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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.

Yesenia Ramirez

Yesenia Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Clara, CA


“I am Latina, first-generation, a mother of daughters, a doctoral candidate in depth psychology, and someone living with ADHD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Bruce Strumpf

Bruce Strumpf

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you feel better an move toward the life you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Emin Issaghoulian

Emin Issaghoulian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe my greatest strength is in the connections I build with my clients, making you feel heard, seen and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bart Liles

Bart Liles

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe everyone needs help from time to time.

I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.

I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
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
Carolyn Le

Carolyn Le

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand what's been going on and what matters to you, and we'll work together to find a path forward that feels manageable and realistic for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 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
Esau Valdez

Esau Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a therapist for a little over for 4years, and have 20 plus years of experience in providing services in the mental health field. I received my MA from Brandman University and utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other modalities to help reduce symptoms and foster change in unhealthy behaviors.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Challenging, Creative, Direct, Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ami Gonzalez

Ami Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“Working therapeutically with teenagers, young adults and their families for over a decade has been motivating.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shawn McClellan

Shawn McClellan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative, and I focus on helping you build skills you can use in real life, not just insight you can talk about.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kate Salami

Kate Salami

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide an inclusive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that welcomes people of all genders, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gina Feletar

Gina Feletar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chula Vista, CA


I am Gina Feletar, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience, and a dedicated companion on your journey toward well-being. I am serving clients in both Arizona and California.

Healing begins when we see the whole person, not just the symptoms. My practice blends evidence-based care with a holistic perspective, creating space for healing that also honors your uniqueness. Beyond managing mental health conditions, my mission is to help you reclaim your strength, and rediscover hope rooted in wellness and purpose.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Rochelle Ashton-Beasley

Rochelle Ashton-Beasley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about creating a space where clients feel truly seen and understood, and I bring both warmth and clinical structure to every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


“I believe that mental wellness is the foundation for a fulfilling life, yet I know that reaching out for help is often the hardest step.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Nancy Lopez

Nancy Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I balance insight and self-exploration with practical tools and strategies, helping clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves while working toward meaningful, achievable goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Paulson

Lisa Paulson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a supportive non-judgmental space where we can work together to move towards healing and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Geni Duran

Geni Duran

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view therapy as a collaborative partnership where we work together to explore the challenges you're facing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Kelsey Fitzgerald

Dr. Kelsey Fitzgerald

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I practice from a place of genuine partnership: therapy with me is active, practical, and focused on real forward movement, not just processing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Emeryville, CA


“I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Santos

Nicole Santos

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have over 15+ years experience as a nurse working in various departments, working hands on with patients, as well as leadership and management roles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Laurie Eaton

Laurie Eaton

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 28 years. I have worked in a Foster Care agency, as a Clinical Supervisor at a Children's Clinic in East LA and at a Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Facility. I also provided therapy for our military.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ran Ren

Ran Ren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Rena tailors her therapeutic approach to the individual's needs, personality, and cultural background.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Chinenye Chukwu

Chinenye Chukwu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Orange, CA


“Chinenye believes that effective communication and patient involvement is the key to a successful treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Matthew Bensadigh

Matthew Bensadigh

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My approach to therapy includes working on cognition, beliefs, behaviors, sensory acuity, and knowledge to help get you to where you want to be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Edith Barfield

Edith Barfield

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is built on the idea that mental health isn't one-size-fits-all—especially for those who are juggling careers, parenting, relationships, and everything in between.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ashley Rafal

Ashley Rafal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in creating a safe, collaborative space where growth is possible and progress is meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Marcela Malcolm

Marcela Malcolm

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Camarillo, CA


“I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for healing, and I bring authenticity, compassion, and honesty into every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Charles Bewley

Charles Bewley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Burbank, CA


More that fifteen years of teaching English and drama at a Los Angeles public high school taught me many things - primarily, it taught me how often people's barriers to achievement are not due to any lack of skill or ability, but rather from emotional barriers stemming from stress, adversity and trauma. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders, PTSD (including Complex-PTSD) and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dean Wright

Dean Wright

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I come with an existentialist approach to the therapeutic room which means I am trying to help my clients find meaning in the change they seek.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Sarah Kimmons

Sarah Kimmons

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring an easygoing approach that fosters trust and understanding, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Sayeh Ghazi

Dr. Sayeh Ghazi

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be yourself—no masking, no judgment—just real conversations about what you want to change and how we can get there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dimas Moncada

Dimas Moncada

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've developed the skills to help you (a) explore and identify the causes of your challenges and (b) develop an individualized plan that leads to measurable progress, the progress you seek.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maranda Garnett

Maranda Garnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a gender affirming, person centered, and trauma informed approach to create a safe space for you to be vulnerable...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chioma Igwiloh

Chioma Igwiloh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My style is calm, respectful, and practical, focusing on measurable progress and long-term stability.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I bring over 30 years of healthcare experience, including more than 25 years in the emergency department, where I've worked with individuals in high-stress and crisis situations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Natalie Arballo

Natalie Arballo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with people who are carrying real pain, from trauma, from years of emotional dysregulation, from experiences that have made relationships feel unsafe or exhausting.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katherine Van Heerden

Katherine Van Heerden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal in helping clients is to help them identify their personal strengths in order to feel more resilient and tackle issues with learned coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and love this work. I came to therapy through an unconventional path — nearly a decade in film and photography, work as a youth counselor, and service in the military — all of which deeply shaped how I understand people and their stories.

I earned my master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I focused on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches. My thesis centered on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a specialty I've continued developing through advanced trainings I've completed.

I work with individuals, couples, adolescents & families across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a particular love for working with creative professionals, veterans and young adults. I'm LGBTQ+ affirmative and love working with folks from the queer community.

My practice spans traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — including psychedelic integration support for those processing experiences outside of our work together. I see clients in person in Atwater Village in Northeast LA, and virtually throughout California.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Meriah Ward

Dr. Meriah Ward

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I create safe, inclusive spaces for healing and self-understanding through evidence-based care that goes beyond symptoms to address the whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 6 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.