Payam Ghassemlou

I began my practice over 30 years ago, driven by a deep commitment to supporting the gay and queer community through the AIDS crisis, homophobia, and the challenges of coming out. Embracing this calling allowed me to build a strong and meaningful practice. When your work is rooted in passion and a genuine desire to serve a community you care about, success naturally follows—not just in financial terms, but in the profound impact you can have on people's lives.

Over the years, my practice has grown to include a wide range of specialties beyond working with LGBTQ+ people. I believe that when you build your work on a foundation of purpose, it can grow and evolve—like a river that carries you where you’re meant to go.

I'm also committed to providing an affirming, culturally responsive therapeutic space where people of all backgrounds and identities feel respected, understood, and valued. I have extensive experience supporting BIPOC communities, immigrants, neurodivergent individuals, artists, and others seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. My work embraces body positivity, celebrates diverse identities, and recognizes the importance of social justice, cultural sensitivity, and the ways our lived experiences shape our emotional well-being.

My professional experience also includes teaching in the Doctoring 1 Program at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, where I’ve guided medical students in patient-centered care, ethics, and empathy. Please feel free to reach out—I am here to support you in achieving lasting growth and resilience.