About Me
About Me
Joshua Medina, LCSW
Joshua Medina, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist
Why Therapy?
Why Therapy?
Why did I choose therapy as a profession? I have always been an intuitive person and growing up, I was always that quiet boy sitting in the corner eavesdropping on everyone's conversations. We can learn so much about others by simply standing back and listening.
I found people's behaviors fascinating; when I got older and sought out therapy for some of my own struggles that I went through, it wasn't easy. The therapists I did see, when discussing some very personal matters, I sensed and felt judgment about being a gay male; especially when discussing LGBTQ issues. People can pick up on these things; and to someone who is already feeling vulnerable and uncertain about opening up to a stranger, this can make or break it for them.
Through these lived experiences I realized that there is a great need for therapists to have their clients' undivided attention in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Education
Education
I began my journey as a social worker/therapist after finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 2012 from California State University, San Bernardino. Then I went on to graduate school and received my Master's Degree in Social Work from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2014.
After graduate school, I spent several years working on my clinical hours for state licensure. In June of 2018, I became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
During my experience I knew I wanted to work specifically with the LGBTQI population; I worked at the LGBT Center of Long Beach to hone in on LGBQTI issues for experience and to give back to the community. I work with all adults, but my target population is LGBTQI individuals.
I have been in private practice, working for myself since August of 2019. Since April of 2020 when COVID-19 was considered a national emergency, mental health care has shifted much from in-person to telehealth appointments
