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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 2,601 licensed therapists with availability as soon as tomorrow.

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 13 insurance carriers
Stacey Mackaman

Stacey Mackaman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Redondo Beach, CA


“My approach is collaborative and depth-oriented. I believe real change happens when clients feel genuinely seen.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Katelyn Franza

Katelyn Franza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 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. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Meagan Pruden

Meagan Pruden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I value genuine connection and believe healing happens best in a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Cathleen Vicini

Dr. Cathleen Vicini

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • California


“My style is 100% non-judgmental, warm, talkative, and strength-based, focusing on building trust, and a respectful relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chika Agulanna

Chika Agulanna

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“Chika's treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Armen Youssefians

Armen Youssefians

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy focuses on creating a warm, nurturing, and dynamic environment in which we work together to unlock your internal power and potential in overcoming current problems.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Angelique Rochelle

Angelique Rochelle

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with all ages and I'm trained in trauma based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I offer individual therapy using attachment based therapies, solution-focused brief therapy, and Gestalt self-compassion techniques. I'm not currently offering couples counseling except through private pay. I have worked with foster youth, caregivers, families, LGBTQ, and veterans. I have found my work to be professionally rewarding by assisting people in reaching their goals. I’m committed to meeting your needs and learning.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lanie Goueth

Lanie Goueth

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a world full of adversity and disenfranchisement, it is invaluable to see ourselves as resilient and capable.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Matthew Bensadigh

Matthew Bensadigh

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My approach to therapy includes working on cognition, beliefs, behaviors, sensory acuity, and knowledge to help get you to where you want to be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Maddie Asghari

Maddie Asghari

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I specialize in complex presentations because mental health exists within your entire life experience, relationships, cultural background, and personal history.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Yaning (Tina) Sun

Yaning (Tina) Sun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Roseville, CA


“I see psychiatry as care and advocacy. Specializing in AAPI and complex behavioral health for adults and children, I view you as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Anthony Morice

Anthony Morice

Psychologist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I take an integrative and client-centered approach to therapy. My style blends contemporary evidence-based approaches along with psychodynamic and psychoanalytic perspectives...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we will work together in developing skills and techniques to mindfully overcome whatever life may throw at you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 16 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicola Curtin

Nicola Curtin

Therapist

Virtual • California


Before earning my Masters in Counseling, I earned a PhD in social and personality psychology. This background deeply informs how I show up as a therapist. I help clients address unresolved trauma and grief, anxiety and OCD, address relationship issues, as well as "problems of everyday living." My style is active, engaged, and practical.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Christopher Mckillop

Christopher Mckillop

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and develop meaningful coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Hanna Jeong

Hanna Jeong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am especially passionate about validating and affirming the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brooke Serrano

Brooke Serrano

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By using a client-centered approach, I focus on your individual goals and exactly what you want from therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leah Zachter

Leah Zachter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and curiosity, where clients can feel safe exploring their experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Noely Mendez

Noely Mendez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help clients feel understood, build practical coping tools, and move toward healing with compassion, clarity, and care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carolyn Le

Carolyn Le

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand what's been going on and what matters to you, and we'll work together to find a path forward that feels manageable and realistic for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Yanina Rivera Lopez

Yanina Rivera Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“My goal is to offer a space where you don't have to shrink or translate parts of yourself, where your emotional world is taken seriously...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Anita Vaccaro

Anita Vaccaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is grounded in the understanding that while every individual is unique, we all share fundamental human needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Mariah Larkin

Mariah Larkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I think a collaborative approach is very effective. We both bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gia Stark

Gia Stark

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


Thank you for reading this. Having a background in grassroots and non-profit work as well as teaching, I am fiercely passionate about equity, social justice and liberation for all people. The therapeutic relationship is unique and radical --- your words have exquisite power and we get to think together about what they mean.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christine Barnett

Christine Barnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Our work together will revolve around the essential philosophy that all beings can heal and succeed, no matter what adversity has come before.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Patricia Gutierrez

Patricia Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice centers on trauma and PTSD, identity and gender affirming care, and the lived experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“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
Julieta Serrato

Julieta Serrato

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Julieta a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2016 and bring both clinical experience and real-life perspective into my work. I create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and person-centered care to help clients build emotional resilience and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, life transitions, and trauma.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Trejo

David Trejo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“There is no ideal client: My purpose as your therapist is meet you where you are at in life and move forward with you on your journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Jessica Gomez

Jessica Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to ensure that each client's unique needs are met, recognizing that no single approach fits all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Evan Dunn

Evan Dunn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I encourage profound exploration of symptoms and conflicts while simultaneously offering my patients a space of warmth and relief in which to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Creative, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Iliyana Yonova

Iliyana Yonova

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to assist clients to connect to their authentic selves, overcome negative thinking, unhealthy behaviors, and reinforce positive self-talk.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lee Lynch

Lee Lynch

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I have worked in LGBTQ+ communities for over 10 years and I love supporting people who live outside of the norm.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Mitchica Smith

Mitchica Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct and solution-oriented, blending clinical expertise with the profound life lessons that have shaped my perspective on resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 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.