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LGBT therapists in Palo Alto, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Palo Alto, CA

Finding an LGBTQIA-affirming therapist in Palo Alto shouldn't be difficult. Headway's network includes 2,633 warm, empowering providers ready to support your mental health journey. Sessions are flexible, covered by insurance, and many clients save 75% on care.

Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Silvia Vaughn

Silvia Vaughn

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I provide a supportive, open, and compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Josiah Peratoner

Josiah Peratoner

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm Josiah — a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing via telehealth across California. My work centers on three communities I care deeply about: veterans navigating the often-invisible work of coming home, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking for a therapist who genuinely gets it, and parents who are doing their best while carrying more than they show. I'm Transgender Allied, trained in trauma-informed and multicultural frameworks, and I work with individuals, couples, and families. Before anything else, I work hard to make sure you feel like yourself in the session — not a diagnosis, not a file.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Energetic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Phillip Guttmann

Phillip Guttmann

Therapist

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Madison Allen

Madison Allen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Arcadia, CA


“I enjoy incorporating creativity, games, conversation, and other interactive approaches when appropriate, whether I'm working with children, adolescents, adults, or families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shocka Heights

Shocka Heights

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, community, joy, healing, and the belief that our stories deserve to be heard and honored.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Kruse

Daniel Kruse

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sharon Atwood

Sharon Atwood

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I give real, unhurried time to the full picture of who you are: your symptoms, mental health history, medical background, family patterns, daily routines, and hopes, because care only works well when it honors the whole person, never a single label.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Ma Victoria Martin

Ma Victoria Martin

Therapist

Virtual • Cerritos, CA


It takes real courage to take this first step toward prioritizing your mental health, and I want to honor that. Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, unfamiliar, or even intimidating, and I understand that. Maybe you’ve spent a long time in survival mode, developing ways of coping that helped you get through hard experiences but may no longer serve you. That can show up as disconnecting from yourself or others, struggling with boundaries, or carrying a story about yourself shaped by cultural or relational expectations. Wherever you are, we can start exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Arianna Penalba

Arianna Penalba

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a counselor, I would describe myself as an eclectic therapist, and I use a variety of theoretical approaches in my work, depending on my specific client's needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maya Shemtov

Maya Shemtov

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a compassionate and collaborative space to slow down, reflect on your experience, identify patterns, reconnect with emotions and connection, and build both insight and practical coping tools.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jamie Sweigert

Jamie Sweigert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a gentle, authentic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with validation and constructive feedback that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, develop new insights, and feel empowered to create desired...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carla Hammond

Carla Hammond

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I am a practicing MD with extensive experience in treating a diverse range of psychiatric diagnoses.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I practice through a client-centered, nonjudgemental lens and really emphasize building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Shaylor

Jessica Shaylor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach therapy with genuine respect for each person's unique journey, ensuring a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you can explore, heal, and thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brace Bacon

Brace Bacon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Palm Springs, CA


“I help adults navigate anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transitions with warmth, insight, and practical support.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Krista Gerdts

Krista Gerdts

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


“My style is warm, engaged, and genuinely curious — if you're ready to stop going through the motions and start actually feeling like yourself again, I'd love to work with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pierre Yeremia

Pierre Yeremia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm compassionate, relatable, and a good listener who wants you to feel genuinely understood not rushed or reduced to a diagnosis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tara Ryan

Tara Ryan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a multi-state licensed therapist across California, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, specializing in helping adults navigate deep-seated mental health challenges alongside intense personal and professional transitions.

With vast clinical experience, I have served as a university career counselor, a specialist for healthcare professionals, and a dedicated clinician within both the US Navy Family Advocacy Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

My practice provides a highly supportive, practical space for college students, working adults at all career stages, healthcare workers, service members, Veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

I blend empathetic listening with deep clinical insight to help you manage and heal from:

Core Mental Health & Neurodivergence:

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and identity exploration.

Trauma & Life Impact:

Complex trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, and managing chronic medical conditions.

Daily Survival:

Severe career burnout, relationship problems, and navigating life's overlapping pressures.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jeanette Perez

Jeanette Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want you to feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. You don't have to make your story sound better, worse, or more put-together than it is.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tracey Horwitz

Tracey Horwitz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is for you to leave each session feeling a little more grounded and a little clearer about yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Oscar Castillo

Oscar Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“My approach to care is holistic and patient-centered, focusing on understanding your unique experiences and needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Evelyn Ciampa

Evelyn Ciampa

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


Hi, I'm Evelyn! As a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner with over four years of experience, I'm passionate about helping children, teens, and adults navigate their mental health journeys with compassion and understanding.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard and empowered in their healing process. Through my work with diverse populations—from children as young as six to adults with complex mental health challenges—I've learned the importance of meeting patients exactly where they are, without judgment and with genuine care.

I specialize in ADHD assessment, medication management, and coaching across all ages. Having witnessed how ADHD impacts every aspect of life, I take a comprehensive approach beyond medication. I help families understand ADHD systems, develop coping strategies, and create academic accommodations for success.

My experience includes managing complex psychiatric conditions and treatment-refractory illnesses requiring specialized medications like lithium and dual-antipsychotic treatments. I believe in holistic care, emphasizing how nutrition, physical activity, mindful practices, and sleep hygiene support mental wellness alongside medication.

What sets my practice apart is collaborative care. I work closely with patients and families to create individualized, achievable treatment goals. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other conditions, I prioritize building therapeutic relationships where you feel safe sharing your experiences.

I maintain high standards with comprehensive malpractice insurance, current California licensure, and DEA certification. My approach includes medication monitoring and regular prescription checks for your safety.

My practice is built on the foundation that everyone deserves compassionate, personalized mental health care. I look forward to partnering with you to achieve the balance and peace you're seeking.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Gretchen Cooper

Dr. Gretchen Cooper

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with individuals and families across the spectrum, as well as professionals navigating major life transitions. As a Psychology Professor and Senior Lecturer, I provide a high-level clinical space for those who feel "stuck" in their current narrative. Whether you are exploring your identity, navigating a career shift, or seeking LGBTQ+ affirming care, my ideal clients are those ready to build a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and truly yours.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
Rebeca Manzanilla

Rebeca Manzanilla

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


“I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a passion in working with humans and assisting them in becoming their authentic self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Michele Danao

Michele Danao

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist actively working in the field since 2019. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University. I work with a wide range of Clients and diagnoses dealing with topics around coping with life changes, anxiety/stress, depression, mood, relationships, sex, trauma, anger, and harm (to name a few).

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Sabrina Griswold

Sabrina Griswold

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, conversational, and down-to-earth. I'm not the kind of therapist who will sit silently and nod for an hour.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Trung Ngo

Trung Ngo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to provide inclusive, affirming care to every client, regardless of their identity or orientation!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Helma Jafari

Helma Jafari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, healing, and growing in meaningful ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jeff Hull

Jeff Hull

Therapist

Virtual • Chico, CA


“I believe every person has an innate capacity for healing, growth, and change, and that each person's path is uniquely their own.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Suzanne Adams

Dr. Suzanne Adams

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“By nature, I am a grounded, thoughtful, warm, and humorous person, who will approach our work together with genuine curiosity, openness, kindness, and empathy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Holistic, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dorene Fanning

Dorene Fanning

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported on their journey toward healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kyle Gambill

Kyle Gambill

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is relaxed, collaborative, and judgment-free. I believe you should feel heard and have a voice in decisions about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jiaxi (Jessie) Shao

Jiaxi (Jessie) Shao

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
James Johansen

James Johansen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based methodologies. In a confidential, nonjudgmental, trauma-informed environment, we collaboratively identify barriers and develop practical strategies to foster fulfilling and confident...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Palo Alto, CA

Number of therapists serving Palo Alto, CA
There are over 2,618 therapists in Palo Alto, CA accepting new patients.
2,618+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
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  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 27%Couples therapy
  • 17%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.