Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, 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 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 2,464 licensed therapists with availability as soon as tomorrow.

Ashley Yen

Ashley Yen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that therapy is personal and each person is different, which is why my approach to therapy is client-led and meant to empower you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Fresno, CA


“I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to bring clinical expertise, authentic compassion, and steadfast dedication to support you as you work toward mental wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Daniel Kruse

Daniel Kruse

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sarina Singhi

Sarina Singhi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Looking for one-stop shopping? Meds and therapy together - I do both. Guaranteed intake appointment within 2 days! Evening and weekend hours available. A provider you can reach directly, by text. Personal responses to all messages within 24 - 48 hours, always.

Thanks for reading this. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who works with clients ages 6 to 86 struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse and other issues. For some clients, I provide both therapy and medication management; for other clients, I work closely with their therapists to optimize their medication experience. I help clients to find stability and reduce suffering. LGBTQ-allied, polyamory-informed. All lifestyles welcome.

Depression and anxiety can be logical responses to difficult life events. Many adults who experienced losses and traumas in childhood have never processed these events and continue to suffer their impacts.

Therapy should help you identify the ways you hold yourself back from greater peace and success. We all pick up dysfunctional patterns along the way and need help to identify and change them. I would like to help you in this process.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Nicola Wilson

Nicola Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Eureka, CA


“I use a reflective listening approach to therapy and empower my clients with information about brain chemistry and functioning.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Abreu

Jessica Abreu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sherri Crespin

Sherri Crespin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“I am convinced that outstanding psychiatric care demands clinical skill, emotional attunement, and a profound dedication to treating every individual with dignity and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julia Hengst

Julia Hengst

Therapist

Virtual • California


As someone who has gone through years of therapy myself, I am very passionate about working with you for your highest good. With a background in meditation, conflict mediation, somatic work, spirituality and psychology, I have a solid toolkit that is at your service. My undergrad degree from Berkeley is in Media Studies, so we will also explore how media shapes us and the current culture we live in.

I work with all different ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, social groups, nationalities and orientations!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Andrew Hey

Andrew Hey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mission Viejo, CA


“I'm a laid-back, warm, and nonjudgmental therapist who works with adults and older adolescents navigating stress, burnout, identity concerns, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Gurleen Hans

Gurleen Hans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Ana, CA


“My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Hanh Truong

Dr. Hanh Truong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a Vietnamese refugee who has faced profound hardship, I bring a deep understanding of resilience, trauma, and healing to my work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dominic Valdes

Dominic Valdes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, and offer a space that is culturally attuned and grounded in understanding the nuances of identity, intimacy, and relational dynamics.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Diep Dinh

Diep Dinh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My approach to patient care is characterized by compassion and a strong commitment to providing comprehensive support.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Michael Guichet

Michael Guichet

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work to challenge those beliefs by creating a safe, open space where honest conversations can happen and new patterns can emerge.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


“I dedicate time to genuinely hearing your story, what led you here, what obstacles you are working through, and which goals hold the greatest importance to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • El Segundo, CA


“I've dedicated my practice to supporting those who may have struggled to find providers comfortable with their complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lisa Paulson

Lisa Paulson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a supportive non-judgmental space where we can work together to move towards healing and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My treatment philosophy centers on understanding you as a complete person, not just a collection of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Erika Nguyen

Erika Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing is not about "fixing" yourself, but about learning how to understand, accept, and integrate all parts of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lisa Friedman

Lisa Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that you already have information as to what will help you in your journey. It is my job to help you get to the answers...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I bring specialized expertise in OCD and PTSD/trauma treatment, along with comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I see our relationship as a true partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based treatment approaches, you bring the most important element—intimate knowledge of your own experience, strengths, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


“My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Salamatou Carr

Salamatou Carr

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My background spans inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health, and correctional healthcare—experiences that have shaped me into a clinician who leads with compassion, cultural humility, and deep respect for every person's story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 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
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
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Patrick Ollar

Patrick Ollar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe in fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard and empowered in their treatment journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 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 7 insurance carriers
Ismael De Guzman

Ismael De Guzman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have particular experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, men of color, and survivors of sexual trauma or intimate partner violence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Challenging, Inquisitive
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Artur Akkerman

Artur Akkerman

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome to Couples Therapy! Are you having the same argument over and over? Did your relationship experience betrayal and loss of trust? Or are you simply living as roommates or logistical partners who run a family, bussing kids across various sports/schools events, with little to no passion toward each other? I am here to help! I work with couples to identify the patterns that block connection and to rediscover the emotional bond that brought you two together. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where both of you feel heard, respected, and understood. Change begins when we learn to understand - not fix - each other.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Transgender issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment — your story matters, and your care plan should reflect that.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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 7 insurance carriers
Tone Va'i

Tone Va'i

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm direct, relational, and reflective in how I work. I started in early childhood mental health, which shaped how I understand people.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amy Mandel

Amy Mandel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am integrative with therapeutic approach, dependent on needs of the individual. Several practice approaches would include: Psychodynamic, CBT, ACT, CBT, EMDR, Solution Focused, etc.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

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.