LGBT therapists in Chula Vista, CA

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change.

I am known for working well with individuals who are shy and who may be fearful of entering therapy. I have a specialization in the diagnosis/assessment and treatment of AD/HD and learning disorders such as dyslexia. My therapeutic approach is primarily based on cognitive behavioral and Dialectic Behavior theories . Pragmatism describes my approach to treatment. Management of chronic mental illness, and adjustment issues relating to ethnic/cultural/generational and religious issues are also areas which I specialize in.

I believe that at times addressing questions pertaining to meaning in life can be as important as changing behavioral patterns and emotions. Specific treatment modalities I use are ultimately dependent upon the needs of each individual and the established efficac of a particular therapeutic intervention. Socratic questioning is often used to help individuals gain personal insight. I will be happy to work in conjunction with a psychiatrist or other physician.

My ethnic background is Chinese, Okinawan, and Japanese. I grew up in Hawaii and have interned at clinics specializing in Asian/Pacific Islander clients.

Currently I work as Learning Disabilities Specialist at Santa Monica College. I have assisted students in receiving testing accommodations on the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, Bar Exam, MCAT, medical Step exams and medical licensure exams, and DAT. I have worked as a LD Specialist at UCL, the University of Hawaii, and UC Berkeley. I was a Psychology Professor for over 12 years in my earlier career.

I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.

I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

I'm a Southern California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here to tell you that therapy doesn't have to be an utter drag. Think of me as your personal guide through the chaos that is life. I’m your therapist, but also your transformative guide to help uncover your authentic self. Whether your brain is running on 50 open tabs (hello, to my fellow ADHD/neurodivergence folks!) or you're navigating the beautiful complexity of your LGBTQIA+ identity, I fully embrace a "come exactly as you are" approach. No masks, no scripts, just raw authenticity.

I help teens and adults untangle the messy webs of anxiety, depression, and those oh too stressful family or relational dynamics. Therapy shouldn’t just be check boxes, that is why we will mix and match tools until we find the perfect recipe for your growth. Life is a wild ride, but you don't have to navigate the shadows alone. Let's empower your journey and find some light in the cosmic weirdness of it all.

It takes real courage to take this first step toward prioritizing your mental health, and I want to honor that. Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, unfamiliar, or even intimidating, and I understand that. Maybe you’ve spent a long time in survival mode, developing ways of coping that helped you get through hard experiences but may no longer serve you. That can show up as disconnecting from yourself or others, struggling with boundaries, or carrying a story about yourself shaped by cultural or relational expectations. Wherever you are, we can start exactly where you are.

I’m Dr. Mariam Esfahani, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in couples therapy, guiding partners toward healthier communication, connection, and conflict resolution.

Hi, I'm Cassidy, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that healing starts with a warm, genuine connection. If you’ve been struggling with the weight of depression or anxiety, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and understanding. I love combining the 'science' of therapy with human connection, making sure you feel seen and supported while we break down the big stressors into more manageable pieces.

Clients : Creative field, writers, screen writers, actors, films makers.

I’m a bilingual (English/Korean) licensed clinical psychologist with over 13+ years of experience helping adults (20 and older) navigate anxiety, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, identity questions, and major life transitions.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both evidence-based techniques and a deep respect for the human spirit. I integrate therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based methods with holistic tools drawn from meditation, Eastern/Western philosophy, and positive psychology. This allows me to support you not just in coping with challenges—but in creating a more meaningful, centered life.

I especially enjoy working with creatives, professionals, and individuals exploring cultural or gender identity. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, shifting roles, or inner conflict, we’ll work together to clarify what matters most to you and how to move forward with intention. Therapy doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it can be a dynamic, reflective process that helps you reconnect with your values and sense of possibility.

Taking the first step can feel uncertain, but if you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen. You deserve support that aligns with both your inner world and everyday life. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Hi, I'm Jessica and I love supporting youth and their families to bring out confidence and build healthy relationship patterns to support them as they grow in today's world. I have background in Expressive Arts Therapy and bring creative approaches including art, play, and drama therapy techniques as entry points into cognitive behavioral interventions and strategies to assist with behavior, emotion regulation, and understanding of one's self. My philosophical goal as a therapist is to help people I work with curate more joy into their lives and for children to be seen in their unique strengths and supported to grow through challenges. I believe that curiosity is the antidote to depression. Let's get curious together!