Business Details
14 Years
experience
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Therapy in Fresno
Safe & Affirmative Counseling has been dedicated to providing inclusive and compassionate mental health services since its founding in 2012. Our team of licensed professionals brings over a decade of combined experience in trauma-informed care, gender-affirming therapy, and evidence-based counseling approaches. We specialize in serving LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and those navigating anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Our practice integrates modalities like EMDR, CBT, and Gottman Method Couples Counseling to address diverse client needs. We maintain active memberships with WPATH and prioritize cultural competence in all aspects of care. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through sliding-scale fees, telehealth options across California, and partnerships with local advocacy organizations.We operate from a foundation of social justice principles, actively addressing systemic barriers to mental healthcare. Our therapists hold advanced degrees from institutions like USC and Fresno State, with specialized training in neurodiversity and minority stress. We measure success through client empowerment and sustained emotional well-being, evidenced by testimonials describing life-changing transitions and improved mental health outcomes. Our Fresno-based practice serves as a regional hub for affirming care, with outreach programs expanding access throughout California.
Services
Gender Affirming Care
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Couples Therapy
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Anxiety Management
Depression Treatment
Family Counseling
Telehealth Sessions
WPATH Letters
Cultural Competency Training
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized gender-affirming care with WPATH-certified therapists
- Our team includes EMDR-trained trauma specialists with 10+ years clinical experience
- We provide culturally competent care for BIPOC and neurodivergent communities
- Sliding-scale fees available for uninsured clients
- Telehealth services accessible statewide in California
Associations and certifications
- WPATH
What people say
Life-changing transitions
Safe nonjudgmental space
Expert gender-affirming care
Effective trauma therapy
Compassionate professionals
Services
Gender Affirming Care
Specialized counseling for gender exploration and transition support. Our WPATH-certified therapists provide comprehensive care including pre-surgical evaluations and hormone therapy letters. We utilize evidence-based approaches to address minority stress and social transition challenges while maintaining strict adherence to ethical care standards.
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Advanced trauma treatment using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Our EMDR-certified clinicians help clients process distressing memories and reduce trauma symptoms. This evidence-based modality effectively treats PTSD, anxiety disorders, and complex trauma while incorporating cultural sensitivity and neurodiversity affirming practices.
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Affirming mental health services for sexual and gender minority clients. Our therapists specialize in identity exploration, coming out processes, and addressing discrimination-related stress. We provide safe spaces for all LGBTQ+ individuals with specific expertise in transgender and nonbinary client needs across California.
Couples Therapy
Gottman Method-certified relationship support for couples and families. We address communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and intimacy building through research-backed techniques. Our therapists help diverse relationship structures navigate challenges while respecting cultural and individual differences in partnership dynamics.
Telehealth Sessions
Secure virtual counseling accessible statewide in California. Our HIPAA-compliant platform enables remote therapy sessions for clients in multiple counties. This service expands access to affirming care for rural communities while maintaining the same quality standards as in-person sessions through encrypted video technology.
People
Henry Meraz
Founder and Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of mental health experience. Specializes in trauma therapy and LGBTQ+ care. Graduated from USC's MSW program and founded SAAC to address Central Valley's mental health disparities.
Donald Turnmire
Clinical Supervisor
LMFT offering holistic therapy integrating yoga and EMDR. Focuses on mind-body connection and trauma recovery. Provides clinical supervision while maintaining a private practice focused on emotional regulation and self-acceptance.
Corion Duran
Clinical Supervisor
LMFT specializing in ACT and Gottman Method therapy. Experienced in trauma treatment and LGBTQ+ affirming care. Supervises associate therapists while working with diverse populations including children, adults, and families.
Susie Meraz
Office Manager
Business Administration professional managing daily operations. Coordinates client scheduling and insurance processing. Provides administrative leadership while advocating for LGBTQ+ community support through organizational policies.
Thanwa Hasson
Associate Therapist
ACS with specialization in grief counseling and trauma recovery. Utilizes CBT and IFS techniques under supervision. Focuses on life transitions and emotional resilience building for diverse client populations across California.
Questions
What mental health services do you specialize in?
We specialize in gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ counseling, trauma therapy (including EMDR), anxiety and depression treatment, couples therapy, and culturally competent care for BIPOC communities.
Do you accept insurance?
We are in-network with most Medi-Cal plans and major commercial insurers like Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Healthcare. We also provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement and offer sliding-scale fees.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes, we offer secure telehealth sessions across California. Our virtual platform maintains the same quality standards as in-person visits with encrypted video conferencing technology.
What therapeutic approaches do your clinicians use?
Our therapists utilize evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Gottman Method couples counseling, ACT, and trauma-informed care tailored to each client's specific needs and cultural background.
Do you provide WPATH letters for gender transition?
Yes, our WPATH-certified clinicians provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapy without gatekeeping, focusing on client autonomy and informed consent.
