Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance
LGBT therapists in Bakersfield, CA


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 2,628 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.
I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.
I have over 7 years of experience working with depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, couples, and other severe mental health concerns. My goal is to create a comfortable, safe space where you can begin your therapeutic journey with confidence and without judgment. Together, we can openly explore what you want in—and out of—life. If you don't know what that looks like yet, that's okay. We can figure it out together. Your goals may also change along the way, and therapy should have the flexibility to change with you.
I’m an LMFT who uses a psychodynamic, client-centered approach. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I want to help people feel more connected to themselves and others. I enjoy working with Gen Z and Millennials who are navigating their unique paths in life. I mostly work with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress (due to filial piety or trauma) or societal pressures (due to gender expectations or political factors). I also work with social anxiety and self-esteem issues.
I have been a psychologist for 44 years and worn many hats: schools, private practice, clinics and agencies. Experience counts for a lot! I am dedicated to my patients reducing their suffering.
I have a masters degree in psychology with a background in development throughout the lifetime. I have worked with school age, teens, and families through a school based setting. This has given me the value of supporting growth in regards to gender, sexuality, and trauma.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Marin County, California. My education and training have been centered on being trauma-informed and working with individuals, couples, and families.
Hello,
I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.
Hi, I’m Gigi — a fat-positive, queer therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, and a deep commitment to creating space for healing, exploration, and radical self-acceptance.
I believe therapy is for anyone seeking growth, clarity, or peace — especially those who’ve been told they were “too much” or “not enough.” I specialize in working with clients navigating identity, gender, sexuality, body image, and nontraditional relationships.
My goal is to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and build a life that feels like it belongs to you.
My work is rooted in curiosity, humility, and compassion. I draw from a variety of approaches, including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and attachment-based work — all through a feminist and socially conscious lens. I also recognize the complex systems of power that shape our experiences, and I aim to make therapy a collaborative space where your voice is centered and respected.
What matters most to me is that you feel seen, heard, and supported. I know what it feels like to move through the world feeling unwelcome or unseen — and I’m here to offer something different. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that no longer serve you, celebrate what makes you beautifully unique, and find ways to move forward with more confidence, self-love, and ease.
You are the expert in your life. I’m here to offer tools, perspective, and a steady hand — not to fix you, but to walk alongside you as you build the life that feels like home.
I’m Dr. Mariam Esfahani, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in couples therapy, guiding partners toward healthier communication, connection, and conflict resolution.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bakersfield, CA



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 86%Relationship issues

- 98%Aetna
- 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 75%Cigna
- 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 64%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 15%Spanish
- 1%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Assamese

- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online

- 74%Woman
- 23%Man
- 3%Non-binary

- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 9%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 40%Family therapy
- 27%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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.
Browse by specialty
Find someone who works with what you’re going through.Browse by city
Explore the cities patients search for most.- Palmdale, CA
- Simi Valley, CA
- Atascadero, CA
- Glendale, CA
- Beverly Hills, CA
- Pasadena, CA
- South Pasadena, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Arcadia, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Victorville, CA
- Claremont, CA
- Apple Valley, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Fullerton, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Fontana, CA
- San Bernardino, CA
- Riverside, CA
- Irvine, CA
- Newport Beach, CA
- Moreno Valley, CA
- Menifee, CA
- Temecula, CA
- Yucca Valley, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Modesto, CA
- La Jolla, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Santa Clara, CA
- Stockton, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Mountain View, CA
- Fremont, CA
- Palo Alto, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Berkeley, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Folsom, CA
- Vallejo, CA
- San Rafael, CA
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Chico, CA
- Redding, CA
- Arcata, CA
Browse by state
Explore mental health care in another state.- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming







































