Frank Peña (He/Him/Él)

Associate Clinical Social Worker #122856

Services Available in English & Spanish

Supervised by: Jacqueline Plante, Director (CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #91084)

what is your role at Gather and Grow Oc?

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker at Gather and Grow OC, I provide comprehensive mental health services to a diverse client base. I specialize in gender-affirming therapy and intersectional care. My role involves conducting individual and group therapy sessions and ensuring a client-centered approach to mental health and well-being.

school and training history

I began my academic journey at DeAnza Community College, where I earned an Associate of Arts in Sociology. From there, I transferred to San José State University and completed my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Women and Gender Studies. My passion for social work then led me to the University of Southern California, where I obtained my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in working with Children, Youth, and Families.

In addition to my studies, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful research projects, concentrating on the resilience of transgender youth of color and the experiences of nonbinary college students. I’m proud to say that some of my work has been published in respected journals and can be viewed here:

• Latinx and Asian American Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth’s Experiences with Parental Ambivalent Support and Coping Processes

• “They won't push me away”: Transgender and gender-expansive youth of color's perceptions of parental gender-identity-specific support

• Understanding nonbinary college students’ experiences on college campuses: An exploratory study of mental health, campus involvement, victimization, and safety.

INDIVIDUAL FOCUS

My individual focus is on providing culturally competent, gender-affirming therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals, with a particular emphasis on transgender and gender-expansive youth and young adults. I employ an intersectional approach to therapy, recognizing the complex interplay of race, gender, and other social factors in the mental health of my clients. My work aims to foster acceptance, advocacy, and support. 

what excites you about being part of the gather and grow oc community?

I am excited to be part of the Gather and Grow OC community because of its commitment to providing inclusive and affirming mental health care. The group's dedication to cultural competence and its holistic approach to client care aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values in practice. I look forward to contributing to a team that prioritizes the well-being of marginalized communities and supports clients through their unique journeys with empathy and expertise.

I am currently scheduling clients Monday-Friday, with services available in person or telehealth, in english or spanish.

POSTS FROM THE GROWER’S GUIDE…

A Letter from Frank

I am thrilled to join the Gather and Grow OC community, as it embodies the inclusive and affirming approach to mental health care that I deeply value. With over a decade of experience working with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of culturally competent and intersectional care. 

My academic journey, from earning an Associate of Arts in Sociology at DeAnza Community College, to a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Women and Gender Studies at San José State University, and culminating in a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, has equipped me with a robust foundation to serve diverse populations. 

Throughout my career, I have been committed to providing gender-affirming therapy and supporting clients through their unique journeys. My work has involved conducting comprehensive LGBTQ training programs, facilitating support groups, and managing clinical referrals. I have also had the privilege of contributing to research on the resilience of transgender youth of color and the experiences of nonbinary college students, with publications in esteemed journals such as *LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal* and the *Journal of Diversity in Higher Education*.

Joining Gather and Grow OC is an exciting opportunity to further my dedication to advocating for marginalized communities. I am eager to collaborate with a team that prioritizes empathy, expertise, and the holistic well-being of our clients. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for all who seek our services.

Warmly,

Frank Peña

You can contact Frank directly at 714-261-9903 or frank@gatherandgrowoc.com. View other therapist profiles HERE.