worth, anxiety, codependency, relationships, and trauma. I pull from my training in gestalt, mindfulness, emotion-focused, IFS and attachment theory to create an environment that allows you to develop a greater understanding of what’s holding you back from the life you want.
Jim Christrup
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, shyness, or excessive worry? My goal is to help you break out of old, unproductive ways of dealing with these problems and find more flexible and effective ways of responding and healing. I am an experienced and caring therapist who is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, shyness, or excessive worry? My goal is to help you break out of old, unproductive ways of dealing with these problems and find more flexible and effective ways of responding and healing. I am an experienced and caring therapist who is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
Dr. Wonbin Jung
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
With over 8 years of experience supporting queer couples and Asian American individuals, I am here to help those experiencing challenges in their relationships. I offer a space for queer and/or Asian couples to understand the cycles of conflict and what keeps them stuck in those cycles. I help couples break unhelpful patterns and create new ways of connection and affection. As to my work with queer individuals, I help clients actualize their preferred identities in all aspects of their lives and process any relational or spiritual traumas that they may have faced throughout their lives.
With over 8 years of experience supporting queer couples and Asian American individuals, I am here to help those experiencing challenges in their relationships. I offer a space for queer and/or Asian couples to understand the cycles of conflict and what keeps them stuck in those cycles. I help couples break unhelpful patterns and create new ways of connection and affection. As to my work with queer individuals, I help clients actualize their preferred identities in all aspects of their lives and process any relational or spiritual traumas that they may have faced throughout their lives.
Aaron Chavez Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94116 (Online Only)
I’m a Queer, mixed-race therapist committed to helping other Queer folks learn how to better manage their worry by riding the waves of our emotions, and softening the language we use to describe ourselves. My work focuses on targeting unhelpful thought patterns we convince ourselves to be true, and mute that harsh inner critic. I firmly believe that you are the expert in your own life, which means we will work together to help you reach your goals.
I’m a Queer, mixed-race therapist committed to helping other Queer folks learn how to better manage their worry by riding the waves of our emotions, and softening the language we use to describe ourselves. My work focuses on targeting unhelpful thought patterns we convince ourselves to be true, and mute that harsh inner critic. I firmly believe that you are the expert in your own life, which means we will work together to help you reach your goals.
Max Kopeikin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PgDip, BA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
Anthony Lee
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, #119732
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
We all have unique perspectives in the world and often our identities are at the forefront of our conflict with ourselves and environments. As a 1st-Gen Hmong Queer person I know the challenges of navigating our intersecting identities and relationships. I engage with individuals of all ages who want to take the next step in their life journeys. I have helped many individuals and families experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, navigating challenging relationships, and much more.
We all have unique perspectives in the world and often our identities are at the forefront of our conflict with ourselves and environments. As a 1st-Gen Hmong Queer person I know the challenges of navigating our intersecting identities and relationships. I engage with individuals of all ages who want to take the next step in their life journeys. I have helped many individuals and families experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, navigating challenging relationships, and much more.
I founded the Gay Therapy Center in 2015 because I believe in the healing power of LGBTQ people working with LGBTQ therapists. It's very important in therapy to know for sure that your therapist really "gets" you. At GTC, we’re LGBTQ therapists for LGBTQ people. We've now grown to become the largest private LGBTQ therapy provider in the country with therapists in DC, NYC, SF, LA, and online. We personally match you to the therapist we think will be particularly good for you! You won’t have to deal with waiting lists, sifting through profiles, or matching by algorithms.
I founded the Gay Therapy Center in 2015 because I believe in the healing power of LGBTQ people working with LGBTQ therapists. It's very important in therapy to know for sure that your therapist really "gets" you. At GTC, we’re LGBTQ therapists for LGBTQ people. We've now grown to become the largest private LGBTQ therapy provider in the country with therapists in DC, NYC, SF, LA, and online. We personally match you to the therapist we think will be particularly good for you! You won’t have to deal with waiting lists, sifting through profiles, or matching by algorithms.
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My work is trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and draws upon rich psychodynamic, somatic, transpersonal, and mindfulness-based theories and techniques.
There are many factors that can lead a person to therapy. Perhaps you’re experiencing a persistent feeling of fear, loneliness, or anxiety, but can’t quite put your finger on where it’s coming from. You may have experienced a recent change or loss of a loved one, relationship, or job that is profoundly impacting you. Or, it could be that the voice of your inner critic is so loud that they/she/he is all you hear.
My work is trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and draws upon rich psychodynamic, somatic, transpersonal, and mindfulness-based theories and techniques.
There are many factors that can lead a person to therapy. Perhaps you’re experiencing a persistent feeling of fear, loneliness, or anxiety, but can’t quite put your finger on where it’s coming from. You may have experienced a recent change or loss of a loved one, relationship, or job that is profoundly impacting you. Or, it could be that the voice of your inner critic is so loud that they/she/he is all you hear.
I have extensive experience working with professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as members of the LGBTQ and Asian communities.
I understand how important it is for my clients to feel supported and be able to address their immediate concerns as quickly and as effectively as possible. I view therapy as a collaborative process where I work with my clients to acquire the appropriate coping skills for their present difficulties while gaining the understanding and insight needed to handle future challenges. By working together, I will help you to build on your strengths and expand your skills to not only cope with the obstacles in life, but to optimize your well-being and to reach for your full potential.
I have extensive experience working with professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as members of the LGBTQ and Asian communities.
I understand how important it is for my clients to feel supported and be able to address their immediate concerns as quickly and as effectively as possible. I view therapy as a collaborative process where I work with my clients to acquire the appropriate coping skills for their present difficulties while gaining the understanding and insight needed to handle future challenges. By working together, I will help you to build on your strengths and expand your skills to not only cope with the obstacles in life, but to optimize your well-being and to reach for your full potential.
Lauren King - LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples using use an integrative approach that invites consent and collaboration.
Many people come to therapy after reaching a certain breaking point. You've tried everything that's "supposed" to help - yoga, meditation, books, journaling. Maybe you seem to have it all together on the outside, but still feel unhappy, or stuck. If only you could just change -fill in the blank- everything would be better. The growth of social media has impacted how we view ourselves and community, leading to comparison and insecurity. We are conditioned through capitalism to feel somehow "never enough." We may feel behind our peers in dating, career, or friendships - creating isolation and uncertainty about what we want in life.
I work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples using use an integrative approach that invites consent and collaboration.
Many people come to therapy after reaching a certain breaking point. You've tried everything that's "supposed" to help - yoga, meditation, books, journaling. Maybe you seem to have it all together on the outside, but still feel unhappy, or stuck. If only you could just change -fill in the blank- everything would be better. The growth of social media has impacted how we view ourselves and community, leading to comparison and insecurity. We are conditioned through capitalism to feel somehow "never enough." We may feel behind our peers in dating, career, or friendships - creating isolation and uncertainty about what we want in life.
Troy Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Are you a gay, bi or queer man struggling with a major life transition, anxiety, depression relationship issues, or feel isolated and disconnected from our community? If so, I can help. As a gay therapist, I understand our experiences are as diverse as everyone else's, and at the same time, there are aspects of our lives and community that our unique to us. During our work together, I will help you gain deeper insight into your problems, develop the skills necessary to change unhelpful patterns, improve your ability to cope with challenging situations and emotions and ultimately achieve the happiness and fulfillment you want.
Are you a gay, bi or queer man struggling with a major life transition, anxiety, depression relationship issues, or feel isolated and disconnected from our community? If so, I can help. As a gay therapist, I understand our experiences are as diverse as everyone else's, and at the same time, there are aspects of our lives and community that our unique to us. During our work together, I will help you gain deeper insight into your problems, develop the skills necessary to change unhelpful patterns, improve your ability to cope with challenging situations and emotions and ultimately achieve the happiness and fulfillment you want.
Kristin F. Jones Affirmative Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Certified in LGBTQ populations, I work with all varieties of sexuality and coupling from monogamy to non-monogamy (CNM, Poly, RA).
How does your need for certainty play out? Does it force you to try to predict? Does it persuade you to declare things that you don't actually know? Perhaps the need for certainty is powerful enough to rob you of genuine moments with loved ones or with yourself. Research finds that people who take risks (those who step into the unknown) are happier than those who merely reach for reward or gratification. Why? Because healthy risk-taking has rewards sewn into the experience when we authentically try. It builds skills in self-advocacy, self-love and self-worth.
Certified in LGBTQ populations, I work with all varieties of sexuality and coupling from monogamy to non-monogamy (CNM, Poly, RA).
How does your need for certainty play out? Does it force you to try to predict? Does it persuade you to declare things that you don't actually know? Perhaps the need for certainty is powerful enough to rob you of genuine moments with loved ones or with yourself. Research finds that people who take risks (those who step into the unknown) are happier than those who merely reach for reward or gratification. Why? Because healthy risk-taking has rewards sewn into the experience when we authentically try. It builds skills in self-advocacy, self-love and self-worth.
Bonnie Madison
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121 (Online Only)
I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, and trauma.
You deserve to love every single part of who you are. It's not always easy. Maybe it's been especially hard lately. Maybe there are past experiences that have damaged your sense of self-worth. Maybe you're suffocated by a society that tells you how you should look, behave, and love. Maybe you struggle with a sense of shame that makes it difficult to be radically, fully, unapologetically you. Somewhere along the way, you've gotten stuck. It's time to get unstuck. Let's figure this out together.
I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, and trauma.
You deserve to love every single part of who you are. It's not always easy. Maybe it's been especially hard lately. Maybe there are past experiences that have damaged your sense of self-worth. Maybe you're suffocated by a society that tells you how you should look, behave, and love. Maybe you struggle with a sense of shame that makes it difficult to be radically, fully, unapologetically you. Somewhere along the way, you've gotten stuck. It's time to get unstuck. Let's figure this out together.
Jason Markel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community can be a challenging path to walk. As a gay man, I have been walking that path all my life and I understand the challenge. As a therapist I am here to help you with many of the challenges of it. Whether you are struggling with gender identity, sexuality, or something related - I'm here to support you. Maybe you are a family member of someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and are struggling to understand how to support your loved one? Whatever the circumstance - I'm here for you. I provide Telehealth for anyone living in California and can offer a sliding scale to those in need.
Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community can be a challenging path to walk. As a gay man, I have been walking that path all my life and I understand the challenge. As a therapist I am here to help you with many of the challenges of it. Whether you are struggling with gender identity, sexuality, or something related - I'm here to support you. Maybe you are a family member of someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and are struggling to understand how to support your loved one? Whatever the circumstance - I'm here for you. I provide Telehealth for anyone living in California and can offer a sliding scale to those in need.
Stacey Mcguirl
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also work with clients in the LGBTQ community on issues of gender and sexual identity.
I provide Tele-health therapy for clients in both California and Pennsylvania. Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
I also work with clients in the LGBTQ community on issues of gender and sexual identity.
I provide Tele-health therapy for clients in both California and Pennsylvania. Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
Lgbtqia+ Therapist Miranda Young
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MA, PPS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I put an emphasis on the working relationship between client and clinician. This allows me to have a warm, interactive, strength-based and client-centered approach using a variety of modalities. In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves. I believe that bringing awareness to these patterns and unpacking their origins can be incredibly helpful. I also bring a queer, feminist, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive/curious lens my work.
I put an emphasis on the working relationship between client and clinician. This allows me to have a warm, interactive, strength-based and client-centered approach using a variety of modalities. In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves. I believe that bringing awareness to these patterns and unpacking their origins can be incredibly helpful. I also bring a queer, feminist, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive/curious lens my work.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
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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.