LGBT therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

More that fifteen years of teaching English and drama at a Los Angeles public high school taught me many things - primarily, it taught me how often people's barriers to achievement are not due to any lack of skill or ability, but rather from emotional barriers stemming from stress, adversity and trauma. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders, PTSD (including Complex-PTSD) and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

Most of us aren't born knowing how to navigate relationships, understand our emotions, or process trauma. Many things influence how we react and behave, but that doesn't mean we can't grow. My goal is to help you build confidence through discovering your self-worth and practicing self-compassion. My priority is creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable. I show up as my authentic self to build trust with you. I'm an empathetic listener and communicate in a calm, gentle, respectful way. My job isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you process and explore topics to build self-awareness and confidence.

I've always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit. If you are working through what happened without judgment and identity what could help you keep going.

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. I have significant experience working in higher levels of care settings and with folks navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm.

A lot of young men grow up getting the message that they're supposed to have it handled — keep it together, don't make it a big deal, figure it out on your own. So when anxiety, anger, low motivation, or just feeling lost starts piling up, reaching out for help can feel like the last thing they'd want to do. If that's you, or if you're a parent watching your son struggle and shut down, I get it — and I can help.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I work primarily with teenage boys and young men. I've spent years working with guys in some of the hardest settings there are — residential treatment, high-acuity programs, and intensive work helping young men take an honest look at their choices, their patterns, and who they want to become. That experience taught me how to actually connect with someone who doesn't necessarily want to be in therapy, and how to make this feel less like a lecture and more like a real conversation.

My style is warm but direct, and I don't think therapy has to be heavy or stiff to work. I'll meet you exactly where you are — no judgment, no pressure to have it figured out — and we'll get into the real stuff at a pace that feels right. I also work with adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and figuring out who they are, bringing that same grounded, real presence to the work.

I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.

I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

Noah Eastman, LMFT, offers a warm space to heal from the past, discover yourself, and chart a new path forward. He received his M.A. in Integral Counseling Psychology at C.I.I.S. Using parts work, somatic therapy, and EMDR Noah offers therapy for individuals and couples. If you are a couple stuck in the same old loop, then it's time to begin the more honest dialogue you’ve been putting off for too long. I have supported individuals with with anxiety, depression, CPTSD, grief, gender and sexuality issues, and major life transitions.

If you are struggling with ADHD and/or symptoms of anxiety or depression or are dealing with difficult relationship issues or life transitions, I could be the therapist for you.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, with 10+ years of experience within the mental health services industry. My clinical experience has focused primarily on helping individuals in the adolescent, young adult age, and middle-aged adults. I have a strong trauma-informed approach when working with my clients. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment, and help understand aspects of lived experiences. My extensive clinical training includes working with children, teenagers, and adults, with an array of mental health challenges.