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LGBT therapists in Santa Maria, CA


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Maria, CA
Find open-minded, affirming therapy in Santa Maria tailored to LGBTQIA experiences and identity. Headway's 2,604 providers deliver evidence-based care through flexible virtual or in-person sessions, with average savings of 75% on therapy costs through insurance.
I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.
I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.
I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.
For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.
I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.
My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.
Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.
I'm Jasmine Maniti, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate mental health care. With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.
My clinical focus includes treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other mood and behavioral conditions. I conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide evidence-based medication management tailored to each person's unique situation. For patients with treatment-resistant depression,
What sets my practice apart is my foundation in emergency nursing. Working in fast-paced emergency departments taught me to assess complex situations quickly, remain calm during crises, and provide care that addresses immediate needs while building toward long-term wellness. I understand that mental health concerns don't always follow a predictable path, and I'm equipped to support you through both stable periods and challenging times.
I offer convenient telehealth services, allowing you to access quality psychiatric care from the comfort of your own space. My approach emphasizes collaboration—I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as partners in your care. I take time to listen, explain treatment options clearly, and ensure you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your mental health.
Whether you're seeking help for the first time or looking for a provider who truly understands the complexities of mental health treatment, I'm here to support you with expertise, empathy, and respect.
For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. You may feel stuck in patterns that are hard to break or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can be a space where you begin to understand what’s been holding you back and start creating meaningful change.
I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. My work focuses on helping you build emotional awareness, improve communication, and develop healthier patterns so you can feel more balanced and fulfilled in your life. Clients should expect to feel heard and supported throughout our time together. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, and I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.
I have a passion for helping people navigate life's challenges. Seeking help can feel like a big step, but it is also a powerful one. I offer a collaborative and nonjudgemental space for discovering strengths and with helping you feel empowered.
Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).
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.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Maria, CA



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 90%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
- 23%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


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