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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 2,493 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.

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
Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct, warm, and curious. I believe good sex therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who's genuinely on your side, not an interrogation or a lecture.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Rafael Calderon

Rafael Calderon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I tailor treatment to fit your individual needs. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often serves as a starting point, I integrate other therapeutic approaches—including Reality Therapy and Transcendental Therapy—when they best support your...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laura Russo

Laura Russo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative and client centered, meaning we will work together to better understand your experiences, identify your needs and strengths, and begin developing coping strategies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julia Kamp

Julia Kamp

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've been doing this work for 13 years, and the clients who tend to find their way to me have one thing in common: they've already tried to figure this out... something is still not moving. That's the kind of stuck I know how to work with.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Charles Codner

Charles Codner

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mariah Larkin

Mariah Larkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I think a collaborative approach is very effective. We both bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erika Michel

Erika Michel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Helma Jafari

Helma Jafari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, healing, and growing in meaningful ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lisa Friedman

Lisa Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply inspired by the strength and resilience of people working to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Larisa Escalante

Larisa Escalante

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing happens in safe, attuned relationships, and I work to create a space where you feel deeply seen, heard, and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christopher Brown

Christopher Brown

Therapist

Virtual • California


“A trauma-informed therapist is a compassionate mental health professional who prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maxine Kibble-Cacioppo

Maxine Kibble-Cacioppo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My role as your therapist is to create a safe and supportive environment during our sessions to foster trust and facilitate change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lina Toyos

Lina Toyos

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm Lina, and I'm passionate about empowering individuals on their journey to healing and growth. With a diverse background in hospital social work, outpatient mental health services, and inpatient psychiatric care, I have gained invaluable experience and insights that enable me to support a wide range of clients facing emotional and mental health challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Talia Guppy

Talia Guppy

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! I am currently accepting client and I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults, providing affirming care through a solution‐focused and client‐centered approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, supporting effective and meaningful change. I also incorporate Narrative Therapy and Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address trauma and promote healing when appropriate.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating the challenges you are facing. Many of my clients come to therapy wanting a space where they feel safe, accepted, and truly understood. I strive to provide this so we can work collaboratively to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and well‐being.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lawrence Yu

Lawrence Yu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support adults navigating identity, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, with a particular focus on Asian and LGBTQ+ experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Sorenson

Elizabeth Sorenson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leigh Johnson

Leigh Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Kristy Long

Kristy Long

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in the belief that healing involves more than understanding what happened to us—it also involves learning to listen to and work with the body.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Morgan Anderson

Morgan Anderson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a direct and honest working relationship with clients. My goal is to help you get to the root of your symptoms as quickly as possible...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Kristen Nurkowski

Kristen Nurkowski

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to honor each individual's unique journey, empowering them to reconnect with their inner wisdom and guidance developing a more balanced, fulfilling, and joyful life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Esau Valdez

Esau Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a therapist for a little over for 4years, and have 20 plus years of experience in providing services in the mental health field. I received my MA from Brandman University and utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other modalities to help reduce symptoms and foster change in unhealthy behaviors.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Challenging, Creative, Direct, Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Forogh Rahim

Dr. Forogh Rahim

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our sessions are a warm, collaborative space where you can show up as your full self without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Tate Tyler

Tate Tyler

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome and congratulations on beginning your therapy journey! I'm here to support you as you take steps toward your goals and develop into your best possible self. I hope to create a safe space for you to find relief, healing, and develop meaningful insight to reach your fullest potential.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Desiree Joslyn

Desiree Joslyn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and their families, helping to create understanding, support, and meaningful connections.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Diego Flores

Diego Flores

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a Gay Chicano Man, I have become a LMFT to help people through life transitions and focus on their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Lindsay Vitale

Dr. Lindsay Vitale

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe that everyone deserves to live a full life, and I am passionately committed to assisting each person on their unique mental health journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yurika Awano

Yurika Awano

Therapist

Virtual • California


You can expect a steady, thoughtful presence and a grounded space where your full experience is welcomed. I work in a calm, collaborative way that helps you feel understood and supported as you explore what’s been happening in your life, relationships, and emotions. My style is warm, attentive, and paced so you never feel rushed.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ruth Robles

Ruth Robles

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Glendora, CA


“I integrate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and nervous system regulation techniques...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Leah Zachter

Leah Zachter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and curiosity, where clients can feel safe exploring their experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Johnny Zhong

Johnny Zhong

Therapist

Virtual • California


Johnny Zhong is a compassionate, client-centered therapist specializing in trauma, EMDR, and certified in psychosomatic therapy. He focuses on anxiety, depression, and body image issues, working with children, teenagers, and some adults. His approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs. In addition to his clinical work, Johnny is also training to become a music therapist, expanding his therapeutic repertoire by integrating music into his treatment methods.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia/psychosis, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management. As Associate Director of Nursing, I've provided clinical oversight across multiple facilities while maintaining patient care, keeping me grounded in real-world challenges.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Karen Keith

Karen Keith

Therapist

Virtual • California


Are you carrying trauma, anxiety, grief, or relationship pain and wishing someone truly understood? I work with individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, and with couples who want to rebuild trust and strengthen communication. After 25 years in special education, I became a therapist to offer steady, compassionate support that helps people feel heard, accepted, and understood.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Renee Belew-Dycus

Renee Belew-Dycus

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a bit goofy and out of the box! You are my focus and I listen to you and focus on your goals and the barriers to them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Samuel Khanukayev

Samuel Khanukayev

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Minor

Nicole Minor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and understood, while also feeling supported to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Todd Walker

Todd Walker

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“Todd developed a passion for removing barriers for access to care while ensuring that every client has access to, and deserves, excellent mental health services.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

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.

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