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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 2,614 licensed therapists with availability as soon as tomorrow.

Ashlyn Lance

Ashlyn Lance

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is an active adventure! I am always thrilled to watch my clients grow into the best version of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Lisa Miller

Dr. Lisa Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to honor your values, culture, and lived experience so you feel respected, understood, and empowered throughout our work together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Cristina Vigil

Cristina Vigil

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My speciality in the last ten years has been working with gender expansive and LGBTQ+ children, adolescents and their families/caregivers.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Ashley Dowlou

Ashley Dowlou

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe the client is the captain and with this initial discussion, I will be able to create a tailored plan for us to work through in our follow-up sessions to meet your needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nadine Mejia

Nadine Mejia

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leigh Johnson

Leigh Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Elizabeth Cappelletti

Elizabeth Cappelletti

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are used to being the strong one, caring for everyone else or appearing capable on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected within.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Anna Murguia

Anna Murguia

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am an LMFT with over 10 years of experience in Mental Health services. I'm a straightforward, goal-oriented therapist who helps individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges with confidence and ease.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Ani Kamajian

Ani Kamajian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a grounded, client-centered approach that supports stabilization, insight building, and long-term behavioral change, particularly for clients navigating co-occurring mental health and addiction challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rhonda Sloan

Rhonda Sloan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, strength-based and rooted in the belief that you already carry the resources you need - sometimes we just need to uncover them together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kathleen Triplett

Kathleen Triplett

Therapist

Virtual • California


Growing up near a national park, I am consistently reminded of and influenced by the importance of nature on our physical, mental, and emotional health in my mental health practice. As an LMFT, I've worked with a variety of populations, most of whom experienced major trauma or complex trauma, and aid them in reconnecting to their sense of self and safety. I received my MS from California Lutheran University with a specialization in trauma and BA from CSU Chico. I have been licensed for 4 years and have provided therapy for the last 8 years including an associate and traineeship.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Olivia Aguirre

Olivia Aguirre

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a therapist originally from Mexico. I studied at ITESO, the Jesuit University of Guadalajara. I moved to the United States in 2007 after completing the process of validating my academic credentials.

...

Soy terapeuta familiar originaria de México. Estudié en la ciudad de Guadalajara, Jalisco en ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara. Migré a Estados Unidos en el año 2007, después de haber revalidado mis estudios.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Luis Moreno

Luis Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Haley Parker

Haley Parker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative healing process. My hope is to empower the individuals I work with to seek clarity and guidance on different strategies to alleviate any existing distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marlene Glenn

Marlene Glenn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, focused, and deeply collaborative. I offer talk therapy that is both compassionate and practical, aiming to help you feel relief and see real shifts in a relatively short time.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cylystina Nevel

Cylystina Nevel

Therapist

Virtual • California


Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Andrew Le

Andrew Le

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is not just about reducing symptoms—it's about understanding the deeper patterns that shape how you think, feel, and relate to the world around you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Annliese Erebholo

Annliese Erebholo

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I am glad you are here. My goal is to offer a safe welcoming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with kindness, respect, and compassion. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you as we work toward the life you want to create.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kimberly Ignacio

Kimberly Ignacio

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My hope in sessions is to help my clients understand "blindspots", begin to trust themselves, develop self-control, improve insight, self-validation, and self-reliance.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Hannah Mira

Hannah Mira

Therapist

Virtual • San Clemente, CA


“I believe it is my privilege and honor as a therapist to create safe spaces for people to heal from the individuals and systems that have harmed them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Neslihan James-Kangal

Dr. Neslihan James-Kangal

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My aim is not simply to help you feel better, but to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, create meaningful change, and ultimately build a life that feels more fulfilling and authentically yours.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Mark Brody

Mark Brody

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree and over 20 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and concerns. Over the years, I’ve worked in clinics, run my own private practice, and provided therapy to enlisted Navy personnel and their spouses. For the past five years, I’ve primarily provided therapy through telehealth.

Therapy can sometimes feel unfamiliar or intimidating, especially when you’re meeting a new therapist, but I don’t believe it has to feel that way. I try to create a relaxed, comfortable environment where you can feel like yourself. I bring genuine curiosity, warmth, humor when appropriate, and most importantly, authenticity to my work. I want therapy to feel like a real conversation and a genuine human connection—not like you’re being analyzed or judged.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Juliana Malaveci

Juliana Malaveci

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a firm believer in human resilience and an individual's ability to thrive, persevere, and navigate life's deepest challenges, especially when offered a non-judgmental, caring, empathic environment, which is what I aim to offer to all of my...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Heather Waddle

Heather Waddle

Therapist

Virtual • California


With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Joshua Petty

Joshua Petty

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have specialized in emotional health for nine years, with experience treating adolescents and adults with various diagnoses.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm listening for feelings, themes, patterns, and especially experiences that haven't been articulated or spoken out loud yet.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zohal Parsa

Zohal Parsa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, structured, and down-to-earth approach that's both compassionate and results-oriented.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Hayley Osretkar

Hayley Osretkar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a humanistic and strengths-based approach, meaning I meet my client's where they are in their journey...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Dr. Tatiana Molinar

Dr. Tatiana Molinar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My personal journey overcoming complex trauma fuels my passion for guiding others towards healing and joy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Martha Cervantes

Martha Cervantes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is affirming and empowering, while also being direct. I'll help you feel heard and understood, and I'll also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jean-Marie Schweizer

Jean-Marie Schweizer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from an existential-humanistic perspective, focusing on individuals' meaning-making and recognizing their strive toward self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Anna Lee

Dr. Anna Lee

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California and Illinois, and can see clients from both states. I support clients with variety of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, relationships issues, addictions, stress management, sport and performance psychology and health behaviors, trauma, insomnia and eating disorders. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Amelia Jensen

Amelia Jensen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a therapist, I bring a person-centered, solution-focused approach, believing the answers you seek are already within you, waiting to be illuminated with a gentle flashlight.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Daniela Cherny

Daniela Cherny

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I want you to feel heard and understood, while also leaving with tools you can actually use in daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Trinidad Castillo

Trinidad Castillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about working with first-gen, BIPOC clients, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and fellow neurodivergent folks who often feel unseen or misunderstood in traditional spaces.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Wendy Leeds

Wendy Leeds

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, developing felt safety, and teaching effective coping strategies for distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Milagros Garcia

Milagros Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a warm, supportive space where you can explore the challenges you're facing at your own pace.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA
There are over 2,555 therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients.
2,555+
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%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 80%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
  • 2%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
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  • 74%Woman
  • 24%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
  • 28%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.

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