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LGBT therapists in Escondido, CA

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Escondido, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Escondido with 2,535 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.

Cristine Vita

Cristine Vita

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm warm, collaborative, and not a "blank-slate therapist." I bring my whole authentic self in the hopes that you will too.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lawrence Yu

Lawrence Yu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support adults navigating identity, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, with a particular focus on Asian and LGBTQ+ experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Janet Nelson

Janet Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a California, Connecticut, and South Dakota licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR and specializes in treating trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Britanny Wilson

Britanny Wilson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“With over 15 years of experience in mental health care—including my time at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital—I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 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. Mariam Esfahani

Dr. Mariam Esfahani

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Dr. Mariam Esfahani, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in couples therapy, guiding partners toward healthier communication, connection, and conflict resolution.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is solution-focused and strength based. We use your strengths to bolster other aspects of your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, End of life care
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Armen Youssefians

Armen Youssefians

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy focuses on creating a warm, nurturing, and dynamic environment in which we work together to unlock your internal power and potential in overcoming current problems.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Cheryl Moss

Cheryl Moss

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.

I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patricia Gutierrez

Patricia Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice centers on trauma and PTSD, identity and gender affirming care, and the lived experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Silvia Vaughn

Silvia Vaughn

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I provide a supportive, open, and compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Suenia Villa

Suenia Villa

Therapist

Virtual • Fremont, CA


I work well with anyone who seeks therapy and is ready to work on themselves. I have worked with about every population, culture and age group. Issues that I am best suited to treating include a wide variety of disorders, childhood trauma, addictions, domestic violence, parenting/bonding/interpersonal relationships. I certified in EMDR and expressive arts therapy. I like to offer different forms of expression to my clients in the healing arts. I also give plenty of skill building tools and homework so clients can maximize their progress outside of the weekly sessions. I speak Spanish fluently.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Bruce Strumpf

Bruce Strumpf

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you feel better an move toward the life you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jenifer Wendy Chan

Jenifer Wendy Chan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Kyra Shapiro Gutierrez

Kyra Shapiro Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My philosophy is "make it functional." Together, we identify what is interrupting your day or creating dysfunction, and take realistic, step-by-step approaches to improve your ability to manage and move through daily life more effectively.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Joe Gladden

Joe Gladden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My warm and affirming nature aims to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marilyn Scholze

Marilyn Scholze

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is to listen, and help you understand the feelings and behaviors bringing you to therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Krista Gerdts

Krista Gerdts

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


“My style is warm, engaged, and genuinely curious — if you're ready to stop going through the motions and start actually feeling like yourself again, I'd love to work with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren O'Brien

Lauren O'Brien

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I think therapy should be warm, insightful, and empowering; there can be laughter, tears, and a lot of big questions (and maybe swearing).”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 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 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Candice Hershman

Dr. Candice Hershman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help people understand their experience so they feel less alone or ashamed, and that I offer experiences and skills that work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Fizura Barker

Fizura Barker

Psychologist

Virtual • California


Sometimes the hardest part isn't the struggle itself. It's finding someone who will actually understand the world you're living in. I'm Pia, a psychotherapist with many years of experience working with adults and seniors through anxiety, trauma, grief, identity questions, relationship strain, and major life transitions. I work with individuals and couples from a wide range of backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ communities, new and expecting mothers, and people from diverse cultural and ethnic origins who have sometimes found mainstream therapy less than welcoming. I listen closely, and I work hard to make sure you feel genuinely seen from the very first session.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Anita Vaccaro

Anita Vaccaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is grounded in the understanding that while every individual is unique, we all share fundamental human needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Lanie Goueth

Lanie Goueth

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a world full of adversity and disenfranchisement, it is invaluable to see ourselves as resilient and capable.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Shantall Prado

Shantall Prado

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Together we can explore what hurt the most and find resolve around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julio Garibay

Julio Garibay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring in a bicultural perspective in therapy that invites me to be culturally attuned and address the rooted issues related to our mental health struggles.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dani Coleman

Dani Coleman

Therapist

Virtual • Claremont, CA


“I take a relational approach, in that I do my best to show up authentically and as myself as a fellow human.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lauren Martinez

Lauren Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My passion is helping others reconnect with their authentic selves, especially under the weight of cisheteropatriarchal oppression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Olivia Aguirre

Olivia Aguirre

Therapist

Virtual • California


“A lo largo de mi práctica clínica los pacientes han expresado sentirse bienvenidos, escuchados y acompañados.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laurie Gallagher

Laurie Gallagher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help clients feel heard, understood and valued. In addition, I would like them to come away from therapy with a larger tool-box, including stronger communication and relationship-building skills.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dean Wright

Dean Wright

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I come with an existentialist approach to the therapeutic room which means I am trying to help my clients find meaning in the change they seek.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kayla Rhodes

Kayla Rhodes

Therapist

Virtual • Menlo Park, CA


“I am passionate about working with and creating a safe space for folks who belong to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Melissa McManis

Melissa McManis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in both evidence-based practices and deep respect for each client's unique journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Wendy Barajas

Wendy Barajas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-gen Latina, I understand the struggle to balance bicultural identify and generational trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Rafael Calderon

Rafael Calderon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I tailor treatment to fit your individual needs. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often serves as a starting point, I integrate other therapeutic approaches—including Reality Therapy and Transcendental Therapy—when they best support your...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carol Kahm

Carol Kahm

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, existential, and brief therapy. Every individual has needs and styles which are different and I will adjust my style to better fit your needs to maximize our sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jahi Jamil Corbin

Jahi Jamil Corbin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Most of my clinical training happened in demanding settings... That work taught me not to flinch at difficult material and not to rush people through it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 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 9 insurance carriers
Eugenia Rosenblatt

Eugenia Rosenblatt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a trauma-informed clinician, I partner with clients to reduce suffering and create more meaningful, values-guided living.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 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 5 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 2,537 therapists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients.
2,537+
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
  • 87%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
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  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 28%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.