LGBT therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

Sometimes the hardest part is not what happened. It is finding someone you can finally say it to. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I work with people across all stages of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors. I specialize in supporting people navigating trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges that come with new and expecting parenthood. Wherever you are in your story, you do not have to carry it alone.

I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

Hello! I'm Gurleen Hans, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have five years of nursing experience working with diverse populations and cultures. My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. My experience spans both partial hospitalization programs and community-based outpatient settings, allowing me to understand the full spectrum of mental health needs—from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing maintenance care.

I have provided psychiatric services in various behavioral health settings, including work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. I have particular expertise in serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and I'm committed to meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey.

My approach integrates holistic wellness principles with pharmacological interventions, recognizing that effective treatment addresses the whole person. I stay current with emerging research through ongoing professional development, ensuring you receive evidence-based care.

I prioritize open communication and actively involve you in treatment decisions. Whether you're seeking support for the first time or looking for medication optimization, I bring clinical expertise combined with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that each person's mental health story is unique. I'm honored to support you on your path toward wellness, and lasting hope.

Hello! I am Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Practitioner.

I have almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. I specialize in trauma and family work. I am an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.

I have a masters degree in psychology with a background in development throughout the lifetime. I have worked with school age, teens, and families through a school based setting. This has given me the value of supporting growth in regards to gender, sexuality, and trauma.

Hello! My approach is centered in the belief that authentic connection with ourselves and others heals. Therapy is an opportunity to dive deep, to develop greater self knowledge, to come into wholeness, accepting and integrating all of our parts and aligning our lives with our Truth and the fullness of who we are. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

I am a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience working with anxiety, depression and complicated relationships among many other concerns. I tend to use a more logic-driven, analytical structured approach with my clients where together we try to understand and analyze patterns of behavior that are causing problems and getting in the way of their lives. As a result, neurodivergents and people who work in the hard sciences, technology fields, or are business executives tend to respond very positively to my style and approach. I also work with mood disorders, unconventional or complicated relationships, historical spiritual abuse and military veterans.

Specialty in AI and technology:

I also specialize in the psychology of AI, technology and how it affects society and relationships. For 7 months last year, I spent extensive time within AI-user online communities to learn about their firsthand experiences involving AI-related harm and parasocial relationships. I was featured in the 2026 title How to Talk to AI (And How Not To) by BBC journalist and author Jamie Bartlett, where I discussed parasocial relationships in AI use.

Hobbies:

I love the outdoors, backpacking and going on road trips with my dog. I teach outdoor skills in a wilderness class each winter. I also love California native plants and am a trained naturalist.

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.

Professional Journey

Melissa became licensed in California in 2010 as an LCSW, following her Master’s Degree. Since then, she has continued learning and growing. Her career began in 2006, working with families experiencing various crises and trauma. Melissa has pursued additional training to specialize further. She has worked with depression, life transition issues, anxiety, panic disorders, identify questions, and lgbtqia populations.

Specialized Training

Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy, which are effective for treating clients with experiences of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied sexuality and somatic sex therapy, coaching clients on how to reconnect erotically with themselves and others.