LGBT therapists in San Marcos, CA

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.

I believe some of the strongest people are the ones carrying burdens that nobody else can see.

As an Army veteran, husband, father, and therapist, I understand that life can ask a lot of us. Many of the people I work with have spent years being the dependable one, the problem solver, or the person everyone else leans on. From the outside, they may appear to be doing fine. On the inside, they are exhausted, overwhelmed, or struggling to make sense of experiences that continue to affect them long after they happened.

My role is not to tell you how to live your life. It is to help you better understand yourself, identify what is getting in the way, and build practical tools for moving forward.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR-trained trauma therapist who works with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, supported, and challenged in ways that promote meaningful change.

What if the goal isn’t to silence your thoughts, but to understand them? Anxiety, stress, ADHD, relationship challenges, or painful experiences from the past can leave you feeling stuck, even when you’re doing everything you can to move forward. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with teens and adults to create a warm, supportive space where you can better understand yourself, build practical coping skills, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to help you feel heard, empowered, and reminded that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

I am passionate about the power of the therapeutic process and helping individuals and families find hope and healing. Together, we will set goals and work towards achieving them - all at a pace that works best for you.

I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and families living with depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges in relationships. I have significant experience working in higher levels of care settings and with folks navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm.

Hello and welcome! There is so much I want to share with you!

I acknowledge that finding a therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming because you want to find a good fit, someone who “gets” you, so I thank you for being here.

I identify as a Latinx, cis gender woman, feminist, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ ally, and spiritual. I am the granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico and the daughter of working class parents. Before coming to Marriage and Family Therapy, I earned a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies, and wrote my thesis on the jurisprudence of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am aware of the dominant societal structures, narratives, expectations and pressures that can impact your story and how you live it. I look forward to being alongside you as you write a preferred story – one that is fully authored by you.

Prior to focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked for close to nineteen years in higher education leadership, advising and mentoring college students at a public university in Southern California. The relationships I fostered with students and the stories they shared with me inspired me to move into Marriage and Family Therapy. Like my work with the students, my therapy work is filled with compassion, empathy and understanding. And while there may sometimes be difficult conversations and tears in our work, I also invite in laughter, lightness and joy.

I am currently scheduling online and in-person appointments. I am available Mondays- Thursdays, and Saturdays.

I have extensive background working with Neurodiverse persons. My background could best be described as ADHD unleashed. I have previously worked with Group Home Youth, Community Mental Health, School Based Mental health, and High Risk Outpatient clients.

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 work with adults and couples who feel stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn't changed. Specializing in anxiety, depression, gender affirming care, and Veteran care, I will provide a focused, grounded, and effective approach to therapy. My practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is centered on helping clients clarify what is maintaining their difficulties and develop practical and sustainable ways of shifting them.