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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.

Evienia Vassiliadou

Evienia Vassiliadou

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm direct and may challenge you with tough questions, but I do it with purpose and when I sense you're ready.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Lindsay Juricich

Lindsay Juricich

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to think of therapy sessions as more of a conversation, which I have found can help ease any anxieties that may arise about therapy in general.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I use measurement-based care, structured symptom tracking that guides our treatment adjustments and minimizes trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Elisabeth Netjes

Elisabeth Netjes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“True healing begins when we feel genuinely seen and heard. You deserve to be known, supported, have your story understood, and have help in navigating life's obstacles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Maria Berbeo

Maria Berbeo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I enjoy providing a warm, supportive environment for people to feel safe challenging themselves to grow and learn about themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Taeko Bufford

Taeko Bufford

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Solution-Focused Therapy in my treatment...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Angela Kivela

Angela Kivela

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


“I approach therapy as a collaborative effort and believe each individual is an expert on their personal experience and their goals for the future.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Heather Gulick

Heather Gulick

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and attachment-based. I seek to truly get to know you, as well as how your past experiences and childhood history are affecting you and your current relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Leigh Hoover

Leigh Hoover

Therapist

Virtual • California


“If you are willing to put in the effort, I will bring strategies to our sessions with proven success rates...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meghna Das

Meghna Das

Therapist

Virtual • California


There is so much growing that we do in our teens & young adulthood (and our adulthood too!), whether we want to or not. I know how overwhelming it can be, especially with so many factors at play (culture, trauma, world events, etc). As your therapist, I’m here to support you through all this.

I am someone who:

  • Works with BIPOC, children of immigrants, LGBTQ+, & neurodivergent teens folx, & those who are grieving
  • Is trauma informed, & community/justice oriented
  • Knows how the systems at play affect us daily & at a deeper unconscious level
  • Creates a safe space for you to explore the parts of your life that may feel too difficult to hold on your own

If you want any of the following, then I am the therapist for you:

  • Work through your relationships, life events, &/or grief using talk therapy & body-centered approaches
  • Process life events, ideas, feelings with thought provoking questions
  • Support in navigating relationships & your inner world in any capacity
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Amy Mandel

Amy Mandel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am integrative with therapeutic approach, dependent on needs of the individual. Several practice approaches would include: Psychodynamic, CBT, ACT, CBT, EMDR, Solution Focused, etc.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Marina V Araiza

Marina V Araiza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. People often describe me as easy to talk to, and I believe that compassion—and even a little humor when appropriate—can make the healing process feel more comfortable. We'll work together to build on your strengths and help you create meaningful, lasting change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jonathan Vela

Jonathan Vela

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erin Zamora

Erin Zamora

Therapist

Virtual • Corona, CA


“My goal is to create a calm, collaborative space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered to move forward at your own pace.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sisi Yu

Sisi Yu

Psychologist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Many of my clients are high-achieving teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, burnout, or patterns around alcohol or substance use.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Flam

Sarah Flam

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I draw from attachment-based, somatic, compassion-focused, and expressive therapies to support emotional regulation and self-understanding.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chidinma Onuigbo

Chidinma Onuigbo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.

My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.

I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Amanda Andersen

Amanda Andersen

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I specialize EMDR and use an acceptance and integration framework to help support you in reaching your highest self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jordanna Herrell

Jordanna Herrell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is one of acceptance, genuineness, and positive regard. I aim to empower you to work through challenging situations with fortitude and resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Sue Brekka

Sue Brekka

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I offer a safe environment of compassion and respect. Working pyschodynamically, from an object relations perspective, integrating parts work (IFS)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 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
Angela Hernandez

Angela Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Riverside, CA


“I take a warm, down-to-earth approach and strive to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
John Simmons

John Simmons

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like using EMDR Therapy to help clients overcome past negative experiences that may be contributing to their current struggles.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 13 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
Wandalyn Lane

Wandalyn Lane

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Bernardino, CA


The focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I help individuals focus on the Solution.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kabirat Oyenuga

Kabirat Oyenuga

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Coriann Papazian

Coriann Papazian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I see myself as a highly invested and intentional therapist that strives to collaborate with my clients to work towards their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bobby Farhat

Bobby Farhat

Therapist

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I bring a very non-judgmental approach to therapy. I believe the clients relationship with their therapist is the most important factor in determining clients success and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Zoot Sax

Zoot Sax

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often describe me as someone who helps them feel genuinely accepted, free to show up as their full selves, whoever that may be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Peres

John Peres

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I believe therapy should be both healing and practical—not simply a place to talk, but a place to gain insight, learn effective skills, and create lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ronald Deming

Ronald Deming

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Finding the problems is the first step, then finding alternatives to the trouble those problems bring with them, thereby finding release and agency to change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Nicole Chittum

Nicole Chittum

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's needs and goals, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Vickie Medina

Vickie Medina

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. Supporting emotional healing and identity development is deeply meaningful to me.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
April Silva

April Silva

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want you to feel supported, heard, and safe as you choose to leave behind fear, trauma, and anxiety, and step into the belief that life can change for the better.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Danielle Rhinesmith

Danielle Rhinesmith

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! My name is Danielle, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 10 years. Too often, we can become overwhelmed by the pressures of life, and that is where therapy can help. It may be time to prioritize your own mental health, and coming here is an important first step. I’m proud of you for taking it.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship challenges, PTSD, stress, grief and loss, ADHD, anger, substance use, and major life transitions. My focus in treatment is helping you feel supported while we better understand what you are carrying and what you hope will change. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I look forward to meeting you and helping you move toward healing and growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chidinma Nwankwo

Chidinma Nwankwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“She prioritizes building a solid therapeutic relationship with her patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 11 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.