Hi! I’m Dr. Jay Bettergarcia (they/them), a licensed counseling psychologist providing affirming therapy, training, and consultation in San Luis Obispo County, and telehealth appointments across California. I work with queer, trans, and BIPOC folks to explore identities, identify oppressive systems that keep us stuck, and create healing through community-based resilience and growth. Welcome!
I identify a queer trans-masculine, nonbinary, biracial Latinx person and I thrive when I’m in spaces that support movements toward gender justice, racial justice, and liberation. I also work to cultivate balance through community connections, gender joy, and rest. I love exploring tide pools at the beach, discovering new hiking trails, laughing with family and friends, being in community, and some mellow down time to camp, read, or relax under the stars. I love good food, good wine, music around a fire pit, and all the wonderful adventures the Central Coast has to offer.
I’m also an Assistant Professor in Psychology & Child Development at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and the Director of the QCARES Program and the SLO ACCEPTance Project. I conduct research about affirming therapy approaches to working with trans and non-binary clients, best practices for teaching and training about LGBTQ+ communities, and barriers to accessing mental health care for queer, transgender, and BIPOC communities.
I look forward to exploring what gender justice, gender joy, and liberation look like for you!
