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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.

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 13 insurance carriers
Lorrie Herzberg

Lorrie Herzberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work as a companion and guide, offering direct, respectful, and non-judgmental support to help clients navigate challenges such as grief, trauma, serious illness, life transitions, and personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tony Gunn

Tony Gunn

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am Tony Gunn, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Substance Abuse Professional and a board certified transgender care therapist. I value connection, trust, and respect.

I work with adults, teens, families, and couples. My focus areas include LGBTQIA+ clients, gender nonconforming clients, transgender care, sexual health concerns, trauma, grief, mood concerns, and major life transitions.

You receive care grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Sessions center on clear goals, practical skills, and meaningful insight. I create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment.

I provide services through in-person and telehealth settings. My approach blends evidence-based practice with care shaped around your needs, values, and lived experience. My goal centers on supporting clarity, stability, and long-term well-being through an affirming therapeutic relationship.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jack Gallagher

Jack Gallagher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a humanistic, collaborative approach to help clients feel supported and empowered as they navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kelli Redfield

Kelli Redfield

Therapist

Virtual • Escondido, CA


It's difficult to find someone who gets you. I get it, I've been a client looking for a therapist. When talk therapy hasn't worked how you'd hoped, that's when you can consider a therapy like Somatic, EMDR, or ERP. I can help you with any of these issues. I am a highly effective therapist that also has out of network options for intensives. If you are using insurance and have CPTSD, PTSD, or OCD, we can only meet in the 1 hr format. I have extensive EMDR experience.

I have my MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and BA from Concordia University, Irvine. I am a later career change and have extensive experience in the creative and tech industries.

I often work with women in Perimenopause to menopause, but have worked with men as well. The attributes of clients who find me are usually ready to change and have tried everything. I find they find the right therapist, at the right time, with the right type of therapy and it changes their lives. You can see more in my google reviews.

I know pretty quickly if we are a match and I won't waste your time, I know the people I can help, and if you want that kind of care, and hate traditional talk therapy, I am your therapist. Reach out to see if we are a match.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Elaine Zaragoza

Elaine Zaragoza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with extensive experience in both community settings and private practice. I specialize in supporting women through the unique challenges they face in life. I offer a compassionate, empathetic approach to help women navigate anxiety, depression, struggles with identity, and the journey toward recognizing their self-worth.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Katharine Jamison

Katharine Jamison

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is empowering and grounded in humor, with a focus on helping you improve your weekly schedule.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cylystina Nevel

Cylystina Nevel

Therapist

Virtual • California


Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alyssa Harberger

Alyssa Harberger

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I am Alyssa, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with four years of clinical experience. I have found success working with people navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing and perfectionism. I have a specialty in Attachment, which allows us to understand how your upbringing shapes the way you operate in the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Hollywood, CA


“I'm a trained psychodynamic therapist and love to work with adult clients to help improve insight and self-awareness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 7 insurance carriers
Alexandra Donnelly

Alexandra Donnelly

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a licensed psychotherapist practicing for 38 years, mostly focusing on treating depression, anxiety disorders and stress management. I work a great deal with couples as well.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tiffany Manning

Tiffany Manning

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a warm, affirming space where you can be yourself while also gaining practical skills to navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Marchita Masters

Dr. Marchita Masters

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I have a warm, comfortable, conversational style. I consider attachment theory, utilize Cognitive Therapy, EMDR and sometimes humor.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Jennifer Griffith

Jennifer Griffith

Therapist

Virtual • Laguna Beach, CA


“My approach is warm, direct, collaborative, creative, and appropriately funny. You won't need to mask, perform, or spend half the session convincing me that your experience is real.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carrie Hansen

Carrie Hansen

Therapist

Virtual • Atascadero, CA


“I especially enjoy working with youth and young adults, I specialize in working with people with ADHD, Autistic teens and adults, phase of life issues, depression, anxiety...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Nadia Seray-wurie

Nadia Seray-wurie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.

I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily McKillip

Emily McKillip

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am known for creating a warm, safe, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Substance use / addiction
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
Charles Codner

Charles Codner

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarai Tovar

Sarai Tovar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m dedicated to helping clients create meaningful change through a collaborative, compassionate, and goal oriented approach. I specialize in crisis intervention and draw from proven, evidence-based therapies (EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, ERP) tailored to your unique needs. I believe every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build on strengths, and move toward the life you want. I earned my Master’s in Educational & Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and have received specialized training in trauma focused care and crisis interventions. I’ve worked in community mental health settings, crisis intervention programs, and private practice; which has allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Brian Keligian

Brian Keligian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with individuals and couples, who may be facing depression and anxiety with additional expertise in addiction treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Darcy Manav

Darcy Manav

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to providing a gentle and compassionate healing space for those who have endured childhood trauma, sexual abuse, complex PTSD and struggles with dating/ relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, PTSD
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brooke Serrano

Brooke Serrano

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By using a client-centered approach, I focus on your individual goals and exactly what you want from therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yanira Chavez

Yanira Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-generation Latina living with chronic illnesses, I understand the unique hardships, cultural expectations, and barriers that can impact mental health and well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Yates

Amanda Yates

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! My approach is centered in the belief that authentic connection with ourselves and others heals. Therapy is an opportunity to dive deep, to develop greater self knowledge, to come into wholeness, accepting and integrating all of our parts and aligning our lives with our Truth and the fullness of who we are. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 96%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 93%Stress management
  • 89%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 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
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 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

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.