LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in West Covina, CA

Photo of Christina Isabel Villatoro, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Isabel Villatoro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790  (Online Only)
Welcome (Bienvendo(a)(x)...I am a culturally sensitive inclusive Marriage & Family Therapist. I am from an immigrant Spanish-speaking family who encouraged humility, a strong work ethic, and resilience! I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, especially as an Ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities! My focus is to help others as they navigate stress, relationship issues, coming out struggles, acculturation/racial trauma, post-traumatic stress, and depression/anxiety.
Welcome (Bienvendo(a)(x)...I am a culturally sensitive inclusive Marriage & Family Therapist. I am from an immigrant Spanish-speaking family who encouraged humility, a strong work ethic, and resilience! I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, especially as an Ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities! My focus is to help others as they navigate stress, relationship issues, coming out struggles, acculturation/racial trauma, post-traumatic stress, and depression/anxiety.
(626) 618-7785 View (626) 618-7785
Photo of Michael Rizzo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Rizzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
Mike Rizzo LMFT Addiction Recovery. I have worked in the recovery field since 2004.Since 2007 I have worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, developing and managing their Addiction Recovery Services / Crystal Meth Recovery Services. I also was the Program Director at CAST Centers in West Hollywood. I am trained in working with individuals in the LGBTQI community. I specialize in addiction recovery and am comfortable working with clients dealing with depression and anxiety. I believe clients intuitively have their own answers and I work to help clients find their truth. I work compassionately and can be directive with my clients.
Mike Rizzo LMFT Addiction Recovery. I have worked in the recovery field since 2004.Since 2007 I have worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, developing and managing their Addiction Recovery Services / Crystal Meth Recovery Services. I also was the Program Director at CAST Centers in West Hollywood. I am trained in working with individuals in the LGBTQI community. I specialize in addiction recovery and am comfortable working with clients dealing with depression and anxiety. I believe clients intuitively have their own answers and I work to help clients find their truth. I work compassionately and can be directive with my clients.
(626) 876-3079 View (626) 876-3079
Photo of Christi Gallon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christi Gallon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
(714) 908-9714 View (714) 908-9714
Photo of Sterling Walker, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
I specialize in LGBTQ issues, couples therapy, and sex therapy.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
I specialize in LGBTQ issues, couples therapy, and sex therapy.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(714) 942-4180 View (714) 942-4180
Photo of Kathlynn Gates, ASW
Kathlynn Gates
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
I have experience working with individuals who struggle with issues stemming from substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and personality disorders.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
I have experience working with individuals who struggle with issues stemming from substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and personality disorders.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(714) 519-2761 View (714) 519-2761
Photo of Ansely Henriquez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ansely Henriquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
I have supported clients with specific interest in working on issues of diversity, ethnicity, identity and enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ families and individuals.
“Now accepting new clients!” I am a bi-lingual Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. I am trained in multiple evidenced-based practices which has elevated my experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I have supported clients with specific interest in working on issues of diversity, ethnicity, identity and enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ families and individuals.
“Now accepting new clients!” I am a bi-lingual Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. I am trained in multiple evidenced-based practices which has elevated my experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
(562) 526-1467 View (562) 526-1467
Photo of Counseling Services Inc. - Counseling Services, Inc., LMFT, PhD, MFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Covina, CA 91790
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals.
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals.
(424) 353-4257 View (424) 353-4257
Photo of Charmaine Rable, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Charmaine Rable
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
My name is Charmaine Rable, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a collaborative approach to therapy in which I strive to create a safe comfortable space that encourages an authentic therapeutic relationship to develop naturally. I focus on symptom relief, improving daily functioning and quality of life. Clients that experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and job stress. interpersonal conflict, and life transitions. I am comfortable treating ADHD, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Anger Management.
My name is Charmaine Rable, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a collaborative approach to therapy in which I strive to create a safe comfortable space that encourages an authentic therapeutic relationship to develop naturally. I focus on symptom relief, improving daily functioning and quality of life. Clients that experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and job stress. interpersonal conflict, and life transitions. I am comfortable treating ADHD, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Anger Management.
(626) 646-5245 View (626) 646-5245
Photo of Beatriz Munoz-Sandoval, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beatriz Munoz-Sandoval
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
My work in mental health field began over 7 years ago, working with children, adolescents , families, and adults. Most of my work has been with clients with intensive mental health needs and whom have experience trauma in their lives. I have worked in providing individual/family therapy as well as help in navigating with parenting and behavior issues.
My work in mental health field began over 7 years ago, working with children, adolescents , families, and adults. Most of my work has been with clients with intensive mental health needs and whom have experience trauma in their lives. I have worked in providing individual/family therapy as well as help in navigating with parenting and behavior issues.
(323) 843-5945 View (323) 843-5945
Photo of Rosa Zuniga, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rosa Zuniga
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
Nowdays seeking help can be scary, terrifying, and overwhelming primarily due to stereotypes and biases of getting help from a mental health therapist. I invite you to ask yourself, if you are struggling with daily stressors, grief and loss, fear, anxiety, depression and panic attacks? Do you experience difficulty adjusting to changes, new challenges, the loss of a loved one/pet or job, separation/divorce? Is your toddler/teenager acting out and rebelling? Do you feel unsupported by your spouse, friends, and family? Do you feel alone, helpless, and hopeless with the demands of your day to day life? Get help, get well, and live well!
Nowdays seeking help can be scary, terrifying, and overwhelming primarily due to stereotypes and biases of getting help from a mental health therapist. I invite you to ask yourself, if you are struggling with daily stressors, grief and loss, fear, anxiety, depression and panic attacks? Do you experience difficulty adjusting to changes, new challenges, the loss of a loved one/pet or job, separation/divorce? Is your toddler/teenager acting out and rebelling? Do you feel unsupported by your spouse, friends, and family? Do you feel alone, helpless, and hopeless with the demands of your day to day life? Get help, get well, and live well!
(657) 500-4642 View (657) 500-4642
Photo of Anissa McNeil - Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic, PhD, LMFT, Psychologist
Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
(213) 996-0522 x701 View (213) 996-0522 x701
Photo of Ilian Alvarez, EdD, Psychologist
Ilian Alvarez
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Covina, CA 91790
Looking for a therapist can feel frightening and overwhelming. This is especially true if you are one of those individuals who have it all put together, yet often worrying especially about what others may think. Do you struggle with feelings of loneliness, fear, guilt, shame, anger, difficulties trusting others and difficulties feeling joy. Therapy is a transformational process and I certainly understand being anxious or even fearful of change. Through my personal experience in psychotherapy and my work with clients, I have experienced and witnessed the healing and change the therapeutic process offers.
Looking for a therapist can feel frightening and overwhelming. This is especially true if you are one of those individuals who have it all put together, yet often worrying especially about what others may think. Do you struggle with feelings of loneliness, fear, guilt, shame, anger, difficulties trusting others and difficulties feeling joy. Therapy is a transformational process and I certainly understand being anxious or even fearful of change. Through my personal experience in psychotherapy and my work with clients, I have experienced and witnessed the healing and change the therapeutic process offers.
(909) 321-6707 View (909) 321-6707
Photo of Veronica Ghabour, LPCC
Veronica Ghabour
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
(714) 622-7419 View (714) 622-7419
Photo of Karen Aparcana, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Aparcana
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
Welcome, my name is Karen Aparcana and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I believe that all humans are capable of making positive changes in their lives and I would love to be a part of your process. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theories. I work with individuals to navigate depression, anxiety, and issues relating to past traumas. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theories. My priority is to create a safe space for clients, and I do so by maintaining unconditional positive regard for my clients.
Welcome, my name is Karen Aparcana and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I believe that all humans are capable of making positive changes in their lives and I would love to be a part of your process. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theories. I work with individuals to navigate depression, anxiety, and issues relating to past traumas. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theories. My priority is to create a safe space for clients, and I do so by maintaining unconditional positive regard for my clients.
(760) 284-8282 View (760) 284-8282
Photo of Alma E Smith, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alma E Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
We are a result of every single experience in life, good or bad. Over the course of a lifetime, we developed habits and perspectives that helped us to cope with suffering. However, when those old methods no longer serve, it is time to let another person to walk alongside in order to examine and discover new ways for dealing with life's challenges. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental and empathetic environment that fosters self reflection in order to encourage personal transformation and learning what works for you. Taking the first step might be difficult, but you will be glad you did it. Hablo Espa˜ñol.
We are a result of every single experience in life, good or bad. Over the course of a lifetime, we developed habits and perspectives that helped us to cope with suffering. However, when those old methods no longer serve, it is time to let another person to walk alongside in order to examine and discover new ways for dealing with life's challenges. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental and empathetic environment that fosters self reflection in order to encourage personal transformation and learning what works for you. Taking the first step might be difficult, but you will be glad you did it. Hablo Espa˜ñol.
(626) 727-9868 View (626) 727-9868
Photo of Jose Luna, ASW, EMDR
Jose Luna
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, EMDR
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791  (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
(714) 844-5281 View (714) 844-5281
Photo of Katharine Mechem, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katharine Mechem
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91791
I also have expertise working with the LGBTQI community, people in recovery from addictive behaviors, and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Hello! My name is Katie (Katharine) Mechem, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with clients throughout California, by Telehealth (video sessions). My specialties are: chronic and life-threatening illnesses, disability, and grief, especially how these challenges affect families. My approach is Integrative, which means that I often use a combination of therapy methods depending on your needs and preferences (see the next section).
I also have expertise working with the LGBTQI community, people in recovery from addictive behaviors, and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Hello! My name is Katie (Katharine) Mechem, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with clients throughout California, by Telehealth (video sessions). My specialties are: chronic and life-threatening illnesses, disability, and grief, especially how these challenges affect families. My approach is Integrative, which means that I often use a combination of therapy methods depending on your needs and preferences (see the next section).
(530) 531-8842 View (530) 531-8842
Photo of Marta Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marta Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91793
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by life's challenges? I can help. With 25 years of experience in mental health, I offer a supportive partnership to guide you toward wellness, positive emotional health, and personal fulfillment. Together, we will work collaboratively to empower you with the tools needed to create meaningful changes in your daily life, improving your emotional state and overall situation. I am passionate about working with individuals who are motivated and open to tapping into their inner strength, fostering growth and emotional evolution. Let's start this transformative journey together.
Feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by life's challenges? I can help. With 25 years of experience in mental health, I offer a supportive partnership to guide you toward wellness, positive emotional health, and personal fulfillment. Together, we will work collaboratively to empower you with the tools needed to create meaningful changes in your daily life, improving your emotional state and overall situation. I am passionate about working with individuals who are motivated and open to tapping into their inner strength, fostering growth and emotional evolution. Let's start this transformative journey together.
(909) 963-1452 View (909) 963-1452
Photo of Soultenders Inc - Soultenders, Inc., PhD, LMFT, LCSW, MFTI, Psychologist
Soultenders, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT, LCSW, MFTI
Not Verified Not Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
The mental health services can be an eye-opening–even transformative experience.
The licensed providers in our network can help with: Adolescents , Anxiety , Child , Codependency , Depression , Divorce , Domestic Violence , Family Conflict , Infidelity , Marital and Premarital Parenting Pregnancy , Prenatal , Postpartum , Self Esteem , Sexual Abuse , Stress , Trauma , and PTSD , EMDR, and many more.
The mental health services can be an eye-opening–even transformative experience.
The licensed providers in our network can help with: Adolescents , Anxiety , Child , Codependency , Depression , Divorce , Domestic Violence , Family Conflict , Infidelity , Marital and Premarital Parenting Pregnancy , Prenatal , Postpartum , Self Esteem , Sexual Abuse , Stress , Trauma , and PTSD , EMDR, and many more.
(626) 587-2663 View (626) 587-2663
Photo of Joan Mendoza - Joan Mendoza @ Rooted Empowerment Collective, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joan Mendoza @ Rooted Empowerment Collective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Covina, CA 91790
As a Latina/mother/daughter/wife, I understand the difficulty of making time to prioritize my wellness. As people of color we often hear " we have gone through worse and didn't need therapy" "our people don't need therapy, thats a white thing" "tu no estas loca." These expressions are meant to celebrate the resiliency of our people but beneath the surface they are damaging. By denying our humanity, we downplay the effects mental illness can have on us, our family and our community. We ignore our own pain and suffering, in an effort to show our "strength."
As a Latina/mother/daughter/wife, I understand the difficulty of making time to prioritize my wellness. As people of color we often hear " we have gone through worse and didn't need therapy" "our people don't need therapy, thats a white thing" "tu no estas loca." These expressions are meant to celebrate the resiliency of our people but beneath the surface they are damaging. By denying our humanity, we downplay the effects mental illness can have on us, our family and our community. We ignore our own pain and suffering, in an effort to show our "strength."
(323) 745-2278 View (323) 745-2278
1

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.