Ever meet someone you share a lot in common with and it immediately feels like you just get one another? That’s how it can be with a queer BIPOC therapist! Many things about what it means to navigate in the world as a brown queer person are simply just shared between us so you won’t always need to explain yourself. BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ folks are among the most underrepresented and underserved when it comes to mental health support.

As the population trends towards the numbers of BIPOC folks growing, so do the myriad of mental health concerns related to challenges faced uniquely be us. Generational trauma, racial tensions, microaggressions, prejudice, racism, code-switching, hostile work environments, police brutality, the impact of incarceration, poor maternal and infant mortality outcomes, the list goes on! Having a queer identity adds another layer of complexity to these experiences.

Despite a larger prevalence of mental illness, BIPOC people tend to seek therapy at far less rates than their White counterparts due to things like stigma and how difficult it can be to locate a therapist who looks like you. Black therapists currently make up roughly 7-11% of all therapists in the U.S. so kudos to you for finding me! I know your search has likely been long and hard, but I’m wholeheartedly excited to create space for you!

• Are you a BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ person struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, boundary-setting, or relationship conflict?

• Have you tried therapy before, but couldn’t connect well with your non-POC therapist? Do you now feel apprehensive about being misunderstood or invalidated by therapists who may not fully recognize or affirm your BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ identity or experiences?

• Have you experienced difficulty finding a therapist who can address the unique intersectional challenges of being both LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC, including navigating discrimination, identity development, and family dynamics?

• Have you been seeking a POC LGBTQIA2S+ therapist, but have struggled with long wait lists and lack of availability in your immediate area?

• Have you been facing fear of stigma or judgment within the BIPOC community for seeking therapy, compounded by concerns about being LGBTQIA2S+?

• Have you dealt with challenges related to coming out as LGBTQIA2S+ within the BIPOC community, where cultural norms, family expectations, and religious beliefs are in conflict with one another?

• Are you finding it challenging to navigate intimate relationships, including dating and forming connections within the LGBTQIA2S+ community?

• Are you questioning your gender or sexuality and feeling confused, lost or alienated?

This is not an exhaustive list, but if you’ve answered yes to any of these points, this space is designed for you. Also, check out more about me here.

Of course not! I work with all humans! I just have specialized experience working with the queer/trans BIPOC community. I also specialize in working with POC folks who aren’t LGBTQIA2S+ identified and it’s common that non-BIPOC people choose to work with me simply because that’s what makes them feel the most comfortable.

I am currently only licensed to work with clients that reside in the state of CA. If you happen to live out-of-state, I’d be happy to connect you with resources to locate a therapist in your state!

A consultation is complementary. This is a 15-min phone call where we get acquainted and determine if we’re a good fit for one another. Once we both agree the vibe feels right you’ll be scheduled to begin regular session. A 50-min session is $185. Sliding scale spots are available on a limited basis and I openly accept Loveland Foundation vouchers. Please visit their website to learn more.

While I don’t directly accept insurance, I am an insurance-friendly practice. I regularly supply you with superbills and am partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.

Mentaya is perfect if you:

• Have out-of-network benefits.

• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance.

• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement.

• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up for Mentaya here.

2. I will enter your sessions into the platform.

3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.

4. You get reimbursed by insurance!

*Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.

Simply follow this link to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation at a time that works for you. From there, we’ll chat and get you scheduled for your regular therapy sessions.

Sessions are virtual and confidential using Telehealth. This means you get to meet with me from the comfort of your home or any other quiet location.