LGBT therapists in Riverside, CA

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’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Since graduating in 2021, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples in community mental health and outpatient settings.

I became a therapist because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I’m passionate about helping others better understand themselves, work through challenges, and become the best versions of themselves. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic to them.

I have experience supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, neurodivergence, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and general life stress. I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard.

My approach is collaborative and individualized, drawing from modalities including CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. I work alongside clients to better understand patterns, build coping skills, improve relationships, and create meaningful change aligned with their goals and values.

I’ve worked as a therapist for the past ten years, helping people untangle their stories and find compassion for the messy, imperfect parts of being human. My own experiences as a client deeply shaped my approach. I bring empathy, warmth, and a genuine understanding of how vulnerable therapy can feel. I work with clients of all ages, from tweens to adults, to build insight, resilience, and self-acceptance. My style is collaborative and grounded in authenticity, humor, and humanity. Above all, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, supported, and free to explore what healing might look like for you.

With 30+ years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, I offer a compassionate and integrative approach to therapy. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, humanistic, and relational modalities, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s transitions and challenges.

I'm so glad you're here!

I would love to help you move through difficulty and into an experience of your most fulfilling life.

I've been practicing therapy since 2021. My specialties include treatment of trauma-related disorders, neurodivergence, perfectionism/high achieving patterns, and depression and anxiety. My clinical training includes treatment of substance use disorders, working with LGBTQ+ people, and supporting folks navigating poverty and homelessness.

I became licensed as a MFT ten years ago and began practicing 15 years ago. I earned my Master's Degree from the University of San Francisco (USF), where I dedicated my required 3,000 hours of experience to serving the diverse population that the Bay Area has to offer.

I have a broad range of experience and skills to support individual adults and adolescents of diverse backgrounds and identities seeking relief from depression and anxiety, among other common stressors in their lives.