LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Westminster, CA

Photo of Melyssa DePaolo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melyssa DePaolo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker (since 2013) who is passionate and dedicated to mental health and the adventures of the human experience. I enjoy working with people who are curious about their life and motivated for change, growth and healing. I specialize in PTSD & trauma, LGBTQIA+ affirming, integrative attachment therapy, adoption/foster care related issues with children, families and individuals. Other areas of experience and specialty include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, OCD, phobias, and somatic sensorimotor integration.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker (since 2013) who is passionate and dedicated to mental health and the adventures of the human experience. I enjoy working with people who are curious about their life and motivated for change, growth and healing. I specialize in PTSD & trauma, LGBTQIA+ affirming, integrative attachment therapy, adoption/foster care related issues with children, families and individuals. Other areas of experience and specialty include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, OCD, phobias, and somatic sensorimotor integration.
(657) 837-1525 View (657) 837-1525
Photo of Gilberto Garcia-Torres, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gilberto Garcia-Torres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Gil García-Torres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing since 1993. He graduated from California State University Long Beach, with a Master of Social Work. He practices from a multi-cultural strengths-based lens assisting clients in making changes to increase their life satisfaction. He specializes in the treatment of adults exposed to adverse life events, as well as childhood and cultural trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, grief and loss, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Gil García-Torres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing since 1993. He graduated from California State University Long Beach, with a Master of Social Work. He practices from a multi-cultural strengths-based lens assisting clients in making changes to increase their life satisfaction. He specializes in the treatment of adults exposed to adverse life events, as well as childhood and cultural trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, grief and loss, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ issues.
(657) 571-6951 View (657) 571-6951
Photo of Brooklynn Kendall - The Nest Counseling Center, INC  Lgbtq Therapists, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Nest Counseling Center, INC Lgbtq Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Providing in person and telehealth care throughout California. Trained in LGBTQ and Allied Care, we are a Group Practice that is diverse in identity, age and backgrounds. We work with Individuals, Couples, Gay Men, Lesbian Women, Trans and Non Binary folx, Neurodivergent, Sex Workers, Poly and ENM, Furries and Religious Trauma. We provide a safe and affirming environment so you can heal.
Providing in person and telehealth care throughout California. Trained in LGBTQ and Allied Care, we are a Group Practice that is diverse in identity, age and backgrounds. We work with Individuals, Couples, Gay Men, Lesbian Women, Trans and Non Binary folx, Neurodivergent, Sex Workers, Poly and ENM, Furries and Religious Trauma. We provide a safe and affirming environment so you can heal.
(657) 530-5270 View (657) 530-5270
Photo of Alison Lynn Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison Lynn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Westminster, CA 92683
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Cannot find someone who takes your insurance? Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back or there being a schedule conflict? Insightful Matters may be the solution for you. Here, you call one number and you are taken care of. You have access to using your insurance if you wish, a full range of therapists to choose from, days & times, as well as specialities. You can check out our individual profiles here on psychology today and on our website at www.insightfulmatters.com.
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Cannot find someone who takes your insurance? Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back or there being a schedule conflict? Insightful Matters may be the solution for you. Here, you call one number and you are taken care of. You have access to using your insurance if you wish, a full range of therapists to choose from, days & times, as well as specialities. You can check out our individual profiles here on psychology today and on our website at www.insightfulmatters.com.
(714) 654-1570 View (714) 654-1570
Photo of Linda Tran, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Linda Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CA 92683  (Online Only)
When you're feeling powerless, without control, let us move towards the power of your choices to help you heal in our world. I work with adults, intimate partners, and adolescents to meet them where they are to collaborate, with the mission to shed light on their journeys towards awareness, acceptance, and change they want. I am passionate about working with complex trauma/PTSD, interpersonal relationship issues, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, perfectionism, neurodivergence, self-confidence, grief, and multicultural issues that arise within AAPI, BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and multiracial/ethnic communities.
When you're feeling powerless, without control, let us move towards the power of your choices to help you heal in our world. I work with adults, intimate partners, and adolescents to meet them where they are to collaborate, with the mission to shed light on their journeys towards awareness, acceptance, and change they want. I am passionate about working with complex trauma/PTSD, interpersonal relationship issues, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, perfectionism, neurodivergence, self-confidence, grief, and multicultural issues that arise within AAPI, BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and multiracial/ethnic communities.
(818) 650-3238 View (818) 650-3238
Photo of Dana Miscia
Dana Miscia
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CA 92684
I Specialize in supporting those who want to make a difference in their lives and assist with the motivation in reaching their goals. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, life transition, lgbt, motivation, goal setting, and other related concerns.
I Specialize in supporting those who want to make a difference in their lives and assist with the motivation in reaching their goals. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, life transition, lgbt, motivation, goal setting, and other related concerns.
(657) 500-3891 View (657) 500-3891
Photo of Jaclyn Jarrard, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaclyn Jarrard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, family of origin (attachment) issues, relationship difficulties, anxiety (nervous system activation), grief I work with couples who are having issues with communication, parenting, emotions, recovery from infidelity, exploring kink/nonmonogamy I work with couples and individuals to achieve safety, heal
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, family of origin (attachment) issues, relationship difficulties, anxiety (nervous system activation), grief I work with couples who are having issues with communication, parenting, emotions, recovery from infidelity, exploring kink/nonmonogamy I work with couples and individuals to achieve safety, heal
(657) 571-6478 View (657) 571-6478
Photo of Marianne Sharon, LPCC
Marianne Sharon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Marianne M. Sharon is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master's Degree in Community Counseling, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and an Associate's Degree in Education. Marianne offers more than 10 years professional experience working with clients and families from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective to improve the emotional well-being of clients and their families.
Marianne M. Sharon is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master's Degree in Community Counseling, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and an Associate's Degree in Education. Marianne offers more than 10 years professional experience working with clients and families from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective to improve the emotional well-being of clients and their families.
(657) 300-3963 View (657) 300-3963
Photo of Kelley Kennedy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelley Kennedy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
I am a licensed clinical social worker and I have been working with children, teens, adults and families for over 20 years. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and I have been working with children, teens, adults and families for over 20 years. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
(657) 571-6241 View (657) 571-6241
Photo of Manuel Gutierrez-Navarrete, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Manuel Gutierrez-Navarrete
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
My name is Manuel Gutierrez-Navarrete. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am currently working on earning my Psy.D. in child psychology. I have been working with the community at different levels for over 20 years, and I have a passion for change and moving forward from life experiences. My ideal client is a person who shows up to sessions with the thought that a session is a place of respite where they can evaluate past and current experiences that challenge their growth and affect their daily mood.
My name is Manuel Gutierrez-Navarrete. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am currently working on earning my Psy.D. in child psychology. I have been working with the community at different levels for over 20 years, and I have a passion for change and moving forward from life experiences. My ideal client is a person who shows up to sessions with the thought that a session is a place of respite where they can evaluate past and current experiences that challenge their growth and affect their daily mood.
(657) 837-5893 View (657) 837-5893
Photo of Nicole Carmona, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Carmona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Thank you for stopping by! My name is Nicole Carmona, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing teletherapy services in California. A bit about my educational and professional background: I attended Azusa Pacific University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, followed by attending Cal State University, Fullerton, where I earned my Master in Social Work.
Thank you for stopping by! My name is Nicole Carmona, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing teletherapy services in California. A bit about my educational and professional background: I attended Azusa Pacific University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, followed by attending Cal State University, Fullerton, where I earned my Master in Social Work.
(657) 571-3529 View (657) 571-3529
Photo of Darryl Nguyen, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Darryl Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
My ideal client faces anxiety and trauma, often rooted in relationship and family dynamics, and struggles with identity and communication. They seek a safe space to explore their narratives and desire guidance to authentically reshape their life stories. Their goals include overcoming personal challenges, deepening self-understanding, and enhancing relationships through improved communication. They aspire to empowerment, seeking strategies for meaningful change and a fulfilling life. I offer personalized support, focusing on growth, healing, and the power of transformation.
My ideal client faces anxiety and trauma, often rooted in relationship and family dynamics, and struggles with identity and communication. They seek a safe space to explore their narratives and desire guidance to authentically reshape their life stories. Their goals include overcoming personal challenges, deepening self-understanding, and enhancing relationships through improved communication. They aspire to empowerment, seeking strategies for meaningful change and a fulfilling life. I offer personalized support, focusing on growth, healing, and the power of transformation.
(714) 586-8475 View (714) 586-8475
Photo of Jody Pratt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jody Pratt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Welcome! My name is Jody Pratt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience. I typically work with individuals who report anxiety, depression or trauma. I also work with couples who are having difficulty resolving conflict, experienced trauma, or are struggling to connect. My approach to therapy is holistic and systemic . That means I see you as a human being with many dimensions who comes from a unique historical context and currently lives in a complex situation.
Welcome! My name is Jody Pratt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience. I typically work with individuals who report anxiety, depression or trauma. I also work with couples who are having difficulty resolving conflict, experienced trauma, or are struggling to connect. My approach to therapy is holistic and systemic . That means I see you as a human being with many dimensions who comes from a unique historical context and currently lives in a complex situation.
(657) 255-6437 View (657) 255-6437
Photo of Lia Ek, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lia Ek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
When we live in a society that is obsessed with happiness and perfection, it is not uncommon to feel inadequate. You are not broken. You are valuable and worthy of love. I help my clients not to live perfect lives, but to live meaningful ones. I am here to help you navigate issues related to everyday life stressors, adjusting to new challenges, roles, and situations, anxiety, depression, substance use, postpartum depression, and relationship issues. Choosing a therapist can be overwhelming. I believe that you should find someone you feel comfortable working with. This can take some time, but it is worth it.
When we live in a society that is obsessed with happiness and perfection, it is not uncommon to feel inadequate. You are not broken. You are valuable and worthy of love. I help my clients not to live perfect lives, but to live meaningful ones. I am here to help you navigate issues related to everyday life stressors, adjusting to new challenges, roles, and situations, anxiety, depression, substance use, postpartum depression, and relationship issues. Choosing a therapist can be overwhelming. I believe that you should find someone you feel comfortable working with. This can take some time, but it is worth it.
(714) 409-0741 View (714) 409-0741
Photo of Steven Nelson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Hello, my name is Steven Nelson. I am always delighted to be able to help others find their own solutions with life's circumstances. There can always be a positive aspect to a struggle or an unfortunate situation. If you seek, you will find. At times we just need that support to help see it. “If you bring the body the mind will follow.” I specialize in various and multiple theoretical approaches to help with various addiction issues, grief, anxiety, depression, Trauma, and PTSD.
Hello, my name is Steven Nelson. I am always delighted to be able to help others find their own solutions with life's circumstances. There can always be a positive aspect to a struggle or an unfortunate situation. If you seek, you will find. At times we just need that support to help see it. “If you bring the body the mind will follow.” I specialize in various and multiple theoretical approaches to help with various addiction issues, grief, anxiety, depression, Trauma, and PTSD.
(657) 317-7434 View (657) 317-7434
Photo of Victoria Wuest, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Victoria Wuest
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.
My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.
(657) 837-1582 View (657) 837-1582
Photo of James Thomas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
James Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
I am James Thomas, LCSW. I strive to meet people where they are exploring and support individuals to get in touch with what is truly important to them while cultivating loving acceptance of themselves. Being able to increase insight, understanding of how the past impacts the present, although does not have to dictate one's reality, developing a clear, nonjudgmental view of the current situation allows people to work towards becoming a person who lives a life which is congruent with their values.
I am James Thomas, LCSW. I strive to meet people where they are exploring and support individuals to get in touch with what is truly important to them while cultivating loving acceptance of themselves. Being able to increase insight, understanding of how the past impacts the present, although does not have to dictate one's reality, developing a clear, nonjudgmental view of the current situation allows people to work towards becoming a person who lives a life which is congruent with their values.
(657) 250-7758 View (657) 250-7758
Photo of Dr. Marc Bock, PhD, DC, MA, Psychologist
Dr. Marc Bock
Psychologist, PhD, DC, MA
Verified Verified
Westminster, CA 92683
Dr. Marc Bock has developed and led anger management groups for men convicted of domestic violence for over 10 years. He now works with individuals and couples in his private practice to guide them on the path to a healthy relationship with themselves and others. In addition to being a practicing psychologist and chiropractor, he is also an educator and lecturer. This unique balance of mind and body skills and the awareness of how our pain affects our total self, allows for a more integrated approach in guiding individuals along their path of healing.
Dr. Marc Bock has developed and led anger management groups for men convicted of domestic violence for over 10 years. He now works with individuals and couples in his private practice to guide them on the path to a healthy relationship with themselves and others. In addition to being a practicing psychologist and chiropractor, he is also an educator and lecturer. This unique balance of mind and body skills and the awareness of how our pain affects our total self, allows for a more integrated approach in guiding individuals along their path of healing.
(714) 847-5350 View (714) 847-5350
Photo of Joey Pham, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joey Pham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CA 92683  (Online Only)
At time, life provides us with the opportunities that enable us to grow and accomplish. However, at times it also presents itself in the form of a challenge. These life events can take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling hopeless, unmotivated, lost, and stuck. I am passionate and confident in my ability to make a difference in the life of my clients. Having been through many touch patches myself, I understand well the importance of regaining one's own sense of purpose, strength, and dignity. I have experiences working with both children and adults using individual and family therapy modalities.
At time, life provides us with the opportunities that enable us to grow and accomplish. However, at times it also presents itself in the form of a challenge. These life events can take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling hopeless, unmotivated, lost, and stuck. I am passionate and confident in my ability to make a difference in the life of my clients. Having been through many touch patches myself, I understand well the importance of regaining one's own sense of purpose, strength, and dignity. I have experiences working with both children and adults using individual and family therapy modalities.
(714) 880-8756 View (714) 880-8756
Photo of Shannon Forbes, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Forbes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CA 92684
Everyone has an inner critic that is demanding, judgmental, and critical of the self. Some have harsher inner critics than others; however, my goal is for my clients to experience less criticism and more curiosity and self-compassion. Self-criticism is debilitating. It can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, cutting, substance abuse, infidelity and the list goes on. As I work with my clients to develop more self-awareness and self-understanding, they begin to develop more self-compassion and their symptoms begin to dissipate.
Everyone has an inner critic that is demanding, judgmental, and critical of the self. Some have harsher inner critics than others; however, my goal is for my clients to experience less criticism and more curiosity and self-compassion. Self-criticism is debilitating. It can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, cutting, substance abuse, infidelity and the list goes on. As I work with my clients to develop more self-awareness and self-understanding, they begin to develop more self-compassion and their symptoms begin to dissipate.
(949) 379-2722 View (949) 379-2722
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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.