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LGBT therapists in San Francisco, CA

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

Find affirming mental health support in San Francisco with 2,632 licensed providers who understand LGBTQIA+ experiences. Access therapy virtually or in-person, with many sessions covered by insurance at reduced costs.

Juliana Malaveci

Juliana Malaveci

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a firm believer in human resilience and an individual's ability to thrive, persevere, and navigate life's deepest challenges, especially when offered a non-judgmental, caring, empathic environment, which is what I aim to offer to all of my...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Christine Barnett

Christine Barnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our work together will revolve around the essential philosophy that all beings can heal and succeed, no matter what adversity has come before.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
Travis Brown

Travis Brown

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach centers on a strong therapeutic relationship — a space where you feel heard, respected, and involved in every decision about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Isobel Marcus

Isobel Marcus

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is grounded in humor, honesty, and authenticity. I believe therapy works best when there's trust and a good client-therapist fit.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Infertility
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Tabitha Scott

Tabitha Scott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view these periods of transition as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and learning to thrive as we step into a new chapter of our lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jeff Danese

Jeff Danese

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care
Challenging, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I also specialize in supporting people around intimacy, sexuality, and relationships with genuine openness and care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Kai Chuang

Dr. Kai Chuang

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.

Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Alexis Forgnone-Judd

Dr. Alexis Forgnone-Judd

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in being genuine and honest in treatment. My goal is for you to feel like you can show up, just as you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lauren Azantian

Lauren Azantian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about working with individuals who want to understand themselves on a deeper level, not just manage symptoms but shift the patterns underneath them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Hinojosa

Elizabeth Hinojosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Liz's philosophy as a healer and alchemist is to honor each experience entrusted to her by offering a nonjudgemental space filled with empathy, compassion and sense of humor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Tonya Pan-Weisz

Dr. Tonya Pan-Weisz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Temecula, CA


“I aim to strike the balance between acceptance and change, responsiveness and structure, and the art and science of therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bonnie Gordon

Bonnie Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work collaboratively with clients, and firmly believe that clients are the experts on their own lived experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Niko De Leon

Niko De Leon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Canoga Park, CA


“As a first-generation trans person of color, I understand how difficult and intimidating it can feel to reach out for support and I truly recognize the courage it takes to take this step.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kathryn Benton

Kathryn Benton

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katelyn Franza

Katelyn Franza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Michael Collins

Michael Collins

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I tend to be warm, practical, and human first. Early on, this is a place to slow things down, get your bearings, and feel a little less alone in it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Creative, Empowering, Inquisitive

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christyn Delgadillo

Christyn Delgadillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


Thank you for considering me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California where I studied Adult Mental Health an Wellness and Military Social Work. I specialize in the Veteran and First Responder populations.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Analilia Morales-Mackay

Analilia Morales-Mackay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Much of my work aims to understand the underlying concerns that are causing stressful situations and maladaptive behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Allan Sadac

Allan Sadac

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Alamitos, CA


“From our work, I hope you leave every session with more clarity and direction about the changes you can influence and bring you closer to the life you are wanting.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elihu Goretsky

Elihu Goretsky

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in adults with addiction-recovery issues, LGBT+ patients, phase of life problems, and couples (limited).”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tara Joseph

Tara Joseph

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I guide clients in healing past wounds, overcoming challenges, and building healthier relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Eric Waters

Eric Waters

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is a journey. You can expect me to be a well-informed and supportive guide as you engage in your own change process and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
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
Shannon Oliveira

Shannon Oliveira

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to meet clients where they are at emotionally, and provide support so they feel comfortable to open up...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Nicole Santos

Nicole Santos

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have over 15+ years experience as a nurse working in various departments, working hands on with patients, as well as leadership and management roles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Olivia White

Olivia White

Therapist

Virtual • California


I specialize in supporting women and queer folk heal from complex trauma, anxiety, and depression. I believe meaningful healing involves more than understanding our experiences intellectually—it also involves reconnecting with the body and helping the nervous system develop a greater sense of safety. In our work together, I can help you move beyond insight alone and develop practical tools and embodied practices to better understand and respond to the patterns underlying your struggles.

I am trained in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting, evidence-informed somatic approaches that can support healing from trauma and C-PTSD. I am currently completing my training in EMDR. I love helping people reconnect with their bodies, access and integrate the full range of their emotions, and develop a deeper sense of aliveness, authenticity, and connection with themselves and others.

I have experience working with neurodivergent individuals, highly sensitive people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people who embrace alternative relationship and lifestyle structures, including consensual non-monogamy. I strive to create a space where you can show up as your whole self—without judgment—and feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carolyn Le

Carolyn Le

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand what's been going on and what matters to you, and we'll work together to find a path forward that feels manageable and realistic for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Keyla Decos

Keyla Decos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help you gain insight, recognize the bigger picture, accept where you are in your journey, and create a vision for the life you want to build.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Yanina Rivera Lopez

Yanina Rivera Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“My goal is to offer a space where you don't have to shrink or translate parts of yourself, where your emotional world is taken seriously...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Sydney Ashe

Sydney Ashe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with adolescents, creative professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of San Francisco, CA
There are over 24 therapists in San Francisco, CA accepting new patients.
24+
Average years in practice
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12 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Stress management
  • 92%Relationship issues
  • 92%Depression
Insurances accepted
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  • 96%Aetna
  • 67%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 54%Providence Health Plan
  • 38%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 33%United Healthcare
Languages spoken
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  • 96%English
  • 8%French
  • 8%Spanish
  • 4%German
  • 4%Romanian
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 88%In-person or online
  • 13%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 88%Woman
  • 8%Non-binary
  • 4%Man
License types
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  • 63%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 17%Clinical Psychologist
  • 13%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 4%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 46%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 29%Family therapy
  • 21%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 Francisco

Looking for LGBTQIA therapists in San Francisco starts with finding care that is identity-affirming and aligned with your needs. Many people search for support related to identity, relationships, family conflict, anxiety, depression, or life changes. As you compare therapists, look for profiles that mention LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, affirmative therapy, gender-diverse experience, or World Professional Association for Transgender Health training. This can help you find someone with relevant experience, not just general familiarity.

San Francisco has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Castro, Mission, SoMa, and the Richmond, which can make it harder to narrow your options. In-person care may work well if you want an office near work, home, or public transit. Virtual sessions can expand your search across California, especially if you want a therapist with specific experience in bisexual therapy, lesbian therapy, LGBTQIA+ couples therapy, or gender-affirming support. Read therapist bios before booking to see how they describe their approach, who they work with, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.

Therapy in San Francisco can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you search for LGBTQIA+ therapists who are accepting new patients, compare availability, review detailed profiles, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking. You can browse therapists, check fit, 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.