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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.

Patricia Harvey

Patricia Harvey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • Torrance, CA


“I'm often described as warm, personable, and easy to talk to, and I sometimes use gentle humor to help create comfort and connection in our sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Lory Khoudikian

Lory Khoudikian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • Glendale, CA


“I am empathic, warm, and genuine. Mainly through a collaborative approach, I empower clients and emphasize the importance of having choices as well as responsibility in life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Jack Sample

Dr. Jack Sample

Psychologist

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


I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • Agoura Hills, CA


I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kesha Saucier

Kesha Saucier

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I 'am a double board-certified Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry and Primary Care...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jennifer Mauceri

Jennifer Mauceri

Therapist

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


Our practice specializes in treating adults who need assistance managing depression, anxiety, codependency, stress, couples/marital counseling, and family therapy. We accept straight Medicare and several other Medicare plans. Feel free to reach out to us via email ([email protected]) to check if we take your specific plan if it is not listed on the Headway site!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Martin Olivares

Martin Olivares

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • Westlake Village, CA


“His approach is thoughtful, relational, and culturally responsive, based on the belief that lasting change becomes possible when people feel deeply understood and supported as they explore previously unrecognized aspects of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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
Dr. Porsha Dodson

Dr. Porsha Dodson

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“Treatment focus is client centered and inclusive of cultural considerations as we navigate Cognitive Behavioral techniques...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Rebecca Snyder

Rebecca Snyder

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Montrose, CA


I provide individual therapy to adults and teens. I practice therapy from a place of empathy, nonjudgment, warmth and humor. I believe that each person holds wisdom and unique gifts and talents and that my role, as your therapist, is to reflect the light within you. I have been providing therapy for 20 years and worked in community mental health, as a clinical supervisor, for 14 years before fulfilling my dream of opening my full-time private practice in 2023.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jonathan Meza

Jonathan Meza

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Alhambra, CA


“I'm known for being a great listener, and a kid at heart. I'm a believer that life's hardships can be opportunities for amazing growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Annie Fuller

Annie Fuller

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • South Pasadena, CA


“I take an integrated approach to therapy that is both relational and person-centered. To me, therapy is a collaborative experience in pursuit of understanding the authentic self and healing through the therapeutic relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Teru Kanazawa

Teru Kanazawa

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • South Pasadena, CA


“I work as a collaborator with you in an honest, truthful and transparent process to achieving the best you can be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea James

Andrea James

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Montrose, CA


My expertise is in child and adolescent anxiety reduction, OCD, autism and ADHD. My goal is to provide education to kids and their parents about anxiety and related and co-occurring conditions. I also frequently treat phobias, separation anxiety, emotion regulation issues, school refusal, learning disabilities, trauma, giftedness and 2e.

I am also experienced in helping adults and children navigate issues related to divorce including coparenting, custody planning, divorce navigation from considering separation (discernment) through divorce mediation/proceedings to post judgment. I also have expertise in helping adults navigate post separation abuse, domestic violence and coercive control.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Terence Ford

Dr. Terence Ford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • 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
Logan Vournas

Logan Vournas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“I provide a space of safety and acceptance for clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences with support of compassion and honesty.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Maureen McGlynn

Maureen McGlynn

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“I specialize in working with professionals who are burned out, questioning their path, or feeling alone in leadership.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Heidi DE Leon

Heidi DE Leon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Signal Hill, CA


“With 18 years of experience in addiction treatment, I have seen firsthand the resilience people discover when given the right support.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
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
Sarah Scheidler

Sarah Scheidler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Sierra Madre, CA


“I believe deeply in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carrie McElwee

Carrie McElwee

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“I believe in meeting my clients where they are and creating a safe space help them feel empowered, as positive change occurs judgement-free and unapologetic.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Almog Shanun

Almog Shanun

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 29 mi away • Monrovia, CA


  • I believe therapy is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves. It is an opportunity to explore and learn about the mysteries of our inner self. When I am working with a client both of us discover a vast new world that waits to unfold. I studied at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school dedicated to discovering the inner contents of the self and the secrets of the archetypes of our humanity. I believe in working with my clients face to face, together, by sharing a journey in order to learn about the hardships of today while gaining knowledge about past and present experiences. I believe in and encourage my client’s strength and ability to solve their own problems and become the healers of their own wounds. I work as a guide and as a fellow traveler in your journey toward self discovery. With every step we take toward discovery, I work hand in hand with my clients, letting them lead in finding the sources of their suffering and their capability to heal them. Treatment Modalities: Person Centered Therapy, Post Jungian, Family Systems, Trauma Theory, Sex Therapy, and working within the Feminine Principle. I work with LGBTQ community and with all kind of diversity. At Eye Of The Storm counseling I specialize with Adolescents, Adults, Relationships, Individuation, Immigration, Life Changes, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Sexual Issues, Personal Growth and Development, Life Style issues, and Court referrals.
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 12 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
Lauren Godlove

Lauren Godlove

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“I strive to lead with curiosity, compassion and openness, guiding and supporting you through the terrain of your own unique path in a way that honors all parts of you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Dr. Norman Quintero

Dr. Norman Quintero

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Anaheim, CA


“He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with humanistic principles to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while also feeling deeply heard, respected, and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sunshine Golson

Sunshine Golson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I am passionate about helping you find purpose, pleasure, and enjoyment in this life through an eclectic humanistic approach, focusing on stress and anxiety reduction.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Creative, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Holly Kempler

Holly Kempler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood, and genuinely heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Denise Benitez

Denise Benitez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Whittier, CA


“My work has focused on adolescents, children in foster care, family systems, domestic violence/trauma, couples therapy/relationship issues, ethnic minority mental health and LGBTQ clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Krysta Boyle

Krysta Boyle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Laguna Hills, CA


“I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to be themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Ravina Wadhwani

Ravina Wadhwani

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Aliso Viejo, CA


“I help clients heal from anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am passionate about processing trauma and empowering you to see change in your life outside of sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Owen Akenzua

Owen Akenzua

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I take a calm, down-to-earth approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused strategies to help you build insight and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Cappelletti

Elizabeth Cappelletti

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are used to being the strong one, caring for everyone else or appearing capable on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected within.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Maximiliano Cabellos

Maximiliano Cabellos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Riverside, CA


Hi

My name is Maximiliano Cabellos, LMFT


I am here to support you in addressing your needs and help you discover an appropriate and healthy approach. My goal is to assist you in getting to the root of challenges and overcoming them to live a more fulfilled life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angela Phillips-McCord

Angela Phillips-McCord

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


Hi, I’m Angela Phillips, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Lotus Healing and Wellness. I help teens and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions through trauma-informed, inclusive, and affirming therapy, with a special commitment to supporting women and the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live as their truest, most authentic self. I also believe we all have the capacity to transform our lives, though sometimes we need support, guidance, and a safe space to begin that process. I know what it feels like to believe you have to hide parts of yourself or become someone else in order to be loved or accepted, and that understanding deeply shapes the way I show up as a therapist.

My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, heal the patterns and survival strategies that no longer serve you, and create a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and emotionally fulfilling.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rocio Vaca

Rocio Vaca

Therapist

Virtual • Brea, CA


Ready to feel more connected, confident, and in control of your life? Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or challenges around identity, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and supported.

I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience helping couples, individuals, children, and teens create meaningful, lasting change.

For couples, I help turn conflict and disconnection into stronger communication, deeper friendship, and emotional intimacy.

I provide an affirming, judgment-free space for those exploring identity, preparing to come out, building self-acceptance, or navigating gender-affirming care. Together, we can strengthen resilience and address anxiety, depression, and stress.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Tabitha Thompson

Dr. Tabitha Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Dr. Tabitha Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who finds value in helping others see the strengths in themselves and achieve their personal and professional goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Brenda Zarate

Brenda Zarate

Therapist

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My approach is empathic and client-centered, rooted in trauma-informed care and attachment-based work, with specialized training in early childhood mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
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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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.