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LGBT therapists in San Mateo, CA

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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

Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in San Mateo is easier with Headway. Our diverse provider network includes specialists experienced in supporting gender identity, sexual orientation, and related mental health concerns. Sessions are flexible, affordable with insurance, and providers often have immediate availability.

Clementine Brown

Clementine Brown

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • 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
Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • 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
Kristina Kenyon

Kristina Kenyon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • 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
Stephanie Denton

Stephanie Denton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • San Francisco, CA


“I take a psychodynamic and trauma-informed approach, meaning we look at how past experiences and relationships may still be influencing your present-day emotions and connections.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lucina Sandoval-Gordon

Lucina Sandoval-Gordon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • Oakland, CA


“I know what it's like to grow up between two cultures and to navigate neurodivergence in a world that doesn't always make room for our differences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Thomas Browne

Dr. Thomas Browne

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • San Francisco, CA


“They usually tell me that they feel comfortable with me as a professional, heard, not judged, and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Meghan Fuller

Dr. Meghan Fuller

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • 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
Katherine Mancera

Katherine Mancera

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • 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 • 17 mi away • 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
Jen Leland

Jen Leland

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • 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+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sandra Berger

Sandra Berger

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Berkeley, CA


“My approach is depth-oriented, using a systemic lens to help clients work toward meaningful life goals while strengthening their capacity for connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Anna O'Connor

Anna O'Connor

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • Albany, CA


“We'll explore ways you are shaped by family, community, and culture, and what this means about how you show up in the world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Cheri Hui-Meng Tsai

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • 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
Camille Lendormy

Camille Lendormy

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Oakland, CA


“I have historically served first-generation clients experiencing anxiety and depression; this work, at times, has included processing about emotionally immature parents and caregivers from different generations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Wajeeha Khan

Wajeeha Khan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Ramon, CA


“Healing begins with empathy. At Well Mind Therapy, we embrace your journey with compassion, creating a safe space where you feel truly seen and supported as you grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Lauren Bittner

Lauren Bittner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 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 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shannon Geenty

Shannon Geenty

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • Orinda, CA


“My approach is warm, empathetic, and down to earth. In our work together, you can expect a supportive, non-judgmental space...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Andrea Javorkova-Adams

Andrea Javorkova-Adams

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Richmond, CA


“I start by getting to know you and understanding what matters most in your life. Together, we create a plan with realistic goals that support real, meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Inhwa Byun

Inhwa Byun

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 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 9 insurance carriers
Renee Demirdjian

Renee Demirdjian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Rafael, CA


“My approach to therapy is an integrative blend of modalities tailored to each individual, drawing from attachment-based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Jungian...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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 • 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
Christopher DeFranco

Christopher DeFranco

Therapist

Virtual • California


Christopher has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life stressors including LGBTQ+ issues, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. He also has extensive experience working with neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jenifer Wendy Chan

Jenifer Wendy Chan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Iliyana Yonova

Iliyana Yonova

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to assist clients to connect to their authentic selves, overcome negative thinking, unhealthy behaviors, and reinforce positive self-talk.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Ilana Simons

Dr. Ilana Simons

Psychologist

Virtual • Venice, CA


“I see therapy as the chance to do what art does: to try a new format, to dare to trust it, to nurture something new until it lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so I approach each session with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Iris Rojas Bertrand

Iris Rojas Bertrand

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a warm, conversational, nonjudgmental space, we’ll build trust, recognize your strengths, and set goals that fit your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Desiree Hughes

Dr. Desiree Hughes

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am a clinical psychologist with specialized training in trauma and relational modalities. We may be a good fit if you: • Value insight and depth. • Are curious about yourself and want to understand the "why". • Intuitively know that lasting change requires real work—and are ready for it. Reach out to me for a free 15 min. consultation today.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Ladan Razavi

Ladan Razavi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe in creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their treatment decisions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Romeo Flora

Romeo Flora

Therapist

Virtual • California


“During our first session I will ask you some questions to get a better understanding of what you are looking for from therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Makenzie Gilliam

Makenzie Gilliam

Therapist

Virtual • Bishop, CA


“Through empathy and honesty, I strive to make each session a safe space where my clients have the opportunity to feel heard and to cultivate hope.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Nicole Chittum

Nicole Chittum

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand each client's unique experiences, strengths, and challenges before developing a treatment plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Angelique Rochelle

Angelique Rochelle

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


I work with all ages and I'm trained in trauma based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I offer individual therapy using attachment based therapies, solution-focused brief therapy, and Gestalt self-compassion techniques. I'm not currently offering couples counseling except through private pay. I have worked with foster youth, caregivers, families, LGBTQ, and veterans. I have found my work to be professionally rewarding by assisting people in reaching their goals. I’m committed to meeting your needs and learning.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Becki Ponzio

Becki Ponzio

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I tend to be more direct, solution focused, offering practical strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, PTSD, and family & relationship challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Barbara Jean Douglass

Barbara Jean Douglass

Therapist

Virtual • Eureka, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 25 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues. I also specialize in depression, anxiety, elderly issues, disability, and stress reduction.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Christina Insalaco

Dr. Christina Insalaco

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I practice Lacanian psychoanalysis, and I am currently a Candidate Psychoanalyst at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis in Berkeley, CA.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Spencer MacDonald

Spencer MacDonald

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm Spencer, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in men's issues, teens, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Yanina Rivera Lopez

Yanina Rivera Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


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

Lilli Rouleau

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've spent 17 years working alongside people who are ready for something different but aren't quite sure yet how to get there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in San Mateo, CA

Number of therapists serving San Mateo, CA
There are over 2,450 therapists in San Mateo, CA accepting new patients.
2,450+
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
  • 87%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 77%Cigna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 68%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Mandarin
How they see their clients
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  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 28%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 11%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 98%Individual therapy
  • 40%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.

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