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LGBT therapists in Oakland, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

Oakland's diverse and affirming mental health landscape welcomes LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support. Headway connects you with 60K+ licensed providers nationwide who bring open-minded, warm approaches to care. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with many providers offering free consultations and availability within days.

Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. As a Mexican-American Latina and daughter of immigrant parents, I understand how culture, family expectations, and lived experiences can shape emotional well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Oakland, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a 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, 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.

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, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Noelle Sladon

Noelle Sladon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I ask good questions, I listen more than I talk, and I help you build concrete skills between sessions — not just insight in the room.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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
Edwin Bai

Edwin Bai

Therapist

Virtual • Tustin, CA


“Building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship so individuals can grow and heal brings me deep joy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Martinez

Emily Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You deserve relationships that feel intentional, values-aligned, and genuinely fulfilling—not just in theory, but in practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Danae Sowell

Danae Sowell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that therapy should be a healthy and restorative process where you feel safe and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaitlyn McNulty

Kaitlyn McNulty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“We all thrive when we are listened to and feel understood so I hope to create a space where you feel welcomed and safe.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Robert Black

Robert Black

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is deeply empathic and collaborative — I believe real progress starts with real trust, so I focus on building a warm, non-judgmental relationship from our very first session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Maureen Riley

Maureen Riley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that every person has the capacity to heal and grow, even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Howard Cohen

Howard Cohen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach each client with an open mind and with the idea that I can help them through challenging and difficult situations with ease and kindness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jose Alejo

Jose Alejo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I understand that every client has their own goals and needs that will influence the type of therapy I provide.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Victoria Omeri

Victoria Omeri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I am a holistic provider and try to help my patients see the bigger picture and improve their mental health, not only with medication management but with using a naturopathic approach as well.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kayla Hunter

Kayla Hunter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about guiding you through these challenges and empowering you on your journey to self-awareness and understanding.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Leah Zachter

Leah Zachter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and curiosity, where clients can feel safe exploring their experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Samantha Keiser

Samantha Keiser

Therapist

Virtual • California


From the outside, it looks like you've got it handled: the job, the responsibilities, the reputation for being reliable. Underneath, your mind rarely slows down: replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions you've already made, feeling guilty when you try to rest.

I work with young adults with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-imposed pressure. A lot of my clients are exhausted by overthinking and frustrated that doing everything "right" hasn't actually brought them any peace.

Together, we'll figure out what's keeping that cycle going and build real tools for managing anxiety and pressure Not just insight, but things you can actually use. My style is direct, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming.

Most people start out feeling like they're carrying more than they can hold. Over time, that tends to get lighter, more confidence in your own decisions, less dread before hard conversations, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside.

If you're ready to stop carrying this alone, I'd be glad to connect.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Panic disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shelly Calhoun

Shelly Calhoun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Torrance, CA


“I combine medication management with proven therapeutic techniques to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical strategies for lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rebecca Morris

Rebecca Morris

Therapist

Virtual • California


You don't have to arrive here put together. Whatever you're carrying right now belongs in this space: anxiety, grief, relationship stress, a shifting sense of who you are, or something you haven't quite found words for yet. I work with adults and older adults navigating the full range of what life brings, with a particular passion for supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities and people who are questioning or deconstructing their faith. My work spans trauma, identity, women's issues, OCD, depression, and the anger or sadness that accumulates when you've been holding too much for too long.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jilleen Ward

Jilleen Ward

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that the client is the expert in their own life, and my job is to help you uncover your own innate power, strengths, wisdom, and self-insight.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Inez Garzaniti

Dr. Inez Garzaniti

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


I’m a psychiatrist who practices from a psychodynamic perspective, with attention to emotional depth, meaning, and the ways our histories shape how we experience ourselves and others. My work focuses on understanding symptoms in context — as expressions of what is happening within your mind, your relationships, and our society.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Phillip Cleaver

Phillip Cleaver

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Alamitos, CA


I have an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica as well as an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children and am LGBTQ+ affirmative. One of my specialties is using EMDR for the treatment of trauma, anxiety and depression.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shauntis Bussey

Shauntis Bussey

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You need someone who will get to the heart of things quickly, challenge you when it matters, and give you something you might not have right now: a soft place to land.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marina V Araiza

Marina V Araiza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. People often describe me as easy to talk to, and I believe that compassion—and even a little humor when appropriate—can make the healing process feel more comfortable. We'll work together to build on your strengths and help you create meaningful, lasting change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My approach emphasizes collaboration—I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as partners in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 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
Maddie Asghari

Maddie Asghari

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Oakland, CA


“I believe that meaningful psychiatric care begins with truly seeing the person before me, not as a diagnosis, but as a human being deserving of compassion, respect, and genuine hope.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Cindy Nguman

Cindy Nguman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a warm, supportive conversation rather than a rigid clinical interrogation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I take real, unhurried time to truly hear your story—what brought you here, what challenges you are facing, and which goals matter most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Sharon Atwood

Sharon Atwood

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


I am Sharon Atwood, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of dedicated clinical experience. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I specialize in serving adults aged 18 and older through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My educational foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence. I earned my Associate in Science and Diploma in Nursing before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University. I then pursued my Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both achieved summa cum laude. I maintain dual board certifications through ANCC and AANP, and I am a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans diverse settings, including adult and geriatric primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, hospital consultation, assisted living environments, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This breadth of experience equips me to confidently address a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in genuine partnership. I combine psychiatric medication management with integrative health practices, examining how sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and social connection shape your overall wellbeing. I believe that meaningful progress flourishes when expert care is paired with healthy lifestyle.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • El Segundo, CA


“I understand that seeking help for mental health concerns, particularly complex or stigmatized conditions, requires tremendous courage.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My clinical expertise includes treating trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Oakland, CA


I'm Michael, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including ADHD, 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. My practice recognizes that these conditions are deeply interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose to specialize across this broad spectrum because I understand how neurodivergence intersects with trauma responses, how personality patterns emerge as adaptive mechanisms, how substance use can complicate other presentations, and how psychotic symptoms may develop in vulnerable individuals. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, discovering neurodivergence later in life, or dealing with multiple diagnoses that influence each other, I bring the expertise needed to see the complete picture.

My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity. I recognize that seeking help for multiple or stigmatized conditions takes tremendous courage, especially after disappointing experiences with other providers who may have felt overwhelmed by your needs.

What you can expect from our collaboration is a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support as we navigate your unique mental health journey. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective strategies, and create the fulfilling life you deserve. You are full of possibilities. Together, we'll work at your pace, honoring your experiences while moving toward meaningful change.

For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515. Thank you for reading!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My treatment philosophy centers on understanding you as a complete person, not just a collection of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jean-Marie Schweizer

Jean-Marie Schweizer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from an existential-humanistic perspective, focusing on individuals' meaning-making and recognizing their strive toward self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 10 insurance carriers
Tanisha White

Tanisha White

Therapist

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


I’m Tanisha, a warm and empathetic therapist who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults, including LGBTQ+ clients. I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, family challenges, and emotional regulation. With experience in residential, IOP, and PHP settings, along with training in EMDR and DBT, I bring both compassion and practical tools to therapy. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Oakland, CA
There are over 28 therapists in Oakland, CA accepting new patients.
28+
Average years in practice
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12 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Stress management
  • 93%Depression
  • 89%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 96%Aetna
  • 64%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 50%Providence Health Plan
  • 43%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 36%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 93%English
  • 11%Spanish
  • 7%French
  • 4%German
  • 4%Hindi
How they see their clients
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  • 89%In-person or online
  • 11%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 89%Woman
  • 7%Non-binary
  • 4%Man
License types
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  • 64%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 14%Clinical Psychologist
  • 14%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 4%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 43%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 29%Family therapy
  • 18%Couples 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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an LGBTQIA+ Therapist in Oakland

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Oakland starts with looking for identity-affirming care that fits your needs. Many people search for support related to identity, relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, trauma, or gender exploration. As you compare therapists, look for bios that mention affirmative therapy, gender-diverse experience, World Professional Association for Transgender Health training, or work with LGBTQIA+ communities. These details can help you find a therapist whose background matches the kind of support you want.

Oakland has a strong mental health care community, but the right fit may depend on more than location. You may want a therapist with an office near transit, a therapist who offers virtual sessions, or someone with evening availability. Virtual care can also expand access to affirming therapists across the Bay Area, including gender therapists, gay therapists near San Francisco, and therapists of color in the Bay Area. Before booking, read each profile for signals about communication style, listed specialties, availability, and whether a free phone consultation is offered.

Therapy in Oakland can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you compare LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists who are accepting new patients, review estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between in-person and virtual appointments. You can browse therapist bios, check insurance fit, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.