Finding a therapist can be a challenge…and finding an LGBTQIA therapist can feel nearly impossible.
With increasingly difficult survival needs and a divisive political climate, the demand for mental health support is higher than ever — particularly for queer couples, adults, and transgender youth.
Are you:
A queer couple looking for a couples therapist who is part of the community and able to help you navigate your relationship with each other and your families?
An LGBTQ adult looking for mental health support?
A parent looking for support in navigating their child’s gender transition?
A parent looking to learn more about how to support their child’s exploration of their sexual orientation or gender identity?
A transgender teenager looking for a therapist to support you and your family as you explore your own identity?
A straight couple looking for therapeutic support from a progressive, informed therapist?
A neurodivergent adult seeking strategies for managing dopamine-chasing habits?
If so, welcome! You’re in the right place.
Finding a safe, trauma-informed clinician who understands the challenges you face and the nuances of your community is vital, and I’m here to help.
What’s my style?
My clients and colleague describe me as warm, progressive, open-hearted, and educational — with a sprinkle of no bullshit. 😉
My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and based on fact-based, validated, peer-reviewed research and training.
Humans are messy, and I’m comfortable with the mess; I’m all about helping YOU unravel and maneuver the natural messiness of existence! My style is being a grounded source of support, facilitation, and information for my clients.
I create a soft place to land and learn so you have the safety and freedom to do the hard work of building a strong internal sense of self, navigate your complicated day-to-day, and show up the way you want to in your relationship with yourself and your loved ones.
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Sarah Almaqousi, a California-based therapist who specializes in supporting LGBTQ and neurodivergent couples, families, adults, and children.
While I specialize in offering therapeutic support to LGBTQ folks as I myself am part of the community, please note that this is an inclusive space, and I am open to people of all gender identities and sexualities!
I am a passionate advocate for equity and, in particular, supporting our transgender youth, particularly in light of the dangerous legislation that continues to put them at risk.
I am also a parent, and familiar with the challenges of navigating systemic homophobia that come along with that. You can find me at the local farmer’s market or searching for a swimming hole (especially during these Sacramento valley summers!).
Where am I?
My face-to-face therapy practice is based in Oakland, but I am offering virtual therapy in California as a whole. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a major metropolitan area or in one of the many small towns scattered across California’s vast rural landscape — thanks to modern technology, therapy is accessible to you, too!
Client Testimonials
“Sarah is an exceptional human being; I thoroughly enjoy being in her presence. She truly has a gift of helping people breakthrough their barriers, go through their pain, and experience healing and transformation. She is empathetic, compassionate, personable, and deep.”
“She is a thoughtful, considerate listener and observer, she is careful to extract the full meaning of both our words and our silences.”
“She will get to the root of your core issues and you will have a skilled and helping hand guide you through understanding and overcoming them.”
“You can talk about anything without being judged.”
“Sarah has seen me through an abusive marriage, difficult divorce, single parenthood, reestablishing healthy relationships with my body and others.”
“She is very respectful, and knows how to guide a session towards the particular areas that need attention. Her presence makes it easy to open up and feel comfortable going into challenging territory.”