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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 2,624 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Ruben Martinez

Ruben Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I blend compassion with directness, reflection with practical tools, and evidence-based care with respect for your strengths, pace, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jessica Zavala

Jessica Zavala

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel genuinely understood and supported while also being challenged to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alyssa Glorioso

Alyssa Glorioso

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am eclectic but will typically use a blend of psychodynamic, attachment, and cognitive behavioral therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Calix Vu-Bui

Calix Vu-Bui

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My patients would describe me as warm, relatable, down to earth, and a therapist who is actively engaged in session with a no-nonsense kind of approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Norma Munoz-Sedano

Norma Munoz-Sedano

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a bilingual (Spanish and English) Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, parents, and couples.

I hold a psychology degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California since 1991 and earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix in 2008.

My work focuses on strengthening relationships and addressing emotional or mental issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial factors, life challenges, and personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christina Billings

Christina Billings

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from the belief that healing occurs when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered, especially those navigating complex or high-acuity mental health concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Ryan Lisman

Ryan Lisman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Burbank, CA


“I employ a humanistic therapy approach that is client-centered and tailored to your individual therapeutic needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 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
Trinidad Castillo

Trinidad Castillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about working with first-gen, BIPOC clients, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and fellow neurodivergent folks who often feel unseen or misunderstood in traditional spaces.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Xiao Fu

Xiao Fu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Erick Nunez

Erick Nunez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Change can be scary but so is staying the same. There is a quote that I live by "Whatever you are not changing ... you are choosing".”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
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 7 insurance carriers
Stephanie SaintCyr

Stephanie SaintCyr

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alan Chudnow

Alan Chudnow

Therapist

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


I work with people who are thoughtful, self-aware, and a little tired of the usual answers. My practice draws from existential therapy, Buddhist psychology, and Gestalt three traditions that share one core idea: that lasting change comes from understanding yourself more deeply, not managing yourself more efficiently. I wrote a book about this, Growing Through Crisis, because I believe that the moments that crack us open are often the ones that matter most. I work with individuals and couples, including those navigating LGBTQ+ identities, non-traditional relationships, and kink or sex-positive lifestyles. I hold a trauma professional certification and bring that lens into grief work, relationship ruptures, and major life transitions.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julieta Serrato

Julieta Serrato

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Julieta a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2016 and bring both clinical experience and real-life perspective into my work. I create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and person-centered care to help clients build emotional resilience and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, life transitions, and trauma.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“My clinical approach combines precision with partnership. I use measurement-based care, structured symptom tracking that guides our treatment adjustments and minimizes trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jackie Neyhart

Jackie Neyhart

Therapist

Virtual • California


Jackie specializes in supporting teens and young adults as they navigate life's challenges, such as anxiety, life transitions, and relationship dynamics.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Evan Dunn

Evan Dunn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I encourage profound exploration of symptoms and conflicts while simultaneously offering my patients a space of warmth and relief in which to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Creative, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Travis Brown

Travis Brown

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach centers on a strong therapeutic relationship — a space where you feel heard, respected, and involved in every decision about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sophia Kubes

Sophia Kubes

Therapist

Virtual • California


If you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body, or feeling stuck in cycles of restriction, bingeing, or guilt, you are not alone—and you don’t have to face it by yourself. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individuals navigating eating disorders and disordered eating.

I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. In addition to eating disorder treatment, I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, and challenges related to identity and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where clients of all backgrounds feel seen, respected, & supported.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Autumn Yonkers

Autumn Yonkers

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Once we decide to work together, I will walk beside you and support you on your therapeutic journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kai Chuang

Dr. Kai Chuang

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.

Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kadrea Forte

Kadrea Forte

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My career has centered on serving Black Women and Men, and other POC communities, youth, and LGBTQIA+ clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Krimple

Joseph Krimple

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I enjoy taking a holistic and integrative approach to treatment, incorporating different treatment techniques and modalities, and working collaboratively with individuals to develop the most positive outcomes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Danielle Scott

Danielle Scott

Therapist

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“I enjoy providing a safe, warm, non-judgmental space for someone at whatever stage of life they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I also specialize in supporting people around intimacy, sexuality, and relationships with genuine openness and care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nicole Forester

Nicole Forester

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello - My name is Nicole Forester. I welcome you.

I recognize the energy it takes to seek support.

I focus on what matters most to you at a pace you are comfortable with.

Thank you for trusting me to be part of this process.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Crystal Folk

Crystal Folk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting each client in the space that they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rebecca Braunstein

Rebecca Braunstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By strengthening awareness and self-attunement, one can truly begin to become enlightened and embrace healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nadia Seray-wurie

Nadia Seray-wurie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.

I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shiva Banafti

Shiva Banafti

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in a human-centered, trauma-informed approach, and one of my greatest strengths is the quality of therapeutic relationships I build with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Chirag Bharati

Chirag Bharati

Therapist

Virtual • Cerritos, CA


“An integrative therapy approach that encompasses all aspects of your individual experience is a great starting point.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sue Brekka

Sue Brekka

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I offer a safe environment of compassion and respect. Working pyschodynamically, from an object relations perspective, integrating parts work (IFS)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Precious Martines

Precious Martines

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Helen Mettu

Helen Mettu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“Every session is patient-centered and specific so as to create a warm and relaxing environment for my patients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kavitha Hari

Kavitha Hari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I conceptualize my client's utilizing a relational framework and primarily utilize mindfulness base interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Hanson

Lauren Hanson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Using evidence-based tools like Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with creative Art Therapy interventions, I help you disrupt old thought patterns and reclaim your narrative.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kristina Daniel

Kristina Daniel

Therapist

Virtual • Eureka, CA


“I take a collaborative, curious approach to therapy, working alongside you to better understand your experiences and help you move toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 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.