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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.

Sean Richards

Sean Richards

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I will challenge you in a warm yet effective environment. My clients have described me as the love and support they need.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Melody Ma

Melody Ma

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Reaching out for support can be a difficult first step, yet it can also be the beginning of a transformative journey toward greater self-understanding and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Candice Campbell

Candice Campbell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, collaborative and balanced approach using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help clients embrace their authentic selves and improve their quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Theresa Searles

Theresa Searles

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mount Shasta, CA


“My goal is to work with my clients to increase self-empowerment and learn new tools to overcome life challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jack Gallagher

Jack Gallagher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a humanistic, collaborative approach to help clients feel supported and empowered as they navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jason Ajnassian

Jason Ajnassian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Do you look like you have it together from the outside, but underneath you're exhausted and stuck in patterns you can't quite name?”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I believe in meeting people where they are and working together to find the path that best fits their circumstances.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“My practice is guided by one belief: exceptional psychiatric care requires more than clinical expertise.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I care about all of who you are, not just your symptoms. Your history, relationships, abilities, struggles, and dreams all count.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I'm Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC I provide evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“Four values form the backbone of my practice. Nonjudgmental acceptance ensures that, no matter what you're facing, you'll be treated with dignity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Chidinma Onuigbo

Chidinma Onuigbo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based. I take time to understand your symptoms, experiences, medical history, and treatment goals before developing an individualized plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stephanie Farokhi

Stephanie Farokhi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have extensive history working with individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms and crisis situations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Todd Ignat

Todd Ignat

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Emotions are the basis of life, and I'm committed to helping my patients star in their own life, and letting their most cherished values take center stage, once again.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gordon Priedeman

Gordon Priedeman

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Men's issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Emily McKillip

Emily McKillip

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am known for creating a warm, safe, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Substance use / addiction
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Shiva Banafti

Shiva Banafti

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in a human-centered, trauma-informed approach, and one of my greatest strengths is the quality of therapeutic relationships I build with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“I take the time to listen deeply, understand your story, and collaborate with you on treatment goals that reflect what matters most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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
Kate Franza

Kate Franza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kavitha Hari

Kavitha Hari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I conceptualize my client's utilizing a relational framework and primarily utilize mindfulness base interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dawn Holiski

Dawn Holiski

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I don't believe therapy is about someone else telling you how to live your life. I see it as a space where we can be curious together and make room for more than one thing to be true.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lisa Wenninger

Dr. Lisa Wenninger

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Tara Steinke

Tara Steinke

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I incorporate somatic and mindfulness exercises into my work. I use a mix of relational/emotionally focused and sex positive approaches...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Infertility
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Steven Tran

Dr. Steven Tran

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I am responsive, flexible, and individually tailor evidence-based practices with you in the therapy room.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Alexander Lapinski

Dr. Alexander Lapinski

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in supporting adults navigating challenges with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, particularly those whose self-worth has been impacted by emotionally immature, mentally ill, or personality-disordered parents and family.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joncannon Eiden

Joncannon Eiden

Therapist

Virtual • Vista, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood, challenged when appropriate, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
J Carlin Dawgert

J Carlin Dawgert

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm J! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and relationships across a range of settings, from community mental health to private practice. My approach is interactive, dynamic, and deeply engaged, because I believe real progress happens when therapy feels like a genuine partnership. Whether you're navigating long-standing challenges or facing something new, I'm here to help you move forward. I currently see clients via Telehealth and can't wait to connect with you!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Courtney Baldwin

Courtney Baldwin

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Cruz, CA


“I want to make sure my clients actually experience a reduction in symptoms. The goal of my work is not to help you constantly manage your mental health challenges but to support you in feeling better overall.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Chirag Bharati

Chirag Bharati

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Cerritos, CA


“An integrative therapy approach that encompasses all aspects of your individual experience is a great starting point.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marissa Morin

Marissa Morin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from a systemic perspective that supports you in understanding yourself within your relationships with self and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gabrielle Nabi

Gabrielle Nabi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm an experienced therapist for women and couples that want help navigating anxiety, relationship challenges and major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ryan Tieu

Ryan Tieu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal in our work together is to cultivate intentional relationships with you and the problems that exist in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
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
Nicola Curtin

Nicola Curtin

Therapist

Virtual • California


Before earning my Masters in Counseling, I earned a PhD in social and personality psychology. This background deeply informs how I show up as a therapist. I help clients address unresolved trauma and grief, anxiety and OCD, address relationship issues, as well as "problems of everyday living." My style is active, engaged, and practical.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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.