Therapy for LGBTQ+ Folks

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community can be a huge source of joy, liberation, and pride. But living authentically in a world that’s not built for us can feel overwhelming — even impossible — at times.

We believe everyone deserves a judgment-free space to feel connected and heal. Our LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ-affirming therapists can help you process everything from trauma and family relationships to anxiety.

The queer community faces disproportionate rates of mental health issues — and that makes sense given the injustices we face on an everyday basis. Discrimination, family rejection, and the loss of rights are very real, stressful threats.

We hear too often from our LGBTQ+ clients that past therapy experiences have made them feel like their problems — and full selves — are invisible.

A queer couple sits on a sofa working together on their laptops.

But supportive therapy for LGBTQ folks does exist. 

At Stella Nova, therapists strive to hear you, see all of you, and truly understand you.

All of our therapists are allies to queer communities, and some also lived experiences as part of those communities. Many of us also live at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities, such as race and ethnicity, religion, and disability.

Our queer experience doesn’t mean we fully understand yours. Identity can be beautifully complex.

What our background does mean is that we work to see all of you. We won’t ask you to educate us on the fundamentals of the LGBTQ+ experience and can ask deeper questions that move you forward.

We’re not here to fix you. Our role is guiding you through the issues you’d like to tackle from the perspective that you are already enough (and yet, never too much!).

A close up photo of a young queer person with brown skin and dark short hair. They are wearing brightly colored eye makeup and framing their face with their hands.

Common LGBTQ+ Mental Health Concerns

Issues that our LGBTQ clients frequently bring into therapy include:

  • Exploring gender expression, identity, and dysphoria
  • Sex and sexuality
  • How to navigate culture and gender
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Self-acceptance
  • Experiences of violence, sexual assault, and abuse
  • Navigating family and romantic relationships
  • Dealing with and processing microaggressions

Our therapists take into account how trauma and injustice can impact mental health. But don’t worry: We won’t make everything about your identity.

Get Started With an LGBTQ-Affirming Therapist Today

We know therapy is an investment and seeing yet another wrong-fit therapist can be discouraging. So that we set you up with your ideal therapist the first time, we ask new clients to schedule a free, 20-minute phone consultation with Cami, our Intake Coordinator.

She’ll ask you a bit about why you’re seeking therapy and what you’re looking for in a therapist. Do you prefer someone who’s LGBTQ or shares your cultural background? Or someone with a great sense of humor or a direct communication style?

Whatever your priorities, we’ll match you with the best therapist for you.

A Black femme presenting person sits at their laptop, apparently attending an online therapy session from home in a tastefully furnished living room. They have long braids and are wearing a white sweater, shorts and socks.n

Meet Dr. Justine Fan, LGBTQ+ Therapy Specialist

As a queer person of color and feminist therapist, I offer an affirming space to seek liberation from all forms of oppression.

I specialize in working with people who are exploring intersections of their identities, especially around gender, sexuality, and culture. My clients gain more control of their life stories, leading to greater freedom.

If you’re interested in working with me, I invite you to set up a free call. No obligations, just a chance to learn more and see if we’re a good fit.

Three Stella Nova therapists walking together outside in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, appearing to chat with each other.

Therapy for LGBTQ in San Francisco & Online Throughout California

LGBTQ+ people don’t just come to therapy to talk about sexuality and gender, and Stella Nova offers a broad range of mental health services. We serve women, nonbinary folks, and people of all genders seeking a feminist space to heal.

Our therapists treat a variety of common mental health concerns from anxiety and depression, trauma, and chronic pain. We also offer couples therapy for people seeking relationship support. The majority of our clients (and therapists!) identify as LGBTQ+ and/or Women of Color, and we welcome people of all backgrounds.

Currently, we offer online therapy for clients throughout California, as well as in-person therapy in San Francisco, in our Lower Pac Heights office. 

Stella Nova strives to create an informed and affirming space that supports the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community through:

  • Hiring, training, and promoting therapists of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized identities on our staff. Representation matters.
  • Ongoing training to empower all our therapists to deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate care.
  • Dialogue with our clients and our communities to help us improve continually.
  • Destigmatizing therapy and breaking the mental health taboo prevalent in marginalized communities.