Dr. Ben Gallenson | CBT for Gay Men | Anxiety, Self-Doubt, Identity (he/him)

Psy.D.
Not Accepting Clients

My name is Dr. Ben Gallenson (he/him), and I am a California Board-licensed clinical psychologist. I’m based in Los Angeles.

Clinical Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA

Services

About My Clients

I work with many gay men who are unpacking a lifetime of messages from society that affect mental health. Comments like “You don’t seem gay” may sound harmless, but they teach you to adapt, monitor, perform, or shrink yourself just to feel safe. Over time, this can lead to perfectionism, burnout, and a quiet sense that your identity is always under evaluation. Therapy is a space to challenge those old scripts, rebuild self-trust, and live from a place of wholeness.

My Background and Approach

My approach is structured, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based therapy. I draw from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients quiet their inner critic, manage emotions effectively, and reconnect with what matters most. I’ve worked in university counseling centers, hospital-based programs, and private practice settings, including extensive experience with college students, LGBTQ+ communities, and adults managing high-functioning anxiety. Whether you're seeking anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, therapy for perfectionism, or affirming support for identity exploration, I tailor our work to your pace and goals. I also work with adults who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ but resonate with these themes: chronic stress, emotional burnout, difficulty slowing down, or always feeling like they’re one misstep from being “found out.”

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

As a queer psychologist, my work is deeply personal. I know what it’s like to navigate a world that doesn’t always make space for your full identity, and I’m committed to conducting therapy where you don’t have to shrink, perform, or explain yourself. I’m passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming care, destigmatizing mental health for men, and supporting those who’ve felt marginalized or overlooked in traditional therapy spaces. I value authenticity, equity, and honest self-exploration—and I believe therapy should help you navigate the world with greater freedom, self-trust, and intention. If you're looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in California, I'd be honored to support your journey. Whether you're in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, or right here in Los Angeles. I offer virtual therapy across California.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross of California
  • Cigna
  • Magellan Behavioral Health
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Blue Cross blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • Carelon Behavioral Health Plan
  • Quest Behavioral Health
  • Anthem EAP - Bank of America
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 4 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $175 - 250/session

Info

Email Dr. Ben Gallenson |
1 LMU Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Reach out to Dr. Ben Gallenson |