3 Best San Francisco LGBTQ Couples Counselors
All relationships face challenges, from navigating life changes or communication issues to bigger struggles like infidelity or co-parenting when separated. On top of that, LGBTQ+ couples often face added stressors, like family acceptance, stigma, and more.
That’s why it’s crucial to find an affirmative therapist who specializes in supporting LGBTQ+ relationships. At California Couples Counseling, our San Francisco couples therapists provide a safe, judgment-free space where you and your partner can strengthen your relationship and feel genuinely seen. Meet our team here, learn more about our approach, and reach out when you’re ready to get started.
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Best for LGBTQ+ couples exploring gender and sexuality: Stefan Paquet, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples navigating trauma: Jennie Lopez, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples therapy in Spanish: Diana Barrera, LCSW
Not sure which therapist is right for your relationship? Contact us for a free consultation so we can match you.
Meet our LGBTQ+ couples therapists
Stefan Paquet, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples exploring gender and sexuality
Stefan brings deep expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples navigating sexuality, gender identity, and the complexities of hormone therapy and gender transition within relationships. He creates a compassionate, integrative space where both partners can learn more about themselves and each other.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Location: Virtual in San Francisco
Virtual therapy?: Yes, across California
Jennie Lopez, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples navigating trauma
Jennie specializes in working with LGBTQ+ couples who are healing from trauma. Her evidence-based approach combines EMDR training with the Gottman Method to help partners build deeper emotional safety, improve communication, and ultimately create lasting change in their relationship.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Location: Virtual in San Francisco
Virtual therapy?: Yes, across California
Diana Barrera, LCSW
Best for LGBTQ+ couples therapy in Spanish
Diana is a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist with three decades of experience creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ couples. She helps partners slow down conflict patterns, rebuild trust, and develop new ways of communicating that honor both individuals and the relationship.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Location: Virtual in San Francisco
Virtual therapy?: Yes, across California
What sets our practice apart from other San Francisco LGBTQ+ relationship counseling providers
We understand that LGBTQ+ couples deserve more than tolerance—you deserve genuine affirmation and expertise. Our practice offers:
Therapists with extensive experience working with the LGBTQ+ community
Trained in the Gottman Method, an evidence-based couples therapy technique
Online availability throughout California to make sessions accessible
Clinicians with diverse clinical backgrounds to ensure you find the right fit
No insurance hassles—transparent private pay model with packages available
Our therapists don't just “accept” LGBTQ+ couples—they actively specialize in the unique dynamics, stressors, and strengths of queer relationships.
Areas we support couples with
Communication breakdowns and feeling unheard by your partner
Navigating coming out processes and family acceptance together
Rebuilding trust after infidelity or betrayal
Managing minority stress and its impact on your relationship
Balancing individual gender or sexuality exploration within the partnership
Healing from trauma while maintaining intimacy
Conflict resolution and breaking destructive argument patterns
Emotional disconnection and loss of intimacy
Life transitions, including marriage, parenting, or career changes
Polyamory and consensual non-monogamy dynamics
Step 1. Free 15-minute consultation call
During this complimentary call, we'll discuss your relationship goals, answer questions about our approach, and help you find the right therapist match for your unique needs.
What to expect from the therapy process
Step 2. Initial assessment sessions
Your therapist will create a safe space to understand your relationship history, current challenges, and what brings each partner to therapy—honoring both individual and shared perspectives.
Step 3. Active skill-building and healing work
Using evidence-based methods like the Gottman Method, you'll learn practical communication tools, repair strategies, and ways to rebuild emotional connection and trust.
Step 4. Ongoing support and progress
Sessions adapt to your evolving needs as you practice new skills, navigate challenges together, and create the relationship dynamic you both want.
FAQs about LGBTQ+ couples therapy
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Our therapists have specialized experience in LGBTQ+ issues and actively understand the unique stressors facing queer relationships—from minority stress to navigating gender identity within partnerships. We create spaces where all identities, relationship structures, and expressions are genuinely welcomed and validated, not simply “tolerated.”
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Absolutely not. We work with couples at all relationship stages—dating, engaged, partnered, married, or exploring commitment. Whether you're navigating a new relationship or have been together for decades, couples therapy can support your partnership goals.
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Yes. We support consensually non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, including navigating communication across multiple partners, establishing boundaries, and addressing relationship agreements. We understand that healthy relationships come in many structures beyond traditional monogamy.
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The short answer is: it depends. Insurance doesn’t explicitly cover couples therapy, but there may be ways to receive some reimbursement for sessions through your out-of-network benefits. Our practice operates exclusively out-of-network, and we offer discounted packages as well as couples intensives. Learn more about pricing and packages here.