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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.

Jessica Barton-Grimley

Jessica Barton-Grimley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I became a therapist to help people manage the emotional weight of everyday life and societal pressures.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Dr. Hannah Karolewicz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct, warm, and curious. I believe good sex therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who's genuinely on your side, not an interrogation or a lecture.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Smith-Ratliff

Jacqueline Smith-Ratliff

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Dr. Jackie, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe healing happens when people feel truly seen, safe, and understood. I work with individuals, couples, and teens navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in helping you reconnect with your strengths and move forward with clarity and hope.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Brittany Bargers

Brittany Bargers

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, my name is Brittany, and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist. I received a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in Spanish at Seattle University. I then received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy at Chapman University. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in working with teens and adults on trauma work, EMDR, and relational work. I support others in identifying and shifting the ways their past experiences impact them and their relationships to others. I am passionate about supporting others in creating lives that match their values and goals. Some of my favorite activities are traveling, reading, cats, animals, crocheting, music, and going on walks.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jessica Kim

Jessica Kim

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe difficult feelings — shame, sadness, anxiety, guilt, unworthiness, fear, anger, doubt, rage, and loneliness—are the doorway to embracing your whole self.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Navneet Dhaliwal

Navneet Dhaliwal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized, with a focus on creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable, supported, and actively involved in their treatment plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Vannisha Curd

Vannisha Curd

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take pride in creating a safe and welcoming space for all persons I work with and their support networks.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Craig Parton

Craig Parton

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“You can expect me to be kind, clear and honest in my approach. I will ask a lot of questions to help you examine your underlying beliefs...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lisa Vancil

Lisa Vancil

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients understand the patterns shaping their lives, build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Anastasia Burton

Anastasia Burton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative and skills-based - I want clients to leave sessions with tools they can actually use.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Glenda Dillingham

Glenda Dillingham

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am Glenda Dillingham, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been practicing for over 30 years, helping empower clients to thrive in spite of adversity. I specialize in helping survivors of trauma to heal.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tabitha Scott

Tabitha Scott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view these periods of transition as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and learning to thrive as we step into a new chapter of our lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tiffany Anderson

Tiffany Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tisha Langley

Tisha Langley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, practical, grounded and occasionally funny. Therapy with me is a real conversation, not a clinical checklist or a series of quiet nods that leave you wondering.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Michael Collins

Michael Collins

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I tend to be warm, practical, and human first. Early on, this is a place to slow things down, get your bearings, and feel a little less alone in it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Creative, Empowering, Inquisitive

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erica Sandoval

Erica Sandoval

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have over 7 years of experience working with depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, couples, and other severe mental health concerns. My goal is to create a comfortable, safe space where you can begin your therapeutic journey with confidence and without judgment. Together, we can openly explore what you want in—and out of—life. If you don't know what that looks like yet, that's okay. We can figure it out together. Your goals may also change along the way, and therapy should have the flexibility to change with you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shawn McClellan

Shawn McClellan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative, and I focus on helping you build skills you can use in real life, not just insight you can talk about.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christine Chakarian

Christine Chakarian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience working with clients experience their first psychotic episode providing psycho-education to clients and their families.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jilleen Ward

Jilleen Ward

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that the client is the expert in their own life, and my job is to help you uncover your own innate power, strengths, wisdom, and self-insight.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Teddi De Beauvoir

Teddi De Beauvoir

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe, given a comfortable, nurturing atmosphere and a compassionate therapist, growth is not only possible, it is inevitable.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jeff Hull

Jeff Hull

Therapist

Virtual • Chico, CA


“I believe every person has an innate capacity for healing, growth, and change, and that each person's path is uniquely their own.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Maisha Robinson

Maisha Robinson

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience helping people get unstuck. I specialize in supporting adolescents, men, and women navigating anxiety, depression, anger, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and substance abuse. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious about your career, or eager to improve but lacking the tools to make it a reality, you are in the right place. Armed with a Doctorate in Social Work, my goal is to help you identify the root causes of your challenges and empower you to build a more balanced, fulfilling life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Carmen Santillan

Carmen Santillan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Hayatghaib

Susan Hayatghaib

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe each of us already carries the capacity to heal, and that the right support helps us find it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ronald Deming

Ronald Deming

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Finding the problems is the first step, then finding alternatives to the trouble those problems bring with them, thereby finding release and agency to change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Adriana Marroquin

Adriana Marroquin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally aware. I create a safe, supportive space where you can be fully yourself...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nathalie Uriarte

Nathalie Uriarte

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach that considers the whole person and their unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Pamela Highfill

Pamela Highfill

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in helping clients recognize their strengths while creating a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space for growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Allison Gentz

Allison Gentz

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, hands-on, and client-centered. Allison integrates evidence-based practices with clear, direct communication and practical tools clients can apply outside of sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lydia Stanton

Lydia Stanton

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassionate clinician with 25 years in private practice, described by clients as compassionate, direct and solutions focused.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Andrea Hall Stachniewicz

Andrea Hall Stachniewicz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach my clinical work through a systemic lens, recognizing how socio political and institutional factors shape identity, mental health, and access to care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Rebecca Sosa

Rebecca Sosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is heart-centered, collaborative, and inclusive. I blend different therapeutic techniques and shape them around your beliefs, values, and goals, so our work always feels personal to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Cassandra Scott

Cassandra Scott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues, Physical health issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Blanca Monzon

Blanca Monzon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masks, no judgment, just you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kyle Gambill

Kyle Gambill

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is relaxed, collaborative, and judgment-free. I believe you should feel heard and have a voice in decisions about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jazmin Alvarado

Jazmin Alvarado

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My focus is on helping you feel understood, supported, and empowered as we work together toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Martin Olivares

Martin Olivares

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Westlake Village, CA


“His approach is thoughtful, relational, and culturally responsive, based on the belief that lasting change becomes possible when people feel deeply understood and supported as they explore previously unrecognized aspects of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lane McConnell

Lane McConnell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe successful therapy works best when there is a positive empathetic working relationship between the client & therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Vanessa Guido

Vanessa Guido

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Think of me as your emotional cheerleader. I'm here to highlight your strengths and help you move toward the life you want...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 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
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  • 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.