Welcome to Excelsis Behavioral Health: Your Affirming Partner in Well-being

Hey there, I’m Miguel, and I’m a proud gay therapist. My own journey is actually what drives my deep commitment to providing truly affirming and equitable care for the LGBTQ2S+ community. Growing up in a pretty conservative, military, Roman Catholic household, I know firsthand the pain that comes from not being accepted. As a teenager, I was forced into Catholic conversion therapy under threat of homelessness. That’s why it’s so important to me that no one else has to go through something like that. Today, I’m a happy Navy veteran, happily married, and I was out and proud throughout my service. My story really shows that living authentically and finding well-being isn’t just possible, it’s absolutely vital.

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My Approach to Your Care

At Excelsis Behavioral Health, my therapy style is built on a few key ways. I use elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which is great for helping you build skills to manage emotions and relationships. My approach is also very Humanistic, meaning I focus on your strengths and potential to grow. I always work from a trauma-informed perspective, understanding that many of us carry experiences that impact our mental health. Plus, I integrate Minority Stress Theory into my work, which helps me recognize how societal prejudice uniquely affects the LGBTQ+ community. To give you the best possible care, I’m also certified in LGBTQ-affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative. This means I have specialized tools to help you navigate the specific challenges you might face.

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Dedicated Services for Our Community

I offer a safe, confidential, and truly affirming space for individuals, couples, and groups of all ages—from teens to adults. My passion lies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community through all sorts of experiences. This includes gender identity exploration, whether you’re questioning, transitioning, or just wanting to understand yourself better. I can also support you through the coming out process, helping you navigate conversations with family, friends, and in different social settings. We can work together on navigating discrimination and stigma, building resilience against the emotional toll of prejudice. I also provide support around family acceptance and reconciliation, and offer trauma-informed care for experiences related to minority stress. And, of course, I create an open and non-judgmental space for discussing and supporting affirming sexual health.

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My Commitment to LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care: Education & Experience

My commitment to the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just personal; it’s backed by solid training and experience. As I mentioned, I’m certified in LGBTQ-affirmative CBT from the Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative. This ensures I’m always providing the highest standard of care. I’ve also completed Crisis Intervention Training from The Trevor Project and had the incredibly valuable experience of working as a Crisis Counselor at The Trevor Project. These roles gave me firsthand insight into the urgent and diverse mental health needs of our youth and young adults. I’m also a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which means I’m committed to ethical guidelines that prioritize social justice and equitable care for everyone. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my practice to working exclusively with LGBTQ+ individuals, of all backgrounds, deepening my understanding of our unique strengths and challenges.

At Excelsis Behavioral Health in Tampa, Florida, you’ll find a space where your identity is honored and your well-being is my priority. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and living your most authentic life.