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LGBT therapists in Costa Mesa, CA

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

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Costa Mesa with 2,600 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.

Morgan Stiles

Morgan Stiles

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing begins with feeling safe, understood, and connected. I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kasey Hopkins

Kasey Hopkins

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Redding, CA


“I'm not here to just nod along. I'm here to show up fully, listen deeply, and work with you to untangle what's weighing you down.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
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
Justin Matar

Justin Matar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Corona, CA


My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 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 5 insurance carriers
Rachel Benjamin

Rachel Benjamin

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joanne Howe

Joanne Howe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is, above all, a partnership. I believe you are the expert on your own life...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Heather Lopez

Heather Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal in treatment is for us to work through the fear and anxiety in order for you to understand yourself on a deeper level, emotionally and behaviorally.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
John Rodriguez

John Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Sometimes I will be your biggest cheerleader, other times I will push you and ask you to sit in discomfort.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Anvari

Brittany Anvari

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Chesbro

Jessica Chesbro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • California


Hi, I'm Jessica and I love supporting youth and their families to bring out confidence and build healthy relationship patterns to support them as they grow in today's world. I have background in Expressive Arts Therapy and bring creative approaches including art, play, and drama therapy techniques as entry points into cognitive behavioral interventions and strategies to assist with behavior, emotion regulation, and understanding of one's self. My philosophical goal as a therapist is to help people I work with curate more joy into their lives and for children to be seen in their unique strengths and supported to grow through challenges. I believe that curiosity is the antidote to depression. Let's get curious together!

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nadia Grissom

Nadia Grissom

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am empathetic, authentic and an active listener. I work hard to observe behavioral patterns and support my clients to reflect and implement change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
William Dexter

William Dexter

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is William Dexter I am a LMFT licensed marriage family therapist. I am devoted to the health, well-being, and safety of clients and have lived a clean and sober lifestyle for over thirty years. My approach to therapy is to focus on relationships with yourself, with others, and with your Higher Power or GOD as you understand him. I believe the problem is not knowing who you are, and the solution is finding out who you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Bernard Douglas

Bernard Douglas

Therapist

Virtual • California


I offer a grounded, practical, and collaborative space to help you heal, grow, and move forward with clarity. If you're feeling stuck in old patterns or seeking a deeper sense of direction, we will work together to make sense of your story and build a path toward lasting independence.

Reach out today to begin.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sebastopol, CA


“I aim to empower clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sandy Elder

Sandy Elder

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through my work at El Camino Hospital; I have specialties in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Maternal mental health
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Natasha Davani

Natasha Davani

Therapist

Virtual • West Hollywood, CA


Hi there, I’m Natasha. I offer creative, attachment-informed, and neurodivergent-friendly therapy for children, teens, and young adults navigating life transitions, identity exploration, burnout, and relationship challenges.

I have extensive experience working in both residential and outpatient settings. My approach blends curiosity, warmth, and creativity, helping clients feel deeply seen while building tools to move toward meaningful change.

I especially enjoy supporting highly sensitive and creative individuals, neurodivergent clients, and those recovering from high-conflict work or relational environments. Together, we'll explore your story, nurture your strengths, and create space for healing and growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ajay Reed

Ajay Reed

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


“I specialize in the LGBTQ+ community of which I am also a member. I work directly with Trans folks, supporting the successful transition of many over the years.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Justin Kram

Justin Kram

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to offer a safe and creative space to consider and recalibrate your relationship to the beliefs and influences that shape your experience in the world.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Francis Capalbo

Francis Capalbo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that all of us have personal strengths that can be employed in the service of therapy, and that one of my jobs is to encourage clients to recognize their resilience and to build on same.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robin Austin

Robin Austin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach involves building on your strengths as an individual, and using your personal values as a guide to create a fulfilling and authentic life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lisa Friedman

Lisa Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply inspired by the strength and resilience of people working to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Heather Gulick

Heather Gulick

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and attachment-based. I seek to truly get to know you, as well as how your past experiences and childhood history are affecting you and your current relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Virginia Capello

Virginia Capello

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Trauma survivors are so often left feeling disconnected and disempowered. Utilizing EMDR protocol to heal trauma helps the brain untangle the web of pain created by traumatic events...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Noel Sherry

Noel Sherry

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, working with you to unlock your potential and achieve lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Noah Eastman

Noah Eastman

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


Noah Eastman, LMFT, offers a warm space to heal from the past, discover yourself, and chart a new path forward. He received his M.A. in Integral Counseling Psychology at C.I.I.S. Using parts work, somatic therapy, and EMDR Noah offers therapy for individuals and couples. If you are a couple stuck in the same old loop, then it's time to begin the more honest dialogue you’ve been putting off for too long. I have supported individuals with with anxiety, depression, CPTSD, grief, gender and sexuality issues, and major life transitions.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Joyce Carter

Joyce Carter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to help people to understand we all have the power to re-create ourselves and live our best lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Panic disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Daniel Messiter

Daniel Messiter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Narrative Style Therapist at heart, with an emphasis on Grief work. I also tend to focus on the emotional experience, and believe developing and exploring this kind of awareness is central to personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Hanna Jeong

Hanna Jeong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about validating and affirming the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Megan Malloy

Megan Malloy

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Bakersfield, CA


“I enjoy using a personalized approach to treatment with all my clients based on their personality, life experience, and current concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meredith Craig

Meredith Craig

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and I'm passionate about guiding people toward healthier relationships using solution focused techniques.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Natalie Demus

Natalie Demus

Therapist

Virtual • California


If you have been carrying stress, anxiety, or the weight of life's challenges for a long time, you may have wondered whether things can actually change. I believe they can.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and communities. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds. My work spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, and substance use recovery.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Justin Sundgot-Smith

Justin Sundgot-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Goleta, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are highly thoughtful, sensitive, creative, or introspective—and who may find themselves overthinking, putting significant pressure on themselves, or feeling disconnected from what they actually want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dian Grier

Dian Grier

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is very collaborative, and I use some humor as I laugh at my own flaws. I think it helps everyone to accept flaws and learn to love themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 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
Richard Gottschalk

Richard Gottschalk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I meet clients where they are at without judgment, listen and understand their truth, and collaborate with them on problem solving and goals that they want to work on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amy Flores

Amy Flores

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My passion is to help clients find their inner strength and have a better understanding of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 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 32 therapists in Costa Mesa, CA accepting new patients.
32+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 97%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 91%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 75%Cigna
  • 75%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 69%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 53%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 3%American Sign Language
  • 3%Farsi
  • 3%Hindi
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 81%Woman
  • 16%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 22%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 13%Clinical Psychologist
  • 13%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 44%Couples therapy
  • 44%Family therapy
  • 25%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.

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