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LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health care that truly understands their experiences. Headway offers flexible, judgment-free sessions with providers experienced in supporting gender identity, sexual orientation, and community-specific challenges. With 70+ insurance plans accepted, quality affirming care is more accessible than ever.

Stacy Hajarian

Stacy Hajarian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 1.7 mi away • Santa Monica, CA


“My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy. Because lasting change usually requires both structure and depth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Van Amberg

Kelly Van Amberg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.4 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“Kelly utilizes a directive and interactive approach in therapy. She believes the you are the expert in you own experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hannah Bernstein

Hannah Bernstein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.8 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm warm, direct, and a little bit stubborn about hope. I'll listen closely and I'll tell you the truth as I see it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Zora Speert Dieterich

Zora Speert Dieterich

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.7 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I am an interactive therapist whose practice involves a mutual cooperative approach to empower self-learning.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Sheida Francis

Dr. Sheida Francis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.7 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I view therapy as an adventure into our inner world. Understanding the inner forces that drive our feelings is vital.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Rubio

Elizabeth Rubio

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.9 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Scarlett Quenette Budinich

Scarlett Quenette Budinich

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.2 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm a nurturing and calming presence, and despite my professionalism I'm not afraid to joke and laugh with you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sheridan Henderson

Sheridan Henderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Beverly Hills, CA


“I believe in your ability to grow, heal, change. I ask you to be real, and I am real in return. I talk truth. I listen. I cuss sometimes. I crack jokes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Andreone

David Andreone

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.2 mi away • Culver City, CA


“I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, burnout, creative blocks, relationship challenges, performance pressure, and major life or career transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Ong

Joshua Ong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 4.9 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe mental health care requires a multifaceted and holistic approach to treatment, addressing various aspects of an individual's life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jessica Hyatt

Jessica Hyatt

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.1 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Julissa Miro Quesada

Julissa Miro Quesada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.8 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I deeply value cultural context and our innate need for human connection, authenticity, and belonging.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.2 mi away • West Hollywood, CA


“I'm a trained psychodynamic therapist and love to work with adult clients to help improve insight and self-awareness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mimi Kent

Mimi Kent

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.7 mi away • El Segundo, CA


I partner with clients to support healing, growth, and positive transformation. I offer an intimate space that’s grounded in empathy and curiosity. But I'm also real, direct, and sometimes a little playful. Therapy with me isn’t stiff or clinical; it's human, heartfelt, and intuitive. I’ve helped clients reframe and navigate anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, depression, and shame, offering relief from painful symptoms and limiting beliefs. I’m EMDR trained and bring over 25 years of yoga and meditation practice into the room with us.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
James Dvorak

James Dvorak

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.7 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and those exploring questions around identity, belonging, and connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jessi York

Jessi York

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • Sherman Oaks, CA


I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adult individuals. I work collaboratively to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, grief, or life transitions, therapy can be a powerful space to gain insight and feel less alone.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jakuta Ptah

Jakuta Ptah

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Sherman Oaks, CA


“My approach is collaborative, curious, and practical. I like to understand not only what you are struggling with, but why a pattern may have developed and what purpose it has been serving.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Heather Totten

Heather Totten

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Encino, CA


“Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your authentic self, I offer a compassionate and supportive space...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Racheal Ennis

Racheal Ennis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.8 mi away • Manhattan Beach, CA


“I believe a healthy therapeutic experience can foster a genuine, honest and authentic relationship that can help us become aware of ourselves in the world, heal from our past, cope with our present, and foster a healthy future.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dominic Valdes

Dominic Valdes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, and offer a space that is culturally attuned and grounded in understanding the nuances of identity, intimacy, and relational dynamics.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jessica Gomez Lezama

Jessica Gomez Lezama

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Encino, CA


I've always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit. If you are working through what happened without judgment and identity what could help you keep going.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jonathan Vela

Jonathan Vela

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
AJ Kiefer

AJ Kiefer

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • Encino, CA


Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor University and post master’s from Maryville University in St. Louis. Also board certified in Ambulatory Care and have been caring for people with mental health issues in/out of the hospital for over 18 years. I have a strong critical care background and treat different issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, men’s health issues, postpartum depression amongst others.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cheryl Moss

Cheryl Moss

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.

I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Arturo Arceo

Arturo Arceo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Tarzana, CA


“My approach to therapy is rooted in a culturally sensitive framework, understanding that your background and identity are central to your experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Seth Gold

Seth Gold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • 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
Anthony Boyd

Anthony Boyd

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Pasadena, CA


“I'm warm, direct, curious, and comfortable sitting with experiences that feel complicated, painful, or difficult to name.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Behnam Keyvan

Behnam Keyvan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


“I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship that doesn't lose sight of your strengths and your wholeness as we work with your problems.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Men's issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dennis Goldenson

Dennis Goldenson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


“I have extensive experience in client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy that is directly relevant to young adults, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Dr. Lou Bigelow

Dr. Lou Bigelow

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Studio City, CA


“I specialize in supporting transgender people, LGBTQ+ people, and others who struggle with social anxiety...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Rosania

John Rosania

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - PSYCHOANALYSIS

I invite you to say what you would never say in ordinary conversation. I specialize in anxiety, depression, difficult to describe dissatisfaction, work/career difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual problems, imposter syndrome, men's issues, creative blocks, sexual abuse, religious/cultic/satanic trauma and relationship issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Matthew Porter

Matthew Porter

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


Hello and welcome to my psychotherapy practice. My name is Matthew and I have been practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Francisco and Los Angeles for over twenty years. I honor diversity and inclusion and provide a curious, non-judgmental space for reflection, healing and transformation. As a therapist, I bring a mix of pragmatic feedback and practical skills development to empower my clients to grow and change. As an Attachment-Focused EMDR therapist, I support clients with PTSD and interpersonal trauma to heal and become more present. I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and I serve individuals, couples, families, youth, and the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Adriana Medeiros

Adriana Medeiros

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Athina Danilo

Athina Danilo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


“Using relational, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed therapy—along with inner child work, parts work, mindfulness, and somatic awareness—we create space for healing and self-connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ryan Lisman

Ryan Lisman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Burbank, CA


“I employ a humanistic therapy approach that is client-centered and tailored to your individual therapeutic needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sheila Kelly

Sheila Kelly

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Torrance, CA


“I believe the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is an essential healing component of therapy and provides the foundation from which growth and self-healing occurs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Doug Wilson

Dr. Doug Wilson

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


“I collaborate with a wide range of clients, with a particular interest in helping men with a variety of issues including relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, difficult childhoods, and infidelity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Monika Sury

Monika Sury

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Torrance, CA


I support children, teens and adults understanding themselves and regulate emotions, and develop the confidence to navigate life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy. I help clients develop practical skills for emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, social challenges, transitions and family relationships.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Niko De Leon

Niko De Leon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Canoga Park, CA


“As a first-generation trans person of color, I understand how difficult and intimidating it can feel to reach out for support and I truly recognize the courage it takes to take this step.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA
There are over 53 therapists in Santa Monica, CA accepting new patients.
53+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Relationship issues
  • 94%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 60%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 51%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 40%Cigna
  • 40%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 96%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 4%Armenian
  • 4%Portuguese
  • 2%Farsi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 55%Woman
  • 43%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 58%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 21%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 6%Clinical Psychologist
  • 6%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 42%Family therapy
  • 26%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.

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