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LGBT therapists in Hayward, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Hayward, CA

Finding an open-minded therapist in Hayward who celebrates your identity matters. Headway's network includes providers experienced in gender and sexual identity affirming care, with many offering free consultations and sessions available as soon as the next day to support your wellbeing.

Horacio Renteria

Horacio Renteria

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is practical and personal. You won't be overwhelmed because the way I work is to make the difficult, easy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Wilhana Zaghetto Shetty

Wilhana Zaghetto Shetty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that through an authentic, collaborative approach, we can navigate the process of discovering personal solutions and preferred ways of being and relating to others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Norman Quintero

Dr. Norman Quintero

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Anaheim, CA


“He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with humanistic principles to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while also feeling deeply heard, respected, and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Hollywood, CA


“I'm a trained psychodynamic therapist and love to work with adult clients to help improve insight and self-awareness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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 12 insurance carriers
Robyne Vance

Robyne Vance

Therapist

Virtual • California


Always happy to help!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. My professional experience includes inpatient hospitalization, community-based mental health, and private practice settings, allowing me to support clients with a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. I specialize in grief and loss, relationship concerns, caregiving stress, chronic and terminal illness, workplace burnout, and major life transitions. I also have specialized experience supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington’s Disease and strive to provide an inclusive, culturally responsive space where clients feel respected and supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rachel Howard

Rachel Howard

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Practitioner.

I have almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. I specialize in trauma and family work. I am an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Allan Sadac

Allan Sadac

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Alamitos, CA


“From our work, I hope you leave every session with more clarity and direction about the changes you can influence and bring you closer to the life you are wanting.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Carrie Hansen

Carrie Hansen

Therapist

Virtual • Atascadero, CA


“I especially enjoy working with youth and young adults, I specialize in working with people with ADHD, Autistic teens and adults, phase of life issues, depression, anxiety...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Nicole Minor

Nicole Minor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, collaborative, and direct, and I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be honest with themselves and others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Zena Vevaina

Dr. Zena Vevaina

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is active, collaborative, and insight-oriented — I help you identify the roots of your struggles, develop healthier ways of relating, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Samantha Abbott

Samantha Abbott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach things with an inquisitive and strength-based lens, and love partnering with my clients to help them find solutions to problems they might be facing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Esther Torres

Esther Torres

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in providing treatment to individuals who are experiencing difficulties with feelings of anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, trauma and/or life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Stephanie Farokhi

Stephanie Farokhi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bonnie Gordon

Bonnie Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work collaboratively with clients, and firmly believe that clients are the experts on their own lived experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Hilda Torres

Hilda Torres

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is collaborative, grounded, and direct when helpful, while still allowing space for you to move at a pace that feels safe.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Maida Ferraes

Maida Ferraes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated, compassionate, and patient. We carry many judgments from the world and ourselves, we do not need any additional pressure.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kavitha Hari

Kavitha Hari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I conceptualize my client's utilizing a relational framework and primarily utilize mindfulness base interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Christina Cortez

Dr. Christina Cortez

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Barbara, CA


I'm Dr. Christina Cortez, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. Grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, I'm committed to meeting individuals where they are emotionally, culturally, and spiritually.

My practice is built on the principles of empathy, respect, and collaboration, with a strong focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing and personal growth.

I provide bilingual (English and Spanish) psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, integrating evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

My work is deeply informed by multicultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural and religious values clients bring into the therapeutic space.

With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, I've served in various clinical settings including community mental health, outpatient treatment, and education.

My professional mission centers on honoring the lived experiences of each client while supporting their path toward resilience, empowerment, and meaningful change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Marlene Blanco

Marlene Blanco

Therapist

Virtual • Onyx, CA


“I provide a supportive, non judgmental space for you to work on reconnecting with yourself and making the changes that you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Michael Herrera

Michael Herrera

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am warm, friendly, and passionate about my work. I am creative in techniques and I use humor to facilitate the exploration of concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Clancy Cavnar

Dr. Clancy Cavnar

Psychologist

Virtual • California


Dr. Clancy Cavnar is a licensed psychologist with specializations in addictions and psychedelic therapy. She has worked with a wide variety of people and with a broad range of diagnoses and life situations that therapy can help with. She offers a comprehensive assessment and treatment focused on a client’s individual needs. Dr. Cavnar is empathic and compassionate, and therapy with her is an exchange of ideas, with deep listening and non-judgmental acceptance.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Debbie LeFevre

Debbie LeFevre

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With over 30 years of experience, I've developed a deep passion for helping individuals and families navigate relationship challenges--especially those involving blended families and divorce.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ben Savelli

Ben Savelli

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“I'm a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) man — I received my diagnosis in my 30s from a psychologist who is also self-disclosed autistic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth. As an author and TEDx speaker, she translates complex research into clear, practical care plans that help patients feel informed and supported.

Shara specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions (PTSD), adult ADHD, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, and women's mental health across the reproductive lifespan—including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, PMDD, and menopausal transitions. Her practice is medication-focused and highly collaborative, with education, skills coaching, and supportive check-ins integrated into visits. She coordinates closely with therapists, primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other clinicians to ensure cohesive treatment.

Patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation reviewing history, symptoms, prior treatments, and goals. Shara practices thoughtful prescribing with transparent discussion of options, benefits, and side effects so decisions are truly shared. She uses measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error. Her whole-person approach integrates sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management when relevant, with streamlined access through secure telehealth and clear after-visit summaries.

Shara's style is warm, direct, and person-centered, grounded in shared decision-making. Her care is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in current clinical evidence. Beyond clinical practice, she serves as a nurse educator and academic mentor, shaping future psychiatric clinicians through evidence-based teaching. An international fellowship in India enriched her global perspective through research and teaching in hospital and university settings.

For up-to-date availability, please visit us or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“My style is direct, warm, and person-centered. I consider sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management essential to whole-person wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kari Kendzerski

Kari Kendzerski

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I know this world can feel unwelcoming to those of us whose identities and experiences aren't centered in the mainstream.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Autumn Yonkers

Autumn Yonkers

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Once we decide to work together, I will walk beside you and support you on your therapeutic journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


“My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jena Montenegro

Jena Montenegro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a trauma expert with experience in a wide variety of populations including LGBTQ, African-American, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian peoples.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 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 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Kruse

Daniel Kruse

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pavlo OConnor

Pavlo OConnor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them, navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Zoot Sax

Zoot Sax

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often describe me as someone who helps them feel genuinely accepted, free to show up as their full selves, whoever that may be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Xiao Fu

Xiao Fu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Shannon Doty

Shannon Doty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach therapy as a partnership. I use an integrated approach in my practice to find strategies that best meet your needs including Mindfulness, Polyvagal informed work and neurologically informed CBT.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Hayward, CA

Number of therapists serving Hayward, CA
There are over 2,557 therapists in Hayward, CA accepting new patients.
2,557+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 80%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
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%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.