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LGBT therapists in Santa Maria, CA

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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 2,443 providers deliver evidence-based care through flexible virtual or in-person sessions, with average savings of 75% on therapy costs through insurance.

April Shields

April Shields

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me blends CBT, EMDR, mindful self-compassion, and somatic tools to support healing and resilience, so you can manage anxiety and burnout with confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Denise Alfaro

Denise Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Walnut Creek, CA


“I focus on giving you concrete, real-world tools that lead to noticeable changes in your everyday life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dr. Sara Tafeen

Dr. Sara Tafeen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I care deeply about my clients and will be an active participant in helping you to create desired change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Charles Scribner

Charles Scribner

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Marina del Rey, CA


“My goal is to provide a calm, supportive space where you feel heard and understood—while also helping you move toward meaningful improvement.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jasmine De La Torre

Jasmine De La Torre

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe therapy is a journey, one in which the client is the navigating driver. As a Licensed marriage and family therapist, I take the passenger seat and support my clients in the direction they chose to go with in their therapeutic journey. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of my clients, drawing on empathy, respect, and transparency to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Valeria Moreno

Valeria Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe each person deserves a space to be seen and valued for their authentic self. As a bilingual (Spanish), bicultural, first-generation Latina born and raised in Boyle Heights, my worldview is deeply shaped by the resilience of marginalized communities, the weight of generational survival, and the intricate dance of navigating multiple cultures. As the daughter of Salvadorian immigrants who fled conflict in the 80s in search of a better life, I understand firsthand the invisible loads, systemic complexities, and profound courage it takes to build a path forward.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Dr. Carmen Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Navvab Tadjvar

Dr. Navvab Tadjvar

Psychologist

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My background in psychology and philosophy shapes how I approach therapy, not just as a way to relieve symptoms, but as a process of exploring deeper patterns, uncovering meaning, and creating lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Warm
Dr. Drew Scott

Dr. Drew Scott

Psychologist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I bring over 20 years of experience bridging the space between thoughts, feelings, and actions to facilitate your growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Travis Brown

Travis Brown

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach centers on a strong therapeutic relationship — a space where you feel heard, respected, and involved in every decision about your treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Phoenix (Sharon) Piwowarski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sebastopol, CA


“I aim to empower clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Hollywood, CA


“I believe that life is most satisfying when the relationships we have with our 'Self,' with 'Others,' and with our 'Family' are healthy and balanced.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kirra Walsh

Kirra Walsh

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Marcos, CA


Hi, I’m Kirra. I’m a compassionate, collaborative therapist who believes that meaningful therapy begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity development, life transitions, relationship challenges, and other experiences that may leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

I value creating an affirming space where you can show up as your authentic self. I have a particular passion for supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as clients from multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds. My own experience growing up across several U.S. states and overseas in Japan and Guam has shaped my appreciation for the many cultural, family, and relational influences that make each person's story unique.

You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Wherever you are in your journey, we can begin there.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Thai Le

Dr. Thai Le

Psychologist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Velvet Tabb

Velvet Tabb

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to empower clients to face their fears, reduce distress, and move toward a life that is guided by their values rather than their anxiety.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Suse Simoes Argollo

Suse Simoes Argollo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe there's nothing more powerful and healing than being seen, heard, and understood by another human being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shanna Holladay

Shanna Holladay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a deeply affirming therapist for LGBTQIAS2+ clients and have extensive experience supporting transgender folks navigating transition, identity, and the mental health weight that often comes with it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Moen

Jennifer Moen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Huntington Beach, CA


“I use EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-responsive interventions in a direct and grounded way to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Wisteria Wood

Wisteria Wood

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I am particularly passionate about working with queer youth and marginalized communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Oscar Castillo

Oscar Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“My approach to care is holistic and patient-centered, focusing on understanding your unique experiences and needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sarah Nicholson

Sarah Nicholson

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“I practice a compassionate, but realistic view and empower you to take steps towards getting your unmet needs fulfilled.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natalia Ewalt

Natalia Ewalt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients to address underlying issues by considering interconnectedness of physical body, emotions, and thoughts.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Brandon Lozano

Brandon Lozano

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in helping adults whose anxiety and relationship struggles trace back to childhood, including emotional neglect, parentification, and growing up with a parent's mental illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, Panic disorders
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Emily Dalton

Dr. Emily Dalton

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can have many shapes and forms. Sometimes, it is simply a place where you are seen and heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sally Curran

Sally Curran

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and honest. Together, we'll explore the 'why' behind things, not just the symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Diana (Didi) Orozco

Diana (Didi) Orozco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a safe enough space where you can show up exactly as you are—tears, laughter, uncertainty, and all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Saldana

Ashley Saldana

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that healing begins with feeling truly heard and accepted, so I focus on building a safe, trusting connection from the start.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dimas Moncada

Dimas Moncada

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've developed the skills to help you (a) explore and identify the causes of your challenges and (b) develop an individualized plan that leads to measurable progress, the progress you seek.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cindy Ordonez

Cindy Ordonez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe that healing begins with being heard. I truly enjoy listening to my patients and understanding their unique stories, challenges, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Infertility
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Esther Kang

Esther Kang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in guiding individuals towards their authentic selves and empowering them to live fulfilling lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kaidi Liu

Kaidi Liu

Therapist

Virtual • Thousand Oaks, CA


“I am skilled to provide you with the tools and self-knowledge to remain grounded in tumultuous times.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

AJ (Amberle J) Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so I approach each session with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Mazyar Karandish

Dr. Mazyar Karandish

Psychologist

Virtual • Guerneville, CA


“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
Jose Hernandez

Jose Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a naturally curious, growth-oriented human who believes healing happens when insight meets action. I love helping people zoom out to see the bigger picture of their lives—while also gently zooming in on the patterns, habits, and beliefs that shape their everyday experience.

I’m drawn to the intersection of self-awareness and real-world momentum. Therapy with me is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded. We can explore the deep stuff—identity, relationships, purpose, transitions—while also building practical tools you can actually use on a Tuesday afternoon when life is lifing.

I value emotional honesty, nervous system regulation, and sustainable growth over quick fixes. I believe you’re not broken—you’re adaptive. Together, we figure out what’s working, what’s outdated, and how to move forward in a way that feels aligned, empowered, and authentically you.

Expect warmth, insight, humor when it fits, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. Healing doesn’t have to be clinical and cold—it can be connected, intentional, and even a little energizing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sharon Kennon

Sharon Kennon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rancho Cucamonga, CA


“I take a solution-focused, client-centered approach that empowers individuals to discover practical strategies for growth and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Steffan Weiner

Steffan Weiner

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“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
Sarah Brock Chavez

Sarah Brock Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is intersectional and trauma-informed combining combines techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Martinez

Lauren Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


I’m a queer, multi-ethnic Mexican-Jewish woman who grew up involved in the child welfare system. My passion is helping others reconnect with their authentic selves, especially under the weight of cisheteropatriarchal oppression. I specialize in assisting adults navigate ADHD, C-PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and relationships.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Santa Maria, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Maria, CA
There are over 2,449 therapists in Santa Maria, CA accepting new patients.
2,449+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 87%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 76%Cigna
  • 74%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 64%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
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  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 29%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 11%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 41%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.

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