Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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.

Bernice Ivoko

Bernice Ivoko

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals facing a wide range of behavioral and mental health challenges, regardless of their background.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Janelle Vaughan

Janelle Vaughan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Cate Parker

Cate Parker

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Aviva Euripides

Aviva Euripides

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an experienced clinician and gage our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laura Myer

Laura Myer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that daily habits and lifestyle play a vital role in overall wellness, including mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Julia Tucker

Julia Tucker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe your emotional wellbeing is connected to your relationships, your nervous system, your body, and your life circumstances, and I treat it that way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be practical, compassionate, and tailored to each person's strengths, goals, and lived experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie DeLange

Stephanie DeLange

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I love getting down to the basics, the fundamentals, the practical action steps that can move someone from here to there.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Identity issues, Stress management, Women's issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Makenzie Gilliam

Makenzie Gilliam

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through empathy and honesty, I strive to make each session a safe space where my clients have the opportunity to feel heard and to cultivate hope.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kirsty Kenny

Kirsty Kenny

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melissa Fletcher

Melissa Fletcher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a lot of energy! I love helping while providing you the support you need help managing stress anxiety/panic attacks, anger, motivation, self-esteem, improving confidence, past substance use, and/or depressive symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Olivia White

Olivia White

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful healing involves more than understanding our experiences intellectually—it also involves reconnecting with the body and helping the nervous system develop a greater sense of safety.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lisa Lichtenstein

Lisa Lichtenstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Joelle Maletis

Joelle Maletis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Joelle is proactive, dynamic, & compassionate while addressing her client's individual needs. By offering a safe space, Joelle works with a diverse clientele that includes C-suite executives, active and retired military personnel, first responders,...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tamra Smith

Tamra Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Consuelo Gomez

Consuelo Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Miyoung Son

Miyoung Son

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Joyce Carter

Joyce Carter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to help people to understand we all have the power to re-create ourselves and live our best lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Panic disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
James Witmer

James Witmer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach our time together with openness, humility, acceptance, and free of pre-conceived judgement.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Abigail De La Cerda Orozco

Abigail De La Cerda Orozco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to create a space where unconditional support, compassion, and vulnerability exist, ultimately leading to a more empowering life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hanna Avnon

Hanna Avnon

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“My goal is for you to feel safe, supported, empowered, and challenged in our work together, while also knowing that you can show up exactly as you are.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
Tina Butler

Tina Butler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fullerton, CA


“I focus on helping clients harness positive energy to create personal success in their lives and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach to mental health care is centered on building trust and understanding, ensuring that each client feels heard and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Monica Castanon

Monica Castanon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a therapist who leads with empathy, making others feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ismael De Guzman

Ismael De Guzman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have particular experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, men of color, and survivors of sexual trauma or intimate partner violence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is we are working as a team toward a goal you have indicated you want to work towards.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Agunnamani

Jessica Agunnamani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm a warm, open-minded, and holistic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on helping clients feel genuinely understood and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Yesenia Ramirez

Yesenia Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Clara, CA


“I am Latina, first-generation, a mother of daughters, a doctoral candidate in depth psychology, and someone living with ADHD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • La Jolla, CA


“I provide a unique combination of psychotherapy and coaching that builds on individual strengths to improve personal, relational, professional, and family lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Pierre Yeremia

Pierre Yeremia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm compassionate, relatable, and a good listener who wants you to feel genuinely understood not rushed or reduced to a diagnosis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Savannah Henderson

Savannah Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a warm, down-to-earth energy to every session, balancing evidence-based care with humor, empathy, and real human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 80%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 75%Cigna
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 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
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 74%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

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