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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 2,467 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Kenneth Wiley

Kenneth Wiley

Therapist

In-person • <1 mi away • Bakersfield, CA


“I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and faith-based issues. I like to tailor my approach to what best suits your needs as the client.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Leonardo Garcia

Leonardo Garcia

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Visalia, CA


“Additionally, for longer-term treatment, utilize sand tray, expressive arts, mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other treatment modalities tailored to each client.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Gurleen Hans

Gurleen Hans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Shannon Oliveira

Shannon Oliveira

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to meet clients where they are at emotionally, and provide support so they feel comfortable to open up...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Chanel Halimi

Chanel Halimi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to always be calm, warm, and nurturing with my clients. I also provide clients with exercises, insights, and strategies so that they can truly grow and transform.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jack Sample

Dr. Jack Sample

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic, depth-oriented therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jordan Bunting

Jordan Bunting

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassion focused and evidence-based clinician specializing in treating clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Ryan Stevenson

Dr. Ryan Stevenson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I view my role as helping support the inner wisdom and innate healing abilities of those I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vanessa Davis

Vanessa Davis

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions! I am also experienced in supporting individuals facing relationship challenges, identity development, and difficulties with emotional regulation. As a Queer therapist, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population. I am drawn to this work because I value the depth and resilience within each person’s story. My approach is grounded in attachment-based theory and informed by evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I'm Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC I provide evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth. As an author and TEDx speaker, I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.

I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions (PTSD), adult ADHD, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, and women's mental health across the reproductive lifespan—including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, PMDD, and menopausal transitions. My practice is medication-focused and highly collaborative, with education, skills coaching, and supportive check-ins integrated into every visit. I coordinate closely with therapists, primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other clinicians to ensure cohesive, connected treatment.

When you work with me, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation reviewing your history, symptoms, prior treatments, and goals. I practice thoughtful prescribing with transparent discussion of options, benefits, and side effects so that every decision is truly shared. I use measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error. My whole-person approach integrates sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management when relevant, with streamlined access through secure telehealth and clear after-visit summaries.

My style is warm, direct, and person-centered, grounded in shared decision-making. My care is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in current clinical evidence. Beyond my clinical practice, I serve as a nurse educator and academic mentor, shaping future psychiatric clinicians through evidence-based teaching. An international fellowship in India further enriched my global perspective through research and teaching in hospital and university settings.

For up-to-date availability, please visit us or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Personal Practitioners

Personal Practitioners

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My treatment philosophy emphasizes both celebrating neurodivergent strengths and addressing genuine challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I understand how these conditions can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, often in ways that feel overwhelming or isolating.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • Alhambra, CA


“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 19 insurance carriers
Tiphanie Ortiz

Tiphanie Ortiz

Therapist

Virtual • California


Life can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling high expectations, major transitions, or the constant pressure to show up perfectly in every role you play.

I specialize in supporting teenagers, young professionals, and adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and navigating life’s many changes.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Vogt

Christopher Vogt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I draw from different wisdom traditions including Buddhist spirituality/psychology, mindfulness-based therapies, somatic and relational therapies...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My passion for psychiatry stems from a deep belief that every person deserves to be truly seen and understood—not reduced to a diagnosis, but honored as a whole person with unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Bilingual/Bicultural Latiné LCSW with over 12 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Linh Tran

Linh Tran

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m Linh Tran, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years in healthcare and 5 years in advanced practice. I hold both a Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. My work focuses on anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. I’m especially passionate about supporting adolescents, adults, and those navigating the immigrant or bicultural experience.

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

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“My approach emphasizes collaboration—I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as partners in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and I value building therapeutic relationships with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lisa Sledd

Lisa Sledd

Therapist

Virtual • Arcadia, CA


“I am a compassionate and affirming therapist who prioritizes making clients feel comfortable and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elaine Zaragoza

Elaine Zaragoza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with extensive experience in both community settings and private practice. I specialize in supporting women through the unique challenges they face in life. I offer a compassionate, empathetic approach to help women navigate anxiety, depression, struggles with identity, and the journey toward recognizing their self-worth.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I practice what I call empathetic psychiatry: care that is both clinically thorough and deeply attuned to your emotional needs and personal story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Heather Schwartz

Heather Schwartz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Creativity invites curiosity and flexibility—it helps people explore their experiences from new perspectives and develop greater compassion for themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My mission is to offer you a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Susan Word

Susan Word

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South San Francisco, CA


“Although I have 3 years as an NP I have over 40 years in almost all areas of Psychiatric Nursing most often in Bipolar, ADHD, trauma, crisis resolution and PTSD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Carrie Hansen

Carrie Hansen

Therapist

Virtual • Atascadero, CA


“I especially enjoy working with youth and young adults, I specialize in working with people with ADHD, Autistic teens and adults, phase of life issues, depression, anxiety...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jody Sollazzo

Jody Sollazzo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a lot of experience working bright and motivated people who can have ADHD, disabilities, or are otherwise neurodiverse.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Owen Akenzua

Owen Akenzua

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I take a calm, down-to-earth approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused strategies to help you build insight and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I specialize in treating adults and adolescents dealing with serious mental illness, including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and geriatric...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Frankee Carlin

Frankee Carlin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a therapist with lived experience, I firmly believe that life is hard and that American capitalist/colonialist society does little to provide people with the tools needed to thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My philosophy of care emerges from a profound belief in the healing strength of authentic connection paired with evidence-based medication management.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Diana (Didi) Orozco

Diana (Didi) Orozco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a safe enough space where you can show up exactly as you are—tears, laughter, uncertainty, and all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Baleska Alfaro

Baleska Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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.