Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Costa Mesa, CA

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Costa Mesa, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Costa Mesa with 2,455 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded mental healthcare. Access virtual or in-person sessions with providers experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity exploration, with many offering free consultations to find the right fit for your needs.

Sheridan Henderson

Sheridan Henderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Beverly Hills, CA


“I believe in your ability to grow, heal, change. I ask you to be real, and I am real in return. I talk truth. I listen. I cuss sometimes. I crack jokes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Hollywood, CA


“I believe that life is most satisfying when the relationships we have with our 'Self,' with 'Others,' and with our 'Family' are healthy and balanced.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Ong

Joshua Ong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe mental health care requires a multifaceted and holistic approach to treatment, addressing various aspects of an individual's life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
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
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
Hannah Bernstein

Hannah Bernstein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm warm, direct, and a little bit stubborn about hope. I'll listen closely and I'll tell you the truth as I see it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Derek Hoxby

Derek Hoxby

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Torrance, CA


“I use Somatic Experiencing—a gentle yet effective approach for trauma and PTSD—helping the body and mind find balance and relief.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Seth Gold

Seth Gold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • N Hollywood, CA


“My goal is to help clients build insight, resilience, and the tools necessary to achieve their personal goals and improve overall functioning and quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dennis Goldenson

Dennis Goldenson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


“I have extensive experience in client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy that is directly relevant to young adults, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Adriana Medeiros

Adriana Medeiros

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kirra Walsh

Kirra Walsh

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Marcos, CA


Hi, I’m Kirra. I’m a compassionate, collaborative therapist who believes that meaningful therapy begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity development, life transitions, relationship challenges, and other experiences that may leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

I value creating an affirming space where you can show up as your authentic self. I have a particular passion for supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as clients from multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds. My own experience growing up across several U.S. states and overseas in Japan and Guam has shaped my appreciation for the many cultural, family, and relational influences that make each person's story unique.

You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Wherever you are in your journey, we can begin there.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Agoura Hills, CA


I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 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
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“As an author and TEDx speaker, 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 7 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“I understand how physical health, medications, daily habits, and mental health all affect one another.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carmonique Harris

Carmonique Harris

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, holistic, and nonjudgmental approach, integrating strengths-based, person-centered, narrative, art therapy, CBT and DBT techniques to support healing, growth, and resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I pay attention to you as a complete person, not just your symptoms. Your background, relationships, strengths, struggles, and dreams all count.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Johnny Jimenez

Johnny Jimenez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I provide efficient, evidence-based care focused on helping you feel better as quickly and safely as possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Elia Saint Karene

Elia Saint Karene

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work focuses on helping you reconnect with your inner motivation, expand your capacity for joy, and create a life that feels deeply fulfilling.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marissa Morin

Marissa Morin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from a systemic perspective that supports you in understanding yourself within your relationships with self and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“Setbacks are an ordinary part of change, and each obstacle can teach us what works best for you and what to try next.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“During our visits, you have my complete attention. You’re much more than a label or a medical record.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I practice trauma-informed care, staying mindful of how earlier experiences may shape what you’re facing today.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“I honor the bravery it takes to ask for help, and I sincerely believe you're capable of growth and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Yvonne Miller

Yvonne Miller

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and live a life worth celebrating.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Helma Jafari

Helma Jafari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, healing, and growing in meaningful ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Kathryn Star Gutierrez

Dr. Kathryn Star Gutierrez

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Your inner world is a living masterpiece—layered, intricate, and quietly waiting to be gently explored.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jose Carranza

Jose Carranza

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi there, my name is Jose Carranza, LFMT, maneuvering through life and work with thoughtful intention and an open heart. I have approximately a decade of experience working in the mental health field and about 5 years practicing as a therapist. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have lengthy experience working with mood, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Joseph Sands

Dr. Joseph Sands

Psychologist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I strive to create a supportive and trusting space where clients feel understood, empowered, and comfortable being themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pierre Yeremia

Pierre Yeremia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm compassionate, relatable, and a good listener who wants you to feel genuinely understood not rushed or reduced to a diagnosis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Chidinma Nwankwo

Chidinma Nwankwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“She prioritizes building a solid therapeutic relationship with her patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Bonnie Gordon

Bonnie Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I work collaboratively with clients, and firmly believe that clients are the experts on their own lived experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Aubrey Koel

Aubrey Koel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is relaxed, warm, and refreshingly candid. We'll use a mix of humor, honest feedback, and genuine connection to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what's holding you back.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 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 6 insurance carriers
Luis Contreras

Luis Contreras

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Christopher DeFranco

Christopher DeFranco

Therapist

Virtual • California


Christopher has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life stressors including LGBTQ+ issues, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. He also has extensive experience working with neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shaudi Adel

Shaudi Adel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My hope is to help you create a "life worth living" in which you can be the best version of yourself and feel more confident in the resilient person you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Reina Foxworthy

Reina Foxworthy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping Gen Z and Millennials to manage anxiety and mood changes caused by the fast-paced world we’re living in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tim Korm

Tim Korm

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I conduct a thorough evaluation of both your mental and physical symptoms, focusing on how they interact to shape your overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Cruz, CA


“In sessions, I combine emotional insight with practical skill-building so therapy feels both supportive and useful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Costa Mesa, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Costa Mesa, CA
There are over 27 therapists in Costa Mesa, CA accepting new patients.
27+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
7 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 93%Anxiety
  • 93%Relationship issues
  • 89%Stress management
  • 89%Depression
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 96%Aetna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 67%Cigna
  • 56%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 48%Curative
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 100%English
  • 22%Spanish
  • 7%Hindi
  • 7%Tagalog
  • 4%Farsi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 70%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 11%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 19%Clinical Psychologist
  • 19%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 7%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 44%Couples therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 19%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.