LGBT therapists in La Mesa, CA

Life isn’t always easy, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My educational background includes: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in Performance Psychology, Master’s in Counseling, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have experience working with a wide range of presenting problems and truly love my job!

Welcome! I am currently accepting client and I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults, providing affirming care through a solution‐focused and client‐centered approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, supporting effective and meaningful change. I also incorporate Narrative Therapy and Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address trauma and promote healing when appropriate.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating the challenges you are facing. Many of my clients come to therapy wanting a space where they feel safe, accepted, and truly understood. I strive to provide this so we can work collaboratively to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and well‐being.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is passionate about providing compassionate, supportive, and individualized mental health care. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, trauma-related concerns, or life stressors.

With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental

Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication

management.

I believe meaningful change begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and understood. As a queer therapist, I recognize the importance of having a space where you can show up authentically, without fear of judgment. My goal is to create a warm, affirming, and collaborative environment where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences, navigating challenges, and discovering new ways of understanding yourself.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, identity exploration, self-esteem, and significant life transitions. I am especially passionate about creating an affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and others who may have struggled to feel fully understood or accepted.

My academic background combines neuroscience, which I studied during my undergraduate education, with my graduate education in clinical psychology. This foundation has shaped my curiosity about the connections between the brain, emotions, behavior, and the experiences that make us who we are. I bring this perspective into my work, balancing an understanding of the science behind mental health with an appreciation for the complexity of each person's individual story.

Above all, I believe therapy is a partnership. You are the expert on your own experiences, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and genuine curiosity as we work toward greater self-understanding, emotional well-being, and a life that feels more authentic, aligned, and fulfilling.

I have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years. During my time in practice, I have served various age groups, populations, and diagnoses. I try to meet clients and families where they are at to help clients achieve their desired goals.

I earned my master's degree in Social Work 29 years ago. Over the course of my career I have enjoyed working with girls and women of all ages. I enjoy supporting girls and women who are navigating middle school, high school, college, relationships, post-partum period, motherhood, divorce, menopause, and becoming empty nesters. I love seeing my clients begin therapy with stress, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief and loss, or trauma then graduate from therapy in a much better place. I believe that you can thrive no matter your age and no matter your circumstances. I have less experience helping transgender women but I really enjoy that work as well. I consider myself a LGBTQIA+ ally.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, including those navigating trauma, anxiety, and complex family situations. My background includes work in hospital, school, and community mental health settings, as well as leadership in behavioral health programs. I specialize in helping families and individuals manage high-stress situations, life transitions, and decision-making when circumstances feel overwhelming. My approach is practical, compassionate, and focused on helping clients feel more confident, organized, and supported.