Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Percy Raynier Castellanos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
If you are seeking a Queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), multicultural therapist of color with whom you can discuss the issues listed in my profile and website, then you are welcome to contact me to see if we are a good fit.
I am drawn to support clients heal the anxiety, guilt and shame from trauma. This may include trauma related to abuse, bullying, accidents, harassment, religious impositions, discrimination, and more. My clients often want to feel less anxiety, better manage their triggers, enjoy sexual intercourse with their partner(s), and redefine themselves from the trauma they experienced. Grounding techniques, challenging learned beliefs, asserting needs, and living more for self, are common themes in my practice and essential for post-traumatic growth. Integrating identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.) is common in my practice.
If you are seeking a Queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), multicultural therapist of color with whom you can discuss the issues listed in my profile and website, then you are welcome to contact me to see if we are a good fit.
I am drawn to support clients heal the anxiety, guilt and shame from trauma. This may include trauma related to abuse, bullying, accidents, harassment, religious impositions, discrimination, and more. My clients often want to feel less anxiety, better manage their triggers, enjoy sexual intercourse with their partner(s), and redefine themselves from the trauma they experienced. Grounding techniques, challenging learned beliefs, asserting needs, and living more for self, are common themes in my practice and essential for post-traumatic growth. Integrating identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.) is common in my practice.
Ida Ahmadi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
While I specialize in working with queer & trans adolescents, individuals, and couples—I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds, ages, sexualities, and relationship styles.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
While I specialize in working with queer & trans adolescents, individuals, and couples—I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds, ages, sexualities, and relationship styles.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
Audie Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I enjoy working with a diverse range of people who are dealing with a broad spectrum of life experiences. I particularly love working with people inside the LGBTQ+ family. I help people navigate through many things including life transitions, anxiety, relationship dynamics and family of origin conflict. My ideal client is someone that is ready to engage in therapy with openness, curiosity, and vulnerability. You are ready to build a therapeutic collaboration to explore, process, and challenge yourself for growth. You are interested in learning ways to do or see things, or are curious about why things happen as they do.
I enjoy working with a diverse range of people who are dealing with a broad spectrum of life experiences. I particularly love working with people inside the LGBTQ+ family. I help people navigate through many things including life transitions, anxiety, relationship dynamics and family of origin conflict. My ideal client is someone that is ready to engage in therapy with openness, curiosity, and vulnerability. You are ready to build a therapeutic collaboration to explore, process, and challenge yourself for growth. You are interested in learning ways to do or see things, or are curious about why things happen as they do.
Eliot Altschul
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Having been in the field for over 30 years, I consider myself to be a seasoned generalist. I enjoy working with people presenting with a broad range of psychological concerns. Some of my areas of interest and specialty include Sexuality and Gender, Identity Development, Mindfulness, and Spirituality. My work is inclusive and queer-affirming. I enjoy working with relationship dynamics of all types, and my approach is interpersonal and depth oriented.
Having been in the field for over 30 years, I consider myself to be a seasoned generalist. I enjoy working with people presenting with a broad range of psychological concerns. Some of my areas of interest and specialty include Sexuality and Gender, Identity Development, Mindfulness, and Spirituality. My work is inclusive and queer-affirming. I enjoy working with relationship dynamics of all types, and my approach is interpersonal and depth oriented.
John Hanig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
Lucas Dangler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
I provide teletherapy to clients in Pennsylvania and California (I am licensed in both states). I work with adults (18-65) who are struggling with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, acute stress, substance use, and challenges with interpersonal relationships, major life transitions, coming out, gender, and queer identity development. I use EMDR therapy and client-centered, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions to support people in healing from traumatic experiences and unresolved grief by helping them reprocess disturbing, burdensome memories so that they become less intrusive, distracting, and painful.
I provide teletherapy to clients in Pennsylvania and California (I am licensed in both states). I work with adults (18-65) who are struggling with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, acute stress, substance use, and challenges with interpersonal relationships, major life transitions, coming out, gender, and queer identity development. I use EMDR therapy and client-centered, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions to support people in healing from traumatic experiences and unresolved grief by helping them reprocess disturbing, burdensome memories so that they become less intrusive, distracting, and painful.
Ab (Abigail) Krumbein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702 (Online Only)
I work with queer, trans, and nonbinary people, healers, activists, postpartum people, parents, twins, and those longing for deeper relationships with themselves and others.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
I work with queer, trans, and nonbinary people, healers, activists, postpartum people, parents, twins, and those longing for deeper relationships with themselves and others.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
Luisa Mancera
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94701 (Online Only)
I particularly enjoy working with multi-cultural and LGBTQ+ folks.
Do you feel like you're doing everything you're supposed to do, but feeling constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or helpless? Are you stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns? Are you living in your head so much that it’s getting in the way of your relationships, health, or work? Are you constantly busy yet feel unfulfilled, like the ‘go’ button is stuck in the on position? Maybe this is you, or maybe this is your partner. I’ve worked with lots of clients like this — working through trauma, identity issues, anxiety, and stress to live a healthier, more meaningful life.
I particularly enjoy working with multi-cultural and LGBTQ+ folks.
Do you feel like you're doing everything you're supposed to do, but feeling constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or helpless? Are you stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns? Are you living in your head so much that it’s getting in the way of your relationships, health, or work? Are you constantly busy yet feel unfulfilled, like the ‘go’ button is stuck in the on position? Maybe this is you, or maybe this is your partner. I’ve worked with lots of clients like this — working through trauma, identity issues, anxiety, and stress to live a healthier, more meaningful life.
Celine Williams Thea Integrative Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94701
I specialize in working with teens, couples, and adults within the LGBTQIA+ community, and gender nonconforming, trans, polyamorous, and those who identify as kinky/sexually expansive.
You have the power to harness your unique experiences and strengths to truly thrive, and I can show you how. Hi, my name is Celine, and I will support your in-depth self learning to embrace the joy of your individuality. Taking a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, I will meet you in your stage of healing to empower you to integrate and understand your formative life experiences. If you feel that your lifestyle or mental health is not matching who you would like to become, I can guide you there. Together, we will make a plan to help you imagine and achieve your most Authentic Self and live a fulfilling life.
I specialize in working with teens, couples, and adults within the LGBTQIA+ community, and gender nonconforming, trans, polyamorous, and those who identify as kinky/sexually expansive.
You have the power to harness your unique experiences and strengths to truly thrive, and I can show you how. Hi, my name is Celine, and I will support your in-depth self learning to embrace the joy of your individuality. Taking a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, I will meet you in your stage of healing to empower you to integrate and understand your formative life experiences. If you feel that your lifestyle or mental health is not matching who you would like to become, I can guide you there. Together, we will make a plan to help you imagine and achieve your most Authentic Self and live a fulfilling life.
Ben N Quan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
As LGBTQ minorities, we often find ourselves wondering "where is my community?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we don't feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder... when is this going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just "don't get it." We really want someone who can connect to us and make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.
As LGBTQ minorities, we often find ourselves wondering "where is my community?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we don't feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder... when is this going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just "don't get it." We really want someone who can connect to us and make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.
Dr. Richard Espinoza
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702
My shortterm treatment offers an intensive, 12-week program specific for male and masc-presenting folks within the LGBTQ+ community.
Above all, I love my work as a psychologist. This profession allows me to act as both scientist and artist, and I take joy from watching people evolve in their lives. Blending science & art, therapy is a unique process where we talk over events of your life, some in the distant past, and some happening currently.
My shortterm treatment offers an intensive, 12-week program specific for male and masc-presenting folks within the LGBTQ+ community.
Above all, I love my work as a psychologist. This profession allows me to act as both scientist and artist, and I take joy from watching people evolve in their lives. Blending science & art, therapy is a unique process where we talk over events of your life, some in the distant past, and some happening currently.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720
Are you on a path seeking emotional resilience, self-discovery, authentic connection, and continued growth? I offer a holistic approach to psychotherapy that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world. Drawing on my activist roots and more than a decade of clinical experience, I bring a deep sensitivity to issues of complex trauma, grief and loss, social justice, spiritual emergence, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
Are you on a path seeking emotional resilience, self-discovery, authentic connection, and continued growth? I offer a holistic approach to psychotherapy that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world. Drawing on my activist roots and more than a decade of clinical experience, I bring a deep sensitivity to issues of complex trauma, grief and loss, social justice, spiritual emergence, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
Marco Fekrat
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples. My specialties include relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, sexuality and working with the LGBTQ population. My goal is to help you better balance yourself in the present, day to day, and dive deep with you to understand the root cause. Truly effective therapy, in my view, happens when we are ready to look deeply and critically at our current situation, ready to make sustainable, and practical changes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples. My specialties include relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, sexuality and working with the LGBTQ population. My goal is to help you better balance yourself in the present, day to day, and dive deep with you to understand the root cause. Truly effective therapy, in my view, happens when we are ready to look deeply and critically at our current situation, ready to make sustainable, and practical changes.
Monica Rowden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am eager to welcome you to the therapeutic process, an essential tool in the journey of growth, healing and empowerment. I specialize in providing compassionate and affirming therapy services, supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety and trauma. I also have extensive experience working with couples, in particular queer couples, in navigating their relationships and the communication challenges that can arise. My mission is to offer a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals and couples to explore their challenges, strengthen their bonds and rediscover hope and resilience.
I am eager to welcome you to the therapeutic process, an essential tool in the journey of growth, healing and empowerment. I specialize in providing compassionate and affirming therapy services, supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety and trauma. I also have extensive experience working with couples, in particular queer couples, in navigating their relationships and the communication challenges that can arise. My mission is to offer a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals and couples to explore their challenges, strengthen their bonds and rediscover hope and resilience.
Michael Marsman, Jungian Analyst & Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
That said, much of my work is with those in the LGBTQ, recovery and spiritual (eastern and western) communities.
We seek therapy because at some level we imagine that life could be better. We all suffer in different ways and suffering is universal, but it is precisely that suffering that leads us into a process of discovering how our deepest selves want to be expressed in the world and then to find the inner resources to live that out. In its truest sense, psychotherapy – which means “tending to the soul” – is not only concerned with alleviating symptoms, resolving issues, or adapting to life’s demands (though these are important), but ultimately with living lives that are more joyful, creative and free.
That said, much of my work is with those in the LGBTQ, recovery and spiritual (eastern and western) communities.
We seek therapy because at some level we imagine that life could be better. We all suffer in different ways and suffering is universal, but it is precisely that suffering that leads us into a process of discovering how our deepest selves want to be expressed in the world and then to find the inner resources to live that out. In its truest sense, psychotherapy – which means “tending to the soul” – is not only concerned with alleviating symptoms, resolving issues, or adapting to life’s demands (though these are important), but ultimately with living lives that are more joyful, creative and free.
Alli Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer and trans adults and teens, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework with my background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer and trans adults and teens, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework with my background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
Jenifer McAtee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
Common themes that I address in my practice are anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, obsessive thoughts, PTSD/ trauma, LGBTQ+, gender & identity concerns, substance use & addiction, grief & loss, and anger, intimacy and sexuality. I take an integral approach to support my clients with exploring the connections that are not readily seen. I listen very deeply to what you want and encourage you to take steps to obtain that.
Common themes that I address in my practice are anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, obsessive thoughts, PTSD/ trauma, LGBTQ+, gender & identity concerns, substance use & addiction, grief & loss, and anger, intimacy and sexuality. I take an integral approach to support my clients with exploring the connections that are not readily seen. I listen very deeply to what you want and encourage you to take steps to obtain that.
Eliot M. Lev
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
Adrienne Skye Roberts
MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I know because I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I know because I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
Madeline Girard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am queer, kink, poly and sex-work affirming.
It is my passion to support and walk alongside others as they explore the depths of their being- that which makes them truly unique. As a clinician, my holistic therapeutic approach is informed by the wisdom and strength that I derive from the body, nature, creative expression and deep inquiry. I am also relational in my orientation- bringing warmth, openness, curiosity, patience, and flexibility to my clients in order to support their dynamic needs as they emerge in the present. I see every individual as autonomous and worthy of respect, compassion and care.
I am queer, kink, poly and sex-work affirming.
It is my passion to support and walk alongside others as they explore the depths of their being- that which makes them truly unique. As a clinician, my holistic therapeutic approach is informed by the wisdom and strength that I derive from the body, nature, creative expression and deep inquiry. I am also relational in my orientation- bringing warmth, openness, curiosity, patience, and flexibility to my clients in order to support their dynamic needs as they emerge in the present. I see every individual as autonomous and worthy of respect, compassion and care.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Berkeley
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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.