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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 2,511 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
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My treatment philosophy centers on understanding you as a complete person, not just a collection of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I bring clinical expertise and compassion to every appointment, because excellent care requires both.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Gwen Staples

Gwen Staples

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a warm, friendly and empathetic trauma therapist who has a passion for helping hurting people. I have a BA in Psychology, a MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching, and a MA in Marriage & Family Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2. I utilize evidenced based modalities such as EMDR, Somatic and Restorative Yoga, Trauma Focused CBT and mindfulness to name a few.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Energetic, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Michael Morgan, Lcsw, C-Dbt

Michael Morgan, Lcsw, C-Dbt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I show up fully present, without judgment, and I believe — without exception — in your capacity to heal and change, even on the days you don't believe it yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Jack Senese IV

Dr. Jack Senese IV

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, OCD, eating disorders, identity, and body image.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Anna Ross

Anna Ross

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


  • Outstanding Patient Reviews - Google reviews (Access Psych Meds)
  • Experienced Mental Health Provider (13 years) assisting clients with ADHD (adult) Anxiety Depression Chronic Pain Chronic Sleep problems Mood disorder PTSD: Military combat, childhood & sexual trauma Alcohol Use Disorder
  • Dual Master’s Prepared
  • ANCC Dual Board Certified - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Veteran 22 yrs retired US Navy Commander/O-5
  • Licensed in 5 States - AZ, CA, OR, MD, WA
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Christopher DeFranco

Christopher DeFranco

Therapist

Virtual • California


Christopher has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life stressors including LGBTQ+ issues, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. He also has extensive experience working with neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Domonick Wegesin

Dr. Domonick Wegesin

Psychologist

Virtual • Oakland, CA


I’m a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in stress and anxiety disorders, mood concerns, and LGBT-issues.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello and welcome to therapy. You are one step closer on your journey to achieving your goals, passions, and intentions. You and I will develop a therapeutic relationship as you work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and other areas that you would like growth in. You will utilize the strengths that you already have, and keep expanding on those. It is my job to create a safe, open, and person-centered environment. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey! Keep going and growing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Chew

Lauren Chew

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced specific or prolonged trauma, mental health struggles, navigating healthy relationships...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Ning Cornwell

Ning Cornwell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Newport Beach, CA


Hi, my name is Ning! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past seven years, I have worked with children, teens, adults, and older adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, complex mental health conditions. My clinical work focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, and I combine cognitive and somatic techniques with talk therapy to address root causes and foster lasting personal growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Kaylyn Gatto

Dr. Kaylyn Gatto

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients feel safe showing up exactly as they are while also feeling supported to grow and make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alexandra Donnelly

Alexandra Donnelly

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a licensed psychotherapist practicing for 38 years, mostly focusing on treating depression, anxiety disorders and stress management. I work a great deal with couples as well.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Ilana Simons

Dr. Ilana Simons

Psychologist

Virtual • Venice, CA


“I see therapy as the chance to do what art does: to try a new format, to dare to trust it, to nurture something new until it lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Christina Billings

Christina Billings

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from the belief that healing occurs when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered, especially those navigating complex or high-acuity mental health concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Joanna Joestar

Joanna Joestar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Maria Liu

Maria Liu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My focus is to help you gain greater clarity and confidence in addressing the challenges you're facing, while providing thoughtful guidance in a safe, non-judgmental environment that is collaborative and empowering.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Misty Steffen

Misty Steffen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Rafael, CA


“My style is warm, empathic, and direct. I believe in treating each person as a whole, drawing on both conventional and holistic lenses to build a collaborative path that honors your unique story and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Eve Nadel

Eve Nadel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I have dedicated my career to helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Norma Munoz-Sedano

Norma Munoz-Sedano

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a bilingual (Spanish and English) Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, parents, and couples.

I hold a psychology degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California since 1991 and earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix in 2008.

My work focuses on strengthening relationships and addressing emotional or mental issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial factors, life challenges, and personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Danielle Milinovich

Danielle Milinovich

Therapist

Virtual • California


“When we find our inner authentic self and begin to find the courage to share that truth, then we begin to balance our lives, and that is where we truly find our strength.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is marked by compassion and directness, creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment that embraces individuals as they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 20 insurance carriers
Natalia Ewalt

Natalia Ewalt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients to address underlying issues by considering interconnectedness of physical body, emotions, and thoughts.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Zohal Parsa

Zohal Parsa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, structured, and down-to-earth approach that's both compassionate and results-oriented.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Blanca Monzon

Blanca Monzon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masks, no judgment, just you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
David Khalatyan

David Khalatyan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients can expect to leave their sessions with a clearer understanding of the issues that were talked about and a plan of action on how to tackle current issues.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kathleen Stanton

Kathleen Stanton

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I see my role as providing a supportive therapeutic space to foster growth, healing, and healthy relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Dr. Lindsay Vitale

Dr. Lindsay Vitale

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe that everyone deserves to live a full life, and I am passionately committed to assisting each person on their unique mental health journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cassi Thompson

Cassi Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You can expect unbridled curiosity and psychoeducation as we begin connecting the dots on your experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dennis Goldenson

Dennis Goldenson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


“I have extensive experience in client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy that is directly relevant to young adults, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Chidinma Onuigbo

Chidinma Onuigbo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based. I take time to understand your symptoms, experiences, medical history, and treatment goals before developing an individualized plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jessica Agunnamani

Jessica Agunnamani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm a warm, open-minded, and holistic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on helping clients feel genuinely understood and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Maira Horta

Maira Horta

Therapist

Virtual • La Jolla, CA


“I am thrilled to share a culturally sensitive and unique therapeutic approach and will be an active participant in our sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have extensive history working with individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms and crisis situations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ashley Saldana

Ashley Saldana

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that healing begins with feeling truly heard and accepted, so I focus on building a safe, trusting connection from the start.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Michael They

Michael They

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Modesto, CA


“I will listen intently and ask questions to learn more about you so I can determine what type of care is most appropriate.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
David Culver

David Culver

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe the stories we tell ourselves about our past, future, and present influence the way we feel and behave.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tina Butler

Tina Butler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fullerton, CA


“I focus on helping clients harness positive energy to create personal success in their lives and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Number of therapists serving Bakersfield, CA
There are over 2,522 therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients.
2,522+
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
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 76%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 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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  • 45%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Happy patient looking away

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.