Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in San Luis Obispo with 2,475 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.

Bart Liles

Bart Liles

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe everyone needs help from time to time.

I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.

I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kellie Gonzalez

Kellie Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi there and great job on taking that first step in considering if therapy is right for you. I invite you to come with me on a journey of your own choosing where we will walk together in darkness to find the light you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s life’s little annoying stressors or more complex issues, as a trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand what this is like and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Whether you choose me or another therapist, make the choice to just give it a try. Sometimes all you need is another person to hold the light while you do the work you need to heal.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Danielle Emerson

Danielle Emerson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


After working 15+ years as an RN I am so excited to be making a difference as a provider of mental healthcare. Working from home allows me to offer better calendar flexibility to accommodate different schedules and to take care of my aging dogs at home!

I am compassionate and empathetic and here to help you reach your goals and become the best version of yourself.

During my training I worked primarily in community behavioral health. It is my goal to serve the community and provide support to those who need it while reducing barriers and stigmas that prevent people from getting the care they really need and deserve. Access is for everyone and I want to be a beacon of that message.

I have a certificate in Spanish for Healthcare Providers and as soon as I become a little more fluent I will be able to extend my services, accurately, into a second language.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Naomi Barriga

Naomi Barriga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to provide a supportive, welcoming and collaborative space to explore and process your thoughts and feelings.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
LaShundra Vines

LaShundra Vines

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an empathetic, empowering, and communicative therapist who provides perspective on the connection between a person's past and present issues.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Glenda Love

Glenda Love

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years experience. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with focus on Children and Families, a Master's Degree in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, and a PhD in Social Work (all but dissertation) with focus on trauma, sexual abuse and assault, and domestic violence. I was the Director of a private, non-profit Foster Care and Adoption Agency, I worked in a women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked in a Level 4 men's prison, and I worked as a Supervisor for mental health therapists serving school systems. I have always had a private practice as well. I have worked in teletherapy for approximately 8 years.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Ismail Al Huwaitat

Ismail Al Huwaitat

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I'm Ismail Al Huwaitat, PMHNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with more than 14 years of combined experience in ICU nursing and psychiatric practice. I hold ADHD-CCSP certification through Evergreen Certifications. My focus is ADHD evaluation and medication management. I also treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sossity Nico

Sossity Nico

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Being a therapist and a part of the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities has given me great empathy, compassion, and an in-depth feeling of connectedness to the human experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Amanda Peterson

Amanda Peterson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a combination of person centered and cognitive behavioral therapy as my primary treatment methods, strongly believing each person is capable of getting through life with support and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erin Spittal

Erin Spittal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is part understanding yourself, part learning new skills, and part finally talking about the things you've been carrying around in your head.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Tammie Makely

Tammie Makely

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My role isn't to fix you -- it's to work alongside you to quiet the noise, get curious about what's underneath, and help you reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most to YOU.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Evelyn Coyoy

Evelyn Coyoy

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm glad you're here. I provide an environment where you can share your experiences and current stressors while shedding what no longer serves you to become your best self. I work with individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Amanda Khezra

Dr. Amanda Khezra

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“All progress is good progress and at the end of our session my hope is we took another step towards reaching your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Christina Rodriguez

Christina Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various social work settings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Noah Peter

Noah Peter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


“My practice has a nonjudgmental environment where your feelings and experiences are respected and validated.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Hilary Malloy

Hilary Malloy

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


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

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • El Segundo, CA


“My practice is grounded in a simple belief: with the right support, genuine healing and lasting recovery are possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Natalie Demus

Natalie Demus

Therapist

Virtual • California


If you have been carrying stress, anxiety, or the weight of life's challenges for a long time, you may have wondered whether things can actually change. I believe they can.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and communities. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds. My work spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, and substance use recovery.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nathalie Uriarte

Nathalie Uriarte

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach that considers the whole person and their unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christina Billings

Christina Billings

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from the belief that healing occurs when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered, especially those navigating complex or high-acuity mental health concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Bantale Ayisire

Dr. Bantale Ayisire

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered within the family. Let's walk this journey together, one step at a time.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Carrie Poulson

Carrie Poulson

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am non-judgmental, open-minded and solution focused. I have a trauma history of my own and I get it. I can shine a light on the path out of there. I will meet you where you are at and walk with you to a place that is happier and healthier. I am an art therapist, and believe in past life-times that have had an effect on who we have become. I was born into a conservative religion and escaped. I specialize in helping people leave organized religion.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jarrad Malamed

Jarrad Malamed

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bentley Oliver

Bentley Oliver

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a very direct therapist, I will not ask "how does that make you feel" for years as then I would need therapy!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Wendy Escobar

Wendy Escobar

Therapist

Virtual • Upland, CA


“My goal is to provide a safe space for you to discuss your concerns to change your life for the better.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and understood, right from the very first conversation.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Deidre Green

Deidre Green

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience across medical and behavioral health settings. I currently serve as a Lead Social Worker at Adventist Health and also work with college students at a community college, providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and care coordination. My background spans hospital, home health, and community settings, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, end-of-life care, bipolar disorder, substance use, and chronic health conditions. I provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients. I offer telehealth sessions in the evenings and on weekends throughout California, making care accessible for clients who work during the day.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Beverly Ann Lunar

Beverly Ann Lunar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I firmly believe that effective mental health care requires absolute transparency, active collaboration, and treatments rooted in solid clinical evidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Demetrus Jones

Demetrus Jones

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christopher Mckillop

Christopher Mckillop

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and develop meaningful coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Lapinski

Andrea Lapinski

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


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

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My care is grounded in genuine collaboration and a deep respect for the individual path each person walks.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Eileen Lopez

Eileen Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“As a Latina clinician, I bring a deep appreciation for the ways culture, family, and community shape our experiences and our relationship with mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Emily Jarrell

Emily Jarrell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is not about trying to "fix" you. Instead, the focus is on deepening your understanding...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Esther Kang

Esther Kang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in guiding individuals towards their authentic selves and empowering them to live fulfilling lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

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

Number of therapists serving San Luis Obispo, CA
There are over 2,488 therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA accepting new patients.
2,488+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 75%Cigna
  • 75%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 97%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 2%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
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 45%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 27%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

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