Compassionate, affirming support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Los Angeles

  • Over 20 years of extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families, navigating unique challenges related to sexual orientation, gender identity, relationships, and mental health concerns.

  • Trained extensively in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy and trauma-informed care, ensuring a compassionate, safe, and affirming space for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

  • Specialized expertise in anxiety therapy, depression treatment, substance abuse recovery, and relationship issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, employing evidence-based and holistic approaches.

  • Offering both in-person sessions at my West Hollywood office and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout Greater Los Angeles and California, providing flexible and accessible care options.

  • Complimentary consultation for prospective clients to ensure a supportive fit before beginning the therapy journey.

  • Focused on creating a safe environment for exploring identity issues, gender identities, self-esteem challenges, and other psychological concerns in an affirming space tailored to your needs.

  • Collaborative, client-centered approach tailored to each person’s unique goals, integrating core principles of empathy, authenticity, and culturally competent care.

Top-Rated LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist Los Angeles

Finding a therapist who truly understands and affirms your identity is vital to creating a safe space for healing and growth. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist in Los Angeles, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive health care that honors your lived experiences and challenges. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges—including anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse recovery—while celebrating your authentic self. I strive to create a welcoming, affirming space where you can thrive, work toward personal goals, and feel seen, heard, and supported in every way.

Meet Dr. Natalie Feinblatt

LGBTQ-affirming psychologist in Los Angeles

I’m Dr. Natalie Feinblatt, a licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy and trauma-informed care. With over two decades of professional experience, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive mental health care in Los Angeles and beyond. My private practice is centered on creating a safe environment where LGBTQ community can explore unique challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse in a collaborative and affirming way.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with diverse members of the LGBTQIA+ community, integrating holistic and evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether you are seeking support for identity exploration, self-esteem issues, relational trauma, or more, my practice emphasizes affirmation, empowerment, and honoring each client’s authentic self. I am committed to ongoing education and advocacy to ensure my clients feel seen, understood, and valued.

My approach to LGBTQIA+ therapy

My approach to LGBTQIA+ therapy centers on creating an affirming and compassionate space where clients feel heard, validated, and supported in their unique journeys. Navigating health challenges, exploring gender identities, and managing relationship dynamics within the LGBTQIA+ community requires tailored care. That’s why I utilize evidence-based modalities and individualized strategies to support self-empowerment, resilience, and personal growth.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I employ therapeutic methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for reframing negative thoughts, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma healing, and Mindfulness-Based techniques to promote present-moment awareness and self-compassion. Whether you’re exploring sexual orientation, facing anxiety, or working on low self-esteem, I’m committed to a client-centered, inclusive approach that prioritizes your well-being and healing process.

How to get started

Contact Me

Reaching out is the first step in your therapy journey. Contact me via phone, email, or my website’s contact form to learn more about my services and get answers to any questions you may have. I’m here to help you make an informed decision about beginning LGBTQ therapy.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

To ensure we’re a good fit, I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation. This gives us a chance to discuss your needs, goals, and what you’re looking for in therapy. You can conveniently schedule this consultation through my website or email.

Begin Your Therapy Journey

If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule your first session. During this time, we’ll outline your goals, discuss your unique challenges, and create a personalized treatment plan. Whether you choose in-person sessions at my West Hollywood office or virtual therapy from the comfort of your own space, I’m committed to providing affirming care for your healing and growth.

Common reasons why people start therapy

Identity Exploration

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, therapy provides a safe and affirming space to explore and better understand their gender identity or sexual orientation. This process can lead to greater self-awareness, confidence, and pride in living authentically.

Anxiety and Depression

Marginalization, discrimination, and societal stigma often lead to heightened anxiety and depression in the LGBTQIA+ community. Therapy offers tailored tools and support to manage these mental health concerns, build resilience, and find relief.

Relationship and Family Issues

Navigating relationships, building boundaries, or coming out to family members can present unique challenges. Therapy helps LGBTQIA+ individuals strengthen connections, improve communication, and work through family dynamics with compassion and empathy.

Trauma and Discrimination

Experiences of trauma, including abuse or discrimination, are common for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. Trauma-informed therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences and foster healing, growth, and reclaiming of life.

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Negative body image and low self-esteem can deeply impact daily life and well-being. Therapy offers a supportive space to challenge negative beliefs, foster self-compassion, and build a positive, empowered self-image.

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When another practice might be a better fit for your needs

Looking for In-Network Therapy

If you require therapy that is covered by your insurance as an in-network service, my private practice may not be the best fit. I operate as an out-of-network provider, though I am happy to provide superbills for potential reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider for detailed information on out-of-network benefits for health treatment.

Seeking Crisis Intervention

For individuals experiencing an immediate crisis or requiring intensive, around-the-clock care, my practice may not be the most suitable option. I recommend contacting a crisis hotline, seeking support from emergency services, or utilizing inpatient or intensive outpatient programs that can offer round-the-clock care and specialized interventions for acute mental health needs.

Need for Specific Medical Services

While I provide extensive therapy for LGBTQIA+ affirming care, trauma, anxiety, depression, and various health conditions, I do not offer psychiatric medication management. If you require prescription services, medication adjustments, or integrated therapy and medication management, please consider connecting with a licensed psychiatrist or a practice that offers comprehensive medical support.

Desire for a Different Therapeutic Focus

My approach centers on LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, trauma-informed care, and addressing general mental health concerns. If your needs extend to services outside this scope—such as career-specific coaching, child therapy, a family therapist, or extensive work with chronic pain syndromes—you may wish to explore other qualified therapists in Los Angeles with a focus in those areas. Finding a provider who can fully meet your needs is essential to your therapeutic journey.

5 highly recommended LGBTQ affirmative therapists in Los Angeles

1. José F. Mata, MFT

José Mata offers personalized, compassionate therapy in Los Angeles for clients navigating feelings of chaos, imbalance, and “stuckness.” He tailors treatment approaches to each client’s unique needs, utilizing a range of modalities, including psychedelic-assisted therapy for innovative and transformational healing. José’s extensive experience and empathetic approach make him a standout option for those seeking meaningful change. Learn more here.

2. Jim Roach, MFT

Jim Roach partners with individuals, couples, and families to create a collaborative, safe, and empowering therapy experience. With a focus on uncovering resources and fostering self-discovery, Jim supports clients as they work through life’s challenges, including terminal illness and complex family dynamics. He offers a complimentary phone consultation to ensure a supportive therapeutic fit. Find out more.

3. Laura Minero, PhD

With a liberation-based, anti-racist, trauma-informed, and intersectional approach, Laura Minero creates an affirming environment for healing and connection. Specializing in 2-SQT/LGBTQ+ care, Laura helps clients heal from trauma and oppression, fostering meaningful connections with themselves and others. Laura’s practice is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to social justice. Learn more.

4. Lyndsey Doolan, MFT

Lyndsey Doolan’s approach to therapy is collaborative, relational, and informed by lived experience. Specializing in trauma, gender exploration, and neurodiversity, Lyndsey works with clients to create meaningful change through compassion, humor, and genuine connection. She offers EMDR and works from an intersectional and culturally humble perspective. Connect with Lyndsey.

5. Jay Thomas, PsyD

Jay Thomas is a queer and trans psychologist committed to helping clients build on their strengths while developing new coping strategies for difficult experiences. Jay offers a safe, inclusive space to foster growth, healing, and meaningful relationships. With a client-centered approach and a focus on empowerment, Jay’s practice is deeply affirming. Read more.

FAQs

What is LGBTQIA+-Affirmative Therapy?

LGBTQIA+-affirmative therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that prioritizes creating a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The focus is on helping clients navigate issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health concerns, and the unique challenges posed by discrimination, minority stress, and societal stigma. Affirmative therapy seeks to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves and work through the obstacles they face with cultural competence and compassionate support.

When seeking LGBTQIA+ therapy, look for licensed competent therapists with extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, who use inclusive language and demonstrate cultural humility. Understanding of intersectionality, trauma-informed care, and a commitment to affirming diverse identities are key indicators of a competent LGBTQIA+ therapist.

Why Is LGBTQ Counseling Important?

LGBTQ counseling provides culturally competent care to address the health challenges often faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation are prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals due to discrimination and societal stigma. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers, while nearly 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Affirmative therapy validates the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, promotes self-acceptance, and helps build resilience to navigate daily life. This type of compassionate care improves mental health outcomes and creates a safe environment for healing, growth, and empowerment.

Where Can I Find LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapists Near Me?

To find LGBTQ-affirming care in your area, utilize resources such as the Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Trevor Project, and PFLAG chapters nationwide, which provide directories and referrals. Psychology Today’s search tools also allow you to filter for affirming therapists, ensuring a match that understands your unique needs.

If you’re based in California, Colorado, or Florida, I offer virtual therapy services to provide affirming care from anywhere. Whether you’re exploring your identity, addressing anxiety or trauma, or navigating relationships, I’m here to support your journey to self-discovery and healing.

Start LGBTQ therapy in Los Angeles today

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My mission is to provide compassionate, inclusive therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families navigating unique challenges. With a focus on affirming, trauma-informed care and holistic approaches, I create a supportive space where clients can explore their identities, address health concerns, and build resilience. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I’m here to walk with you on your journey to healing.

Reach out today for a complimentary consultation, and let’s begin building a life that reflects your values, identity, and goals.