LGBT therapists in Carlsbad, CA

avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

I’m a naturally curious, growth-oriented human who believes healing happens when insight meets action. I love helping people zoom out to see the bigger picture of their lives—while also gently zooming in on the patterns, habits, and beliefs that shape their everyday experience.

I’m drawn to the intersection of self-awareness and real-world momentum. Therapy with me is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded. We can explore the deep stuff—identity, relationships, purpose, transitions—while also building practical tools you can actually use on a Tuesday afternoon when life is lifing.

I value emotional honesty, nervous system regulation, and sustainable growth over quick fixes. I believe you’re not broken—you’re adaptive. Together, we figure out what’s working, what’s outdated, and how to move forward in a way that feels aligned, empowered, and authentically you.

Expect warmth, insight, humor when it fits, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. Healing doesn’t have to be clinical and cold—it can be connected, intentional, and even a little energizing.

I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and love this work. I came to therapy through an unconventional path — nearly a decade in film and photography, work as a youth counselor, and service in the military — all of which deeply shaped how I understand people and their stories.

I earned my master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I focused on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches. My thesis centered on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a specialty I've continued developing through advanced trainings I've completed.

I work with individuals, couples, adolescents & families across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a particular love for working with creative professionals, veterans and young adults. I'm LGBTQ+ affirmative and love working with folks from the queer community.

My practice spans traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — including psychedelic integration support for those processing experiences outside of our work together. I see clients in person in Atwater Village in Northeast LA, and virtually throughout California.

My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.

I love helping people heal through insight, humor, and giving them a place to feel heard. Everyone needs help sometimes, and having a a guide with abilities directed towards healing mental and emotional wounds means you will walk away with tools to last a lifetime. I am always learning new skills to aid more people. We will get through this together!

I work with adults across the full span of life, from age 18 through 103, and I truly value the different experiences that come with each stage. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or simply wanting to feel more balanced and well, I am here to support you. I believe mental health care should feel accessible and responsive, which is why I offer flexible options like same day appointments, telehealth, and even house calls. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide care that fits into your life, not the other way around.

People say I am a good listener so I will get to know you and the goals you bring to therapy

Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

I am a LCSW with experience working with individuals, couples and families, in a variety of clinical settings including the film & TV industry, Hollywood community MH, LA LBGTQ Center, and Braille Institute. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, trauma, depression, anger, family and work relational issues, disabilities, as well as, grief and loss. I work with all ages and many cultures.

MSW at CSULA. I spent many years living in France; teaching at universities.

Neurodivergent, Autism Spectrum,ADHD,Social anxiety, LGBTQIA+: I can help!

Welcome! With the supportive help of an experienced, "seasoned" therapist, we will take action towards the change you need to make. I will hold your hand and hold you accountable, with the right dose of support, guidance, and humor.

I trained as a psychotherapist in European and American Universities. I use effective, science based approaches.

If you do not find availability in my calendar, please contact me directly at [email protected].

Questions? Text/call me at 415-48-EARTH; 415-483-2784

I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.