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LGBT therapists in El Cajon, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in El Cajon with 2,551 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded care tailored to your unique needs. Access talk therapy and medication management virtually or in-person, with sessions often available as soon as the next day. Our network supports your journey with flexible scheduling and insurance coverage to help you focus on your wellbeing.

Sarai Velasquez

Sarai Velasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Erika Michel

Erika Michel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Lapinski

Andrea Lapinski

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gerardo Salinas

Gerardo Salinas

Therapist

Virtual • San Jose, CA


My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jennifer Pritchard

Jennifer Pritchard

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative, dynamic process... so that they can live a full, authentic, and fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 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
Jorge Belloso-Curiel

Jorge Belloso-Curiel

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! Thank you for considering me as a potential therapist. I have worked in social services related occupations for over thirty years. I am humbled daily and appreciate working with people wherever stage they are in their life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Otterstetter

Stephanie Otterstetter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is not about having all the answers—it is about creating a space where you can better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and begin making meaningful changes at your own pace.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leonardo Garcia

Leonardo Garcia

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Visalia, CA


“Additionally, for longer-term treatment, utilize sand tray, expressive arts, mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other treatment modalities tailored to each client.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Courtney Baldwin

Courtney Baldwin

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Cruz, CA


“I want to make sure my clients actually experience a reduction in symptoms. The goal of my work is not to help you constantly manage your mental health challenges but to support you in feeling better overall.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Adriana Benamor

Adriana Benamor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that we are equals in this work we will do together, and I look forward to being your gentle accountability partner.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Nguyen

Elizabeth Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


I hold space for individuals, couples, and families to grow into the versions of themselves that are anchored in self trust, adaptable to life's shifts, and empowered to author their own stories. When intrusive thoughts, physical restlessness, or underlying dread take hold, it can feel like being swept into a repetitive cycle of self doubt and preoccupation. It is a pattern that steals your energy, pulling you away from the present moment and weakening your self trust.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Nancy Lopez

Nancy Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I balance insight and self-exploration with practical tools and strategies, helping clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves while working toward meaningful, achievable goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rio Bauce

Rio Bauce

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a warm, empathetic, and collaborative approach to therapy, and I specialize in supporting those with HIV-related issues, relationship concerns, stress, anxiety, and identity-related challenges, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Claudia Franzosi

Claudia Franzosi

Therapist

Virtual • California


Neurodivergent, Autism Spectrum,ADHD,Social anxiety, LGBTQIA+: I can help!

Welcome! With the supportive help of an experienced, "seasoned" therapist, we will take action towards the change you need to make. I will hold your hand and hold you accountable, with the right dose of support, guidance, and humor.

I trained as a psychotherapist in European and American Universities. I use effective, science based approaches.

If you do not find availability in my calendar, please contact me directly at [email protected].

Questions? Text/call me at 415-48-EARTH; 415-483-2784

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Trung Ngo

Trung Ngo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to provide inclusive, affirming care to every client, regardless of their identity or orientation!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
C. Eric Erlenbush

C. Eric Erlenbush

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use practical, evidence-based tools to help reduce anxiety and stress through structured, collaborative work rather than talk alone.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ben Quan

Ben Quan

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 10 years experience providing individual therapy. I am a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, and specialize in EMDR therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. I am a big advocate for taking care of our mental health, and I am so glad you are here because that usually means you are thinking about taking care of yours too!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Santos

Nicole Santos

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have over 15+ years experience as a nurse working in various departments, working hands on with patients, as well as leadership and management roles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alexandra Brown

Alexandra Brown

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I guide clients in processing these pain points and shifting negative patterns...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming... I've made it my mission to change that experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Christina Duffy

Christina Duffy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want you to leave each session feeling like you gained something useful—whether that's a new way of looking at a situation, a tool you can use right away, or a clearer plan for moving forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carmen Santillan

Carmen Santillan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“There are times when a person feels emotionally "stuck" and feel there is no way to undo it. I know this view well myself!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elham Sumner

Elham Sumner

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe in taking the time to fully understand your unique situation. I will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that best aligns with your values.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Camille Lendormy

Camille Lendormy

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“My approach to providing care includes empathetic listening, unconditional positive regard, transparency and radical curiosity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Barbara Jean Douglass

Barbara Jean Douglass

Therapist

Virtual • Eureka, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 25 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues. I also specialize in depression, anxiety, elderly issues, disability, and stress reduction.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so I approach each session with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Oleksiy Verezumskyy

Dr. Oleksiy Verezumskyy

Psychologist

Virtual • Fullerton, CA


“My approach is warm, collaborative, practical, and individualized. I believe therapy should provide both a supportive space to better understand yourself and concrete tools that can help create meaningful change in everyday life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lauren Bittner

Lauren Bittner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, and the complex terrain of relationships and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tony Gunn

Tony Gunn

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am Tony Gunn, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Substance Abuse Professional and a board certified transgender care therapist. I value connection, trust, and respect.

I work with adults, teens, families, and couples. My focus areas include LGBTQIA+ clients, gender nonconforming clients, transgender care, sexual health concerns, trauma, grief, mood concerns, and major life transitions.

You receive care grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Sessions center on clear goals, practical skills, and meaningful insight. I create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment.

I provide services through in-person and telehealth settings. My approach blends evidence-based practice with care shaped around your needs, values, and lived experience. My goal centers on supporting clarity, stability, and long-term well-being through an affirming therapeutic relationship.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Olivia Miller

Olivia Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I'm Olivia. I've been in therapy practice for six years, and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you! As a queer and neurodivergent person, my career as a therapist has always moved in tandem with my commitment to social and economic justice. My work has taken me to settings with folks experiencing homelessness in South Los Angeles; with justice-involved adults in treatment court diversion programs in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood; in young adult shelters for art therapy groups; with low-income immigrant parents of young children; and with teens and young adults with significant trauma histories.

Through all my roles I always commit to centering community and individual strengths that help arm my clients with the tools necessary to repel various types of systemic violence and oppression. I believe that therapy is inherently political because being human is political.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patricia Riley

Patricia Riley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in each individual's right to self determination. Life can have multiple challenges, but with a thoughtful approaches it can reduce the power over us the challenges can have.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Natsuko Jacobson

Natsuko Jacobson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In general, I am not here to give you advice... We will explore your struggles, histories, strength, expectations and goals together to connect with your inner wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Joseph Tran

Joseph Tran

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I hold dual board certifications- as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)- which means I'm trained to look at you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mary Xavier

Mary Xavier

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My background has given me a deep, practical understanding of how pain shows up in people's lives and what it takes to move through it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have extensive history working with individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms and crisis situations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Cristal Lopez

Dr. Cristal Lopez

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I specialize and publish work in: coping with chronic illnesses, career-related issues (burnout, work-life balance), trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and stress related to first-responder families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gia Stark

Gia Stark

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


Thank you for reading this. Having a background in grassroots and non-profit work as well as teaching, I am fiercely passionate about equity, social justice and liberation for all people. The therapeutic relationship is unique and radical --- your words have exquisite power and we get to think together about what they mean.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA
There are over 26 therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients.
26+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Depression
  • 96%Anxiety
  • 92%Stress management
  • 88%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 69%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 69%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 46%Cigna
  • 46%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 85%English
  • 31%Spanish
  • 8%French
  • 4%Farsi
  • 4%German
How they see their clients
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  • 92%In-person or online
  • 8%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 62%Woman
  • 38%Man
License types
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  • 54%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 23%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 15%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 4%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 38%Family therapy
  • 27%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 19%Couples 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.