Nick Tomasello, LMFT (he/him)

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #141543

Services I Offer

Virtual sessions in California for:

  • Individual therapy for teens and young adults around ages 15-24
  • Parent support therapy
  • In-person sessions offered in the Sacramento area coming soon

Specialties & Focus Areas

My core specialties include:

  • Depression
  • Identity Exploration
  • LGBTQ+ and TGNB specific issues, including but not limited to: coming out, transitioning, relationship dynamics (with family, friends, partners), backlash, discrimination, gender and sexuality exploration
  • Life transitions
  • General anxiety
  • Social anxiety
  • Social / communication skills

About Me

I am a board-certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy with an eagerness and zeal for supporting individuals on their journey toward growth and healing. I specialize in working with teens and those that identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and am licensed to practice therapy in California both in person and via telehealth.

I practice therapy primarily from a client-centered perspective, meaning that I aim to meet you where you are at, collaborate to identify relevant and meaningful goals for our work together, and pour authenticity and genuineness into our relationship. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is where much of the healing work takes place. Additionally, I interweave cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and the gender affirmative clinical model into my work. I like to describe my therapeutic style as eclectic; I pull from a variety of theories, models, and practices to tailor a unique and personalized therapy experience that is best for you, and if something doesn’t feel right, we can work together to find what does. I also enjoy integrating mindfulness into my therapy, with everything from meditations to practicing grounding, awareness, and presence.

I have a passion and specialty in working with and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans, non-binary, and gender expansive youth in navigating coming out, their transition process, exploring the inherent shifts in their relationships, and processing the backlash, discrimination, and hate that is lamentably a component of this experience for so many people. I have also supported many of my clients in receiving medically affirming procedures, such as hormones or surgeries, by advocating with their providers and writing letters of support.

I believe an important aspect of who I am is my identity, part of which includes being a straight, white, cisgender male. These are dominant group memberships which have played a challenging historical role in our society, and I believe strongly that bringing this into the therapy room is crucial to acknowledge. In doing so, this helps me approach my therapy in a culturally humble way, as well as creates opportunities for corrective emotional and relational experiences by having different and distinct interactions that are restorative and healing.

Who I Work With

I provide therapy for:

  • Teens (approx. ages 15–18)
  • Young adults (18–24)
  • Parents seeking suppor

Identity, Cultural Humility, & the Therapy Space

I’m intentional about acknowledging the role my identity plays in the therapeutic relationship. As a straight, white, cisgender man, I recognize these identities come with historical weight and power dynamics that impact how clients may feel in the room.

By naming this openly, I create opportunities for:

  • Culturally humble dialogue
  • Corrective emotional experiences
  • Transparency and trust
  • A more authentic therapeutic connection

Therapeutic Approach

I practice primarily from a client-centered perspective, meaning I see the client as the expert in their own experiences. I pull from multiple modalities to create an approach that fits each person:

Gender-Affirmative Clinical Model

Mindfulness

Motivational Interviewing

Client-Centered Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Trauma-Informed)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Solution-Focused Therapy

Crisis Intervention

Education and Certifications

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in supporting the LGBT community from Santa Clara University (2021)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University (2016)

Work Experience

  • Therapist at Thrive Hive Counseling (2025-present)
  • Therapist and Training Coordinator at Teen Therapy Center (2021-2025)
  • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Family and Children Services, a division of Caminar (2020-2021)
  • Taught and tutored children and teenagers with various learning challenges (2016-2018)
  • Sexual assault crisis line counselor and survivor advocate with Verity (2016)

Life Outside the Therapy Room

I bring creativity and joy to both my personal and professional life. Outside of sessions, you can find me:

  • Playing video games and tabletop/board games
  • Enjoying time with cats (and manatees, his favorite animal)
  • Going on slightly strenuous hikes
  • Spending quality time with close friends
  • Exploring new restaurants as a devoted foodie

Other areas of concern I work with

I also works with individuals navigating:
  • Relationship problems
  • School avoidance
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation
  • Stress and stress management
  • Sports anxiety
  • Attention problems / ADHD
  • Body image
  • Loneliness and shyness
  • Perfectionism
  • Procrastination and motivation

Work With Nick

If you’re looking for a therapist who is authentic, warm, culturally aware, and deeply committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, Nick may be a wonderful fit.