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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 2,530 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Megan Malloy

Megan Malloy

Therapist

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


“I enjoy using a personalized approach to treatment with all my clients based on their personality, life experience, and current concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Alicia Aguirre

Alicia Aguirre

Therapist

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


“My eclectic approach to providing therapy allows me to align with my clients in order to meet their needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Christine Paulsen

Christine Paulsen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.4 mi away • Bakersfield, CA


“I completed training in CBT techniques specifically for LGBTQ2S+ community members with Yale School of Public Health.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Meg Turgeon

Meg Turgeon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a child, I experienced severe anxiety, depression, and OCD symptoms. Through family support and treatment, I gained tools to manage my symptoms and move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Nazare Magaz

Dr. Nazare Magaz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“My approach is collaborative, warm and creative, whereby we work together to understand you better and at a deeper level.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Fernando Huerta-Perez

Fernando Huerta-Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm straightforward, warm, and passionate about helping people overcome life's challenges and recognize their potential.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Damo

Ashley Damo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I leverage evidence-based psychological approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and strengths-based therapy to provide supportive, direct, and compassionate clinical care to my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Edward Quintana

Edward Quintana

Therapist

Virtual • California


“They can expect someone who is dedicated to making their lives better... someone that is compassionate to struggles with a non-judgmental perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jason Katz

Jason Katz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it addresses both your immediate needs and the underlying causes of your distress.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Morgan Anderson

Morgan Anderson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a direct and honest working relationship with clients. My goal is to help you get to the root of your symptoms as quickly as possible...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Karen Delgadillo

Karen Delgadillo

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My sessions are typically open-ended and guided by curiosity, compassion, and careful attention to emotions as they arise in the present moment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Summer Sanders

Summer Sanders

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a warm therapist who values deep listening and genuine connection. My approach is person-centered; attentive, collaborative, and grounded in compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Cait Bragg

Cait Bragg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is relational, grounded, and collaborative, with an emphasis on building trust and creating a space that feels safe, thoughtful, and honest.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Tonya Pan-Weisz

Dr. Tonya Pan-Weisz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Temecula, CA


“I aim to strike the balance between acceptance and change, responsiveness and structure, and the art and science of therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Amy Annala

Amy Annala

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm a LCSW providing telehealth out of Southern California. Growing up in Long Beach, I'm accustom to a variety of populations and personally have experience working in Addiction Medicine, with Child Welfare Services, and as an ally for my LGBTQ+ clients. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a real conversation — not a clinical transaction. I show up as a genuine, engaged partner in your process, not a blank slate behind a notepad. I'm in your corner, and I want you to feel that from the first session. My style blends warmth with honesty (think supportive but direct). Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to figure it out alone.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gurleen Hans

Gurleen Hans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Daniel Reed

Dr. Daniel Reed

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I take an integrative approach to therapy, using cognitive-behavioral, relational, psychodynamic, and Adlerian interventions tailored to each individual.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amanda Prince

Amanda Prince

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


I'm a therapist offering in-person sessions in the Thousand Oaks area of Southern California, and telehealth to folks throughout California. I decided to become a therapist after many years of working in corporate America, and I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and LMFT license.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angela Phillips-McCord

Angela Phillips-McCord

Therapist

Virtual • San Juan Capistrano, CA


Hi, I’m Angela Phillips, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Lotus Healing and Wellness. I help teens and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions through trauma-informed, inclusive, and affirming therapy, with a special commitment to supporting women and the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live as their truest, most authentic self. I also believe we all have the capacity to transform our lives, though sometimes we need support, guidance, and a safe space to begin that process. I know what it feels like to believe you have to hide parts of yourself or become someone else in order to be loved or accepted, and that understanding deeply shapes the way I show up as a therapist.

My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, heal the patterns and survival strategies that no longer serve you, and create a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and emotionally fulfilling.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Gomez

Jessica Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to ensure that each client's unique needs are met, recognizing that no single approach fits all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Crystal Flores

Dr. Crystal Flores

Psychologist

Virtual • Moreno Valley, CA


“I understand that the most important factor for successful psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Jordan

Andrea Jordan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and disease management coordinator with a background in psychiatric care and medical care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Michael P Godby

Michael P Godby

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm Mike Godby, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 34 years of experience helping people build healthier, more authentic relationships, with themselves and with others. My work is rooted in the belief that self-understanding is the foundation of real, lasting change. Many of my clients come in navigating challenges with family, friends, partners, or work, and I bring a warm, curious, and non-judgmental presence to every session. My approach has also been shaped by more than 50 years of personal meditation practice, which infuses the way I listen and the gentle, spacious environment I create in our work together.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Johannah Walton

Dr. Johannah Walton

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Encino, CA


“I strive to develop an authentic relationship with my clients, as that has been shown to be most important factor for achieving lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, in a steady and safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Samir Hamed

Samir Hamed

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach to providing care is client-centered and holistic. I work collaboratively with clients to understand their unique needs and create personalized treatment plans.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Marilyn Foley

Dr. Marilyn Foley

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 27 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I offer tele-health only sessions from the comfort of your home, making care accessible no matter where you are in California. I accept Anthem and Magellan insurance. My practice is intentionally small — I keep a limited caseload so every client receives my full attention and care. I am warm, experienced, and deeply committed to showing up for the people I work with.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sheridan Henderson

Sheridan Henderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Beverly Hills, CA


“I believe in your ability to grow, heal, change. I ask you to be real, and I am real in return. I talk truth. I listen. I cuss sometimes. I crack jokes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Abell

Brian Abell

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“You will take away a variety of insights and skills that will allow you to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of the symptoms or struggles you have sought therapy for.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Liliana Sanchez

Liliana Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is gentle and collaborative—I move at your pace while offering support and honest reflection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Emily Eckstein

Dr. Emily Eckstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when you feel genuinely understood, supported, and challenged in ways that promote meaningful growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Ashlyn Lance

Ashlyn Lance

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is an active adventure! I am always thrilled to watch my clients grow into the best version of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dani Coleman

Dani Coleman

Therapist

Virtual • Claremont, CA


“I take a relational approach, in that I do my best to show up authentically and as myself as a fellow human.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Natalie Blair

Natalie Blair

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and my mission is to empower others to reclaim their sexuality.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alexis Mendez

Alexis Mendez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm kink- and poly-aware, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and comfortable working with sex, intimacy, unconventional lifestyles, and spirituality.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Relationship issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
April Lucas

April Lucas

Therapist

Virtual • California


I earned my master's degree in Social Work 29 years ago. Over the course of my career I have enjoyed working with girls and women of all ages. I enjoy supporting girls and women who are navigating middle school, high school, college, relationships, post-partum period, motherhood, divorce, menopause, and becoming empty nesters. I love seeing my clients begin therapy with stress, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief and loss, or trauma then graduate from therapy in a much better place. I believe that you can thrive no matter your age and no matter your circumstances. I have less experience helping transgender women but I really enjoy that work as well. I consider myself a LGBTQIA+ ally.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Yula Chang

Yula Chang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I firmly believe in a holistic approach to therapy—addressing mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being—in a non-judgmental and collaborative environment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Number of therapists serving Bakersfield, CA
There are over 2,538 therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients.
2,538+
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%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
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  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 17%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, CA

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.

Find a provider - your way

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