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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.

Sarina Grant

Sarina Grant

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By integrating Attachment Theory with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients uncover the deeper patterns shaping their experiences, while also providing practical tools for day to day relief and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Emma Bailey

Emma Bailey

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that people are the experts in their lives and my job is to partner with you in moving towards how you would like to be living.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Moen

Jennifer Moen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Huntington Beach, CA


“I use EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-responsive interventions in a direct and grounded way to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Abieyuwa Salami

Abieyuwa Salami

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Bernardino, CA


“I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adults dealing with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use recovery.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cassi Thompson

Cassi Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You can expect unbridled curiosity and psychoeducation as we begin connecting the dots on your experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Rafal

Ashley Rafal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in creating a safe, collaborative space where growth is possible and progress is meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Krissella Glennon-Boatright

Krissella Glennon-Boatright

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is affirming, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that therapy should feel like a space where you can show up honestly and be met with curiosity and care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
Lawrence Leung

Lawrence Leung

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in supporting immigrant/POC and LGBTQ+ teens and young adults dealing with depression and anxiety, relationship issues, and identity exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lane McConnell

Lane McConnell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe successful therapy works best when there is a positive empathetic working relationship between the client & therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Christopher Schell

Christopher Schell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with adult individuals who are ready to gain insight into their struggles and cultivate the confidence to create fulfilling, authentic lives through healthier relationships—with themselves and others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carmela Capinpin

Carmela Capinpin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in the power of personal agency and collective healing, and view therapy as a collaborative process rooted in compassion, openness, curiosity, and dignity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Danielle Rhinesmith

Danielle Rhinesmith

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! My name is Danielle, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 10 years. Too often, we can become overwhelmed by the pressures of life, and that is where therapy can help. It may be time to prioritize your own mental health, and coming here is an important first step. I’m proud of you for taking it.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship challenges, PTSD, stress, grief and loss, ADHD, anger, substance use, and major life transitions. My focus in treatment is helping you feel supported while we better understand what you are carrying and what you hope will change. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I look forward to meeting you and helping you move toward healing and growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mallory Thysell

Mallory Thysell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I meet each client exactly where they are in their healing journey, offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Peter Getoff

Peter Getoff

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Using warmth, patience, and compassion, I transform our sessions into a safe environment where you can explore your strengths and weaknesses.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jules Gomez

Jules Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience working with clients of all ages to manage major life transitions, move through traumatic stress, and build a toolkit of coping skills to manage day to day challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Misty Steffen

Misty Steffen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“At the core of my practice is authentic partnership, showing up for every client with genuine warmth, deep respect, and real interest in who they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal isn't to "fix" you—you're not broken. Instead, I'm here to help you understand your conditions, develop effective coping strategies, and build the fulfilling life you deserve.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My passion for psychiatry stems from a deep belief that every person deserves to be truly seen and understood—not reduced to a diagnosis, but honored as a whole person with unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Stacy Hajarian

Stacy Hajarian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Monica, CA


“My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy. Because lasting change usually requires both structure and depth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in treating adults and adolescents dealing with serious mental illness, including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and geriatric...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
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
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
Sharon Atwood

Sharon Atwood

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, 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
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

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
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

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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.