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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.

Gia Stark

Gia Stark

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


Thank you for reading this. Having a background in grassroots and non-profit work as well as teaching, I am fiercely passionate about equity, social justice and liberation for all people. The therapeutic relationship is unique and radical --- your words have exquisite power and we get to think together about what they mean.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shanna Rayyan

Shanna Rayyan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself an approachable, down-to-earth person who provides therapy in a judgment-free and safe environment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michelle Liu

Michelle Liu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is Holistic and Cultural sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bijan Amirshahi

Bijan Amirshahi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice emphasizes on helping clients resolve immediate situations, while healing from difficult life experiences and developing strong personal and intimate relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Johnny Jimenez

Johnny Jimenez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I provide efficient, evidence-based care focused on helping you feel better as quickly and safely as possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tammie Makely

Tammie Makely

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My role isn't to fix you -- it's to work alongside you to quiet the noise, get curious about what's underneath, and help you reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most to YOU.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
David Trejo

David Trejo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“There is no ideal client: My purpose as your therapist is meet you where you are at in life and move forward with you on your journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 6 insurance carriers
Personal Practitioners

Personal Practitioners

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My treatment philosophy emphasizes both celebrating neurodivergent strengths and addressing genuine challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sonya Brooks

Sonya Brooks

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct, thoughtful, and focused on helping you feel better in a practical, sustainable way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
James Witmer

James Witmer

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I approach our time together with openness, humility, acceptance, and free of pre-conceived judgement.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I practice what I call empathetic psychiatry: care that is both clinically thorough and deeply attuned to your emotional needs and personal story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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 9 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 8 insurance carriers
Lisa Friedman

Lisa Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that you already have information as to what will help you in your journey. It is my job to help you get to the answers...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Oakland, 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 9 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I see our relationship as a true partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based treatment approaches, you bring the most important element—intimate knowledge of your own experience, strengths, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sue Brekka

Sue Brekka

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I offer a safe environment of compassion and respect. Working pyschodynamically, from an object relations perspective, integrating parts work (IFS)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Oakland, CA


“My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Salamatou Carr

Salamatou Carr

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My background spans inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health, and correctional healthcare—experiences that have shaped me into a clinician who leads with compassion, cultural humility, and deep respect for every person's story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shannon Oliveira

Shannon Oliveira

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to meet clients where they are at emotionally, and provide support so they feel comfortable to open up...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jordan Bunting

Jordan Bunting

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassion focused and evidence-based clinician specializing in treating clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ismael De Guzman

Ismael De Guzman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have particular experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, men of color, and survivors of sexual trauma or intimate partner violence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Challenging, Inquisitive
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Artur Akkerman

Artur Akkerman

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome to Couples Therapy! Are you having the same argument over and over? Did your relationship experience betrayal and loss of trust? Or are you simply living as roommates or logistical partners who run a family, bussing kids across various sports/schools events, with little to no passion toward each other? I am here to help! I work with couples to identify the patterns that block connection and to rediscover the emotional bond that brought you two together. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where both of you feel heard, respected, and understood. Change begins when we learn to understand - not fix - each other.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Transgender issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment — your story matters, and your care plan should reflect that.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tone Va'i

Tone Va'i

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm direct, relational, and reflective in how I work. I started in early childhood mental health, which shaped how I understand people.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amy Mandel

Amy Mandel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am integrative with therapeutic approach, dependent on needs of the individual. Several practice approaches would include: Psychodynamic, CBT, ACT, CBT, EMDR, Solution Focused, etc.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Lidia Escobar

Lidia Escobar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Matthew Tapia

Matthew Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • California


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

Dr. Shiva Ghaed

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I will help you uncover your true potential so that you may lead a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Chika Agulanna

Chika Agulanna

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“Chika's treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Owen Akenzua

Owen Akenzua

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I take a calm, down-to-earth approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused strategies to help you build insight and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Catherine Broadhead

Catherine Broadhead

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My aim is to empower you with self-awareness, coping strategies, and emotional skills to overcome challenges, reduce distress, improve relationships, and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kimberly G. Galindo

Kimberly G. Galindo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Yvette Hinojosa

Yvette Hinojosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support people in creating meaningful change by cultivating mindful awareness of thought and speech patterns that influence growth, joy, and satisfaction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 10 insurance carriers
Maida Ferraes

Maida Ferraes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated, compassionate, and patient. We carry many judgments from the world and ourselves, we do not need any additional pressure.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an LGBTQIA+ Therapist in Oakland, CA

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.