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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 2,632 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Andrea Faraday

Andrea Faraday

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support clients who want a caring and steady space where they can explore their inner world with honesty and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Evelyn Ciampa

Evelyn Ciampa

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I'm particularly skilled at helping adults who are discovering mental health conditions they've lived with for years without knowing it, as well as older adults facing the intersection of mental health and aging.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Laura Cina

Laura Cina

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients and helping them navigate the challenges they face.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Cylest Lyles

Cylest Lyles

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative and person-centered, often using CBT and creative coping strategies to help clients better understand their thoughts and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Shannon Lynch

Dr. Shannon Lynch

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapy style is warm and welcoming. I know that therapy can feel daunting and sharing your true self with a stranger can seem, well, strange.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 10 insurance carriers
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+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Fultz

Sarah Fultz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a certified Brainspotting practitioner, and I actively use CBT, DBT, ACT, Seeking Safety, Family Systems, & Mindfulness in session and throughout treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robert Black

Robert Black

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is deeply empathic and collaborative — I believe real progress starts with real trust, so I focus on building a warm, non-judgmental relationship from our very first session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Victoria Omeri

Victoria Omeri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I am a holistic provider and try to help my patients see the bigger picture and improve their mental health, not only with medication management but with using a naturopathic approach as well.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
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 10 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“I see our relationship as a true partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based treatment approaches, you bring the most important element—intimate knowledge of your own experience, strengths, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My philosophy of psychiatric care rests on the principle that exceptional treatment emerges when genuine clinical skill meets authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Bianca Cobarruvias

Bianca Cobarruvias

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Oxnard, CA


“My approach to psychotherapy aligns with the core belief that I am being invited into your life, and I will meet that invitation by providing understanding and resources for true healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Tieaesha Gaines

Tieaesha Gaines

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a licensed California therapist with 23+ years of experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, and self-confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm listening for feelings, themes, patterns, and especially experiences that haven't been articulated or spoken out loud yet.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I combine thorough psychiatric evaluations using DSM-5 criteria with personalized medication management, always staying current with the latest advances in psychiatric care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“My approach emphasizes collaboration—I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as partners in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I believe in meeting people where they are and collaborating with them to find the path forward that works best for their unique circumstances.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 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 8 insurance carriers
Peter Getoff

Peter Getoff

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Using warmth, patience, and compassion, I transform our sessions into a safe environment where you can explore your strengths and weaknesses.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“What sets my practice apart is my commitment to treating the whole person—not just managing symptoms, but understanding your unique story, challenges, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


I'm Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a genuine passion for helping people navigate their mental health journeys. I've spent over 15 years in healthcare, and what drives me every day is knowing that mental health challenges don't define you—they're just something we work through together.

My background includes treating adults and adolescents across various settings, from crisis care to long-term recovery programs. I've worked with individuals facing serious mental illness, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I also have specialized training in geriatric mental health and dementia-related behavioral changes.

What makes my approach unique is my extensive leadership experience overseeing psychiatric services across multiple facilities. This has taught me not just how to prescribe medication, but how to truly understand the whole person—your daily struggles, your support system, and your goals for feeling better. I take time to explore what's worked before, what hasn't, and why, because effective treatment is never one-size-fits-all.

I'm committed to evidence-based care while recognizing that healing happens differently for everyone. Some people benefit most from medication management, others from therapy integration, and many from a combination approach. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities, but I never lose sight of the fact that you're the expert on your own experience.

I believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. Whether you're seeking help for the first time or you've been struggling to find the right treatment, I'm here to listen, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively with you to find solutions that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and hopeful about your path forward.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 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, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I'm here to listen deeply, think critically about what's happening for you specifically, and create treatment plans that actually work in your real life—not just in theory.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Misty Steffen

Misty Steffen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“At the core of my practice is authentic partnership, showing up for every client with genuine warmth, deep respect, and real interest in who they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I bring specialized expertise in OCD and PTSD/trauma treatment, along with comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My passion for mental health care ignited while working with the homeless population in Durham, North Carolina.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. April House

Dr. April House

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With authenticity, compassion, humor, and optimism, I help clients move beyond the pressure of constant striving...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Berbeo

Maria Berbeo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I enjoy providing a warm, supportive environment for people to feel safe challenging themselves to grow and learn about themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karen Salas-Caballero

Karen Salas-Caballero

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping first and second generation women who are exploring what it's like to prioritize themselves in a world that constantly tells them how they should live.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Viet Nguyen

Viet Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I aim to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe mental health care should be collaborative, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with real-life understanding whether that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication management when appropriate. I value honesty, cultural awareness, and meeting you where you are. My goal is to help you feel more stable, confident, and in control of your mental health not just during appointments, but in your everyday life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Erin Costello

Erin Costello

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients can show up as their whole selves without feeling the need to mask, minimize, or explain away important parts of who they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“My style is direct, warm, and person-centered. I consider sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management essential to whole-person wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Number of therapists serving Bakersfield, CA
There are over 2,615 therapists in Bakersfield, CA accepting new patients.
2,615+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%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
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%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
  • 27%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

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.