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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.

Rickey Bates

Rickey Bates

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and long-term psychotherapy. I work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and the lasting impact of trauma.

My professional background includes service in military and veteran-support settings, as well as work in community mental health, medical and hospital-based environments, and outpatient therapy. This breadth of experience allows me to support clients across a wide range of life circumstances—from acute stress and major transitions to deeper, long-term personal growth.

My practice is grounded in a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that integrates evidence-based and relational therapies. I believe therapy works best when clients feel supported, understood, and appropriately challenged, with the goal of not just symptom relief, but meaningful, lasting change in how clients relate to themselves and others.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Conrad Larkin

Conrad Larkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Rosa, CA


“During my more than 30 years as a therapist I have found that once an unworkable pattern is revealed and the emotions connected to that are expressed, your authentic self is more available.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 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 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Saucedo

Jessica Saucedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a person-centered approach. It is important for the person I am working with to feel heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 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
Chidinma Onuigbo

Chidinma Onuigbo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.

My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.

I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Dominic Valdes

Dominic Valdes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, and offer a space that is culturally attuned and grounded in understanding the nuances of identity, intimacy, and relational dynamics.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Nichole-Danielle Visnick

Nichole-Danielle Visnick

Therapist

Virtual • California


I love helping people heal through insight, humor, and giving them a place to feel heard. Everyone needs help sometimes, and having a a guide with abilities directed towards healing mental and emotional wounds means you will walk away with tools to last a lifetime. I am always learning new skills to aid more people. We will get through this together!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


“I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults across a broad spectrum of conditions: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, in a steady and safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Yvette Hinojosa

Yvette Hinojosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support people in creating meaningful change by cultivating mindful awareness of thought and speech patterns that influence growth, joy, and satisfaction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maddie Asghari

Maddie Asghari

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I specialize in complex presentations because mental health exists within your entire life experience, relationships, cultural background, and personal history.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“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 7 insurance carriers
Noah Peter

Noah Peter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


“My practice has a nonjudgmental environment where your feelings and experiences are respected and validated.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alec Bustos

Alec Bustos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families, especially those navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, adoption/foster care, and identity exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Jonathan Gevorkian

Dr. Jonathan Gevorkian

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I believe you should understand the reasoning behind your treatment, including the potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives to medication.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gretchen Genato

Gretchen Genato

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My hope is that each session leaves clients feeling understood, supported, and empowered with tools to manage challenges and build lasting wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“I'm experienced in managing complex medication regimens and other specialized treatments that require careful monitoring and expertise.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Cintia Ctibor

Cintia Ctibor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a world where trauma, and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart's true narrative.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and I value building therapeutic relationships with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Helder Araujo MD PhD

Dr. Helder Araujo MD PhD

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide individualized psychiatric care, with the understanding that mental health conditions... do not present in the same way across individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Teresa Avila

Teresa Avila

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a bilingual, trauma‐informed Latina clinician, I specialize in working with teens and adults (13+) navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, immigration‐related stress, and women's issues.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, End of life care
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sheida Kalantari

Sheida Kalantari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I don't believe in a formula — I pay close attention to what's actually showing up for you and adjust as we go.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Nazare Magaz

Dr. Nazare Magaz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“My approach is collaborative, warm and creative, whereby we work together to understand you better and at a deeper level.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Charles Bewley

Charles Bewley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Burbank, CA


After graduating from New York University with a BFA in drama, I moved to Los Angeles and taught drama and English literature at an L.A. public high school for nearly 20 years. My experience working with teenagers and their families taught me that, all too often, kids' barriers to learning are not academic in nature, but rather emotional challenges stemming from adversity and trauma. I became more and more interested in learning how to help teenagers and adults alike navigate these obstacles and come out stronger in the long run. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders (including OCD), PTSD and Complex-PTSD, and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Digna Guerrero

Digna Guerrero

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Digna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to creating a supportive and safe space where clients will feel heard and understood. I work with adolescents and adults of all ages in navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I also have vast experience working with individuals who have co-occuring disorders, developmental disabilities and cognitive delays servicing mild to moderate clients.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Talia Guppy

Talia Guppy

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! I am currently accepting client and I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults, providing affirming care through a solution‐focused and client‐centered approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, supporting effective and meaningful change. I also incorporate Narrative Therapy and Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address trauma and promote healing when appropriate.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating the challenges you are facing. Many of my clients come to therapy wanting a space where they feel safe, accepted, and truly understood. I strive to provide this so we can work collaboratively to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and well‐being.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meagan Pruden

Meagan Pruden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I value genuine connection and believe healing happens best in a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about supporting individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, first responders, as well as those working through trauma and self-esteem challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Amy Shefftz

Amy Shefftz

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Concord, CA


IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

Hi, I'm Amy! As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide comprehensive, individualized care for complex mental health challenges. My expertise includes ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.

What sets my practice apart is my commitment to seeing each person as a unique individual with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Whether you're seeking your first diagnosis, managing multiple conditions, or looking for a fresh perspective, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine empathy to every interaction. I work to address not just symptoms, but the whole person behind them.

I believe in collaborative care, where your voice and preferences guide our treatment decisions. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric interventions with respect for your lived experience and personal values. I take time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure you feel heard and understood. Whether we're exploring medication options, developing coping strategies, or working through diagnostic questions, you'll always be an active partner in your care.

My goal is to help you thrive in daily life. Together, we'll work toward building resilience, improving functioning, and creating the meaningful life you deserve. I'm here to support you every step of the way. I create a safe, judgment-free environment where healing and growth are possible. Ready to begin? I'm currently accepting new patients.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Monica Castanon

Monica Castanon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a therapist who leads with empathy, making others feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Stella Dennett

Dr. Stella Dennett

Therapist

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“I place great value on equipping you with the social and psychological resources and skills necessary to thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Martha Cervantes

Martha Cervantes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is affirming and empowering, while also being direct. I'll help you feel heard and understood, and I'll also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zachary Arnold

Zachary Arnold

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a person-centered lens, meaning I see you as the expert of your life and view our therapeutic relationship as a key part of the healing process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello and welcome to therapy. You are one step closer on your journey to achieving your goals, passions, and intentions. You and I will develop a therapeutic relationship as you work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and other areas that you would like growth in. You will utilize the strengths that you already have, and keep expanding on those. It is my job to create a safe, open, and person-centered environment. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey! Keep going and growing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alyssa Rodriguez

Alyssa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a genuine, collaborative relationship with my clients and value the courage it takes to open up.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Sayeh Ghazi

Dr. Sayeh Ghazi

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be yourself—no masking, no judgment—just real conversations about what you want to change and how we can get there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

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.