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LGBT therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

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

Finding an open-minded therapist in Manhattan Beach who celebrates your identity shouldn't be complicated. Headway provides LGBTQIA+-affirming providers experienced in gender and sexual identity exploration, with flexible scheduling and insurance coverage that makes care affordable and convenient.

Jay Ferrel

Jay Ferrel

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally responsive. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rocio Vaca

Rocio Vaca

Therapist

Virtual • Brea, CA


Ready to feel more connected, confident, and in control of your life? Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or challenges around identity, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and supported.


I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience helping couples, individuals, children, and teens create meaningful, lasting change.


For couples, I help turn conflict and disconnection into stronger communication, deeper friendship, and emotional intimacy.


I provide an affirming, judgment-free space for those exploring identity, preparing to come out, building self-acceptance, or navigating gender-affirming care. Together, we can strengthen resilience and address anxiety, depression, and stress.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 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
Baleska Alfaro

Baleska Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Juan Maillo

Juan Maillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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 5 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and 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, schizophrenia/psychosis, 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. As Associate Director of Nursing, I've provided clinical oversight across multiple facilities while maintaining patient care, keeping me grounded in real-world challenges.

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, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carson Jaffrey

Carson Jaffrey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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
Travis Brown

Travis Brown

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach centers on a strong therapeutic relationship — a space where you feel heard, respected, and involved in every decision about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Thomas Spence

Thomas Spence

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“I make it a priority to learn about your background, your present difficulties, your strengths, your values, any concerns you have about treatment, and your hopes for the future.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Joanna Joestar

Joanna Joestar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach to mental health care is centered on building trust and understanding, ensuring that each client feels heard and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Erica Carrington

Erica Carrington

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Hello, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2008, with experience working with diverse populations ranging from children to older adults. I provide a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel supported and understood. I especially enjoy helping individuals navigate life transitions such as starting college, graduating, changing jobs, adjusting to civilian life after the military, or entering retirement. My areas of focus include women’s issues, anxiety, depression, and building self-acceptance. I look forward to supporting you as you move toward growth and balance in your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sarah Kimmons

Sarah Kimmons

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring an easygoing approach that fosters trust and understanding, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Jean-Claire Peltier

Jean-Claire Peltier

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with adults and young adults who are, by most measures, doing fine - but privately feel like they're running on fumes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Kai Chuang

Dr. Kai Chuang

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.


Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
Wajeeha Khan

Wajeeha Khan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Ramon, CA


“Healing begins with empathy. At Well Mind Therapy, we embrace your journey with compassion, creating a safe space where you feel truly seen and supported as you grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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
Stacey Kane

Stacey Kane

Therapist

Virtual • California


I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have completed training in EMDR, Brainspotting, DBT, trauma‐informed care, and play‐based interventions.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Julia Hamilton

Julia Hamilton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice centers radical tolerance, creating an affirming, compassionate, and culturally responsive safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Demetrus Jones

Demetrus Jones

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Leigh Johnson

Leigh Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jaleesa Banks

Jaleesa Banks

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is passionate about providing compassionate, supportive, and individualized mental health care. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, trauma-related concerns, or life stressors.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
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
Christina Strom

Christina Strom

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a client centered therapist, meaning I want to meet you where you are. Down to earth, gentle, honest, and transparent...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mike Chang

Mike Chang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I make strong connections with my clients through an authentic presence, well-developed active listening skills, and transparency.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jarrad Malamed

Jarrad Malamed

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kirsty Kenny

Kirsty Kenny

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have vast experience with a wide variety of clients. My professional history includes children living in abusive environments, teenagers who are struggling to access their education due to mental health concerns, families navigating dysfunction and adults dealing with a variety of life difficulties.

I currently work, primarily, in corrections with inmates struggling to adjust to the custody environment. I offer crisis intervention in addition to ongoing support.

I approach the therapeutic space with compassion and openness. I meet my clients right where they are emotionally and in their healing journey.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melissa Fletcher

Melissa Fletcher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a lot of energy! I love helping while providing you the support you need help managing stress anxiety/panic attacks, anger, motivation, self-esteem, improving confidence, past substance use, and/or depressive symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Abena Amankwa

Abena Amankwa

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My work centers on helping people move through anxiety, depression, and addiction with compassion and practical tools tailored to who they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shelzea Zamora

Shelzea Zamora

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a mental health clinician who takes a solution‐focused and empowering approach to therapy. I believe healing happens at your pace, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood as we work together to explore challenges, build on your strengths, and move toward meaningful change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Minh Tran

Dr. Minh Tran

Therapist

Virtual • California


Xin chào! I am a relationally-oriented Jungian depth psychotherapist with degrees from Pacifica Graduate Institute. I enjoy working with creatives, students of psychotherapy, and those dedicated to a life oriented toward meaningfulness.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Nadine Mejia

Nadine Mejia

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ruth Clavelo

Ruth Clavelo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Sessions are a calm, welcoming space where you can show up as you are, without pressure or judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Manhattan Beach, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Manhattan Beach, CA
There are over 44 therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA accepting new patients.
44+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Relationship issues
  • 95%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 59%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 52%Cigna
  • 52%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 41%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 11%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 2%French
  • 2%Hindi
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 57%Woman
  • 36%Man
  • 7%Non-binary
License types
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  • 59%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 34%Couples therapy
  • 32%Family therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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