

ARE YOU LIVING IN A STATE OF SURVIVAL?
Are you finding it difficult to connect with providers who understand background and share an affirmative perspective? Have you been hesitant to express your true self due to fears about the consequences? Or, if you've already chosen to embrace your authenticity, are you facing challenges with acceptance from those around you?
Living this way can leave you feeling trapped in your life.
Do you ever think thoughts like:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m beyond repair.”
“Why can’t I just be normal?”
These feelings can trigger anxiety making it hard to get out of bed and creating a persistent sense of unease that lingers.

BUT THINGS DON'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY...
You are not alone in your experience and therapy can help you feel better.
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Processing your life experiences of discrimination, oppression, and trauma due to your identity can help you take back the narrative of your life and empower you to move forward without shame or anxiety.
Reaching out for support and receiving it, can remind you of the value you bring to this world and the power of connection with those who are affirmative and see you for the beautiful person you were born to be.
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
Attending therapy to help address these feelings, emotions, and experiences can help decrease potential negative events moving forward in your future. An affirmative therapist can provide a safe, comfortable space to explore your life and goals.
Therapy can help you by:
- Decreasing Anxiety
- Increasing Emotional Regulation
- Navigating Queer Relational Dynamics
- Building Communication Skills
- Building Conflict Resolution Skills
- Internalized Homophobia Recovery
- Building Self Esteem
- Trauma Processing and Recovery
- Minority Stress Processing
- Building Boundaries
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THERAPY
SET YOUR INTENTIONS.
Simply click below to schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation call.
CHECK YOUR PHONE.
A representative will call, text, or email you and learn more about you and your unique situation.
STAY ACCOUNTABLE.
If it sounds like we have a therapist that is a good fit for you, then we'll schedule your first session and start on your journey to healing!
AT GROUNDED CONNECTIONS COUNSELING, INC.,
WE SPECIALIZE IN WORKING WITH THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
We are a psychotherapy group practice dedicated to minority-identified communities that provides affirmative, culturally competent mental health counseling.
Our affirmative, trans/GNC and queer-informed therapists have helped many clients work through issues related to their coming out and/or transitioning gender identities and couple and relational struggles.
We strive to help create spaces that promote self exploration without judgment or bias to ensure clients feel they are able to decide who they are on their own terms.
We can match you with a therapist who you feel comfortable with, who can guide you, and ensure your path to wellness.
WHY CHOOSE GROUNDED CONNECTIONS COUNSELING, INC.?
YOUR EXPERIENCE. OUR EXPERIENCE
Our practice is made up of skilled clinicians, that provide culturally affirmative care and are able to relate to our clients lived experiences on a personal level.
NO WAITLIST
With a group of clinicians you are able to start your healing quicker and start feeling relief much sooner.
QUALITY SERVICE
At our practice, clinicians receive regular supervision of their work and treatment they are providing. In most cases with solo practitioners, no one is there to check the quality of service that clinician may be providing.
IN PERSON & ONLINE
We provide telehealth throughout California as well as in person services in our office in Irvine, CA.
PERSONAL FEEL
Unlike big corporate companies, like Betterhelp or Talkspace, small group practices such as ours, have the ability to connect with you one on one and receive the personalized care you deserve, while still providing you with a range of clinicians to choose from, so that it is a good fit from the start!
REACH OUT TODAY!


About Our Founder
Dr. Melanie Gonzalez, PsyD, LMFT
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Therapist, Supervisor, Professor, & Author
Dr. Melanie Gonzalez, PsyD, LMFT, founded GCC Inc. in 2020. Dr. Gonzalez has worked with the queer and bipoc community for the past 11+ years and strives to provide a safe space for growth and healing within her group practice by choosing associate and licensed clinicians who also support the same goals of healing and care.
Dr. Gonzalez has recently published a collection of poems entitled, "The Intimate Details of Love and Sex". The collection explores love and sexuality in their rawest, most sincere forms, transcending societal boundaries to embrace all expressions of identity and passion.
This evocative collection delves into the beauty and complexity of love and sex, inviting readers to experience its diverse manifestations across genders, identities, and bodies without judgment. It celebrates the sensual and emotional spectrum of connection, offering a poetic journey that reflects yearning, euphoria, and healing. Ultimately, The Intimate Details of Love and Sex reminds us that love is universal, and sexuality is an essential expression of our shared humanity.
The book is available on Amazon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
We do! Sliding scale spots are on a first come, first serve basis. Our range is from $80-175 for individual therapy and $115-$215 for couples therapy. Reach out to inquire if we have any sliding scale spots available. Sliding scale spots are not available for those requesting a Superbill for insurance reimbursement.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
We are in network with LYRA, CIGNA and AETNA insurance. We can provide a Superbill to anyone with a PPO health plan for you to submit for out of pocket reimbursement. No other insurance providers are accepted at this time.
WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work with Adults and Couples in California only. Both partners need to reside in California and be in California at time of appointments. No minors are accepted at this practice.

CONTACT US
WE ARE READY TO START...ARE YOU?
Schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation today!
Reach out today to speak to a representative who will help pick the best therapist at our practice to fit your specific needs. We will reach out to you via Call, Text, or Email. and set up a free 15 minute consultation call to make sure we are a good fit for your needs!