LGBT therapists in Encinitas, CA

I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters.

I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working and at this point, that’s pretty clear.

My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it.

Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes, sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Please note: Insurance is accepted for individual therapy only. Couples and family therapy are private pay and are not billed through insurance.

Hi, I’m Kirra. I’m a compassionate, collaborative therapist who believes that meaningful therapy begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity development, life transitions, relationship challenges, and other experiences that may leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

I value creating an affirming space where you can show up as your authentic self. I have a particular passion for supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as clients from multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds. My own experience growing up across several U.S. states and overseas in Japan and Guam has shaped my appreciation for the many cultural, family, and relational influences that make each person's story unique.

You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Wherever you are in your journey, we can begin there.

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

I have a decade of experience treating adults and adolescents. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to mental health care. My therapeutic approach is integrative, person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and CBT-based. I am a bilingual Latina clinician with an emphasis on the BIPOC experience.

I'm Josiah — a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) offering in-person sessions in Irvine and telehealth sessions across California. My work centers on three communities I care deeply about: veterans navigating the often-invisible work of coming home, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking for a therapist who genuinely gets it, and parents who are doing their best while carrying more than they show. I'm Transgender Allied, trained in trauma-informed and multicultural frameworks, and I work with individuals, couples, and families. Before anything else, I work hard to make sure you feel like yourself in the session — not a diagnosis, not a file.

Beginning therapy can be one of the hardest steps, especially when you have had to navigate mental health stigma, having your emotions dismissed, difficulty prioritizing your needs, or having years living a state of trauma, or survival mode.

I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns. I have a deep passion for trauma work and rebuilding a sense of safety. I frequently work with clients who are overwhelmed with carrying high expectations, including BIPOC individuals.