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LGBT therapists in San Diego, CA

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in San Diego, CA

San Diego's vibrant LGBTQIA community deserves mental healthcare from providers with relevant experience and open-minded approaches. Headway offers flexible sessions, medication management support, and works with your insurance to help you focus on your care without worrying about costs.

Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and understood, right from the very first conversation.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“She uses measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 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 7 insurance carriers
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I believe every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and seen as a whole human being, not simply a list of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, 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 12 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My approach emphasizes collaboration—I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as partners in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My role is to listen deeply, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that feels right for you.”
LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“What sets my practice apart is my extensive experience with co-occurring conditions and complex presentations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My philosophy of psychiatric care rests on the principle that exceptional treatment arises when genuine clinical skill meets authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 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+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My expertise includes autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kimberly Porter-Leite

Kimberly Porter-Leite

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a deep belief in the healing power of relationship and draw from a range of trauma-informed, somatic, depth and behavioral approaches in my work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sierra Postler - Jones

Sierra Postler - Jones

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Identity issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Be Staub

Be Staub

Therapist

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


My work centers queer and transgender preteens, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with current or past foster care involvement. My clients may be feeling overwhelmed, questioning their identity, or don't know where to start with therapy. I can support you by helping you notice patterns and build trust in your own process.

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

Evelyn Ciampa

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I'm particularly skilled at helping adults who are discovering mental health conditions they've lived with for years without knowing it, as well as older adults facing the intersection of mental health and aging.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I believe in meeting people where they are and collaborating with them to find the path forward that works best for their unique circumstances.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Candice Campbell

Candice Campbell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, collaborative and balanced approach using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help clients embrace their authentic selves and improve their quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Theresa Searles

Theresa Searles

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mount Shasta, CA


“My goal is to work with my clients to increase self-empowerment and learn new tools to overcome life challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alec Bustos

Alec Bustos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families, especially those navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, adoption/foster care, and identity exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kristina Daniel

Kristina Daniel

Therapist

Virtual • Eureka, CA


“I take a collaborative, curious approach to therapy, working alongside you to better understand your experiences and help you move toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Crystal Folk

Crystal Folk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting each client in the space that they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sean Richards

Sean Richards

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I will challenge you in a warm yet effective environment. My clients have described me as the love and support they need.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. John Keay

Dr. John Keay

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I'm John, a licensed psychologist practicing in Utah and California. I started out in information technology because I loved computers and making sense of data, but over time I found I enjoyed working with people more than working with machines, so I went back to school and earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD). Since then I have worked in counseling centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools, and I have really enjoyed applying the science of psychology to help people understand themselves and navigate the challenges of everyday life. I see teens, young adults, adults, and older adults for concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, relationships, men's mental health, and questions of religion and spirituality.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bonni Funk

Bonni Funk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've had over 20 years experience in helping people heal from co-dependency, particularly from those with narcissistic behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Laura Myer

Laura Myer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that daily habits and lifestyle play a vital role in overall wellness, including mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jee Estavilla

Jee Estavilla

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I see you — not as a diagnosis, but as a whole person with a story that deserves care, dignity, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jillian Barna

Jillian Barna

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and respect, helping you rediscover hope, build resilience, and create meaningful progress.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Victoria Sanchez

Victoria Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tisha Langley

Tisha Langley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, practical, grounded and occasionally funny. Therapy with me is a real conversation, not a clinical checklist or a series of quiet nods that leave you wondering.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jessica La Rocca

Jessica La Rocca

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where you can feel emotionally safe, deeply understood, and supported without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Sybil Stafford

Dr. Sybil Stafford

Therapist

Virtual • Stockton, CA


“I've worked with at risk populations who seem to be misunderstood whether you're a victim of crime or a veteran coping with PTSD.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Wandalyn Lane

Wandalyn Lane

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Bernardino, CA


The focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I help individuals focus on the Solution.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kavitha Hari

Kavitha Hari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I conceptualize my client's utilizing a relational framework and primarily utilize mindfulness base interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lisa Wenninger

Dr. Lisa Wenninger

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Julie Hall-Sweaza

Julie Hall-Sweaza

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Julie. I have been a therapist for almost 20 years. I have experience with individuals and families who are living with mental health issues, and I also have extensive experience helping those with substance use problems. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can offer a supportive place to feel understood, begin to recover, and reconnect with yourself.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Zavala

Jessica Zavala

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel genuinely understood and supported while also being challenged to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ruben Martinez

Ruben Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I blend compassion with directness, reflection with practical tools, and evidence-based care with respect for your strengths, pace, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of San Diego, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of San Diego, CA
There are over 28 therapists in San Diego, CA accepting new patients.
28+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 96%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 93%Stress management
  • 89%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 64%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 50%Providence Health Plan
  • 50%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 89%English
  • 29%Spanish
  • 4%French
  • 4%German
  • 4%Mandarin
How they see their clients
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  • 93%In-person or online
  • 7%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 61%Woman
  • 39%Man
License types
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  • 57%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 21%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 14%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 43%Family therapy
  • 21%Child or adolescent 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 San Diego

Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in San Diego starts with finding identity-affirming care. This can mean a therapist who lists experience with affirmative therapy, WPATH-informed care, gender-diverse clients, coming out, family dynamics, relationship concerns, or support for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Finding a therapist who understands LGBTQIA+ experiences matters beyond general training, so review their listed specialties, approach, and bio to see whether their experience matches what you want to talk about.

San Diego has many therapists across neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Valley, and La Jolla, which can make it easier to find options but harder to narrow them down. Virtual care can also expand your choices, especially if you want a therapist with specific LGBTQIA+ experience or need more flexible scheduling. As you compare therapists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how clearly they describe their work with LGBTQIA+ people, gay couples therapy, lesbian couples therapy, or LGBTQIA+ couples counseling.

Therapy in San Diego can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you compare therapists who are accepting new patients, review bios, enter your insurance details for an estimated cost, and book directly when you’re ready.

If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.

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