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LGBT therapists in Laguna Beach, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Laguna Beach, CA

Find welcoming mental health support in Laguna Beach through Headway's network of 2,495 providers trained in LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Whether exploring identity, navigating relationships, or addressing mental health concerns, our therapists bring warmth and expertise. Flexible scheduling means availability often within days, with sessions covered by insurance.

Julia Hengst

Julia Hengst

Therapist

Virtual • California


As someone who has gone through years of therapy myself, I am very passionate about working with you for your highest good. With a background in meditation, conflict mediation, somatic work, spirituality and psychology, I have a solid toolkit that is at your service. My undergrad degree from Berkeley is in Media Studies, so we will also explore how media shapes us and the current culture we live in.

I work with all different ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, social groups, nationalities and orientations!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rakiya "Rocky" Ruiz

Rakiya "Rocky" Ruiz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a warm, compassionate, and easy-going approach to understanding your thoughts, emotions, and habits that keep you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My mission is to offer you a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Hanna Jeong

Hanna Jeong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about validating and affirming the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kevin Weiland

Kevin Weiland

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is mindful, somatic, and relational. I help you slow down, notice what's happening in your body and emotions, and understand the deeper patterns shaping your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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
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 8 insurance carriers
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...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Beverly Ann Lunar

Beverly Ann Lunar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I firmly believe that effective mental health care requires absolute transparency, active collaboration, and treatments rooted in solid clinical evidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alexander Valenzuela

Alexander Valenzuela

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

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

Sydney Ashe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with adolescents, creative professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Men's issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angie Douma

Angie Douma

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You're the author and expert in your life story. The backstory: your family, culture, sexuality, chosen tribe, and politics significantly impact how your story will unfold.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Hsiu-Lan Cheng

Dr. Hsiu-Lan Cheng

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I provide strength-based and collaborative therapy to guide you through your thoughts and emotions towards healing and personal/relational empowerment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Elaine Zaragoza

Elaine Zaragoza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with extensive experience in both community settings and private practice. I specialize in supporting women through the unique challenges they face in life. I offer a compassionate, empathetic approach to help women navigate anxiety, depression, struggles with identity, and the journey toward recognizing their self-worth.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I reject rushed appointments and reducing people to diagnostic labels. Instead, I invest time understanding you as a person—your background, present difficulties, strengths, and wellness goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Matthew Tapia

Matthew Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring together two distinct disciplines: the relational depth of individual and family therapy, and the science-backed precision of behavioral analysis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Tatiana Molinar

Dr. Tatiana Molinar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My personal journey overcoming complex trauma fuels my passion for guiding others towards healing and joy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual • Emeryville, CA


“I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“My expertise includes autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal isn't to "fix" you—you're not broken. Instead, I'm here to help you understand your conditions, develop effective coping strategies, and build the fulfilling life you deserve.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kristina Modeste

Kristina Modeste

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“Together we will utilize the transformative power of relationship as a sacred tool, capable of moving us all further away from colonized markers of wellness, and closer to a version of healing rich with compassion, self-confrontation, and reverence...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lanz Banes

Dr. Lanz Banes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating an environment where clients can feel comfortable showing up as they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stacy Heiser

Stacy Heiser

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with individuals navigating ADHD, shame, stigma, and transgenerational trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiana Behnood

Kiana Behnood

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I employ a very casual, conversational approach whilst using humor when appropriate to make therapy a little less painful than it can be sometimes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Eri Minagawa

Eri Minagawa

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe in the connection between "Body, Mind, and Soul". I like to focus on every aspect of my clients' life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“Through two humans interacting, it will increase self-knowledge, develop emotional skills and activate hidden potential.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Alexander Lapinski

Dr. Alexander Lapinski

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in supporting adults navigating challenges with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, particularly those whose self-worth has been impacted by emotionally immature, mentally ill, or personality-disordered parents and family.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Chung

Lisa Chung

Therapist

Virtual • Studio City, CA


“My approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy, creating space to gently explore the stories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“My approach to care rests on the belief that every person deserves to be heard, valued, and recognized as a whole individual rather than a collection of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Ami Gonzalez

Ami Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“Working therapeutically with teenagers, young adults and their families for over a decade has been motivating.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My philosophy of care is to treat every individual with dignity, provide evidence-based treatments, and hold an unwavering faith in each person's capacity to heal and grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 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 9 insurance carriers
Trinidad Castillo

Trinidad Castillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about working with first-gen, BIPOC clients, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and fellow neurodivergent folks who often feel unseen or misunderstood in traditional spaces.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ruben Martinez

Ruben Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I blend compassion with directness, reflection with practical tools, and evidence-based care with respect for your strengths, pace, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Mazyar Karandish

Dr. Mazyar Karandish

Psychologist

Virtual • Guerneville, CA


“My approach is flexible, client centered, and utilizes mindfulness-based interventions at every point of the journey towards healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
William Hernandez

William Hernandez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Working together is a reflective and collaborative process that attends to both symptoms and the deeper patterns that shape your emotional life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Molly McLaren

Molly McLaren

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I believe healing requires more than just managing symptoms. It calls for curiosity, connection, and care...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

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.