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LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

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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 2,638 empowering, solution-oriented providers who create nonjudgmental spaces for exploring identity, with many appointments available within days.

Samira Soroory

Samira Soroory

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to create a safe and calm atmosphere for my clients. I put an emphasis on mindfulness and becoming insightful to your own patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
William Huntley

William Huntley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You are the expert in your story. I want you to be able to trust and correct me if I make a mistake.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kory Van Unen

Kory Van Unen

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed therapist with 11 years of experience in clinical mental health and academic research. I hold a Master's in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and received my undergraduate and graduate education in Los Angeles.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Bruce Rays

Dr. Bruce Rays

Psychologist

Virtual • Carlsbad, CA


“With 32- years of very broad experience I can relate and assist you in raising your awareness and level of functioning.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sara Farhang

Sara Farhang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chelsea Vielhauer

Chelsea Vielhauer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a collaborative and supportive space using evidence-based and mindfulness-informed approaches to help you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Aviele Bolado

Aviele Bolado

Therapist

Virtual • California


I provide care for all adult individuals who are seeking support in both traditional psychotherapy and sex therapy services. Whether it's anxiety, trauma, or day-to-day stressors, therapy can be a great resource. Ever feel like your experiences have control over you, and not the other way around? You're not alone! I provide a supportive and encouraging session environment that allows clients to regain and create their self-autonomy. I value providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in each session.

I strongly value how my multicultural identities can further assist my support for clients. I am a Marine wife, mother of two, kink-friendly, and more. I also have experience supporting clients through a range of experiences, from day-to-day stress to significant life transitions. Join now, and let's continue to nurture community, connection, and support!

I strive to ensure the unique support and encouragement each client needs is provided in each session. Open, honest, and collaborative communication is valued between my clients and me. I have strong values around a non-judgmental session structure. Adding a therapist to your team can be very rewarding, supportive, and encouraging.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Bendon

Sarah Bendon

Therapist

Virtual • Murrieta, CA


“I'm passionate about creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and talking about what's really going on in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kristine Johnson

Kristine Johnson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Anderson, CA


“I take an approach of treating the whole person. I believe good mental health involves several factors, including physical health, sleep, nutrition, and social support.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Grace Swank

Grace Swank

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Grace, and I'm so glad you're here.

I believe therapy begins with feeling safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a warm, supportive space where we can build a genuine connection and work together toward meaningful change.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 6 years. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, children, veterans, and victims of crime. My areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, and family systems. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rebecca Treadway

Rebecca Treadway

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Because of my own life experiences, I realized early on how meaningful it is to be there for others when they need it most.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Janelle Vaughan

Janelle Vaughan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner based in California, and I built my practice around being a true advocate for the people I work with. I trained in both medication management and therapy, and I find that care is most effective when those two things work together. Whether you are managing a mood disorder, navigating anxiety or depression, or figuring out the right psychiatric medications, I take time to understand you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. My goal is for every client to feel genuinely heard, supported, and in control of their own mental health journey.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Chinenye Chukwu

Chinenye Chukwu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Orange, CA


“Chinenye believes that effective communication and patient involvement is the key to a successful treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Brandy Walker

Brandy Walker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life's problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yisraela Hayman

Yisraela Hayman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rancho Cucamonga, CA


“EMDR & Somatic Based therapies are evidence based treatments, which are proven to be highly effective in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sarah Kimmons

Sarah Kimmons

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring an easygoing approach that fosters trust and understanding, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
C. Eric Erlenbush

C. Eric Erlenbush

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use practical, evidence-based tools to help reduce anxiety and stress through structured, collaborative work rather than talk alone.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carol Casal

Carol Casal

Therapist

Virtual • California


I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Hina Franklin

Hina Franklin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Relational therapy, and Strengths-Based therapy, I tailor my approach to meet clients needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Xing Liu

Xing Liu

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, regardless of their background or circumstances. Whether you are struggling with excessive worry or negative thoughts, overwhelmed by schoolwork as a student, supporting a family member with autism or developmental disability, or facing challenges as a member of a marginalized group in society, it is common to feel hopeless and worthless at times. However, you do not have to give in to these feelings.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvonne LeVar

Yvonne LeVar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients can expect to leave sessions with me feeling heard and validated, curious about what is happening within themselves, and with tools and steps to move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Yaning (Tina) Sun

Yaning (Tina) Sun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Roseville, CA


“I see psychiatry as care and advocacy. Specializing in AAPI and complex behavioral health for adults and children, I view you as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Stephanie Straeter

Dr. Stephanie Straeter

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Specifically, you will learn how and when to use strategies to manage stress, emotions, self-destructive behaviors, impulses and habits.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jessica Dye

Jessica Dye

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am committed to providing clients with an open, safe, kind, (and even fun) space to grow and learn about themselves and the world they live in.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Isabela Barros Doyle

Dr. Isabela Barros Doyle

Psychologist

Virtual • Santa Barbara, CA


“I'm especially drawn to supporting clients through relationship challenges, life transitions, questions of identity, and issues of confidence and empowerment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nicole Penick

Dr. Nicole Penick

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Nicole takes an integrative (humanistic and psychodynamic) approach to tackle the individual desires of each person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Tieaesha Gaines

Tieaesha Gaines

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a licensed California therapist with 23+ years of experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, and self-confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Yanira Chavez

Yanira Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-generation Latina living with chronic illnesses, I understand the unique hardships, cultural expectations, and barriers that can impact mental health and well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lucas Hendrickson

Lucas Hendrickson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that you know what you need to do to heal, and I am there to walk beside you as you take your steps.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gabriel Davis

Gabriel Davis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fallbrook, CA


“My approach is rooted in supporting clients to reconnect deeply with their authentic selves, fostering renewed health, and rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jerry Kao

Jerry Kao

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Specializing in depression, anxiety, and navigating life's challenges, I offer a caring and compassionate approach to therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Stress management
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Nesreen Hutoczki

Dr. Nesreen Hutoczki

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion, and humor can help make the 'work' of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Debbie LeFevre

Debbie LeFevre

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With over 30 years of experience, I've developed a deep passion for helping individuals and families navigate relationship challenges--especially those involving blended families and divorce.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andres Borja

Andres Borja

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a warm, grounded presence to therapy and believe that effective treatment starts with authentic connection and mutual respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Inhwa Byun

Inhwa Byun

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Jose, CA


“She works with you to access your innate strengths, reveal coping styles, and, ultimately, deepen your understanding of the behavior patterns that keep you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Horacio Renteria

Horacio Renteria

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is practical and personal. You won't be overwhelmed because the way I work is to make the difficult, easy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Wendy Barajas

Wendy Barajas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-gen Latina, I understand the struggle to balance bicultural identify and generational trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Joanna Joestar

Joanna Joestar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Natasha Houston

Natasha Houston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach with my clients is open and honest communication while offering a non-judgmental approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 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
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 1%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
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  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%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.

Find a provider - your way

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