Darlene Tando, LCSW

Darlene Tando is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and Virginia with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, family issues, parenting, and depression. She also addresses body image, caregiver stress, family of origin issues, forgiveness, guilt and shame, mood disorders, sexuality, gender dysphoria, and non-monogamous relationship concerns.

Darlene uses straight talk and practical steps in sessions. She listens for patterns that make life harder and helps people try small, concrete changes. Sessions can include talking through relationship challenges, problem-solving parenting stress, and planning steps for gender-affirming care when that is relevant.

Her background includes long-term clinical practice and work training others on gender-affirming care. She has experience supporting transgender and gender nonconforming people and has written for parents about affirming a child. That work is one part of a broader practice addressing mood and family problems.

In sessions she emphasizes building insight and coping strategies. That can mean learning ways to manage anxiety, setting boundaries with family, or making a concrete plan for medical or mental health steps related to gender. She may use humor where it helps the conversation move forward.

Practical issues such as scheduling and payment are discussed up front. The therapist notes differences by location and insurance and asks clients to confirm session options before booking. Darlene practices with attention to everyday demands like work, caregiving, and school schedules.

Approaches used and how online sessions work