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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.

Noemi Flores

Noemi Flores

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you, helping you gain insight, explore new perspectives, and develop tools that fit who you are and where you want to go.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Kseniya Nia Povroznik

Kseniya Nia Povroznik

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a queer Ukrainian immigrant and I love creating a safe space for people who frequently feel overlooked to feel safe and whole.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Yanira Chavez

Yanira Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-generation Latina living with chronic illnesses, I understand the unique hardships, cultural expectations, and barriers that can impact mental health and well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kari Floberg

Kari Floberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Bringing my own lived experience of recovery from an eating disorder, I intimately understand the winding nature of change and approach your journey with deep reverence and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Abieyuwa Salami

Abieyuwa Salami

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Bernardino, CA


“I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adults dealing with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use recovery.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Mona Perkins

Mona Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have a masters degree in psychology with a background in development throughout the lifetime. I have worked with school age, teens, and families through a school based setting. This has given me the value of supporting growth in regards to gender, sexuality, and trauma.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Adrian Rodriguez

Adrian Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I invite curiosity and an integration of compassion to our work together. I use a mix of evidence based therapy tools such as EMDR and Unified Protocol...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zanaeya Fitts

Zanaeya Fitts

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients understand how past experiences and attachment patterns continue to influence their present-day emotions, relationships, and sense of self.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Christina Insalaco

Dr. Christina Insalaco

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I practice Lacanian psychoanalysis, and I am currently a Candidate Psychoanalyst at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis in Berkeley, CA.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Brown

Christopher Brown

Therapist

Virtual • California


“A trauma-informed therapist is a compassionate mental health professional who prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cameron Virjee

Cameron Virjee

Therapist

Virtual • Petaluma, CA


“I focus on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and paying attention to what's actually going on in their world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Danielle Walker

Danielle Walker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to bring your authentic self forward, nurture any pain, break down those barriers, and harbor insight.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carolyn Mason

Carolyn Mason

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rancho Cucamonga, CA


“I believe in providing a safe, comfortable, professional environment where individuals, couples, families, and children can work on issues that are interfering with their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Morgan Taylor

Morgan Taylor

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Marin County, California. My education and training have been centered on being trauma-informed and working with individuals, couples, and families.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Anna Rivera

Anna Rivera

Psychologist

Virtual • South Pasadena, CA


“Anna's approach to therapy is informed, intuitive, and eclectic. She incorporates mindfulness, connection to body (Trauma Resiliency Model), and attention to different emotional parts (Internal Family Systems)...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jose Medina

Jose Medina

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have ten years of clinical experience treating post traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. I also specialize in LBGTQ+ issues, issues of identity, and navigating major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ari Aho

Ari Aho

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm an eclectic therapist who blends evidence-based, cultural, and art-based healing practices to support each individual's needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Carmela Capinpin

Carmela Capinpin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in the power of personal agency and collective healing, and view therapy as a collaborative process rooted in compassion, openness, curiosity, and dignity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Gigi Khalsa

Gigi Khalsa

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Hi, I’m Gigi — a fat-positive, queer therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, and a deep commitment to creating space for healing, exploration, and radical self-acceptance.

I believe therapy is for anyone seeking growth, clarity, or peace — especially those who’ve been told they were “too much” or “not enough.” I specialize in working with clients navigating identity, gender, sexuality, body image, and nontraditional relationships.

My goal is to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and build a life that feels like it belongs to you.

My work is rooted in curiosity, humility, and compassion. I draw from a variety of approaches, including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and attachment-based work — all through a feminist and socially conscious lens. I also recognize the complex systems of power that shape our experiences, and I aim to make therapy a collaborative space where your voice is centered and respected.

What matters most to me is that you feel seen, heard, and supported. I know what it feels like to move through the world feeling unwelcome or unseen — and I’m here to offer something different. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that no longer serve you, celebrate what makes you beautifully unique, and find ways to move forward with more confidence, self-love, and ease.

You are the expert in your life. I’m here to offer tools, perspective, and a steady hand — not to fix you, but to walk alongside you as you build the life that feels like home.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Mariam Esfahani

Dr. Mariam Esfahani

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Dr. Mariam Esfahani, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in couples therapy, guiding partners toward healthier communication, connection, and conflict resolution.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sean Stevens

Sean Stevens

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Oxnard, CA


“When given new opportunities and education that can improve clients lives, people will respond and change in ways that make sense to them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Brenda Guadalupe

Brenda Guadalupe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide therapy in English and Spanish, work with the Latino community, POC and the LGBTQ+ community.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Meredith Banos

Meredith Banos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal as your therapist is to find a balance between being encouraging, kind and supportive, and challenging you to grow and make the changes necessary to achieve your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Stress management, Women's issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Corina Rains

Corina Rains

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“Clients can expect an open and transparent first session designed to build a trusting relationship between the client and the therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sarah Scheidler

Sarah Scheidler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sierra Madre, CA


“I believe deeply in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Calista Ezeokoye

Calista Ezeokoye

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Dr. Calista is both a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rebecca Bernstein

Rebecca Bernstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My clinical lens is founded on the belief that clients are the true experts of their own life, and the therapeutic relationship is a means towards exploration, empowerment, and actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Lawrence Yu

Lawrence Yu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support adults navigating identity, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, with a particular focus on Asian and LGBTQ+ experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Sepulveda

David Sepulveda

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm gay and Latino, and I bring my full self to this work. I'm LGBTQ+, kink, sex worker, and nonmonogamy affirming...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Forogh Rahim

Dr. Forogh Rahim

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our sessions are a warm, collaborative space where you can show up as your full self without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I'm a licensed psychologist working with adolescents, adults, and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, significant life changes, or challenges with attention and focus. My goal is to offer a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you — your experiences, your values, and where you hope to go. You are a complex, whole person made up of many parts — and there is room here for all of them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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
Ada Andrade

Ada Andrade

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


“It's essential for my client to know they can build a therapeutic relationship in an environment that is judgment free, empathetic, accepting, & validating their own thoughts & feelings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Angel De Luna Escobedo

Angel De Luna Escobedo

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in EMDR, somatic therapy, inner child work, and spiritual practices to support healing from trauma, identity-based stress, and patterns like out-of-control behaviors or emotional overwhelm.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Paul Wensley

Paul Wensley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a compassionate, non-judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person - body mind and spirit.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lara Sayles

Lara Sayles

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Lara has a compassionate, straightforward, and strength-based approach, tailoring treatment uniquely to each client.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kimberly Kapelson

Kimberly Kapelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is relational, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we'll explore your emotions, patterns, and internal world while balancing deeper exploration with practical tools.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

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.

Find a provider - your way

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