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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.

Dr. Sybil Stafford

Dr. Sybil Stafford

Therapist

Virtual • Stockton, CA


“I've worked with at risk populations who seem to be misunderstood whether you're a victim of crime or a veteran coping with PTSD.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Raquel Arellano-Jackson

Raquel Arellano-Jackson

Therapist

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“I believe real change is a gradual evolution (hence my practice name Gentle Evolutions), and there are often many stops along the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about supporting individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, first responders, as well as those working through trauma and self-esteem challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Alexis Sword

Alexis Sword

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take no greater joy than helping others do the same. To identify and remove the barriers toward reaching your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Thomas Spence

Thomas Spence

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you have been carrying so much on your own. You do not have to sort through it alone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leah Fein

Leah Fein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have 28 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults treating anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Terrance Flynn

Terrance Flynn

Therapist

Virtual • Claremont, CA


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative, combining practical tools with deeper therapeutic work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Laura Myer

Laura Myer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that daily habits and lifestyle play a vital role in overall wellness, including mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Alina Halonen

Alina Halonen

Therapist

Virtual • West Hollywood, CA


“Having navigated my own recovery and healing journey, I know that insight alone doesn't always create change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Beth Schuh

Beth Schuh

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Torrance, CA


“I use my innate curiosity and non-judgmental attitude to understand how life has shaped my clients and to work with them to find ways of unlearning/healing the habits that no longer work for them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dora Brody

Dora Brody

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Having a multi-cultural, multi-generational, bilingual background in education and counseling has equipped me with the ability to connect and build rapport to provide a client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Edward Garcia

Edward Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take an integrative, person-centered approach and view therapy as a collaborative journey where we can better understand what you're experiencing, recognize your strengths, and work together toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Akira Olsen

Dr. Akira Olsen

Psychologist

Virtual • Burlingame, CA


“Her therapeutic approach is rooted in psychodynamic principles, while also integrating evidence-based practices.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Jeffrey Maloney

Dr. Jeffrey Maloney

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe every therapy session is a creative process that we shape together... My patients often describe me as compassionate, approachable, and direct.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alex Bailey

Alex Bailey

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have found my own personal healing to be intimately connected to nature, and it is here that I believe that we can all begin to rediscover our intrinsic humanity and let go of those things that distract us from our higher selves. In my spare time, I work as an outdoor educator and manage my own private practice and guide Outdoor Retreats

I believe it is helpful and important to translate what is discussed in session and in telehealth meetings into lived experience and real change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Crystal Folk

Crystal Folk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting each client in the space that they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Haydon Weinberg

Haydon Weinberg

Therapist

Virtual • Los Gatos, CA


I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Portland and my Master’s degree from Santa Clara University. My clinical experience spans school-based services, residential care, ABA, community mental health, and high-acuity crisis work. I have worked with children, teenagers, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoy working with teenagers as they discover who they are and who they want to become. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, couples therapy, and men’s mental health. My experience also allows me to remain calm and responsive when situations become difficult.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Janet Lazar

Janet Lazar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process, one that can help you better understand yourself, navigate difficult emotions, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Vita Callari

Vita Callari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a compassionate, supportive space for individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, grief and loss, life transitions, and adjustment challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues, OCD
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bonni Funk

Bonni Funk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've had over 20 years experience in helping people heal from co-dependency, particularly from those with narcissistic behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I don't speak in jargon—I translate complex neuroscience into practical care plans you can actually use.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robert Norgaard

Robert Norgaard

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been in Private Practice for over 20 years and have worked with an array of individuals from every background. I am a Certified EMDR clinician with a specialty in trauma and traumatic memories. I am empathic yet directive and we will work together to get your the results you are seeking!

Contact Robert at [email protected] OR BOOK A CONSULT through this platform. We can discuss the schedule at that time. My hours are between 8am and 5pm daily.

LGBTQIA+, Men's issues, PTSD, Relationship issues, Stress management
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tiffany Crist

Tiffany Crist

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take a thoughtful, conservative approach to medication, using it purposefully and only when appropriate.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Harry Lesgold

Harry Lesgold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Carlsbad, CA


I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters.

I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working and at this point, that’s pretty clear.

My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it.

Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes, sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Please note: Insurance is accepted for individual therapy only. Couples and family therapy are private pay and are not billed through insurance.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Maya Shemtov

Maya Shemtov

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a compassionate and collaborative space to slow down, reflect on your experience, identify patterns, reconnect with emotions and connection, and build both insight and practical coping tools.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Erika Nguyen

Erika Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing is not about "fixing" yourself, but about learning how to understand, accept, and integrate all parts of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Denisse Smith

Denisse Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I myself identify as a bisexual cisgender woman (she/her) with ADHD, am a mother of two great kids...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
David Andreone

David Andreone

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Culver City, CA


“I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, burnout, creative blocks, relationship challenges, performance pressure, and major life or career transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emine Hreno

Emine Hreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe meaningful change happens when we work together as equals. My path to becoming a therapist wasn't a straight line; transitioning from the corporate world to clinical care allows me to blend evidence-based theories with practical, real-world application.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Creative, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Patricia Meyer

Patricia Meyer

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“In my practice, I bring both clinical rigor and genuine warmth — creating a space where clients feel truly heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaitlin Chin

Kaitlin Chin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I see our work as a team effort with shared goals, where safety, trust, and clear boundaries are always a priority.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Luis Moreno

Luis Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Kerry Deeney

Kerry Deeney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm warm, real, and collaborative. You can expect open, judgment-free conversations that leave you feeling supported—and challenged in the best way—to grow and make changes that last.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Dr. Arthur Binder

Dr. Arthur Binder

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I often bring a sense of humor to the work, while providing active listening, fostering reflections, and useful psychological insights.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oladunni Amiri

Oladunni Amiri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe every person's story is unique, and my approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of mental health struggles like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dorene Fanning

Dorene Fanning

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported on their journey toward healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I recommend medication only when there’s a clear reason, and at follow-ups, I’ll check in regularly to make sure it’s still working for you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
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.