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LGBT therapists in Costa Mesa, CA

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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.

Joshua Cross

Joshua Cross

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am engaged, interactive and personable. I try to bring humor, exploration and experimentation to the serious business of therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Vancil

Lisa Vancil

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in meeting you exactly where you are, honoring your unique journey as we uncover and build upon your inherent strengths.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jaquelynn Flietstra

Jaquelynn Flietstra

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My hope is that you leave our work together feeling more understood, more connected to yourself, and more able to move through life with a sense of peace and authenticity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lindsey Kohn

Lindsey Kohn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions, patterns, and experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Nichelle Alva

Nichelle Alva

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about serving multicultural and traditionally-underserved communities which may includes teens and young adults, folks with family issues, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent folks, and those w/ chronic health conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Dennett

Andrew Dennett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is characterized by a blend of directness, playfulness, engagement, and nurturance.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Brock Chavez

Sarah Brock Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is intersectional and trauma-informed combining combines techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Amon Benavides

Dr. Amon Benavides

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Vlg, CA


“I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, understood, and comfortable being their authentic selves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Tierra Gregory

Dr. Tierra Gregory

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in both Spanish and English, from colloquial to professional levels. My work has included supporting individuals facing HIV/AIDS-related challenges, domestic violence, substance use, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, dual diagnosis, sexuality-related concerns, aging-related issues, and the broader impact these experiences can have on families and support systems. Across community, academic, and clinical settings in Mexico and the U.S., I’ve built a strong foundation in helping people navigate both personal suffering and societal distress.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kathleen Triplett

Kathleen Triplett

Therapist

Virtual • California


Growing up near a national park, I am consistently reminded of and influenced by the importance of nature on our physical, mental, and emotional health in my mental health practice. As an LMFT, I've worked with a variety of populations, most of whom experienced major trauma or complex trauma, and aid them in reconnecting to their sense of self and safety. I received my MS from California Lutheran University with a specialization in trauma and BA from CSU Chico. I have been licensed for 4 years and have provided therapy for the last 8 years including an associate and traineeship.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carl Quedenfeld

Carl Quedenfeld

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a safe environment for you to explore the more painful parts of your life and inner worlds.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Katelyn Franza

Katelyn Franza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maria Flax

Maria Flax

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based therapies, including DBT and psychodynamic techniques.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Melody Claiborne

Melody Claiborne

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I'm Melody Claiborne, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Washington and California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, offering thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized medication management for adults. I believe in care that sees the whole person — not just a diagnosis. Having witnessed patients go unheard during their most vulnerable moments, I built my practice around genuine advocacy and connection. I work at your pace, in a safe and supportive environment where your concerns are fully heard and your goals guide your treatment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
DeRoy Obilor

DeRoy Obilor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is founded on holistic and patient-centered concepts, resulting in a collaborative alliance that values trust and open communication.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Corina Rains

Corina Rains

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“Clients can expect an open and transparent first session designed to build a trusting relationship between the client and the therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rebekah Wilson

Rebekah Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Clovis, CA


“I believe healing begins by understanding the connection between the mind-body, emotions, and nervous system.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yadira Nieto

Yadira Nieto

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and supportive. I see therapy as a partnership where you can show up as yourself and feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Hinojosa

Elizabeth Hinojosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Liz's philosophy as a healer and alchemist is to honor each experience entrusted to her by offering a nonjudgemental space filled with empathy, compassion and sense of humor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jacob MacMaster

Jacob MacMaster

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I've built my career working in adult medicine, with a deep focus on addiction and medication assisted treatment. Anxiety and depression are areas where I find this work especially rewarding. Regardless of what brings you here, I come to every session with genuine curiosity and a commitment to building real rapport. I see clients virtually, and I keep afternoon and evening hours on weekdays so scheduling can work around your life. Strong patient retention has always been a hallmark of how I practice, and I look forward to building that same kind of relationship with you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sam Zia

Sam Zia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an AASECT-trained Sex Therapist. I have an MA in Clinical Psychology, and am a PhD Candidate in Human Sexuality.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
Christopher Mahoney

Christopher Mahoney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, where clients can build awareness and identify strategies to have a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Abieyuwa Salami

Abieyuwa Salami

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Bernardino, CA


“I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adults dealing with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use recovery.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Susana Valdez

Susana Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I practice a strength based approach to therapy, focusing on each individuals strengths and capacity for resiliency; while taking into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Angela Canestraro

Angela Canestraro

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am an LMFT with more than 15 years of experience in trauma, relationships, and family systems.

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

Christina Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various social work settings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Belinda Reser

Belinda Reser

Therapist

Virtual • California


I offer a supportive, affirming space where clients can show up authentically. I guide individuals in rediscovering themselves and taking meaningful steps toward a more purposeful and aligned life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Krista Gerdts

Krista Gerdts

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


“My style is warm, engaged, and genuinely curious — if you're ready to stop going through the motions and start actually feeling like yourself again, I'd love to work with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“We listen, empathize and acknowledge your concerns. We utilize biopsychosocial model in all our assessments, evaluations and evidence-based practice for a better patient outcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 5 insurance carriers
Airy Ramirez

Airy Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through our collaborative work, clients can expect to gain valuable self-insights, develop practical coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lawrence Yu

Lawrence Yu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support adults navigating identity, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, with a particular focus on Asian and LGBTQ+ experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nadine Mejia

Nadine Mejia

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pavlo OConnor

Pavlo OConnor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them, navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Gema Martir

Gema Martir

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“Direct, Warm, Inquisitive and Critical questions that are focused on identity development in the family individual or couple system.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Maureen Riley

Maureen Riley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that every person has the capacity to heal and grow, even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mercy Flores Isaac

Mercy Flores Isaac

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm direct, warm, and genuinely collaborative. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I'll adapt our work to what actually fits your life, your pace, and your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julia Moore

Julia Moore

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


I actively participate in helping you get to where you want to go, and I offer insight when clients have a desire and readiness to hear it. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years as well, so I have heard it all! My office is a no judgement zone first and foremost. I am a sex therapist and look forward to helping you overcome sexual shame and trauma so that you can have all the intimacy and closeness you desire.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

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
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7 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 93%Anxiety
  • 93%Relationship issues
  • 89%Stress management
  • 89%Depression
Insurances accepted
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  • 96%Aetna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 67%Cigna
  • 56%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 48%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 22%Spanish
  • 7%Hindi
  • 7%Tagalog
  • 4%Farsi
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 70%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 11%Non-binary
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 19%Clinical Psychologist
  • 19%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 7%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 44%Couples therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 19%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.

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