Darlene Tando
Gender-affirming therapy with warmth and experience
Start with Darlene TandoLicensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
About
Darlene Tando is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a master’s-level mental health professional, licensed in both California and Virginia with more than 25 years of clinical experience. She brings a warm, genuine, and empathetic style to therapy, grounded in the belief that meaningful healing grows through authentic connection. When it fits the moment, she also welcomes humor as a way to help clients navigate tender or complex experiences with greater openness and steadiness.
She specializes in gender-affirming therapy for youth and adults and has over 20 years of experience supporting transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Darlene works with clients and families across many stages of the gender journey, including coming out, navigating relationships, and connecting with affirming medical and mental health care. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, respected, and supported as their full selves. Her professional contributions include years as a co-facilitator of a symposium that trains professionals and parents on the nuances of gender affirmation, as well as authorship of a book designed to support parents who want to affirm their child.
In addition to gender-affirming care, Darlene helps individuals working through life transitions, mood disruptions, and family conflict. For those feeling stuck or overwhelmed, she focuses on building insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies. She offers teletherapy and flexible support between sessions through in-app messaging. Due to scheduling constraints, she is not able to offer weekly sessions at this time, and sessions are typically scheduled every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly. Please note that she is currently only accepting clients in Virginia with insurance at this time.
She specializes in gender-affirming therapy for youth and adults and has over 20 years of experience supporting transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Darlene works with clients and families across many stages of the gender journey, including coming out, navigating relationships, and connecting with affirming medical and mental health care. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, respected, and supported as their full selves. Her professional contributions include years as a co-facilitator of a symposium that trains professionals and parents on the nuances of gender affirmation, as well as authorship of a book designed to support parents who want to affirm their child.
In addition to gender-affirming care, Darlene helps individuals working through life transitions, mood disruptions, and family conflict. For those feeling stuck or overwhelmed, she focuses on building insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies. She offers teletherapy and flexible support between sessions through in-app messaging. Due to scheduling constraints, she is not able to offer weekly sessions at this time, and sessions are typically scheduled every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly. Please note that she is currently only accepting clients in Virginia with insurance at this time.
- Location:
- California, United States
- Years Experience:
- 25
- Gender:
- Female
- Languages Spoken:
- English
- Therapist of Color:
- No
- Communication Options:
- Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging
Specialties
Primary area of focus:Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Depression
Other areas of experience: Body image, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Mood disorders, Self-love, Sexuality
Credentials & Verification
- Credentials: CA LCSW 21699, VA LCSW 0904017083
- NPI Number: 1134191182
- License: LCSW (Virginia), LCSW (California)
Evidence-Based Support That Fits Your Life Online
Darlene Tando uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques, drawing from established methods that are commonly used by licensed professionals to support concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship or family strain. Therapy is focused on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and make meaningful changes at a pace that feels manageable.In her work with youth, adults, and families, she brings a gender-affirming lens that centers respect, clarity, and support through different stages of a gender journey, including coming out and navigating relationships. She also helps clients develop practical strategies for managing mood disruptions and feeling less overwhelmed during life transitions by identifying patterns, strengthening resilience, and practicing new ways of responding to difficult emotions and situations.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Darlene collaborates with each client to understand goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked before, then adjusts the focus to support steady progress over time.
Online therapy makes it easier to access care in a way that fits real life. Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexible options for different schedules, comfort levels, and needs between sessions.
How much experience does Darlene Tando have?
Darlene Tando has 25 years of experience in clinical practice.
Is Darlene Tando a licensed therapist?
Yes. Darlene Tando is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is licensed in California (CA LCSW 21699) and Virginia (VA LCSW 0904017083).
In which languages does Darlene Tando provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Darlene Tando located?
Darlene Tando is located in California.
How can I work with Darlene Tando as my therapist?
Sessions can take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what works best for your needs and what is available.
Does Darlene Tando work with international clients?
No. Darlene Tando does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Darlene Tando cost?
The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.