LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience helping people get unstuck. I specialize in supporting adolescents, men, and women navigating anxiety, depression, anger, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and substance abuse. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious about your career, or eager to improve but lacking the tools to make it a reality, you are in the right place. Armed with a Doctorate in Social Work, my goal is to help you identify the root causes of your challenges and empower you to build a more balanced, fulfilling life.

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.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

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.

Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

Hello and welcome to therapy. You are one step closer on your journey to achieving your goals, passions, and intentions. You and I will develop a therapeutic relationship as you work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and other areas that you would like growth in. You will utilize the strengths that you already have, and keep expanding on those. It is my job to create a safe, open, and person-centered environment. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey! Keep going and growing.

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.