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LGBT therapists in Pleasanton, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Pleasanton, CA

Finding LGBTQIA+-affirming mental health support in Pleasanton is accessible through Headway's network of 2,610 licensed providers nationally. Our open-minded, warm providers offer flexible sessions and work with your insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Free consultations available to help you find the right fit.

Natalie Fleming

Natalie Fleming

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in the transformative power of creative expression... traditional talk therapy combined with art making or other creative forms of expression has been instrumental for my clients in promoting problem solving, self-discovery, storytelling,...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julie Afighom

Julie Afighom

Therapist

Virtual • California


Prior to starting my private practice, I practiced for several years at a mental health agency. I accumulated experience working with children, adolescents, and adults while using individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy in an effort to meet each client's needs and allow for maximum growth and overall well-being. I’ve always wanted to help individuals around me evolve and overcome difficult situations that life puts people in and felt that marriage and family therapy was the field that encompassed most of the practices I wanted to expand on. I am certified in several evidence-based practices (EBP), which is the concept that occupational practices ought to be based on scientific evidence for maximal progress and successful outcomes. I am certified in the following EBPs: Cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, positive parenting, and managing and adapting practices.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Joycy Lacombe

Joycy Lacombe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Certified Trauma Specialist, specializing in guiding clients towards healing from symptoms of PTSD and PTS...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Mitchell Coutu

Mitchell Coutu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Mitch — a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University. San Diego has been home since 2020, when the Navy first brought me here.

My background includes pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, inpatient psychiatry in Nashville and San Diego, crisis stabilization, and outpatient mental health care. I’ve worked with veterans, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and patients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and severe mental illness.

I primarily provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management while integrating supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies into visits. My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in helping people improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life.

I look forward to getting to know you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lillian Channing

Lillian Channing

Therapist

Virtual • Camarillo, CA


“I am a somatic therapist, and my approach is to always have a lens focused on how your body holds your emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Adriana Benamor

Adriana Benamor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that we are equals in this work we will do together, and I look forward to being your gentle accountability partner.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Samantha Tomarchio

Samantha Tomarchio

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach to therapy work is both clinical and creative, is mindful, body-centric, and nervous system focused.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Federico Rolandi

Federico Rolandi

Therapist

Virtual • California


I specialize in supporting high-functioning adults navigating ADHD, burnout, addiction, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is direct, compassionate, and focused on helping you understand how your mind works—while building practical tools that create real, lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Monika Sury

Monika Sury

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Torrance, CA


I support children, teens and adults understanding themselves and regulate emotions, and develop the confidence to navigate life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy. I help clients develop practical skills for emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, social challenges, transitions and family relationships.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ray Nguyen

Ray Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Ontario, CA


“I believe clients should not only receive treatment, but also understand their mental health and feel empowered in their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 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
Tracy Toussaint

Tracy Toussaint

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach to psychiatric care. Rather than looking at symptoms in isolation, I consider how mental health may interact with sleep, stress, physical health, lifestyle, medications, hormonal changes, and life...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lorraine Watkins

Lorraine Watkins

Therapist

Virtual • California


Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Pavlo OConnor

Pavlo OConnor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them, navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michelle Michicoff

Michelle Michicoff

Therapist

Virtual • California


My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own personal experiences and my interests in human behavior, attachment theory, and social justice. My nearly six years of experience working in community mental health have strongly influenced my therapeutic lens. I am LGBTQIA+-affirming, committed to working from an antiracist lens, and deeply value inclusivity of all kinds. I have been fortunate enough to serve a socioculturally diverse population, including adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, undocumented individuals, survivors of trauma, LGBTQ+ folks, and differently-abled children and adolescents.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michelle Bahy

Michelle Bahy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our relationship will be a process in which you will learn to identify patterns and gently redirect your behavior and attitudes to make healthy choices conducive to a happy life journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 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
Kristyne McPhail

Kristyne McPhail

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, allowing you to take an active role in identifying what you would like to work on and what meaningful change looks like for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gillian Loy

Gillian Loy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a trauma‐focused therapist, I am dedicated to empowering individuals who have lived through military trauma, domestic violence, childhood trauma, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and other complex traumatic experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kaylyn Gatto

Dr. Kaylyn Gatto

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients feel safe showing up exactly as they are while also feeling supported to grow and make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Daniel Messiter

Daniel Messiter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Narrative Style Therapist at heart, with an emphasis on Grief work. I also tend to focus on the emotional experience, and believe developing and exploring this kind of awareness is central to personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Natalie Joseph

Natalie Joseph

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and rooted in evidence-based practices that help you heal, grow, and feel empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Howard Grossman

Howard Grossman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use elements of ego-state therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for course-correcting harmful thought and behavior patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Panic disorders, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fabian Escobedo

Fabian Escobedo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chula Vista, CA


“I have trainings in trauma-focused therapies and can hold space even for the most sensitive and personal experiences people have lived.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Andres Mendez

Dr. Andres Mendez

Psychologist

Virtual • California


  • Hello! My name is Dr. Mendez, I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in San Diego, CA. I graduated from Loma Linda University in 2014 with a PhD in clinical psychology. Since then I have worked in a variety of community mental health and outpatient settings with children/adolescents as well as adults. I primarily work with adults focusing on mood disorders (depression, anxiety).
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Men's issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Isabel Mejia

Isabel Mejia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm proud to offer an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients. Everyone has their own story, and I'd be honored to hear yours with genuine curiosity and zero judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alana Heavirland

Alana Heavirland

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassionate, warm, and patient clinician that finds joy in helping others reach their highest potential in life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Leonard Chan

Leonard Chan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm a licensed clinical therapist who helps clients build the skills to process life's challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Stephanie Thompson

Stephanie Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My belief in the innate power of every individual to grow and transform their lives fuels my passion for therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Carey Fritz

Carey Fritz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a relational therapist, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a place to heal past trauma...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katy Waldorf

Katy Waldorf

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I specialize in treating ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression with a focus on individualized medication management and holistic well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melody Ma

Melody Ma

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Reaching out for support can be a difficult first step, yet it can also be the beginning of a transformative journey toward greater self-understanding and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
David Brandt

David Brandt

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. My clinical background spans psychiatric care, primary care, emergency medicine, intensive care, and telehealth. This broad experience helps me recognize how mental health can be affected by physical illness, chronic pain, trauma, sleep, substance use, medications, and other aspects of overall health.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Chaise Madden

Chaise Madden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Adam Salazar

Adam Salazar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over nine years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges and difficult issues. Therapy can feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. I am here to support and guide you through a process that can be rewarding and beneficial towards growth, healing, and developing a deeper understanding of yourself.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely heard, and that is something I take seriously. My professional experience working in healthcare, addiction, and homelessness has deepened my understanding of the complex social, cultural and systemic factors that impact mental health and well-being. I am an advocate for human rights and stand with those who have faced oppression, discrimination, and social injustice in a world that works against you.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jennifer Gonzalez

Jennifer Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I specialize in the treatment of trauma, OCD, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based, results-driven methods.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rebecca Hardt

Rebecca Hardt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I wholeheartedly believe it's my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, cultivating, and accessing the internal and external resources that you already possess.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Wendy Vazquez

Wendy Vazquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to provde you with a warm and caring environment where you can feel supported and comfortable sharing the things that are important to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andres Borja

Andres Borja

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a warm, grounded presence to therapy and believe that effective treatment starts with authentic connection and mutual respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dustina Cordero

Dustina Cordero

Therapist

Virtual • Roseville, CA


“My background spans forensic psychology, severe mental illness, and addiction treatment, giving me a deep understanding of the complex emotional and behavioral patterns people struggle with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Pleasanton, CA

Number of therapists serving Pleasanton, CA
There are over 2,654 therapists in Pleasanton, CA accepting new patients.
2,654+
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
  • 87%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 63%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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  • 90%Online only
  • 10%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
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 18%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.