Identity and Relationships
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
You may want to talk about identity, a family response or anxiety that has nothing to do with being LGBTQ+. We offer welcoming, non-judgmental care without asking you to make one part of yourself explain everything.
Who This Is For
This care includes LGBTQ+ teens, young adults, adults and couples. Coming out, relationship concerns or changes in mood can be discussed at your pace, with attention to what you want from the conversation.
- Teens exploring identity
- Young adults building independence
- Adults with anxiety or mood concerns
- Couples discussing connection
Focus of Care
What We Work On
Identity
Your own words for gender, sexuality and belonging.
Family Relationships
Responses, expectations and conversations with relatives.
Coming Out
Decisions about timing, privacy and who you tell.
Anxiety and Mood
Worry, low mood and their effect on daily life.
How We Work
We draw on CBT, mindfulness and relationship-focused conversations according to the concern. You decide what you want to discuss about identity. We can also spend a session on a workday worry or an argument with a partner.
- CBT skills
- Mindfulness practices
- Relationship conversations
- Family participation when relevant
What Can Shift
An uncomfortable family exchange can become something we examine in detail, including what you wanted to say. We can practice communicating a need without rushing a decision about disclosure. There is room for uncertainty about the words that fit.
What Sessions Look Like
A 50-minute appointment might focus on anxiety after a family conversation or expectations between partners. We discuss who participates and what you want to keep personal before involving others.
Appointments are offered at our San Diego office or by telehealth anywhere in California. Your clinician can explain how a proposed method relates to identity concerns, mood or communication.
Planning Affirming Care
Your free 15-minute phone consultation can include questions about clinician fit and format. Insurance coverage varies by plan, and superbills are available for out-of-network benefits.
Fees in Brief
Individual, couples and family sessions are 50 minutes. We are in network with many plans and provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. Contact us for rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Come Out Before Starting Therapy?
No, you can begin without disclosing your identity to others. Timing and privacy can be part of what we discuss.
Must Every Session Be About LGBTQ+ Identity?
No, your goals guide the focus. Anxiety, work stress or a relationship disagreement can deserve attention without making identity the explanation.
Can LGBTQ+ Couples Attend Together?
Yes, couples can discuss communication, conflict and expectations together. We make room for each partner's perspective on the relationship.
Does Affirming Care Mean a Specialized Certification?
No, this page describes our welcoming, non-judgmental approach. We do not claim a specialized LGBTQ+ certification.
Related Support
You May Also Want to Explore
These pages describe young adult, couples and individual formats for the conversations you want to have.
We can talk about the family question, relationship concern or anxious moment you want someone to understand.
Start With a Conversation