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LGBT therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in San Luis Obispo with 2,627 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded mental health support. Our network includes empowering therapists experienced in gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship concerns. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with many providers offering free consultations to help you find the right fit.

Timothy Malone

Timothy Malone

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I am told I have a calming presence by my clients, which allows me to challenge them and be direct, without being intimidating.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Hannah Morrison

Hannah Morrison

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Luis Obispo, CA


In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristina Shippey

Kristina Shippey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Luis Obispo, CA


As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Kara Osborn

Kara Osborn

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I have spent more than 20 years helping people understand the patterns, relationships, and experiences that shape how they move through the world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Michelle LeBeau

Michelle LeBeau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I use holistic and relational approaches that incorporate attachment-focused EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, social justice, and family systems to create a safe space for healing...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Paterese Reynolds

Paterese Reynolds

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Atascadero, CA


“I provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore your worries, wants and needs, and more importantly, identify the barriers to change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
April Madden

April Madden

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Paso Robles, CA


I’m April Madden, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy.

If you are interested in services, please reach out to clerical at (805)721-6112 or visit our website at twisitedoakstherapy.com

As the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy, I’ve also built a team of clinicians with diverse specialties so that clients can be matched with a therapist who best fits their individual needs. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable doing difficult work while knowing they do not have to navigate it alone.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and have more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, working with individuals and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and direct. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard and supported, but also a place where meaningful growth happens. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify patterns, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with particular focus on trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, addiction and recovery, communication difficulties, self-esteem, and rebuilding trust and connection. I am also a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor IV (SUDCC-IV), which provides me with specialized experience in substance use, addiction, and recovery.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, our goal is to meet you where you are and help you move toward greater understanding, healing, and meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brandi Woller

Brandi Woller

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Maria, CA


“I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy highlighting a person's strengths and resiliency in overcoming life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jennifer H Harris

Dr. Jennifer H Harris

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Solvang, CA


“My approach is real. I want to get to know you. I can't and won't start offering input until I get a bit of an understanding of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Andrea Faraday

Andrea Faraday

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support clients who want a caring and steady space where they can explore their inner world with honesty and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


I'm Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a genuine passion for helping people navigate their mental health journeys. I've spent over 15 years in healthcare, and what drives me every day is knowing that mental health challenges don't define you—they're just something we work through together.

My background includes treating adults and adolescents across various settings, from crisis care to long-term recovery programs. I've worked with individuals facing serious mental illness, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I also have specialized training in geriatric mental health and dementia-related behavioral changes.

What makes my approach unique is my extensive leadership experience overseeing psychiatric services across multiple facilities. This has taught me not just how to prescribe medication, but how to truly understand the whole person—your daily struggles, your support system, and your goals for feeling better. I take time to explore what's worked before, what hasn't, and why, because effective treatment is never one-size-fits-all.

I'm committed to evidence-based care while recognizing that healing happens differently for everyone. Some people benefit most from medication management, others from therapy integration, and many from a combination approach. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities, but I never lose sight of the fact that you're the expert on your own experience.

I believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. Whether you're seeking help for the first time or you've been struggling to find the right treatment, I'm here to listen, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively with you to find solutions that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and hopeful about your path forward.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, 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
Mary Schuler DeWitt

Mary Schuler DeWitt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 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
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
Dr. Veronica Dobson

Dr. Veronica Dobson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in expertise in human sexuality, women's and men's issues, and a deep commitment to being both LGBTQIA+ affirming and religiously affirming.”
LGBTQIA+, Family issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Chesbro

Jessica Chesbro

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Jessica and I love supporting youth and their families to bring out confidence and build healthy relationship patterns to support them as they grow in today's world. I have background in Expressive Arts Therapy and bring creative approaches including art, play, and drama therapy techniques as entry points into cognitive behavioral interventions and strategies to assist with behavior, emotion regulation, and understanding of one's self. My philosophical goal as a therapist is to help people I work with curate more joy into their lives and for children to be seen in their unique strengths and supported to grow through challenges. I believe that curiosity is the antidote to depression. Let's get curious together!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Anvari

Brittany Anvari

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Mitchica Smith

Mitchica Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct and solution-oriented, blending clinical expertise with the profound life lessons that have shaped my perspective on resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Hartman

Elizabeth Hartman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Columbia, CA


“I am compassionate, empathic, I have been working in the field of mental health since 1991, I am understanding and accepting of all the people I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Don Nocon

Don Nocon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My heart is for queer people who have experienced religious trauma and for couples who are trying to make their relationship thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Ivan Arevalo Fuentes

Ivan Arevalo Fuentes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a holistic therapist who is interested in helping clients walk on a path to heal mind, body, and spirit.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Almira Mogul

Almira Mogul

Therapist

Virtual • California


“If you are navigating the heavy fog of depression, the constant hum of anxiety, or the echoes of past trauma, please know that you don't have to carry it alone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Beth Sopkin

Beth Sopkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use an authentic approach to therapy; I find that my clients respond well to me being myself with them, so that they then feel comfortable being themselves with me.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 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
Gemma Holmes

Gemma Holmes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Temecula, CA


“For 10+ years, I have sought to improve the lives of youth struggling with issues as varied as housing displacement, gender identity, suicidal ideation, & anger management...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Nicole Farmer

Nicole Farmer

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“It makes me excited help people using DBT (Dialectial Behavior Therapy), including mindfulness with EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address past trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ifeatu Enemmuo

Ifeatu Enemmuo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Pleasure to meet you! My name is Iffy, and I was born and raised in Nigeria. After working in a Psych ER for over 22 years, I decided it was time to be able to treat my own patients. I went back to school and graduated from Brandman University in 2019 with my nurse practitioner degree. Four years later, I love what I do and the patients I treat. I truly believe that with the right work, tomorrow is always capable of bringing you a smile.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Elaine Dern

Elaine Dern

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy offers an individual the power and insight to begin the process towards empowering one's life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erika Sanchez

Erika Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is flexible and down-to-earth, drawing from different styles depending on what works best for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Darcell Sockwell

Darcell Sockwell

Therapist

Virtual • Hayward, CA


I have close to two decades of experience treating adults, children, and families in the Bay Area. My focus is on providing integrative psychotherapy (IP). IP is an approach that is generally flexible with an inclusive attitude toward the different psychotherapeutic models depending on the client's needs.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, in a steady and safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christina Pechan

Christina Pechan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I integrate evidence-based practices with a warm, relational style, so sessions feel like a safe space you look forward to joining.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Karen Cash

Karen Cash

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am available to assist with many of the current issues that are affecting us all. Issues os depression, anxiety and PTSD are impacting many. Relationship and communication challenges are problematic. Challenging adolescents and children suffering from ADHD or Learning Disabilities are impacting family life. I can assist you with these common challenges, and help to provide and process solutions.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Maija Slisco

Maija Slisco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring both professional training and a lifetime of personal experience to my work, which helps me approach therapy with empathy, curiosity, and attunement.”
LGBTQIA+, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lani Espinas

Lani Espinas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I will hold you accountable, challenge you, and give you homework since I don't believe 45 mins a week is sufficient to rectify lifelong patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Number of therapists serving San Luis Obispo, CA
There are over 2,614 therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA accepting new patients.
2,614+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
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  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 27%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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