Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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.

Hector Madril

Hector Madril

Therapist

Virtual • California


Feeling worried all the time? Feeling down or depressed? Dealing with negative thinking that wont go away? Having difficulties in your relationships? Struggling to maintain a balance between responsibilities and everyday challenges?

Let me help you! I will guide you to effectively manage anxiety, depression or elevated stress that may arise when dealing with past or present relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, separation, parenting difficulties, trauma, illness, loss, transitions or other life stressors.

I'm here for you! Don't tackle this alone; open yourself to professional help.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kimberly Elliott

Kimberly Elliott

Therapist

Virtual • California


I feel this work is a vocation driven by humility, love, patience, and integrity. I enjoy developing relationships and assisting people on their way to living life to their fullest potential. I believe the world can change one person at a time through mindful, values-based living. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, with my family and my three little furry friends.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ashley Steineckert

Ashley Steineckert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be honest about what's hard, confusing, or painful — and also when they feel challenged in thoughtful and compassionate ways.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susie Gamboa

Susie Gamboa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in the inherent goodness and capacity for growth within each individual. My role is to create a non-judgmental, deeply empathetic, and safe space where you can feel secure enough to share your deepest trauma, secrets, or vulnerabilities...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Jeff J Garcia

Jeff J Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space in both English and Spanish where you can feel truly heard and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Chrishawn Knowlden

Chrishawn Knowlden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy doesn't require you to have everything figured out; it simply asks that you show up as you are.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Creative, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
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
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
Elizabeth Hartman

Elizabeth Hartman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Columbia, CA


“I am compassionate, empathic, I have been working in the field of mental health since 1991, I am understanding and accepting of all the people I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shannen Mosqueda

Shannen Mosqueda

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am Filipino-American mental health professional with a warm, culturally sensitive, and narrative-focused approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, 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
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 5 insurance carriers
Sandra Olshak

Sandra Olshak

Therapist

Virtual • California


Finding a good fit when seeking therapy is important, so allow me to introduce myself! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with clients with various general mental health concerns. I currently work with adults and my practice is LGBTQ+ affirming. I view therapy as a conversation and look forward to talking with you!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
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
Precious Martines

Precious Martines

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rebecca Braunstein

Rebecca Braunstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By strengthening awareness and self-attunement, one can truly begin to become enlightened and embrace healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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
Ana Simion

Ana Simion

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, and I genuinely enjoy getting to know the people I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Candice Clayton

Candice Clayton

Therapist

Virtual • California


My professional and confidential counseling service offers an opportunity for you to reach your goals and the best version of yourself without leaving the comfort of your home with telemental health counseling. Individuals and Couples can participate in a counseling service that is tailored to meet your individualized needs. I am here to listen, support, encourage, guide and coach. I partner with you to create an effective plan that best fits your needs at a pace that is comfortable for you.

I am Candice Clayton of Clayton Counseling Services and I started out in this field with the purpose of educating people on mental health and providing children, adults and families with the services they need to manage their mental health. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. I obtained my masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been providing counseling for over 15 years in various settings with dynamically different clients. My clinical counseling experience includes working within a variety of different areas with children, adults and couples in both residential and outpatient settings. I have worked with emotionally disturbed youth, survivors of child/teen sex trafficking, individuals struggling with gender and sexual identity, couples struggling through communication, infidelity and co-parenting and many other people that were at various phases of life and benefited from some counseling support. I consider my experience extensive and am sure that I can support you through your journey.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Natalie Stockton

Natalie Stockton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My primary goal is to support and empower clients to make meaningful, positive changes—by meeting them where they are with empathy, compassion, and encouragement.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Darcell Sockwell

Darcell Sockwell

Therapist

Virtual • Hayward, CA


I have close to two decades of experience treating adults, children, and families in the Bay Area. My focus is on providing integrative psychotherapy (IP). IP is an approach that is generally flexible with an inclusive attitude toward the different psychotherapeutic models depending on the client's needs.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Almira Mogul

Almira Mogul

Therapist

Virtual • California


“If you are navigating the heavy fog of depression, the constant hum of anxiety, or the echoes of past trauma, please know that you don't have to carry it alone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erica Martin

Erica Martin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take pride in my ability to adapt to different situations, which has allowed me to adjust to the needs of my clients and respect where they are in their journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Monica Dornick

Monica Dornick

Therapist

Virtual • Redondo Beach, CA


I specialize in working with women going through life transitions, relationship issues, and navigating heightened anxiety. I am also a trauma-informed yoga teacher and former athlete which greatly informs my work with clients and helping them bridge the mind-body connection.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Maranda Garnett

Maranda Garnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a gender affirming, person centered, and trauma informed approach to create a safe space for you to be vulnerable...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Vazquez

Jessica Vazquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to create spaces that make it inviting and warm to talk about the things that make use the most uncomfortable.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Julie Cohen

Dr. Julie Cohen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Veronika Solomon

Dr. Veronika Solomon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I understand what it feels like to move through the world with multiple marginalized identities, and I bring that lived perspective into my clinical practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Leslie Salas

Leslie Salas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a first generation Mexican-American therapist, and while most of my sessions are in English, I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with bilingual and bicultural clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change begins when we meet ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, in a steady and safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Andrea Slater

Andrea Slater

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With compassion and guidance, we can strengthen your abilities to find your own unique path to your authentic self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Veronica Cruz-Martinez

Veronica Cruz-Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about helping others & believe that therapy has the potential to allow us to build awareness from the inside out & understand how we feel while challenging ourselves to reach goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Barbara, CA
There are over 2,614 therapists in Santa Barbara, CA accepting new patients.
2,614+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 27%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.