Rachel Watkins, PsyD

I work as a clinical psychologist in private practice, based in the Bay Area of California, specializing in working with folks in the LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive communities. During graduate school I completed a certificate in LGBTQ+ mental health care, largely motivated by awareness of the disproportional mental health impacts that many in these communities experience. During my training years, I worked at a community mental health agency in the Castro District of San Francisco, dedicated to providing more accessible and affirmative therapy to the local queer and gender-expansive communities. This experience greatly expanded my knowledge and clinical skills for serving this particular population, as well as reinforced my interest in pursuing this specialization. One thing I found, and which has remained true, was that many people seeking care presented with a wide range of mental health concerns that did not necessarily stem directly from their sexual or gender identities, however these always felt like important lenses through which a richer understanding of each individuals’ challenges and strengths was gained. In some instances, of course, I do work with individuals around matters directly related to their sexual and gender identities, including identity exploration and intersections, experiences of discrimination, stigma, and bias, familial rejection, and internalized homophobia, amongst others. While I have been trained in a variety of modalities, I predominantly work psychodynamically with a focus on the various systems and social forces that impact our personal struggles. In practice, I seek to help clients find patterns in their emotions, thoughts, and beliefs in order to gain insight into their current self. And at the heart of all my work is the therapeutic relationship.

I also have extensive experience providing therapeutic support to trans and gender non-conforming individuals at various stages of their identity development. To reduce gatekeeping and lower financial barriers to gender-affirming care, I also offer letter-writing services to support folks in accessing needed surgeries and other gender-related medical care. I utilize an informed consent model where clients can affirm their own gender identity and are centered in the decision-making about their own bodies.