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LGBT therapists in Lake Forest, CA

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA

Finding affirming mental health care in Lake Forest is now accessible through Headway's diverse network of open-minded providers. Whether you're exploring identity, managing relationships, or addressing life transitions, our providers offer evidence-based therapy and medication management with authentic support. Sessions are flexible, covered by insurance, and available within two weeks.

Dr. Rena Gamino

Dr. Rena Gamino

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy does not have to be about changing who you are—it can be about understanding yourself more deeply...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I specialize in treating adults and adolescents dealing with serious mental illness, including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and geriatric...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jaime Haasch

Jaime Haasch

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am warm, welcoming, and direct in my approach with clients. I include mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and acceptance in my work with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Yaning (Tina) Sun

Yaning (Tina) Sun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Roseville, CA


“I see psychiatry as care and advocacy. Specializing in AAPI and complex behavioral health for adults and children, I view you as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Antonio Shallowhorn

Antonio Shallowhorn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I will integrate CBT and other evidence-based strategies to explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that shape how you relate to yourself and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I use measurement-based care, structured symptom tracking that guides our treatment adjustments and minimizes trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ernestina Quezada

Ernestina Quezada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Visalia, CA


“My passion lies in empowering individuals to shed the guilt, shame and people pleasing by creating healthy boundaries for yourself and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I bring specialized expertise in OCD and PTSD/trauma treatment, along with comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, in a steady and safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Noah Peter

Noah Peter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


“My practice has a nonjudgmental environment where your feelings and experiences are respected and validated.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Ellen Case

Ellen Case

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm genuinely interested in what's happening beneath the surface of your life — not just the symptoms, but the patterns, the history, the stories you've been telling yourself for a long time.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Matthew Paden

Matthew Paden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Matthew is also an end-of-life doula and a Certified HeartMath® trainer, integrating mindfulness, emotional regulation, and compassionate presence into his work.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Boyer

Rachel Boyer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her style is compassionate, grounded, and direct, creating a space where clients feel supported while also encouraged to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Amanda Khezra

Dr. Amanda Khezra

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“All progress is good progress and at the end of our session my hope is we took another step towards reaching your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Patricia Meyer

Patricia Meyer

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“In my practice, I bring both clinical rigor and genuine warmth — creating a space where clients feel truly heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Gottschalk

Richard Gottschalk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I meet clients where they are at without judgment, listen and understand their truth, and collaborate with them on problem solving and goals that they want to work on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alina Halonen

Alina Halonen

Therapist

Virtual • West Hollywood, CA


“Having navigated my own recovery and healing journey, I know that insight alone doesn't always create change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about supporting individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, first responders, as well as those working through trauma and self-esteem challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jee Estavilla

Jee Estavilla

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I see you — not as a diagnosis, but as a whole person with a story that deserves care, dignity, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Randi Butwin

Randi Butwin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work hard to remember all of the details of my client's families so you don't have to reexplain who someone is week after week.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Tim Korm

Tim Korm

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I conduct a thorough evaluation of both your mental and physical symptoms, focusing on how they interact to shape your overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, 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
Jose Banuelos

Jose Banuelos

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Watsonville, CA


“I provide warm, culturally responsive, and LGBTQIA+-affirming care for children, teens, adults, and older adults.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Valerie Vasquez

Valerie Vasquez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe the best care comes from building a genuine partnership and creating a treatment plan that fits your unique goals and lifestyle.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rebecca Braunstein

Rebecca Braunstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By strengthening awareness and self-attunement, one can truly begin to become enlightened and embrace healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jonathan Goelz

Jonathan Goelz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Michael Times

Michael Times

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adults, teens, and families in medical, community mental health, and addiction treatment settings. I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I bring a calm, supportive, and down‐to‐earth style to therapy so clients feel safe and understood. I also teach social work and sociology at the university level, which keeps me grounded in current research and best practices. Most importantly, I care about meeting you where you are and helping you move toward meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Maximillian Macias

Dr. Maximillian Macias

Psychologist

Virtual • La Habra, CA


“I am passionate about increasing access to care and providing affirming and culturally responsive treatment for all of my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily C. Keehn

Emily C. Keehn

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My approach is direct, calm, and collaborative. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships while helping clients address challenges in meaning, practical, and compassionate ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Erika Nguyen

Erika Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing is not about "fixing" yourself, but about learning how to understand, accept, and integrate all parts of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Sybil Stafford

Dr. Sybil Stafford

Therapist

Virtual • Stockton, CA


“I've worked with at risk populations who seem to be misunderstood whether you're a victim of crime or a veteran coping with PTSD.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hilary Malloy

Hilary Malloy

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Steven Cospewicz

Steven Cospewicz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that active listening and a warm, inquisitive, and non judgmental approach allows you to feel safe and heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Julie Cohen

Dr. Julie Cohen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical experience, I bring something distinctive to mental health care: a research-informed approach grounded in real-world compassion. My background as a Sub-Investigator in psychiatric trials keeps me current with the latest treatment innovations, while my Master's from Western University of Health Sciences and ongoing Doctoral studies ensure I'm always expanding my expertise.

I specialize in the conditions that require specialized understanding: ADHD, autism, complex patients, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use disorders, alongside comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. What excites me about this work is that every client teaches me something new about resilience and recovery.

My clinical experience spans diverse settings, from outpatient care to cutting-edge research, giving me a unique perspective on evidence-based treatment. I combine thorough psychiatric evaluations using DSM-5 criteria with personalized medication management, always staying current with the latest advances in psychiatric care.

What I want you to know is this: your mental health journey matters to me both professionally and personally. I'm committed to providing care that's not just clinically excellent, but deeply respectful of your individual experience and goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA
There are over 25 therapists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients.
25+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%PTSD
  • 96%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
Insurances accepted
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  • 96%Aetna
  • 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 68%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 60%Cigna
  • 52%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 28%Spanish
  • 4%Farsi
  • 4%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 84%Woman
  • 16%Man
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 16%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 12%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 52%Couples therapy
  • 52%Family therapy
  • 24%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.