LGBT therapists in Hayward, CA

I have close to two decades of experience treating adults, children, and families in the Bay Area. My focus is on providing integrative psychotherapy (IP). IP is an approach that is generally flexible with an inclusive attitude toward the different psychotherapeutic models depending on the client's needs.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NY & CA) with an MSW from NYU and a BA in Communications from Northwestern. With 14 years as a professional actor and teaching artist, I incorporate creativity into my eclectic therapeutic approach, which includes CBT, mindfulness, expressive arts, and psychodynamics. I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relational challenges, and personal growth.

Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

For the past 20 years, I've worked across private practices, youth development centers, schools, and mental health clinics. My passion is to work with adults navigating major life transitions. Whether you are a college student or approaching retirement, my hope is to walk alongside you during this time of change and uncertainty; to help create the conditions for you to reconnect with your authentic self and remember what lights you up. We can explore ways to recognize and acknowledge your anxiety that moves beyond words. Incorporating expressive arts, guided imagery, and embodied exercises to help you strengthen your awareness with your emotions and rewrite old narratives.

I have had over ten years of training in a variety of somatic therapy approaches. I received my BA in Anthropology at the University of Georgia, and a MA in Counseling Psychotherapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. I've published and presented internationally on themes of embodiment, culture, ancestral memory, and gender. My research on embodiment and culture was published in in the volume Moveable Gardens: Itineraries and Sanctuaries of Remembrance in 2021.

Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).

I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

Ready to feel more connected, confident, and in control of your life? Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or challenges around identity, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and supported.

I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience helping couples, individuals, children, and teens create meaningful, lasting change.

For couples, I help turn conflict and disconnection into stronger communication, deeper friendship, and emotional intimacy.

I provide an affirming, judgment-free space for those exploring identity, preparing to come out, building self-acceptance, or navigating gender-affirming care. Together, we can strengthen resilience and address anxiety, depression, and stress.

I will be your biggest and loudest supporter and advocate. I use a little bit of humor, mixed in with kindness, and a whole lot of warmth to help you dig deep into your story. Together, we'll challenge the stories you tell yourself about your life, your experience, and society. I have extensive experience working with folks experiencing anxiety/depression, work burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, and folks exploring their identity (all identities are absolutely welcomed here!)