Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance
LGBT therapists in El Cajon, CA


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA
Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in El Cajon with 2,550 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.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism), LGBTQIA individuals, and those navigating chronic illness, burnout, and perimenopause or menopause. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like nothing they’ve tried has worked.
You might feel like you’re constantly “too much” and “not enough” at the same time, or like simple things take more energy than they should. That’s not a personal failure—it’s a sign that your brain and body need different kinds of support.
With over twelve years of experience, I offer therapy that is warm, affirming, and practical. I help clients reduce overwhelm, build coping tools that actually work, and better understand how their brain and body function.
My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported as you build a life that works for you.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been in practice for over ten years. I help Gen Zers and Millennials to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress that the fast-paced world of today causes. Whether the ever-evolving world is making it difficult for you to navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, parenthood, work pressures, romantic partnerships, emotional trauma, or interpersonal relationships, I am prepared to aid in rebuilding your confidence and developing a powerful toolkit for combatting mental health blocks.
As a proud Mexican woman, it’s important to me to provide a space for marginalized groups to feel understood and validated. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply passionate about supporting the queer community with compassion and empathy. I am also sex-positive and have helped many of my clients overcome barriers and concerns regarding sex and physical intimacy.
I graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2016. I began seeing clients in 2014, and in the years since, I have worked in substance abuse programs, behavioral health hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and numerous group practices. Today, I enjoy managing my own practice and seeing my clients thrive as they tackle treatment goals. I am located in Los Angeles and am exclusively offering virtual therapy at this time, making it convenient for you to meet for your sessions in the comfort of your chosen space.
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.
I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.
Therapy reduces suffering and creates possibility for healthy changes. It is one of the best investments that you can make as you gain awareness and learn about problematic patterns. Everyone is at their own change-readiness level and I will support you where you are at. I am familiar with most psychological issues or relationship concerns, as I have worked in numerous settings and generally I have said "Yes!" to everyone along the way.
Qualities:
- 18+ years of experience
- Good listener and attentive
- Direct and honest
- Calm and grounded
- Engaged and active during the session
- Utilize mindfulness-based interventions
- Easy-going
- Good boundaries
- Non-judgmental
- Solution-focused
- Experience working with people from many cultures and backgrounds, political affiliations, religions and more.
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Please reach out via email or text. I return all messages in a prompt manner.
I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Nina, a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping people feel better and live more fulfilling lives. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer services in both English and Spanish. My goal is to support your well-being by helping you build skills, navigate challenges, and create healthier, more meaningful relationships.
I am known for working well with individuals who are shy and who may be fearful of entering therapy. I have a specialization in the diagnosis/assessment and treatment of AD/HD and learning disorders such as dyslexia. My therapeutic approach is primarily based on cognitive behavioral and Dialectic Behavior theories . Pragmatism describes my approach to treatment. Management of chronic mental illness, and adjustment issues relating to ethnic/cultural/generational and religious issues are also areas which I specialize in.
I believe that at times addressing questions pertaining to meaning in life can be as important as changing behavioral patterns and emotions. Specific treatment modalities I use are ultimately dependent upon the needs of each individual and the established efficac of a particular therapeutic intervention. Socratic questioning is often used to help individuals gain personal insight. I will be happy to work in conjunction with a psychiatrist or other physician.
My ethnic background is Chinese, Okinawan, and Japanese. I grew up in Hawaii and have interned at clinics specializing in Asian/Pacific Islander clients.
Currently I work as Learning Disabilities Specialist at Santa Monica College. I have assisted students in receiving testing accommodations on the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, Bar Exam, MCAT, medical Step exams and medical licensure exams, and DAT. I have worked as a LD Specialist at UCL, the University of Hawaii, and UC Berkeley. I was a Psychology Professor for over 12 years in my earlier career.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in stress and anxiety disorders, mood concerns, and LGBT-issues.
I have vast experience with a wide variety of clients. My professional history includes children living in abusive environments, teenagers who are struggling to access their education due to mental health concerns, families navigating dysfunction and adults dealing with a variety of life difficulties.
I currently work, primarily, in corrections with inmates struggling to adjust to the custody environment. I offer crisis intervention in addition to ongoing support.
I approach the therapeutic space with compassion and openness. I meet my clients right where they are emotionally and in their healing journey.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 100%Depression
- 96%Anxiety
- 92%Stress management
- 88%Relationship issues

- 100%Aetna
- 69%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 69%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 46%Cigna
- 46%Providence Health Plan

- 85%English
- 31%Spanish
- 8%French
- 4%Farsi
- 4%German

- 92%In-person or online
- 8%In-person only

- 62%Woman
- 38%Man

- 54%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 23%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 15%Clinical Psychologist
- 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 4%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 38%Family therapy
- 27%Child or adolescent therapy
- 19%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions


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.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.







































