LGBT therapists in Laguna Hills, CA

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

Jackie specializes in supporting teens and young adults as they navigate life's challenges, such as anxiety, life transitions, and relationship dynamics.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.

Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.

Before earning my Masters in Counseling, I earned a PhD in social and personality psychology. This background deeply informs how I show up as a therapist. I help clients address unresolved trauma and grief, anxiety and OCD, address relationship issues, as well as "problems of everyday living." My style is active, engaged, and practical.

I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California and Illinois, and can see clients from both states. I support clients with variety of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, relationships issues, addictions, stress management, sport and performance psychology and health behaviors, trauma, insomnia and eating disorders. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned.

If you’re carrying trauma, anxiety, or depression, you’ve found a warm and steady place to start. I’m a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and mindfulness has been a deeply important part of my own life and my work for nearly 30 years. Over the years, I’ve completed intensive meditation training in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the United States, experiences that have profoundly shaped how I understand healing, presence, and the connection between mind and body. I’d be honored to bring all of that to you.

The human experience is unique, and the path to living the life you want begins with exploring how your thoughts, feelings, and experiences impact your life. Our therapeutic alliance creates opportunities to learn adaptive coping mechanisms to better challenge and confront stressors, process painful experiences, and empower you to live a values-based life. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors from multicultural and diverse backgrounds. My areas of specialty and expertise include but are not limited to: Dual Diagnoses, Psychosis, Substance Use, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum, Military Life and Trauma, PTSD, Anger Management, Infertility, Postpartum Depression, Grief and Loss, Relationship Issues, Domestic Violence, Sexual Trauma, and Major Life Transitions. Each therapy is different and has its own approach, so we will collaborate and find the best fit for your needs. Some of the modalities I utilize include Jungian Therapy, Parts work (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy to deal with stressors, improve self-worth, build resiliency, and assist you in maximizing your potential. I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey, which honors your experience, and creates healing.

Oh look, this one is wearing a hat! It can be hard to choose one of us, right? My style is warm, collaborative, experiential, and very human. I’m interested in that space between knowing something intellectually and actually experiencing something differently—how past experiences shape our expectations, how the mind and nervous system respond in the present, and what becomes possible when we slow down enough to notice what’s happening inside.