Darlene Tando, LCSW

Darlene Tando is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice. She holds licenses in both California and Virginia and brings a warm, genuine, and empathetic presence to her work. Darlene believes meaningful healing grows from authentic connection and sometimes a bit of humor, which she uses thoughtfully to help clients navigate complex or vulnerable experiences.

Darlene has specialized expertise in gender-affirming therapy for youth and adults, with over 20 years of experience supporting transgender and gender nonconforming people. She accompanies clients and families through coming out, relationship navigation, and accessing affirming medical and mental health care, aiming to create a space where individuals feel seen, respected, and supported as their whole selves. Her experience includes co-facilitating a symposium that trains professionals and parents on gender affirmation, and she has written a book to support parents who wish to affirm their child.

Beyond gender-affirming care, Darlene works with people facing life transitions, mood disruptions, family conflict, stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, and issues related to body image, caregiver stress, and family of origin. She focuses on building insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies tailored to each person’s needs.

Teletherapy is an important part of her practice, offering flexible options and ongoing support between sessions through in-app messaging. Due to scheduling constraints she is currently not able to offer weekly sessions; typical session frequency is every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly. Please note she is only accepting clients in Virginia with insurance at this time.

Evidence-Based Gender-Affirming and Family-Focused Online Care

Darlene draws on evidence-based, trauma-informed gender-affirming approaches that center an individual’s identity and support both youth and adults through coming out, relationship concerns, and access to affirming care. These approaches focus on validation, practical problem-solving, and navigating medical and social systems to enhance well-being.

She also employs family-focused work that helps families address conflict, improve communication, and strengthen support around transitions and parenting challenges. This work often includes helping family members build understanding and concrete skills to cope with stress and changing roles.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Darlene works with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors techniques and pacing accordingly so treatment fits the person and their life circumstances.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people balancing busy schedules or geographic constraints. Sessions can occur by video call or phone, and ongoing connection is possible through live chat or text-based messaging, allowing clients to access support in the mode that best fits their day-to-day life.