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LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz's vibrant LGBTQIA community deserves affirming mental health care. Headway provides access to warm, solution-oriented providers across the city who support your journey. Connect with 2,471 licensed therapists with availability as soon as tomorrow.

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

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


“In sessions, I combine emotional insight with practical skill-building so therapy feels both supportive and useful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carrie Likeness

Carrie Likeness

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Felton, CA


Do you carry the weight of your responsibilities home? Does it impact your relationships, your sense of peace, or your ability to recognize yourself beneath the demands of daily life? Growth and healing take courage, and I admire your willingness to prioritize your well-being.

My practice focuses on three areas:

• Individuals in high-pressure helping and public service professions, including first responders and those working in EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Dispatch, Judicial settings, Healthcare, Mental Health, and Education. My dual Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Trauma & Related Conflict, combined with lived experience, allow me to offer a culturally informed understanding of the unique challenges these roles carry. Together, we address operational stress, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable well-being.

• Adults navigating identity, authenticity, creativity, and life transitions, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those seeking to reconnect with themselves, clarify their values, and build lives that feel meaningful and aligned.

• Older adolescents and emerging adults preparing for graduation and the transition into college, vocational paths, or adulthood as they explore who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to move through the next chapter of their lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Natalie Hanneman

Natalie Hanneman

Therapist

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


“I can help you choose small shifts in your day and in your thoughts, shifts that allow you to move through your life with more acceptance and grace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Belinda Rubalcava

Belinda Rubalcava

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Watsonville, CA


I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Johnny Brown

Johnny Brown

Therapist

In-person • 19 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


“My approach is to help you identify what are the thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you from living your best life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Andres Gonzalez

Andres Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Jose, CA


“I believe therapy can be a space not only for symptom relief, but also for developing a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and the experiences that have shaped you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cristina LaFarre

Cristina LaFarre

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“Seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, and I am proud of people who advocate for their well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Emeryville, CA


“I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Meghan Fuller

Dr. Meghan Fuller

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Oakland, CA


“My work is grounded in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, with careful attention to development, attachment, trauma, and the complexity of each individual's inner life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Brianna Webb Almanza

Brianna Webb Almanza

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Alamo, CA


“My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in reverence for you and the power of your story. We'll utilize curiosity, practical suggestions, and fearless self-awareness to build self-attunement and tangible change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Genean Jeffery-Johnson

Genean Jeffery-Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I help you slow down enough to notice what's actually happening in your body in the moment things get hard, not just the words being said.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 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 8 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lidia Escobar

Lidia Escobar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gurleen Hans

Gurleen Hans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Ana, CA


“I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shauna Rossington

Shauna Rossington

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Each client has a different "recipe" for them to reach their goals and the first few sessions are about building rapport and trust so we can find the approach that is your "recipe."”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Shannon Oliveira

Shannon Oliveira

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to meet clients where they are at emotionally, and provide support so they feel comfortable to open up...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Chanel Halimi

Chanel Halimi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to always be calm, warm, and nurturing with my clients. I also provide clients with exercises, insights, and strategies so that they can truly grow and transform.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jack Sample

Dr. Jack Sample

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic, depth-oriented therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jordan Bunting

Jordan Bunting

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassion focused and evidence-based clinician specializing in treating clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Antonio Shallowhorn

Antonio Shallowhorn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I will integrate CBT and other evidence-based strategies to explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that shape how you relate to yourself and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Bruce Strumpf

Bruce Strumpf

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you feel better an move toward the life you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Edith Barfield

Edith Barfield

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is built on the idea that mental health isn't one-size-fits-all—especially for those who are juggling careers, parenting, relationships, and everything in between.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Ryan Stevenson

Dr. Ryan Stevenson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I view my role as helping support the inner wisdom and innate healing abilities of those I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vanessa Davis

Vanessa Davis

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions! I am also experienced in supporting individuals facing relationship challenges, identity development, and difficulties with emotional regulation. As a Queer therapist, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population. I am drawn to this work because I value the depth and resilience within each person’s story. My approach is grounded in attachment-based theory and informed by evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jena Montenegro

Jena Montenegro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a trauma expert with experience in a wide variety of populations including LGBTQ, African-American, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian peoples.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I'm Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC I provide evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth. As an author and TEDx speaker, I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.

I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions (PTSD), adult ADHD, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, and women's mental health across the reproductive lifespan—including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, PMDD, and menopausal transitions. My practice is medication-focused and highly collaborative, with education, skills coaching, and supportive check-ins integrated into every visit. I coordinate closely with therapists, primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other clinicians to ensure cohesive, connected treatment.

When you work with me, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation reviewing your history, symptoms, prior treatments, and goals. I practice thoughtful prescribing with transparent discussion of options, benefits, and side effects so that every decision is truly shared. I use measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error. My whole-person approach integrates sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management when relevant, with streamlined access through secure telehealth and clear after-visit summaries.

My style is warm, direct, and person-centered, grounded in shared decision-making. My care is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in current clinical evidence. Beyond my clinical practice, I serve as a nurse educator and academic mentor, shaping future psychiatric clinicians through evidence-based teaching. An international fellowship in India further enriched my global perspective through research and teaching in hospital and university settings.

For up-to-date availability, please visit us or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Personal Practitioners

Personal Practitioners

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My treatment philosophy emphasizes both celebrating neurodivergent strengths and addressing genuine challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I understand how these conditions can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, often in ways that feel overwhelming or isolating.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • Alhambra, CA


“My therapeutic approach is marked by compassion and directness, creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment that embraces individuals as they are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Tiphanie Ortiz

Tiphanie Ortiz

Therapist

Virtual • California


Life can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling high expectations, major transitions, or the constant pressure to show up perfectly in every role you play.

I specialize in supporting teenagers, young professionals, and adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and navigating life’s many changes.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Vogt

Christopher Vogt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I draw from different wisdom traditions including Buddhist spirituality/psychology, mindfulness-based therapies, somatic and relational therapies...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“My passion for psychiatry stems from a deep belief that every person deserves to be truly seen and understood—not reduced to a diagnosis, but honored as a whole person with unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Bilingual/Bicultural Latiné LCSW with over 12 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Linh Tran

Linh Tran

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m Linh Tran, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years in healthcare and 5 years in advanced practice. I hold both a Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. My work focuses on anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. I’m especially passionate about supporting adolescents, adults, and those navigating the immigrant or bicultural experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Danielle Scott

Danielle Scott

Therapist

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“I enjoy providing a safe, warm, non-judgmental space for someone at whatever stage of life they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Stevenson Ranch, CA


“I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming... I've made it my mission to change that experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

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