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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.
“Clients have noted they can tell I genuinely enjoy connecting with them, and have emphasized feeling sessions are safe, non-intimidating, accepting, and steady.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
“I utilize Cognitive Behavioral methods, and Communication model. I am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
“My approach is collaborative, grounded in research, and tailored to each client's goals—whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationships, or building resilience in daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“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
“I believe therapy should feel like a genuine conversation where you can be yourself without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
“My approach is warm, direct, and solution focused. I combine CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and coaching to help you understand your patterns and take meaningful action.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“My style is warm, engaged, and genuinely curious — if you're ready to stop going through the motions and start actually feeling like yourself again, I'd love to work with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“I specialize in working with professionals who are burned out, questioning their path, or feeling alone in leadership.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or past experiences? Moving forward can feel difficult when emotional pain, relationship struggles, or life stress leave you feeling trapped or uncertain.You do not have to face these challenges alone. I provide a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you heal, grow, and regain confidence. I believe your worth is not defined by your past or your struggles. Together, we will explore practical tools and strategies to help you create meaningful change and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
“I bring a warm, empathetic, and often humorous style to therapy, and I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership rather than a hierarchy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
“My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. As a Mexican-American Latina and daughter of immigrant parents, I understand how culture, family expectations, and lived experiences can shape emotional well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“Building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship so individuals can grow and heal brings me deep joy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“I specialize in supporting immigrant/POC and LGBTQ+ teens and young adults dealing with depression and anxiety, relationship issues, and identity exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
“My approach is collaborative, warm and creative, whereby we work together to understand you better and at a deeper level.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
“I meet them with empathy and compassion to go above and beyond to walk with them on their therapeutic journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
“My work is grounded in psychoanalytic theory and technique, which means we'll look beyond surface symptoms to understand what's shaping your inner experience and patterns in relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“I've had over 20 years experience in helping people heal from co-dependency, particularly from those with narcissistic behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
“I help individuals and couples gain insight into the unconscious patterns that shape their emotional life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“My goal is to help you gain practical tools and insights to handle life's challenges with more confidence and ease.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
“I take an approach to therapy that focuses on both symptom alleviation while also working towards self-development, racial/gender/sexual identity affirmation, and self-acceptance.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
“With over 15 years of experience in mental health care—including my time at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital—I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
“My care is rooted in compassion, grace, and respect — because healing shouldn't feel rushed, cold, or clinical.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
“I bring over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, along with a wide range of personal and professional life experience, into my work with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“My style is collaborative, grounded, and direct when helpful, while still allowing space for you to move at a pace that feels safe.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Hi there, my name is Jose Carranza, LFMT, maneuvering through life and work with thoughtful intention and an open heart. I have approximately a decade of experience working in the mental health field and about 5 years practicing as a therapist. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have lengthy experience working with mood, behavioral, and developmental disorders.
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“I am a skill-based therapist who uses solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapy to assist with challenges surrounding anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and sadness brought on by work, school, life, familial, or relational obstacles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
“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
“I'm here to learn what is important to you and help guide you through any challenges you may have that are preventing you from living authentically and without fear.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Grief or loss
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“I consider myself an approachable, down-to-earth person who provides therapy in a judgment-free and safe environment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
“My warm and friendly approach provides a safe space for you to explore your deepest emotions and uncover the truth of your soul.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
“I work collaboratively with clients, and firmly believe that clients are the experts on their own lived experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
“I work with anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues using a blend of somatic attachment therapy through a feminist lens.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
“My practice emphasizes on helping clients resolve immediate situations, while healing from difficult life experiences and developing strong personal and intimate relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
“My practice and approach is informed by extensive training in psychoanalysis and experience in humanistic and existential therapies...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
“I use a psychodynamic approach to unpack wounds of the past, which can negatively impact current relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
“Grief, desperation, and self-inflicted suffering brought me to the point of reaching out for help many years ago and soon the seas began to calm.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
“My approach is flexible, client centered, and utilizes mindfulness-based interventions at every point of the journey towards healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
“My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and tailored to the individual — shaped by the understanding that no two people experience the same condition in exactly the same way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
“My core values include authenticity, kindness, humility, & celebrating the unique beauty & worth of every human.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Offers free consultationsView profile and book
121 - 160 of 2,614 available therapists
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Number of therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA
2,555+
Average years in practice
9 years
Top specialties offered
- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
- 98%Aetna
- 80%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 75%Cigna
- 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
- 97%English
- 15%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Assamese
How they see their clients
- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
- 74%Woman
- 24%Man
- 3%Non-binary
License types
- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 9%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
- 100%Individual therapy
- 40%Family therapy
- 28%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
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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