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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.

Margarita Batten

Margarita Batten

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! As a bilingual licensed therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges by providing emotional support and personalized coping tools. Whether you’re taking your first step into therapy or continuing a journey you’ve been on before, I’m committed to creating a safe space where all of your feelings and life experiences are welcome.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and work with the Spanish-speaking and LGBTQ community as well.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniela Cherny

Daniela Cherny

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I want you to feel heard and understood, while also leaving with tools you can actually use in daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rhamell Stevenson

Rhamell Stevenson

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“I show up as a real, engaged therapist who is focused on helping you understand what's happening beneath the surface — not just talk about it.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alek Koundakjian

Alek Koundakjian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and collaboration, recognizing that every person's experiences and goals are unique.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Romi Brudno

Romi Brudno

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences with honesty and openness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Mari Ann Fortuna

Mari Ann Fortuna

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an active participant in session and seek to create a safe space to develop a meaningful relational base.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julie Kaufman

Julie Kaufman

Therapist

Virtual • Calabasas, CA


“I take a more holistic approach to therapy and want to treat the whole person, rather than simply focus on mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Messiter

Daniel Messiter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Narrative Style Therapist at heart, with an emphasis on Grief work. I also tend to focus on the emotional experience, and believe developing and exploring this kind of awareness is central to personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Rafael Ortega

Rafael Ortega

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported as you navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julia Maurer

Julia Maurer

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“If you are seeking to explore a journey of transformation, I will provide a safe space that will guide your readiness for change through a collection of therapeutic tools and techniques.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 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 5 insurance carriers
April Lucas

April Lucas

Therapist

Virtual • California


I earned my master's degree in Social Work 29 years ago. Over the course of my career I have enjoyed working with girls and women of all ages. I enjoy supporting girls and women who are navigating middle school, high school, college, relationships, post-partum period, motherhood, divorce, menopause, and becoming empty nesters. I love seeing my clients begin therapy with stress, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief and loss, or trauma then graduate from therapy in a much better place. I believe that you can thrive no matter your age and no matter your circumstances. I have less experience helping transgender women but I really enjoy that work as well. I consider myself a LGBTQIA+ ally.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lory Khoudikian

Lory Khoudikian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Glendale, CA


“I am empathic, warm, and genuine. Mainly through a collaborative approach, I empower clients and emphasize the importance of having choices as well as responsibility in life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Amber Smith

Amber Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to communicate in a direct yet non-judgmental way. My style is to listen intently, ask clarifying questions, and offer insights to help you gain new perspectives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
June Thompson

June Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience working with anxiety, depression and complicated relationships among many other concerns. I tend to use a more logic-driven, analytical structured approach with my clients where together we try to understand and analyze patterns of behavior that are causing problems and getting in the way of their lives. As a result, neurodivergents and people who work in the hard sciences, technology fields, or are business executives tend to respond very positively to my style and approach. I also work with mood disorders, unconventional or complicated relationships, historical spiritual abuse and military veterans.

Specialty in AI and technology:

I also specialize in the psychology of AI, technology and how it affects society and relationships. For 7 months last year, I spent extensive time within AI-user online communities to learn about their firsthand experiences involving AI-related harm and parasocial relationships. I was featured in the 2026 title How to Talk to AI (And How Not To) by BBC journalist and author Jamie Bartlett, where I discussed parasocial relationships in AI use.

Hobbies:

I love the outdoors, backpacking and going on road trips with my dog. I teach outdoor skills in a wilderness class each winter. I also love California native plants and am a trained naturalist.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cristal Lopez

Dr. Cristal Lopez

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I specialize and publish work in: coping with chronic illnesses, career-related issues (burnout, work-life balance), trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and stress related to first-responder families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Perez

Jessica Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a direct, conversational style with clients. I provide a lot of psychoeducation and integrate approaches such as CBT, REBT, and EMDR depending on individual needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Nicole Santos

Nicole Santos

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have over 15+ years experience as a nurse working in various departments, working hands on with patients, as well as leadership and management roles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Valeh Bahram-Soltani

Valeh Bahram-Soltani

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to create a kind and safe space where a person can feel comfortable sharing whatever it is they need to work on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Tristin Fouche

Tristin Fouche

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach isn't about fixing you. It's about understanding you—your patterns, your responses, and the ways your experiences have shaped how you move through the world.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Christine Barnett

Christine Barnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our work together will revolve around the essential philosophy that all beings can heal and succeed, no matter what adversity has come before.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Timothy Malone

Timothy Malone

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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
Michael Stanton

Michael Stanton

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, and I work with each client to build on their strengths while creating meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Rubio

Elizabeth Rubio

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Palmer

Lisa Palmer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Since graduating from Antioch University and becoming licensed in 2020, I've worked to bring empathy, unconditional kindness, and humor to each session.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lydia Stanton

Lydia Stanton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassionate clinician with 25 years in private practice, described by clients as compassionate, direct and solutions focused.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Leah Dean

Leah Dean

Therapist

Virtual • Lake Forest, CA


“I'm continually driven by the belief that everyone has the potential for positive growth and change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Rebecca Hardt

Rebecca Hardt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I wholeheartedly believe it's my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, cultivating, and accessing the internal and external resources that you already possess.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Alyssa Harberger

Alyssa Harberger

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I am Alyssa, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with four years of clinical experience. I have found success working with people navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing and perfectionism. I have a specialty in Attachment, which allows us to understand how your upbringing shapes the way you operate in the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patti Dengler

Patti Dengler

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“I help people find answers to the questions in their lives and grow personally, professionally and in relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Margrieta Kiperts

Margrieta Kiperts

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm here to help you work through difficult events or relationships so that you feel more at peace and more yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Mark Emeka

Mark Emeka

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Living with cerebral palsy has shaped my understanding of resilience, adaptation, and navigating systems of difference.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You need to feel heard and understood! Come. The REAL you. Let's sit together and examine the things that occupy your mind, your time.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shelia Marshall-McLean

Shelia Marshall-McLean

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that each person already holds the capacity for healing, & that this work is about more than symptom relief- it is about empowerment, deeper self-understanding, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that got lost or overlooked.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Airy Ramirez

Airy Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through our collaborative work, clients can expect to gain valuable self-insights, develop practical coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Funmi Igbinigie

Funmi Igbinigie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, respected, and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rianna Williams

Rianna Williams

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I'm here to meet you where you are and support you in creating meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, OCD
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Natalia Ewalt

Natalia Ewalt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients to address underlying issues by considering interconnectedness of physical body, emotions, and thoughts.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ellen Case

Ellen Case

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm genuinely interested in what's happening beneath the surface of your life — not just the symptoms, but the patterns, the history, the stories you've been telling yourself for a long time.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in San Mateo, CA

Number of therapists serving San Mateo, CA
There are over 2,621 therapists in San Mateo, CA accepting new patients.
2,621+
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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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.