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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 2,458 empowering, solution-oriented providers who create nonjudgmental spaces for exploring identity, with many appointments available within days.

Jules Gomez

Jules Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience working with clients of all ages to manage major life transitions, move through traumatic stress, and build a toolkit of coping skills to manage day to day challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Gonzalez

Jennifer Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I specialize in the treatment of trauma, OCD, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based, results-driven methods.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Johnny Jimenez

Johnny Jimenez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I provide efficient, evidence-based care focused on helping you feel better as quickly and safely as possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Christina Duffy

Christina Duffy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want you to leave each session feeling like you gained something useful—whether that's a new way of looking at a situation, a tool you can use right away, or a clearer plan for moving forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
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
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Erika Kyte

Erika Kyte

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a longtime yoga enthusiast and certified instructor, I enjoy incorporating breathwork and mindfulness as techniques for clients to create a pause, access heartfelt intentions, and start living more intentionally.”
LGBTQIA+, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Griffith

Jennifer Griffith

Therapist

Virtual • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My approach is warm, direct, collaborative, creative, and appropriately funny. You won't need to mask, perform, or spend half the session convincing me that your experience is real.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kevin Pham

Kevin Pham

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Some people come in knowing exactly what they want help with. Others aren't quite sure what's going on, and that's okay too.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Amber Gambel

Amber Gambel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is deeply relational, grounded in the belief that a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dennis Goldenson

Dennis Goldenson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Woodland Hills, CA


“I have extensive experience in client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy that is directly relevant to young adults, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 18 insurance carriers
Dr. Gabrielle Weininger

Dr. Gabrielle Weininger

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I'm a licensed psychologist who works with people who generally are holding it together in life, but feel stuck in certain areas. I believe that shame- this thing we all have- is what keeps us small, separate from others, and disconnected from our true selves.

What I bring to the room is warmth, directness and a true desire to understand all of you. I'm honest, not easily shocked, and I don't judge. I take your potential seriously, and I truly believe in the innate goodness and potential of all human beings- no matter where we have been or what we're holding on to.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Caitlin Chen

Caitlin Chen

Therapist

Virtual • Palo Alto, CA


“I consider it an honor to navigate life alongside my clients and enjoy creating a therapeutic space that is warm, compassionate, and empowering.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Alieshia Cardinal

Dr. Alieshia Cardinal

Therapist

Virtual • California


Life isn’t always easy, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My educational background includes: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in Performance Psychology, Master’s in Counseling, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have experience working with a wide range of presenting problems and truly love my job!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Agunnamani

Jessica Agunnamani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm a warm, open-minded, and holistic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on helping clients feel genuinely understood and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“I'm Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in complex mental health conditions in adults.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Tina Namakian

Tina Namakian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice integrates multicultural and queer-affirming frameworks, with particular attention to the impact of systemic oppression on mental health and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jason Ajnassian

Jason Ajnassian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Do you look like you have it together from the outside, but underneath you're exhausted and stuck in patterns you can't quite name?”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sebastopol, CA


“I aim to empower clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kyle Tretter

Kyle Tretter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I have specialized training in providing culturally sensitive care for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Gema Martir

Gema Martir

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“Direct, Warm, Inquisitive and Critical questions that are focused on identity development in the family individual or couple system.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alexander Valenzuela

Alexander Valenzuela

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Vickie Medina

Vickie Medina

Therapist

Virtual • Port Hueneme, CA


“I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. Supporting emotional healing and identity development is deeply meaningful to me.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Korbi Biggins

Korbi Biggins

Therapist

Virtual • California


“She provides clients with hope and a safe environment to discuss struggles and explore the areas in life they are ready to work on and change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I take time to listen, explain treatment options clearly, and ensure you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“Three commitments guide my work: listening without judgment, explaining each choice clearly, and making decisions with you, not for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kay Gosnell

Kay Gosnell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I work with adults, couples, and teens navigating trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of difficult childhood or family experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Elissa Buchman

Dr. Elissa Buchman

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I work particularly well with creative individuals whose rich inner lives are often labeled as "too intense" by a world who misunderstands them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“I believe that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to make decisions that most align with their values and needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Maria Berbeo

Maria Berbeo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I enjoy providing a warm, supportive environment for people to feel safe challenging themselves to grow and learn about themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karissa Lentz-Klepacki

Karissa Lentz-Klepacki

Psychologist

Virtual • California


My name is Dr. Lentz and I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. I strive to help those acquire skills to overcome challenging situations that are tailored to a person's specific need. I am a goal oriented therapist that works diligently to achieve goals that are identified by the individual and myself. Life is full of situations that do not always have clear and definitive answers, which is a process the therapeutic approach I utilize can assist with.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Rebekah Wilson

Rebekah Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Clovis, CA


“I believe healing begins by understanding the connection between the mind-body, emotions, and nervous system.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Robin Mathy

Dr. Robin Mathy

Therapist

Virtual • California


I provide a space rooted in safety, deep listening, and compassion. Healing is a sacred journey—a process of growing insight, clarity, and wisdom while reclaiming wholeness and transforming pain into purpose. Together, we can explore the paths that lead to a satisfying life filled with peace, joy, and mastery.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kali Morgan

Kali Morgan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Kali, and I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2007. I want to help you have the relationships you want with yourself and with others. I have an MA in Applied Behavioral Science, with a concentration in Systems Counseling. What this means for you, practically speaking, is that as I work with you, I am also thinking about all of the other people, family and friends, co-workers and acquaintances, who are a part of and influential in your life, and you in theirs. I’m also thinking about the relationship you have with yourself, and how all of the parts of you, past, present and future interplay with each other and the world around you. Which is a long-winded way of saying I want to help you have the relationship you want with yourself and with others. I want you to find happiness, joy and health. I'd like to help you identify and meet your goals, and I am a warm, supportive presence whether or not you have any idea as to what your goals might be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Monica Basquez

Monica Basquez

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health, OCD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 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
Desiree Tamjidi

Desiree Tamjidi

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I bring warmth, compassion, and curiosity to our work, helping you better understand yourself while recognizing the strengths you already carry.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Barbara, CA
There are over 2,450 therapists in Santa Barbara, 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.