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LGBT therapists in San Jose, CA

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

Find affirming mental health support in San Jose with 2,520 licensed providers who understand LGBTQIA+ experiences. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists offering virtual and in-person sessions, with many providers offering free consultations and availability within two weeks.

Inhwa Byun

Inhwa Byun

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.1 mi away • San Jose, CA


“She works with you to access your innate strengths, reveal coping styles, and, ultimately, deepen your understanding of the behavior patterns that keep you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Lauren Bittner

Lauren Bittner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.4 mi away • San Jose, CA


“I work with adolescents and adults navigating childhood and/or sexual trauma, identity, and the complex terrain of relationships and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katherine Stromska

Katherine Stromska

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.6 mi away • Santa Clara, CA


“I specialize in working with women who want to overcome people-pleasing, perfectionism, perinatal/maternal mental health issues, and problematic relationship patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angela White Esau

Angela White Esau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.3 mi away • Santa Clara, CA


“I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Johnny Brown

Johnny Brown

Therapist

In-person • 8.5 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


“My approach is to help you identify what are the thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you from living your best life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Carrie Likeness

Carrie Likeness

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Felton, CA


“I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, with a particular focus on operational and academic stress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“In sessions, I combine emotional insight with practical skill-building so therapy feels both supportive and useful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marisa Abzug

Marisa Abzug

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


I have been a licensed MFT for 17 years and have worked in many settings including but not limited to: non-profit, community college, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, group home and private practice. I got my Masters at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and I’d definitely describe my orientation as eclectic and I honestly taylor my work to each client.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Silvinson

Stephanie Silvinson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Tracy, CA


There are some things in life that are too hard to face alone. If you or a loved one have experienced trauma, relationship struggles, stresses related to parenting or taking care of an aging parent, grief at the loss of a beloved member of your life, anxiety, depression, survivor or witness to abuse, or seeking tools for living with wellness. Please come and be welcome in a healing space.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Katherine Mancera

Katherine Mancera

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Oakland, CA


Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Hannah Rudsten

Hannah Rudsten

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


For the past 20 years, I've worked across private practices, youth development centers, schools, and mental health clinics. My passion is to work with adults navigating major life transitions. Whether you are a college student or approaching retirement, my hope is to walk alongside you during this time of change and uncertainty; to help create the conditions for you to reconnect with your authentic self and remember what lights you up. We can explore ways to recognize and acknowledge your anxiety that moves beyond words. Incorporating expressive arts, guided imagery, and embodied exercises to help you strengthen your awareness with your emotions and rewrite old narratives.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Denise Alfaro

Denise Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Walnut Creek, CA


“I focus on giving you concrete, real-world tools that lead to noticeable changes in your everyday life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Juliana Sao Tiago

Juliana Sao Tiago

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Walnut Creek, CA


“My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can bring your whole self, including your culture, values, relationships, and life experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Dr. Meghan Fuller

Dr. Meghan Fuller

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Oakland, CA


“My work is grounded in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, with careful attention to development, attachment, trauma, and the complexity of each individual's inner life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Anna Porcalla

Anna Porcalla

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Gilroy, CA


“I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Josie Valderrama

Dr. Josie Valderrama

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“I believe the real work happens in the thirteen days between appointments, when learning is practiced in your real world!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Emeryville, CA


Are you in life transition or coping with anxiety and stress ? Are you searching for deeper meaning to feel more joy and peace? Are you going through life’s uncertainty due to factors of life transition, illness, aging, identity crisis, retirement, loss of loved ones, financial stress, women’s hormonal changes? Do you want more Meaningful positive experiences and becoming your Best Authentic Self?

I am here to provide you with compassionate care, kindness and psychological and emotional support. You deserve to experience peace of mind and wellness. Life invites growth through transitions which require us to change and make tough decisions. am here to support you to THRIVE in times of change.

About Me:

I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.

I practice Ayurveda, a holistic lifestyle system from India that promotes balance of mind, body, and spirit through daily habits, nutrition, and self-care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“Through two humans interacting, it will increase self-knowledge, develop emotional skills and activate hidden potential.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“Seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, and I am proud of people who advocate for their well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jen Leland

Jen Leland

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I especially love working with young adults, organizers, health care workers, creatives, and outsiders who carry a lot for others, feel deeply, and courageously seek support.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Clementine Brown

Clementine Brown

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“I use a Liberation Psychology approach which means we often explore how we have internalized society's oppressive systems and how we can get you as free as possible from internalized and external forms of oppression.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristina Kenyon

Kristina Kenyon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“I strive to be the kind of therapist I would want—compassionate, relatable, and actively engaged in the process.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Bass

Andrea Bass

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“In our healing journey together, connection to our emotions, our body (somatic mindfulness), our creativity and life force brings deeper relationships with others and a greater connection to ourselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Sima Aman

Sima Aman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“Sima has vast experience and knowledge working with individuals of all ages that have moderate to severe psychiatric and mental health conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Stress management
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jerrica Calvillo

Jerrica Calvillo

Therapist

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


Jerrica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has extensive experience helping clients with anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, crisis support, and substance use concerns.

Jerrica’s approach is compassionate, supportive, and client-centered. She strives to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Using evidence-based tools tailored to each person’s needs, she helps clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing.

Jerrica feels honored to walk alongside her clients as they work toward positive change, greater balance, and a more hopeful future.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Nancy Pereda

Nancy Pereda

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to offer culturally sensitive approaches and techniques. I use a holistic approach with my client's adding elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems, among others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Sam Zia

Sam Zia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an AASECT-trained Sex Therapist. I have an MA in Clinical Psychology, and am a PhD Candidate in Human Sexuality.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Janet Nelson

Janet Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a California, Connecticut, and South Dakota licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR and specializes in treating trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Sarai Velasquez

Sarai Velasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Joshua Cunningham

Joshua Cunningham

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Covina, CA


“I believe that each client is an expert in their own life, and that many people seek therapy when they are looking to create change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Felicia Ige

Felicia Ige

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Felicia Ige, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience in mental health, public health, acute care, and education.

I hold a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from Walden University and a Master's degree in Nursing Education. I specialize in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized mental health treatment.

Above all, I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. My goal is to create a welcoming space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Challenging, Direct
Accepts 4 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
Dr. Helena Ma

Dr. Helena Ma

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Helena. As a queer Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, art therapist, and certified Christ-centered counselor, I offer a compassionate, culturally nuanced space for whole-person healing. I provide therapy in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I specialise in supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals navigating identity, relationships, and emotional growth. By blending creative process, empathy, and deep cultural understanding, I help you reconnect with your authentic voice, build self-reliance, and live more fully.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ka Cole

Ka Cole

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is grounded in bridging exceptional therapy tools while creating a warm, heart-centered, mindful set and setting that engages in an authentic healing relationship with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Elaine Pritchard

Elaine Pritchard

Therapist

Virtual • Pleasanton, CA


“I'm easy-going, empathetic, and look at things a little differently outside the box to find new paths to fulfillment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Ricciardi

Joseph Ricciardi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I hope to create a safe, contained environment where clients feel comfortable yet challenged in order to effect meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lisa Lichtenstein

Lisa Lichtenstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


I create a warm environment to work collaboratively on achieving your objectives. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. I specialize in relationships, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, couples work, creativity, career enhancement among other goals. I have an eclectic treatment modality including psychodynamic, self-psychology, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapy and NLP.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Jakob Mallove

Jakob Mallove

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


I believe that most people are either stuck repeating a cycle of generational trauma, or carrying the burden of bravely breaking that cycle. You deserve to break that cycle by discovering and embracing your best self, without fear or shame. But I understand that this is not always easy. I can help you break down the barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals and assist you on a transformative journey to becoming the person you want to be. Therapy is a process of the human spirit requiring courage, creativity, and self-compassion and I welcome you to join me.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Justine Rahn

Justine Rahn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“For over a decade, I've focused on helping people who are carrying the immense weight of life, big emotions, and feeling different.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in San Jose, CA

Number of therapists serving San Jose, CA
There are over 2,524 therapists in San Jose, CA accepting new patients.
2,524+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 76%Cigna
  • 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent 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 Jose

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in San Jose starts with identifying someone who offers identity-affirming care and has experience with the concerns you want to address. This may include support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, gender identity, sexuality, or life transitions. As you compare therapists, look for bios that mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or work with LGBTQIA+ adults, couples, and families. These details can help you find a therapist whose training, approach, and listed specialties match what you need.

San Jose has a range of therapists, but finding an affirming therapist with the right availability, format, and fit can still take time. Virtual therapy can expand your options across the Bay Area, especially if nearby offices have limited openings or your schedule works better outside a commute. You can also narrow your search by appointment times, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, therapeutic approach, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading therapist profiles before booking can help you understand how they describe their work with LGBTQIA+ communities and what a first session may involve.

Therapy in San Jose can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower your session costs and make ongoing care more affordable. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your preferences, verify your insurance, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. From there, you can compare bios, review availability, and book directly when you’re ready.

Find a provider - your way

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