Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Santa Maria, 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 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.

Amanda Doty

Amanda Doty

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Citrus Heights, CA


I offer individual psychotherapy for adults healing from trauma, and working to

have a different relationship with others, themselves, their bodies, and food.

Located in Sacramento, California, I offer a combination of individual and group

sessions in addition to telehealth throughout California. My work is person-

centered, grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect for everyone’s unique

story. Whether you are navigating eating disorder recovery, body image distress,

trauma, or identity exploration, therapy can be a place to gently make sense of

what feels overwhelming.

As a trauma-informed and trauma-trained therapist, I believe healing happens

not only through insight, but through felt experience. Together, I will support

you in learning how safety, connection, and regulation can live in the body again.

I specialize in working with adults and queer individuals navigating trauma,

eating disorder recovery, and body image distress.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Eating disorders, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lidia Escobar

Lidia Escobar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Matthew Paden

Matthew Paden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Matthew is also an end-of-life doula and a Certified HeartMath® trainer, integrating mindfulness, emotional regulation, and compassionate presence into his work.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sheida Kalantari

Sheida Kalantari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I don't believe in a formula — I pay close attention to what's actually showing up for you and adjust as we go.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maria Maguire

Maria Maguire

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Rosa, CA


I’m grateful to have a career that allows me to be authentically myself and spend my days talking deeply about things that matter. I love working with motivated, bright people who know they have a lot to offer, but feel a bit blocked. I find great joy in helping people unblock to find ease and authenticity in their own lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Helen Mettu

Helen Mettu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“Every session is patient-centered and specific so as to create a warm and relaxing environment for my patients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Terence Ford

Dr. Terence Ford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“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
Misty Steffen

Misty Steffen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Rafael, CA


“My style is warm, empathic, and direct. I believe in treating each person as a whole, drawing on both conventional and holistic lenses to build a collaborative path that honors your unique story and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Maria Herrera

Maria Herrera

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I see therapy as a collaboration between the therapist and the client. You are the expert in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jules Gomez

Jules Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience working with clients of all ages to manage major life transitions, move through traumatic stress, and build a toolkit of coping skills to manage day to day challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meagan Pruden

Meagan Pruden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I value genuine connection and believe healing happens best in a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Carl Quedenfeld

Carl Quedenfeld

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a safe environment for you to explore the more painful parts of your life and inner worlds.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Seth Gold

Seth Gold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • N Hollywood, CA


“My goal is to help clients build insight, resilience, and the tools necessary to achieve their personal goals and improve overall functioning and quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Matthew Tapia

Matthew Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring together two distinct disciplines: the relational depth of individual and family therapy, and the science-backed precision of behavioral analysis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Anne Winfrey

Dr. Anne Winfrey

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans focused on your goals, well-being, and long-term mental health.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 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 7 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 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stuart Brugman

Stuart Brugman

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello there. Thanks for checking out my profile.

I don't know what brings you to this tiny nook of the internet, on this particular day, but I am grateful and very curious to hear.

As a therapist, I've worked with adolescents and adults for over a decade; sharing in their challenges, connecting in laughter and kindness.

It would be my joy to learn your story and meet you with warmth, humor, and sincerity.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Olivier Djoumessi

Dr. Olivier Djoumessi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“He believes that collaborative care, where patients actively participate in their treatment plans, yields the best outcomes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Michael They

Michael They

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Modesto, CA


“I will listen intently and ask questions to learn more about you so I can determine what type of care is most appropriate.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Bill Benson

Bill Benson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague, and practical without reducing therapy to bumper-sticker wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Aaron Ruiz Zuniga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have extensive history working with individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms and crisis situations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Vivian Ifediora

Vivian Ifediora

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized. I take time to truly understand each client's story—looking beyond symptoms to the root causes of distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 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
Josephine Musisi

Josephine Musisi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe effective mental health care starts with truly listening to each client's story, understanding their unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Shahrzad Shadmani

Shahrzad Shadmani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Laguna Niguel, CA


As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.

Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Eating disorders, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual • Emeryville, CA


“I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michael Times

Michael Times

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adults, teens, and families in medical, community mental health, and addiction treatment settings. I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I bring a calm, supportive, and down‐to‐earth style to therapy so clients feel safe and understood. I also teach social work and sociology at the university level, which keeps me grounded in current research and best practices. Most importantly, I care about meeting you where you are and helping you move toward meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
Stephanie James

Stephanie James

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 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
Britanny Wilson

Britanny Wilson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“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
Nizhu Minhaz

Nizhu Minhaz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, collaborative, and direct—because healing doesn't have to be stiff, and growth rarely happens in silence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natsuko Jacobson

Natsuko Jacobson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In general, I am not here to give you advice... We will explore your struggles, histories, strength, expectations and goals together to connect with your inner wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tiffany Manning

Tiffany Manning

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a warm, affirming space where you can be yourself while also gaining practical skills to navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Jennifer H Harris

Dr. Jennifer H Harris

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 30 mi away • Solvang, CA


“My approach is real. I want to get to know you. I can't and won't start offering input until I get a bit of an understanding of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Paterese Reynolds

Paterese Reynolds

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Atascadero, CA


“I provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore your worries, wants and needs, and more importantly, identify the barriers to change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stacey Rydell

Stacey Rydell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Barbara, CA


“I bring my authentic self to each session and do my best to create a relaxed and open atmosphere for my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Panic disorders
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Justin Sundgot-Smith

Justin Sundgot-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Goleta, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are highly thoughtful, sensitive, creative, or introspective—and who may find themselves overthinking, putting significant pressure on themselves, or feeling disconnected from what they actually want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 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 2,554 therapists in Santa Maria, CA accepting new patients.
2,554+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%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
  • 23%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.