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LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara's LGBTQIA community deserves mental health support from providers who truly understand. Headway offers flexible virtual and in-person sessions with 2,639 empowering, solution-oriented providers who create nonjudgmental spaces for exploring identity, with many appointments available within days.
I'm Dr. Christina Cortez, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. Grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, I'm committed to meeting individuals where they are emotionally, culturally, and spiritually.
My practice is built on the principles of empathy, respect, and collaboration, with a strong focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing and personal growth.
I provide bilingual (English and Spanish) psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, integrating evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
My work is deeply informed by multicultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural and religious values clients bring into the therapeutic space.
With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, I've served in various clinical settings including community mental health, outpatient treatment, and education.
My professional mission centers on honoring the lived experiences of each client while supporting their path toward resilience, empowerment, and meaningful change.
My name is Nurse Rose, a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I specialize in culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care for children, adolescents, and adults. At The Rose Yarde Psych & IV Med Spa, I offer medication management, psychotherapy, IV wellness infusions, and hormone therapy. Passionate about suicide prevention and empowering others, I’m here to help clients achieve health, healing, and balance in their lives.
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
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.
Clients : Creative field, writers, screen writers, actors, films makers.
I’m a bilingual (English/Korean) licensed clinical psychologist with over 13+ years of experience helping adults (20 and older) navigate anxiety, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, identity questions, and major life transitions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both evidence-based techniques and a deep respect for the human spirit. I integrate therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based methods with holistic tools drawn from meditation, Eastern/Western philosophy, and positive psychology. This allows me to support you not just in coping with challenges—but in creating a more meaningful, centered life.
I especially enjoy working with creatives, professionals, and individuals exploring cultural or gender identity. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, shifting roles, or inner conflict, we’ll work together to clarify what matters most to you and how to move forward with intention. Therapy doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it can be a dynamic, reflective process that helps you reconnect with your values and sense of possibility.
Taking the first step can feel uncertain, but if you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen. You deserve support that aligns with both your inner world and everyday life. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
I specialize in supporting high-functioning adults navigating ADHD, burnout, addiction, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is direct, compassionate, and focused on helping you understand how your mind works—while building practical tools that create real, lasting change.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Barbara, CA



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 86%Relationship issues

- 98%Aetna
- 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 75%Cigna
- 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 64%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 15%Spanish
- 1%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Assamese

- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online

- 74%Woman
- 23%Man
- 3%Non-binary

- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 9%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 40%Family therapy
- 27%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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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