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Stefan Baumgartner

(he/him)

APCC, LAPC, NCC

Currently accepting new clients. 

Clients I Work With

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck on auto-pilot, and unsure of what to do? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I help people get unstuck by untangling trauma, exploring identity and values, and moving toward a more grounded life. Clients tell me our sessions feel like a “golden hour” in their day: a calm, compassionate pause that lets warm light shine upon life’s shadows. I am queer and am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples/relationships. My work is centered in liberation, providing a space that encourages expression, empowerment, and choice.

Approach

In my therapy approach, I lean on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework as a steady foundation, weaving in the wisdom of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, gentle mindfulness practices, and EMDR for trauma processing. In my couples and relationship work, I draw from the Gottman Method to foster understanding and trust.

Beliefs & Lived Experience

My work is guided by a simple aim: to invite a little more beauty, justice, and compassion into the world – one conversation at a time. I see each client as a unique whole being with innate strengths and dignity rather than a list of problems, and I show up with genuine curiosity, authenticity, and a collaborative spirit. In terms of qualifications, I have over seven years of experience supporting adults, teens, and families. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a social work case manager and housing program manager for families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, volunteered as a group facilitator for LGBTQ+ folks navigating sex and sobriety, and practiced counseling at a community mental health clinic. Back in the day, I was a summer camp counselor and tennis instructor, so a sense of playfulness still finds its way into therapy when it’s helpful.

More About My Practice

You’ll find me showing up with authenticity, a touch of humor, and deep respect for your story. My hope is to walk alongside you as you reconnect with your inner strength and shape a life that reflects your true values. If you're ready to start your healing journey, please reach out!

Ages Served

Adults (18+)
Older Adults (65+)
Teens (13-17)
Young Adults (18-25)

Services Provided

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy

Specialized Experience

LGBTQ+ Affirming
Neurodiversity-affirming

Languages Spoken

English

Specializations

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
EMDR
Gottman Method
Humanistic Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Consensual Non-Monogamy
Depression
Gender Identity
Perfectionism
Relationship Issues
Religious Trauma & Spiritual Abuse
Substance Use
Trauma & PTSD

Insurance and Payment

Payment Accepted

Credit
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Out of Network (Superbills Provided)
Sliding Scale

Session Fees

$125
-$200

Insurance Accepted

Carelon Behavioral Health
Harvard Pilgrim
Mass General Brigham Health Plan
Optum
United Medical Resources (UMR)
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

State Licensed In

California
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania