LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Hi there, my name is Jose Carranza, LFMT, maneuvering through life and work with thoughtful intention and an open heart. I have approximately a decade of experience working in the mental health field and about 5 years practicing as a therapist. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have lengthy experience working with mood, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

I entered into this field to help individuals to learn, grow and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My role through my education, learning and experience is to support clients’ in unlocking their awareness of patterns to increase the clients’ ability to access the tools within them to facilitate their learning, growth and healing through a collaborative process.

As a Black/African American woman, I am passionate about working with people of color (especially people of color who identify as LGBTIA+) in destigmatizing mental health in our communities and identifying how systemic racism/systemic oppression affect our mental health.

My strengths as a therapist are rooted in fifteen years of experience working in the field as a mental health clinician in a variety of settings. I have supported individual’s ability to access their inherent tools to overcome struggles connected to trauma, grief & loss, depression and general anxiety. Over the course of my experience I have developed skills in providing therapy to underrepresented, underserviced families, children, individuals, and couples. I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I aim to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe mental health care should be collaborative, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with real-life understanding whether that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication management when appropriate. I value honesty, cultural awareness, and meeting you where you are. My goal is to help you feel more stable, confident, and in control of your mental health not just during appointments, but in your everyday life.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in stress and anxiety disorders, mood concerns, and LGBT-issues.

Dr. Neal has practiced counseling and psychotherapy in various clinical and hospital settings since 2007. Dr. Neal has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Education degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology. She has successfully worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, relationship and attachment issues, parenting difficulties, stress, grief, and trauma. Additionally, Dr. Neal is a certified DBT and trauma therapist, and both a Level 1 Gottman couples therapist and certified Prepare Enrich therapist for couples seeking assessment and counseling. Dr. Neal has successfully helped improve others relationships, marriages and families through multi-modal approaches including Gottman couples therapy, Family Systems, Emotion-focused and Structural Family Therapy.

Another focus area to address in therapy is career counseling and development. Whether you need to change careers or need help with your career path or dynamics, Dr. Neal can assess and assist you with finding the best fit.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’ve worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice, and I’m deeply committed to providing culturally affirming care that honors the full complexity of who you are.

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.

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, my name is Tamra Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Sacramento, CA. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, especially providing therapy and consultation. My practice name is Path to Wellbeing Therapy Services, and I truly lead each person on a path to their own emotional health and wellbeing.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 10 years experience providing individual therapy. I am a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, and specialize in EMDR therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. I am a big advocate for taking care of our mental health, and I am so glad you are here because that usually means you are thinking about taking care of yours too!

Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

I work with adults and teens navigating trauma, burnout, identity, and the particular exhaustion of being a sensitive person in a fast-changing world. My work goes beyond talk therapy to build a flexible nervous system, helping to regulate it, reduce symptoms of trauma, and build resilience.

Many of the people I work with are doing everything right on paper. They are the ones who keep showing up, holding it together, being the person everyone else leans on. And they are exhausted in a way that is hard to explain to the people around them. They worry they are making the wrong choices or that everyone else has it together.

If you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body, or feeling stuck in cycles of restriction, bingeing, or guilt, you are not alone—and you don’t have to face it by yourself. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individuals navigating eating disorders and disordered eating.

I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. In addition to eating disorder treatment, I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, and challenges related to identity and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where clients of all backgrounds feel seen, respected, & supported.

I work with individuals and families across the spectrum, as well as professionals navigating major life transitions. As a Psychology Professor and Senior Lecturer, I provide a high-level clinical space for those who feel "stuck" in their current narrative. Whether you are exploring your identity, navigating a career shift, or seeking LGBTQ+ affirming care, my ideal clients are those ready to build a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and truly yours.