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LGBT therapists in Salinas, CA

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Salinas, CA

In Salinas, Headway's diverse network of 2,463 licensed providers includes therapists experienced in supporting LGBTQIA mental health and identity exploration. Sessions combine flexibility with affordability—many clients save 75% through insurance coverage, with some paying as low as $0 per session. Providers are warm, affirming, and ready to support your journey.

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm listening for feelings, themes, patterns, and especially experiences that haven't been articulated or spoken out loud yet.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jamie Kerby

Dr. Jamie Kerby

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“We are much more than the problems we face. I believe therapy should focus on both the positive parts of us and the problems, looking at the whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Abigail Rowan

Abigail Rowan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


“As a queer person myself my lived experience allows insight and understanding of parts of living life as a queer person.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Makenzie Gilliam

Makenzie Gilliam

Therapist

Virtual • Bishop, CA


“Through empathy and honesty, I strive to make each session a safe space where my clients have the opportunity to feel heard and to cultivate hope.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
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
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
Juan Quintanilla

Juan Quintanilla

Therapist

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My ultimate goal is to empower you, fostering self-acceptance, self-awareness, self- kindness and self-compassion...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Sorenson

Elizabeth Sorenson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amada Adame

Amada Adame

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is integrative, combining a strengths-based approach along with trauma informed therapies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaylee Kryzer

Kaylee Kryzer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients have noted they can tell I genuinely enjoy connecting with them, and have emphasized feeling sessions are safe, non-intimidating, accepting, and steady.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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 12 insurance carriers
Jessica Perez

Jessica Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a direct, conversational style with clients. I provide a lot of psychoeducation and integrate approaches such as CBT, REBT, and EMDR depending on individual needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Noor Aljawad

Noor Aljawad

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about supporting clients of marginalized backgrounds and have a social justice lens/analysis to contextualize mental health challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Arezoo Masjedi Esfahani

Arezoo Masjedi Esfahani

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I value the complexity of people's unique backgrounds and goals, and use these to develope individulized treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Juliet Mulele

Juliet Mulele

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental

Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication

management.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Marivi Acuna

Dr. Marivi Acuna

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I generally believe that people have an innate desire to survive and my role in the room is to facilitate that process and help address any blocks that may hinder your ability to thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Tara Mrotek

Tara Mrotek

Therapist

Virtual • California


“During treatment, you can expect goals to be set and reassessed and collaboratively created to fit you unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Ruth Deaton Perry

Ruth Deaton Perry

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) serving clients in California.

While I received my higher education in VA, I completed my supervised hours in CA. I began at Trinity Ministries Group as an Associate in 2019 and became licensed in 2024. I will be meeting with clients at Trinity Ministries through online sessions.

Areas of interest that are dear to me are working with military members and their families, eating disorders and their families, and perinatal clients.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Patricia Gutierrez

Patricia Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice centers on trauma and PTSD, identity and gender affirming care, and the lived experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Simone Zeschuk

Simone Zeschuk

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe that true healing begins with genuine acceptance. In our sessions, we will look beyond surface-level symptoms...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Marilyn Foley

Dr. Marilyn Foley

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 27 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I offer tele-health only sessions from the comfort of your home, making care accessible no matter where you are in California. I accept Anthem and Magellan insurance. My practice is intentionally small — I keep a limited caseload so every client receives my full attention and care. I am warm, experienced, and deeply committed to showing up for the people I work with.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sanam Gidanian

Sanam Gidanian

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge, where I graduated with distinction. I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, mood disorders, panic, phobias, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. My research background, including presentations on topics like executive functioning of the brain and cognitive processes, deepens my understanding of how our mental and emotional patterns are shaped, helping me provide thoughtful, effective support that fosters lasting change and healthier relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Michael Guichet

Michael Guichet

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work to challenge those beliefs by creating a safe, open space where honest conversations can happen and new patterns can emerge.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Deidre Green

Deidre Green

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience across medical and behavioral health settings. I currently serve as a Lead Social Worker at Adventist Health and also work with college students at a community college, providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and care coordination. My background spans hospital, home health, and community settings, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, end-of-life care, bipolar disorder, substance use, and chronic health conditions. I provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients. I offer telehealth sessions in the evenings and on weekends throughout California, making care accessible for clients who work during the day.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Martha Juarez

Martha Juarez

Therapist

Virtual • Modesto, CA


“As a queer Latina, I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life with a focus on QTBIPOC, queer, non-monogamous, kink and BDSM oriented, creative and freelance workers.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Angelita Cortez

Angelita Cortez

Therapist

Virtual • California


My background ranges from supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, grief and loss as well as trauma recovery. I am a licensed counselor and art therapist. I'm passionate about supporting people in creating a life worth living.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kirsten Boyd

Kirsten Boyd

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


I'm a nature loving California native whose work blends depth psychology with nervous system healing, helping people move beyond simply coping and into a more authentic relationship with themselves. I have experience supporting adults through trauma, grief, anxiety, identity exploration, and major life transitions using body-based approaches. My clients are thoughtful, introspective, and feeling-types including Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), typically millennials (30ish-45ish years old), and are ready to explore themselves with curiosity, honesty, and compassion.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Natalie Demus

Natalie Demus

Therapist

Virtual • California


If you have been carrying stress, anxiety, or the weight of life's challenges for a long time, you may have wondered whether things can actually change. I believe they can.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and communities. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds. My work spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, and substance use recovery.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Tameeza Samji

Dr. Tameeza Samji

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I help people tap into their ability to understand themselves and those close to them, and communicate with love and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amy Trimble

Amy Trimble

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a systems thinker, so I am very inquisitive and I like to get a really detailed family history.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Mallory Garrett

Mallory Garrett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach centers on meeting you where you are and fostering a collaborative environment to address the issues causing you distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Creative, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Brittnee Berry

Brittnee Berry

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Benicia, CA


“I bring a direct yet compassionate approach to our sessions, creating a casual and conversational atmosphere where we work together to achieve your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Anastasia Burton

Anastasia Burton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative and skills-based - I want clients to leave sessions with tools they can actually use.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Christina Strom

Christina Strom

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a client centered therapist, meaning I want to meet you where you are. Down to earth, gentle, honest, and transparent...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Catherine Stansell

Catherine Stansell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. As a team, we explore and work towards your therapy goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jarrad Malamed

Jarrad Malamed

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Decena

Ashley Decena

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I hold space with compassion, warmth, and curiosity. I will explore your experiences with you collaboratively to foster growth, change, and greater awareness that align with your values and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Natalye Pearson

Dr. Natalye Pearson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My practice offers a safe, affirming, and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences without minimizing or justifying them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Sean Smith

Sean Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a relational approach to therapy, meaning our relationship is the most important ingredient for success.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Salinas, CA

Number of therapists serving Salinas, CA
There are over 2,450 therapists in Salinas, CA accepting new patients.
2,450+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 87%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 77%Cigna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 68%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Mandarin
How they see their clients
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  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 28%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 11%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 98%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.

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