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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 2,627 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

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
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 8 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 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Van Amberg

Kelly Van Amberg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“Kelly utilizes a directive and interactive approach in therapy. She believes the you are the expert in you own experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My role is to listen deeply, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that feels right for you.”
LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“What sets my practice apart is my extensive experience with co-occurring conditions and complex presentations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Vivian Ifediora

Vivian Ifediora

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized. I take time to truly understand each client's story—looking beyond symptoms to the root causes of distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 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 arises when genuine clinical skill meets authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Dr. Brian Betz

Dr. Brian Betz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My communication style is open, honest, and direct. My primary therapeutic goal is first-and-foremost to address the issue or issues that a patient or couple identifies as what prompted the individual or couple to seek out therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Energetic, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Bill Benson

Bill Benson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague, and practical without reducing therapy to bumper-sticker wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Louise B Agyemang

Dr. Louise B Agyemang

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“She has extensive experience in psychiatric mental health both in pediatric, teenagers and geriatric population and effective management of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Substance abuse, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Schizophrenia and Mood...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jamie Sweigert

Jamie Sweigert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a gentle, authentic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with validation and constructive feedback that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, develop new insights, and feel empowered to create desired...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brody Tucker

Brody Tucker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can be a powerful and meaningful way to heal and grow and develop our best potential.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maryam Goudarzi

Maryam Goudarzi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach is empathetic, collaborative, and strength-based. She tailors interventions to meet client needs, fostering a safe space for exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Marie Norton

Marie Norton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Camarillo, CA


“My specialty is helping clients to find their meaning, goals and direction to live an effective life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Olivia Miller

Olivia Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I'm Olivia. I've been in therapy practice for six years, and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you! As a queer and neurodivergent person, my career as a therapist has always moved in tandem with my commitment to social and economic justice. My work has taken me to settings with folks experiencing homelessness in South Los Angeles; with justice-involved adults in treatment court diversion programs in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood; in young adult shelters for art therapy groups; with low-income immigrant parents of young children; and with teens and young adults with significant trauma histories.

Through all my roles I always commit to centering community and individual strengths that help arm my clients with the tools necessary to repel various types of systemic violence and oppression. I believe that therapy is inherently political because being human is political.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Najwa Azizi

Najwa Azizi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello! I’m Najwa Azizi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, stress, and burnout through a personalized and collaborative approach to care. With a background in both behavioral health and critical care nursing, I understand the importance of treating the whole person — emotionally, mentally, and physically. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reach their full potential.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 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
Debra Kabrin

Debra Kabrin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience, I provide a warm, culturally sensitive, and judgment-free space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is we are working as a team toward a goal you have indicated you want to work towards.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Monica Castanon

Monica Castanon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a therapist who leads with empathy, making others feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Samantha Abbott

Samantha Abbott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach things with an inquisitive and strength-based lens, and love partnering with my clients to help them find solutions to problems they might be facing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“My expertise includes autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
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
Amy Shefftz

Amy Shefftz

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Anaheim, CA


“I provide compassionate medication management in a warm, judgment-free environment where patients feel safe being themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kimberly Porter-Leite

Kimberly Porter-Leite

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a deep belief in the healing power of relationship and draw from a range of trauma-informed, somatic, depth and behavioral approaches in my work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Chika Agulanna

Chika Agulanna

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“Chika's treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Emily Arthur

Emily Arthur

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a holistic approach to therapy, exploring the connection between your mind, body, and lifestyle.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sierra Postler - Jones

Sierra Postler - Jones

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Identity issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gerardo Salinas

Gerardo Salinas

Therapist

Virtual • San Jose, CA


My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Be Staub

Be Staub

Therapist

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


My work centers queer and transgender preteens, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with current or past foster care involvement. My clients may be feeling overwhelmed, questioning their identity, or don't know where to start with therapy. I can support you by helping you notice patterns and build trust in your own process.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Brace Bacon

Brace Bacon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Palm Springs, CA


“I help adults navigate anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transitions with warmth, insight, and practical support.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Starr Fox

Starr Fox

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and goal-oriented, with an emphasis on creating a safe and trusting environment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Gonzalez Morales

Elizabeth Gonzalez Morales

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Latinx, queer, non-binary therapist committed to providing affirming, culturally responsive, and relational care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Collin Burnett

Collin Burnett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Barbara, CA


“I see therapy as a collaborative and meaningful space where all parts of your experience are welcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Inquisitive, 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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 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
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  • 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.