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LGBT therapists in Bakersfield, CA

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health support from providers who truly get it. Headway offers warm, solution-oriented therapists experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity concerns. With 2,452 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Rachel Rios

Rachel Rios

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Bakersfield, CA


Welcome, congratulations for taking the first step in your journey to a better you. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with a wide variety of problems such as depression, negative thoughts patterns, low self-esteem, anxiety, adjustment, grief, LGBTQIA and cultural issues.

I am committed to providing an empathetic safe space to support you in your journey.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jen Leland

Jen Leland

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I especially love working with young adults, organizers, health care workers, creatives, and outsiders who carry a lot for others, feel deeply, and courageously seek support.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Andres Borja

Andres Borja

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a warm, grounded presence to therapy and believe that effective treatment starts with authentic connection and mutual respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Katherine Christianson

Katherine Christianson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In our therapeutic relationship, I view myself as the expert on therapy, and I consider you to be the expert on yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Three values shape my care: honoring your dignity, providing evidence-based treatment, and believing fully in your capacity to heal and grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Abigail Rowan

Abigail Rowan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


“As a queer person myself my lived experience allows insight and understanding of parts of living life as a queer person.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tate Tyler

Tate Tyler

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome and congratulations on beginning your therapy journey! I'm here to support you as you take steps toward your goals and develop into your best possible self. I hope to create a safe space for you to find relief, healing, and develop meaningful insight to reach your fullest potential.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I don't speak in jargon—I translate complex neuroscience into practical care plans you can actually use.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marissa Morin

Marissa Morin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from a systemic perspective that supports you in understanding yourself within your relationships with self and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Eve Lievonen

Eve Lievonen

Therapist

Virtual • Laguna Niguel, CA


“With over 30 years of experience, I have learned that real change happens when people feel understood, not judged.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Holly Hadley

Holly Hadley

Therapist

Virtual • California


If a past relationship left you doubting yourself — especially one marked by psychological or emotional abuse — you're not alone, and it's not a sign something's wrong with you. Even if life looks fine on the outside, you may feel confused, depleted, or unsure of your own reality. You don't need it all figured out to start, just a readiness to do the work. Together, we'll make sense of what happened, untangle the cycles that kept repeating, and rebuild a grounded sense of self — so you can trust your own voice again. Using a trauma-informed, integrative approach, I help you move from self-doubt to self-trust.


You don't have to filter yourself here—not your thoughts, your story, or the parts you're still making sense of. If you're tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to rebuild something solid, you deserve a space where you can show up fully, without judgment, and start trusting your own voice again.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sarai Velasquez

Sarai Velasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“Medication decisions are made together. I offer evidence-based recommendations while respecting your perspective and any concerns you may have.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Melissa Bagwell

Dr. Melissa Bagwell

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Apple Valley, CA


“Clients often describe my style as warm, supportive, and infused with humor, which helps create a safe space for exploration and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Patricia Meyer

Patricia Meyer

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“In my practice, I bring both clinical rigor and genuine warmth — creating a space where clients feel truly heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oladunni Amiri

Oladunni Amiri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe every person's story is unique, and my approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of mental health struggles like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Terence Ford

Dr. Terence Ford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“My work is grounded in psychoanalytic theory and technique, which means we'll look beyond surface symptoms to understand what's shaping your inner experience and patterns in relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Airy Ramirez

Airy Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through our collaborative work, clients can expect to gain valuable self-insights, develop practical coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniela Cherny

Daniela Cherny

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I want you to feel heard and understood, while also leaving with tools you can actually use in daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Mahoney

Christopher Mahoney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, where clients can build awareness and identify strategies to have a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Aviva Euripides

Aviva Euripides

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an experienced clinician and gage our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Mary-Louise Henson

Mary-Louise Henson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, along with a wide range of personal and professional life experience, into my work with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct, warm, and curious. I believe good sex therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who's genuinely on your side, not an interrogation or a lecture.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jacob Lapides

Jacob Lapides

Therapist

Virtual • Sebastopol, CA


“I am a Holistic therapist who likes to focus on healing an individual from all aspects including mind-body wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Mary Ann Abosch

Mary Ann Abosch

Therapist

Virtual • California


You may be someone who looks capable on the outside but inside feels anxious, overwhelmed, self-critical, or stuck in patterns you understand but can’t seem to change. Maybe you’ve gotten very good at holding things together, taking care of others, or pushing through—even when something inside you is asking for a different way.

For more than a decade, I’ve helped adults navigate anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, relationship and attachment difficulties, people-pleasing, boundaries, and the lasting effects of experiences that continue to shape how they feel about themselves and relate to others. I also have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and understand how important it is to have a space where your identity and relationships don’t need to be explained, defended, or translated.

I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, with specialized training in LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy. I’m an EMDR Certified therapist and have advanced training in mindfulness and trauma-focused care. My professional background includes both private practice and treatment settings, giving me experience working with a wide range of concerns and levels of distress.

My style is warm, engaged, curious, and down-to-earth. I won’t just sit back and nod. I’ll listen closely, ask questions, offer observations, and help you look at things from different angles. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood and supported, while also having someone willing to gently challenge the patterns that may no longer be serving you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Anjanette Dennis

Anjanette Dennis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a skill-based therapist who uses solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapy to assist with challenges surrounding anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and sadness brought on by work, school, life, familial, or relational obstacles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christina Rodriguez

Christina Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various social work settings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Charles Fritz

Dr. Charles Fritz

Psychologist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I practice primarily Jungian analysis and psychotherapy which is one of the deepest and most comprehensive theories of the psyche that exists today...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Carla Hammond

Carla Hammond

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I am a practicing MD with extensive experience in treating a diverse range of psychiatric diagnoses.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Brittany Crew

Brittany Crew

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use CBT, DBT, and client-centered therapy to help you better understand what you are feeling, strengthen coping skills, and manage daily life with more confidence and stability.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is solution-focused and strength based. We use your strengths to bolster other aspects of your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, End of life care
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“We listen, empathize and acknowledge your concerns. We utilize biopsychosocial model in all our assessments, evaluations and evidence-based practice for a better patient outcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Manqing He

Manqing He

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a counselor who have immersed herself in both the eastern culture and the western world, my practice focuses on adapting different school of therapy approaches with an emphasis on understanding each individual's complexity in the context of...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Sarah Glidden

Sarah Glidden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My main objective is to provide a safe relationship that is open, non-judgmental, and genuinely empathetic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so I approach each session with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I offer choices, not rigid directives. I share my clinical reasoning openly while respecting your right to decide what is best for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Yanina Rivera Lopez

Yanina Rivera Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to offer a space where you don't have to shrink or translate parts of yourself, where your emotional world is taken seriously...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Joncannon Eiden

Joncannon Eiden

Therapist

Virtual • Vista, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood, challenged when appropriate, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kimmy Hunkle

Kimmy Hunkle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Huntington Beach, CA


“I don't believe therapy should consist of spending years talking in circles while your life stays the same.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Number of therapists serving Bakersfield, CA
There are over 2,446 therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients.
2,446+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 87%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 76%Cigna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 67%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 11%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 98%Individual therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a LGBTQIA Therapist in Bakersfield

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Bakersfield starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist’s training, specialties, and experience should match what you want support with, such as gender identity, sexual identity, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or family stress. Look for therapists who mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or LGBTQIA+-affirming care in their profiles. The right fit goes beyond clinical skill — it also includes feeling respected in how your identity and goals are understood.

In a mid-sized city like Bakersfield, local LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists may be easier to compare when you include both in-person and virtual appointments in your search. Virtual care can expand your options if nearby office availability is limited or if your schedule works better outside a fixed commute. As you compare therapists, review whether they are accepting new patients, offer appointment times that fit your calendar, and provide a free phone consultation. Reading bios closely can help you see who explicitly works with LGBTQIA+ populations and how they describe their therapy style.

Therapy in Bakersfield can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your needs, review estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person care. You can browse therapist profiles, compare fit, and book directly when you’re ready.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.