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LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

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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 2,485 empowering, solution-oriented providers who create nonjudgmental spaces for exploring identity, with many appointments available within days.

Dr. Christina Cortez

Dr. Christina Cortez

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Barbara, CA


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Justin Sundgot-Smith

Justin Sundgot-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Santa Barbara, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are highly thoughtful, sensitive, creative, or introspective—and who may find themselves overthinking, putting significant pressure on themselves, or feeling disconnected from what they actually want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lucy Marrero

Lucy Marrero

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Westlake Village, CA


“My practice weaves together cognitive-behavioral and narrative psychologies with Afro-Caribbean/Yoruba healing traditions, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, mixed-race folks, and those navigating chronic pain or healing from family and institutional...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Agoura Hills, CA


I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Adriana Medeiros

Adriana Medeiros

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mitchell Coutu

Mitchell Coutu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Mitch — a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University. San Diego has been home since 2020, when the Navy first brought me here.

My background includes pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, inpatient psychiatry in Nashville and San Diego, crisis stabilization, and outpatient mental health care. I’ve worked with veterans, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and patients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and severe mental illness.

I primarily provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management while integrating supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies into visits. My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in helping people improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life.

I look forward to getting to know you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amanda Cheyenne Weston

Amanda Cheyenne Weston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Amanda Cheyenne believes that self actualization comes from committed compassion to our present felt experience paired with responsible (and often playful) action.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Christopher Mahoney

Christopher Mahoney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, where clients can build awareness and identify strategies to have a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Kenneth Folsom

Kenneth Folsom

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm an empowering, caring, empathic, and ethical professional. I care a great deal for those I serve...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Nadine Mejia

Nadine Mejia

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nadia Seray-wurie

Nadia Seray-wurie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.

I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robert Luque

Robert Luque

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns. This approach is hands-on and gives you tools to feel more in control of your emotions and behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
Baleska Alfaro

Baleska Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chinenye Udoh

Chinenye Udoh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m Chinenye Udoh, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I work with adolescents and adults navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma-related concerns, schizophrenia, and other mental health challenges.

Many of the people I work with have spent years knowing that something doesn’t feel quite right but struggling to put it into words. You may be having difficulty focusing or completing tasks, experiencing overwhelming anxiety, struggling with motivation, noticing significant changes in your mood, or simply feeling exhausted from trying to manage everything on your own. My goal is to provide a space where you feel heard rather than judged and understood rather than rushed.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jessica Raybon

Jessica Raybon

Therapist

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I became a therapist because I discovered the profound impact therapy had in my life, and I wanted to offer others that same supportive place during life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bryan Doster

Bryan Doster

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is deeply rooted in Narrative Therapy, helping clients uncover their preferred narratives, recognize their strengths, and develop tools for meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amy Barnet

Amy Barnet

Therapist

Virtual • Redondo Beach, CA


“I believe that all clients have the ability to change with guidance and unconditional empathic support.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Joe Arias

Joe Arias

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Riverside, CA


“Joe Arias is a Latinx and Queer Therapist eager to provide a judgment-free space where you can build self-compassion and feel that your voice is heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Pavlo OConnor

Pavlo OConnor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work primarily with gay and queer men, and the people who love them, navigating identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ryan Lisman

Ryan Lisman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Burbank, CA


“I employ a humanistic therapy approach that is client-centered and tailored to your individual therapeutic needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amina Mohabbat

Amina Mohabbat

Therapist

Virtual • California


Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Ashley Perkins

Ashley Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work especially well with adults navigating medical trauma, healthcare burnout, caregiving stress, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Seth Gold

Seth Gold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • N Hollywood, CA


“My goal is to help clients build insight, resilience, and the tools necessary to achieve their personal goals and improve overall functioning and quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zointrikca Wyatt

Zointrikca Wyatt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy doesn't have to feel heavy all the time. While we'll absolutely take your challenges seriously, I also bring a sense of humor, honesty, and realness into the room.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cynthia Fullwood-fleck

Cynthia Fullwood-fleck

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey—one where you show up as your authentic self and know that you'll be supported every step of the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jane Wang

Jane Wang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“For the past 2 years, I have worked as an LMFT at 2 group practices with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and ADHD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“We listen, empathize and acknowledge your concerns. We utilize biopsychosocial model in all our assessments, evaluations and evidence-based practice for a better patient outcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christina Rodriguez

Christina Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various social work settings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Renee Demirdjian

Renee Demirdjian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is an integrative blend of modalities tailored to each individual, drawing from attachment-based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Jungian...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
“My communication style is empathetic, warm, and direct. I offer a safe space where you can speak freely, without fear of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Frankie Morris-Dadzie

Frankie Morris-Dadzie

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in the areas of domestic violence, sex and sexuality, trauma, and people of color/women concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Thanh Mai

Thanh Mai

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and personalized — I believe treatment works best when clients feel comfortable, respected, and involved in their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michelle Bahy

Michelle Bahy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our relationship will be a process in which you will learn to identify patterns and gently redirect your behavior and attitudes to make healthy choices conducive to a happy life journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eileen Lopez

Eileen Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“As a Latina clinician, I bring a deep appreciation for the ways culture, family, and community shape our experiences and our relationship with mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shaghayegh (Sherry) Mazaherian

Shaghayegh (Sherry) Mazaherian

Therapist

Virtual • California


I support adults and teens who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or overwhelming life experiences. My training includes EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches, and I focus on helping clients reduce distress, build resilience, and feel more grounded and empowered. As a bilingual English/Farsi therapist and immigrant, I value cultural sensitivity, identity awareness, and creating a non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences safely and authentically.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kathleen Triplett

Kathleen Triplett

Therapist

Virtual • California


Growing up near a national park, I am consistently reminded of and influenced by the importance of nature on our physical, mental, and emotional health in my mental health practice. As an LMFT, I've worked with a variety of populations, most of whom experienced major trauma or complex trauma, and aid them in reconnecting to their sense of self and safety. I received my MS from California Lutheran University with a specialization in trauma and BA from CSU Chico. I have been licensed for 4 years and have provided therapy for the last 8 years including an associate and traineeship.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Matasha Bailey

Matasha Bailey

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic style is structured, tailored, and deeply rooted in the belief that true emotional growth requires both a genuine personal connection and proven, evidence-based tools.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Barbara, CA
There are over 2,488 therapists in Santa Barbara, CA accepting new patients.
2,488+
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
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 75%Cigna
  • 75%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 10%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.