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LGBT therapists in Escondido, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Escondido, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Escondido with 2,475 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded care. Access virtual or in-person therapy sessions with providers experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity concerns, with many sessions covered by insurance.

Ashley Azin

Ashley Azin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.7 mi away • San Marcos, CA


“I strive to make each one of my clients feel seen, heard, and unconditionally accepted throughout every session.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Grant Horner

Dr. Grant Horner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Carlsbad, CA


“I have a holistic approach to therapy believing all areas of our life (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, sexual) are connected and impact our overall mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Little

Jennifer Little

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I grew up as a caretaker for my single mother who suffered from mental health issues. She committed suicide when I was only fifteen...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Harry Lesgold

Harry Lesgold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Carlsbad, CA


I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters.

I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working and at this point, that’s pretty clear.

My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it.

Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes, sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Please note: Insurance is accepted for individual therapy only. Couples and family therapy are private pay and are not billed through insurance.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Soraya Behbehani

Soraya Behbehani

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your inner world and reconnect with your natural capacity for healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Gabriel Davis

Gabriel Davis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Fallbrook, CA


“My approach is rooted in supporting clients to reconnect deeply with their authentic selves, fostering renewed health, and rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • La Jolla, CA


“I provide a unique combination of psychotherapy and coaching that builds on individual strengths to improve personal, relational, professional, and family lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Bradford Noble

Bradford Noble

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • La Jolla, CA


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and empowering, grounded in multicultural counseling and social justice education...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gloria Jardon

Gloria Jardon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I have navigated a wide range of life events—from adolescence to college, complex relationships, infertility, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, the impact of COVID, being a first responder, racial discrimination, and career transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. As a Mexican-American Latina and daughter of immigrant parents, I understand how culture, family expectations, and lived experiences can shape emotional well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ethan Messer

Ethan Messer

Therapist

In-person • 24 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“My approach to therapy is relational, and combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Energetic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Darryl Moore

Dr. Darryl Moore

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Temecula, CA


“As an interactive therapist I use an integration of complimentary approaches, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.”
LGBTQIA+, Depression, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Eileen Castro

Eileen Castro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I also have experience supporting men through substance use and recovery, helping them work through challenges and build a more grounded and fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brandon Lozano

Brandon Lozano

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in helping adults whose anxiety and relationship struggles trace back to childhood, including emotional neglect, parentification, and growing up with a parent's mental illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, Panic disorders
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Thomas Spence

Thomas Spence

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I integrate EMDR, somatic therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, hypnotherapy, and trauma-focused interventions to support healing...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
April Taylor

April Taylor

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I provide a trauma-informed, whole-person approach that integrates somatic work and mindfulness to support deep and lasting healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Gasca

Rachel Gasca

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


I have a decade of experience treating adults and adolescents. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to mental health care. My therapeutic approach is integrative, person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and CBT-based. I am a bilingual Latina clinician with an emphasis on the BIPOC experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Carson Jaffrey

Carson Jaffrey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Grief, desperation, and self-inflicted suffering brought me to the point of reaching out for help many years ago and soon the seas began to calm.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
William Holloway

William Holloway

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach is active, collaborative, and deeply grounded in the present moment. I believe therapy should be more than just a place to vent; it should be a strategic partnership where you reclaim your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Vosacek

Jennifer Vosacek

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I create an environment where you can face your discomfort without judgment. You will be able to work through your deepest fears, biggest traumas, and hardest decisions in my office.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Margie Martin

Margie Martin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I still consider it a rare privilege to sit with clients in this work, especially those carrying grief, navigating a shifting health picture, or trying to rebuild a relationship that no longer fits the life they want.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gemma Holmes

Gemma Holmes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Temecula, CA


“For 10+ years, I have sought to improve the lives of youth struggling with issues as varied as housing displacement, gender identity, suicidal ideation, & anger management...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Salvatore Dinovo

Dr. Salvatore Dinovo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I strive to help clients better understand themselves, develop practical coping skills, and move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sonia Gonzini

Sonia Gonzini

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Temecula, CA


Hi. First, I want to congratulate you for taking the initiative to start a new journey in your life. This chapter of your life, may be a difficult one. However, by you being here, you are demonstrating that you are ready for a change. Making the decision to get counseling support is not easy. I work with substance abuse and recovery, marriage and family, relationship issues, domestic violence recovery, trauma, abuse, recovery through movement, exercise, sports and activity and identity concerns. I offer a safe space for my clients to talk openly & honestly to me about whatever your concerns are.

Please contact my Practice Manager, Zoey McGee, at (951) 216.1760 via phone or text to schedule an appointment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Gema Martir

Gema Martir

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • 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
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I believe that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to make decisions that most align with their values and needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Diego, CA


My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Paula Kettula

Paula Kettula

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I work with you as a whole person: mind, body, heart and soul. I believe that in the very pain we usually try to avoid is a kernel of healing, and my job is to help you find it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pamela Joy Abao

Pamela Joy Abao

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach is personalized and collaborative. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about your psychiatric medications...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Energetic, Holistic
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I'm here to listen deeply, think critically about what's happening for you specifically, and create treatment plans that actually work in your real life—not just in theory.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Amina Mohabbat

Amina Mohabbat

Therapist

Virtual • California


Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
“My communication style is empathetic, warm, and direct. I offer a safe space where you can speak freely, without fear of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Misty Steffen

Misty Steffen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“At the core of my practice is authentic partnership, showing up for every client with genuine warmth, deep respect, and real interest in who they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Monica Nunez

Monica Nunez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is direct, transparent, open to feedback. I help by brainstorming different options in your life that are in your best interest.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ashley Perkins

Ashley Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work especially well with adults navigating medical trauma, healthcare burnout, caregiving stress, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oladunni Amiri

Oladunni Amiri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe every person's story is unique, and my approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of mental health struggles like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 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
Dr. Emily Dalton

Dr. Emily Dalton

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can have many shapes and forms. Sometimes, it is simply a place where you are seen and heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Escondido, CA

Number of therapists serving Escondido, CA
There are over 2,492 therapists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients.
2,492+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 75%Cigna
  • 75%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
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  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 27%Couples therapy
  • 17%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.