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LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA


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.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner based in California, and I built my practice around being a true advocate for the people I work with. I trained in both medication management and therapy, and I find that care is most effective when those two things work together. Whether you are managing a mood disorder, navigating anxiety or depression, or figuring out the right psychiatric medications, I take time to understand you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. My goal is for every client to feel genuinely heard, supported, and in control of their own mental health journey.
My style as a therapist is best described as engaged, warm, nonjudgmental and creative. I strive to offer a space in which you will feel that anything can be talked about and expressed — nothing is too small or too big. Through our work together you will grow in your ability to tolerate and move through difficult emotions, find meaning in your experiences and relationships and cultivate an inner resilience and flexibility in thinking.
I have vast experience with a wide variety of clients. My professional history includes children living in abusive environments, teenagers who are struggling to access their education due to mental health concerns, families navigating dysfunction and adults dealing with a variety of life difficulties.
I currently work, primarily, in corrections with inmates struggling to adjust to the custody environment. I offer crisis intervention in addition to ongoing support.
I approach the therapeutic space with compassion and openness. I meet my clients right where they are emotionally and in their healing journey.
I create a warm environment to work collaboratively on achieving your objectives. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. I specialize in relationships, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, couples work, creativity, career enhancement among other goals. I have an eclectic treatment modality including psychodynamic, self-psychology, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapy and NLP.
Hello, my name is Tamra Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Sacramento, CA. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, especially providing therapy and consultation. My practice name is Path to Wellbeing Therapy Services, and I truly lead each person on a path to their own emotional health and wellbeing.
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life.
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.
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.
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.
I'm Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a genuine passion for helping people navigate their mental health journeys. I've spent over 15 years in healthcare, and what drives me every day is knowing that mental health challenges don't define you—they're just something we work through together.
My background includes treating adults and adolescents across various settings, from crisis care to long-term recovery programs. I've worked with individuals facing serious mental illness, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I also have specialized training in geriatric mental health and dementia-related behavioral changes.
What makes my approach unique is my extensive leadership experience overseeing psychiatric services across multiple facilities. This has taught me not just how to prescribe medication, but how to truly understand the whole person—your daily struggles, your support system, and your goals for feeling better. I take time to explore what's worked before, what hasn't, and why, because effective treatment is never one-size-fits-all.
I'm committed to evidence-based care while recognizing that healing happens differently for everyone. Some people benefit most from medication management, others from therapy integration, and many from a combination approach. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities, but I never lose sight of the fact that you're the expert on your own experience.
I believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. Whether you're seeking help for the first time or you've been struggling to find the right treatment, I'm here to listen, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively with you to find solutions that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and hopeful about your path forward.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Cruz, CA



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 86%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 80%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 75%Cigna
- 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 64%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 15%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Assamese

- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online

- 74%Woman
- 24%Man
- 3%Non-binary

- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 9%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 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
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