While I wasn’t always working in the mental health field, my own periods of exploration and reinvention serve me endlessly as a therapist today. In 2005, after gaining experience in multiple industries, I made the decision to get my bachelor’s in Psychology. Shortly after receiving my degree, I began serving as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor. It was in that role that I discovered my natural ability to see beyond symptoms, labels, and stigmas. this resulted in open-mindedness being the core tenet of my therapeutic style.
In 2012 I graduated with a dual masters in Social Work and Criminal Justice. While in graduate school, I directed my efforts towards suicide prevention and human trafficking awareness within juvenile justice programs. These efforts resulted in me being hired to assist with mental health programs for incarcerated youth in San Bernardino and adults in Riverside counties. In my nine years in the corrections system, I was able to channel my intuitive knowledge into initiatives of care and advocacy. This is also where I developed my passion and acumen for helping those with sexual or emotional trauma.
Today I am a certified sex therapist by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Regarded as the gold standard organization in the field of sex therapy, the qualifications needed to become certified by AASECT have given me the tools to provide the best care in the industry. Although my specialty has shifted to focus on sex and intimacy, as well as individuals healing from various trauma, my professional experience has doubled and my passion remains steadfast. My commitment to help others improve their sex lives is a direct result of the years I have spent listening, learning, and trusting the process. Now, in my own practice, I get the privilege of guiding a variety of individuals to the fullest expressions of themselves.
Crystal Schmidt is an LCSW (license # 74816) and Certified Sex Therapist committed to helping you cultivate your pleasure. Her virtual services extend to California residents, and she is poly, kink, and LBGTQ+ affirmative.