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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.

Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in both Spanish and English, from colloquial to professional levels. My work has included supporting individuals facing HIV/AIDS-related challenges, domestic violence, substance use, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, dual diagnosis, sexuality-related concerns, aging-related issues, and the broader impact these experiences can have on families and support systems. Across community, academic, and clinical settings in Mexico and the U.S., I’ve built a strong foundation in helping people navigate both personal suffering and societal distress.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jeff J Garcia

Jeff J Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space in both English and Spanish where you can feel truly heard and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Angie Douma

Angie Douma

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You're the author and expert in your life story. The backstory: your family, culture, sexuality, chosen tribe, and politics significantly impact how your story will unfold.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lauren Cullen

Lauren Cullen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in creating a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences openly and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Crystal Lawson

Crystal Lawson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“The Rogerian approach allows me to get to know my client, identifying acute issues and crisis manage while building rapport through active listening.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Hilary Malloy

Hilary Malloy

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Demetria Seawood

Demetria Seawood

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, supportive, and direct—creating a space where you can feel heard, understood, and challenged toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Elana Luban

Elana Luban

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! My greatest passion is working with individuals who wish to free themselves from trauma patterns, negative self-image, dopamine-seeking patterns, and depression. I'm certified in hypnotherapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, and EMDR, and use a client-centered, trauma-informed approach.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jena Montenegro

Jena Montenegro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a trauma expert with experience in a wide variety of populations including LGBTQ, African-American, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian peoples.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yu-Ning Lin

Yu-Ning Lin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm an empathetic listener who believes in fully understanding my client in order to customize effective strategies individually.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Amanda Khezra

Dr. Amanda Khezra

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“All progress is good progress and at the end of our session my hope is we took another step towards reaching your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lynn Northrop

Dr. Lynn Northrop

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My core values include authenticity, kindness, humility, & celebrating the unique beauty & worth of every human.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Lapinski

Andrea Lapinski

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so I approach each session with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Britanny Wilson

Britanny Wilson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“With over 15 years of experience in mental health care—including my time at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital—I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Deborah Reisfeld

Deborah Reisfeld

Therapist

Virtual • California


“During the first session, clients be invited into a welcoming environment centered on safety and trust.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Alyssa Rodriguez

Alyssa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a genuine, collaborative relationship with my clients and value the courage it takes to open up.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tamra Smith

Tamra Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Tamra Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Sacramento, CA. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, especially providing therapy and consultation. My practice name is Path to Wellbeing Therapy Services, and I truly lead each person on a path to their own emotional health and wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rebecca Braunstein

Rebecca Braunstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By strengthening awareness and self-attunement, one can truly begin to become enlightened and embrace healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Shari Lachin

Shari Lachin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that prioritizing your mental health is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mitzy Ruelas

Mitzy Ruelas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. Without a trusting therapeutic relationship, it is nearly impossible for clients to feel safe doing the work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Teresa Avila

Teresa Avila

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a bilingual, trauma‐informed Latina clinician, I specialize in working with teens and adults (13+) navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, immigration‐related stress, and women's issues.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, End of life care
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we slow down and meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Collin Burnett

Collin Burnett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Barbara, CA


“I see therapy as a collaborative and meaningful space where all parts of your experience are welcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stacy Heiser

Stacy Heiser

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with individuals navigating ADHD, shame, stigma, and transgenerational trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sofia Alonso Baez

Sofia Alonso Baez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring both professionalism and authenticity to my work and feel deeply honored to walk alongside clients through periods of transition, healing, and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zoot Sax

Zoot Sax

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often describe me as someone who helps them feel genuinely accepted, free to show up as their full selves, whoever that may be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Campany

Brian Campany

Therapist

Virtual • California


I truly believe we are all connected in some way. Systemically, there are many ways to improve the way we relate to our own self, and with others. My philosophy is when I improve, everyone else around me improves. My own experiences have informed the way I approach problems and seek solutions, with the goal of being happier and performing better. Throughout my life, I’ve been in the service of others. I am a US Army Veteran and have many years experience training/development of others.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marcus Davis

Marcus Davis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe every person—and every couple—has inherent resilience and untapped resources, even in the midst of overwhelming challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Brannon La Force

Brannon La Force

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Antonio Shallowhorn

Antonio Shallowhorn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I will integrate CBT and other evidence-based strategies to explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that shape how you relate to yourself and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lauren Hanson

Lauren Hanson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Using evidence-based tools like Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with creative Art Therapy interventions, I help you disrupt old thought patterns and reclaim your narrative.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alexander Graham

Alexander Graham

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


I specialize in supporting people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma, life transitions and much more. I have extensive experience working with high acuity teens, and I also work with adults of all ages who are navigating imbalance, self-acceptance uncertainty, or emotional overload. I support parents who need guidance in understanding their child’s needs or simply a calm place to process their own feelings. No matter your age or background, if you are struggling to find balance and peace in life, I am here to help.

My approach begins with the belief that life poses great challenges for all of us. Through these challenges, we develop adaptive patterns that may help us survive but can also bring disharmony. I aim to help you bring awareness to these patterns, loosen their grip, and reshape them so you can find greater balance and harmony in your relationship with yourself, others, and the world.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Sonya Adams

Sonya Adams

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance between a client and their therapist is key to success in therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Natsuko Jacobson

Natsuko Jacobson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In general, I am not here to give you advice... We will explore your struggles, histories, strength, expectations and goals together to connect with your inner wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alex Bailey

Alex Bailey

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have found my own personal healing to be intimately connected to nature, and it is here that I believe that we can all begin to rediscover our intrinsic humanity and let go of those things that distract us from our higher selves. In my spare time, I work as an outdoor educator and manage my own private practice and guide Outdoor Retreats

I believe it is helpful and important to translate what is discussed in session and in telehealth meetings into lived experience and real change.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Veronika Glusker

Dr. Veronika Glusker

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I bring warmth, curiosity, and honesty into the therapy space, and I approach each person with care and without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“We listen, empathize and acknowledge your concerns. We utilize biopsychosocial model in all our assessments, evaluations and evidence-based practice for a better patient outcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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.

Find a provider - your way

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