Meet Mandy Castanon,LPCC, LMHC
Hi, I’m Mandy (she/her)! I’m a queer, neurodivergent millennial therapist who cares deeply about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, especially queer and trans youth, as they move through all the complexities that come with growing up and figuring out who they are. As someone who’s been in therapy myself, I know how hard it can be to find a provider who actually gets it and doesn’t treat your identity like a problem to solve. I’ve had my share of experiences with therapists who misunderstood or minimized who I am, and it left me feeling unseen. That’s a big part of why I show up fully as myself in the therapy room. I want you to have a space where you don’t have to shrink, explain yourself over and over, or hide any part of who you are. You get to be unapologetically you!
My journey as a therapist started back in Indiana, where I worked with queer and trans youth in a community mental health agency. I had the privilege of walking alongside them, celebrating their wins, holding space for the hard moments, and being a steady support when family systems, schools, or even state policies made life more complicated than it needed to be. Those years shaped so much of who I am as a therapist. They taught me how crucial it is for queer and trans folks to have competent, affirming professionals in their corner—people who won’t question their identity, but instead offer safety, guidance, and real care when the world doesn’t quite show up for them.
I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who actually gets you—not just as a client, but as a whole human with history, identity, humor, quirks, and lived experience. You don’t need someone who just nods and says, “How does that make you feel?” You want someone who understands the world you’re moving through, who celebrates your wins, and who can sit with you in the messy, complicated moments without judgment. In our sessions, that’s who I aim to be: your cheerleader, your sounding board, and your steady person to think things through with as you work toward whatever healing or growth looks like for you.
More than anything, I want you to leave therapy feeling genuinely seen, heard, and valued for who you are, not who you’ve been told to be. Whether you’re exploring identity, unpacking trauma, or just trying to feel a little more grounded in your day-to-day life, I’m here to walk alongside you and help you build confidence, healing, and resilience one step at a time.
How I Approach Therapy
Lots of people see therapy as a one-sided experience with little or no chance to interact with a real person. I promise you, I am as real as it gets! I show up to every session as my true, authentic self because I know how important it is to feel connected with and relate to your therapist.
With over 8 years of experience in mental health and wellness, I have worked in various settings to support those in need. Despite my passion for this work, I faced my own challenges with my identity, childhood trauma, and learning to navigate a world who doesn’t see or accept all of me.
My therapeutic approach is all about you; what works best for you, where you’re at, and how we can move forward together. I take a client-centered, empathic approach, meaning I’m here to listen, understand, and help you lead the way in your healing. I believe in building a strong connection between us so you feel supported and empowered throughout the process.
I use an attachment-based lens to understand how your past relationships and experiences shape who you are today, and I offer trauma-informed care using EMDR to help you process any past wounds safely and effectively. I also bring in empowering approaches like feminist and existentialist therapies, helping you explore your identity, find meaning, and build your own sense of agency. Throughout our work, my goal is to help you tap into your strengths and resilience, while supporting you in creating the life and healing you deserve.