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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.

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
Chaise Madden

Chaise Madden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Kemp

Jennifer Kemp

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have 15 years of experience as a therapist. You are all so unique. I love hearing each person's story. It enables me to be more specific in sessions. I like to work collaboratively. I want to know what you need at this point in your life. I welcome feedback. I attended U.S.C. as an undergrad and I attended California State University Los Angeles for my Masters degree in Psychology. I think everyone deserves to be happy. If I can be of assistance to you, that is my goal.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Janelle Vaughan

Janelle Vaughan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner based in California, and I built my practice around being a true advocate for the people I work with. I trained in both medication management and therapy, and I find that care is most effective when those two things work together. Whether you are managing a mood disorder, navigating anxiety or depression, or figuring out the right psychiatric medications, I take time to understand you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. My goal is for every client to feel genuinely heard, supported, and in control of their own mental health journey.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Blanca Monzon

Blanca Monzon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masks, no judgment, just you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Adam Salazar

Adam Salazar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over nine years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges and difficult issues. Therapy can feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. I am here to support and guide you through a process that can be rewarding and beneficial towards growth, healing, and developing a deeper understanding of yourself.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely heard, and that is something I take seriously. My professional experience working in healthcare, addiction, and homelessness has deepened my understanding of the complex social, cultural and systemic factors that impact mental health and well-being. I am an advocate for human rights and stand with those who have faced oppression, discrimination, and social injustice in a world that works against you.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Neslihan James-Kangal

Dr. Neslihan James-Kangal

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My aim is not simply to help you feel better, but to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, create meaningful change, and ultimately build a life that feels more fulfilling and authentically yours.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Joyce Carter

Joyce Carter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to help people to understand we all have the power to re-create ourselves and live our best lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Panic disorders
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jerrica Danhoff

Jerrica Danhoff

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can be a space to slow down, feel genuinely understood, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have gotten lost along the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Griggs

Brittany Griggs

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with adults with ADHD, parents of neurodivergent children, and young professionals who are ready to stop fighting their brains and start building a life that actually fits them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Elba Alvarado

Elba Alvarado

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Elba Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in relationships — with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. I hold space for people navigating the quiet weight of expectations, the complexity of identity, and the patterns that shape how we show up in the world.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and I have been providing therapy since 2018.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gurleen Hans

Gurleen Hans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Ana, CA


“My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tina Namakian

Tina Namakian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice integrates multicultural and queer-affirming frameworks, with particular attention to the impact of systemic oppression on mental health and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katelyn Franza

Katelyn Franza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Deborah Ebrahemi

Deborah Ebrahemi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with adolescents, families, young adults, postpartum parents and LGBTQIA+ individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, school stressors, parenting stressors, life transitions, postpartum, and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Stress management
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Stephanie Schilling

Dr. Stephanie Schilling

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct and grounded. I'm comfortable sitting with intensity and won't shy away from the hard parts of your story, and we always move at your pace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Trish Williams-Forde

Trish Williams-Forde

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe you already carry the resilience and strengths you need, and my role is to help you use them to become the best version of yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Cameron Virjee

Cameron Virjee

Therapist

Virtual • Petaluma, CA


“I focus on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and paying attention to what's actually going on in their world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jennifer Gonzalez

Jennifer Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I specialize in the treatment of trauma, OCD, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based, results-driven methods.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rebecca Hardt

Rebecca Hardt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I wholeheartedly believe it's my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, cultivating, and accessing the internal and external resources that you already possess.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Wendy Vazquez

Wendy Vazquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to provde you with a warm and caring environment where you can feel supported and comfortable sharing the things that are important to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joycy Lacombe

Joycy Lacombe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Certified Trauma Specialist, specializing in guiding clients towards healing from symptoms of PTSD and PTS...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Digna Guerrero

Digna Guerrero

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Digna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to creating a supportive and safe space where clients will feel heard and understood. I work with adolescents and adults of all ages in navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I also have vast experience working with individuals who have co-occuring disorders, developmental disabilities and cognitive delays servicing mild to moderate clients.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 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
Maida Ferraes

Maida Ferraes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated, compassionate, and patient. We carry many judgments from the world and ourselves, we do not need any additional pressure.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Jenifer Wendy Chan

Jenifer Wendy Chan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jane Wang

Jane Wang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“For the past 2 years, I have worked as an LMFT at 2 group practices with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and ADHD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Tammy Boen-Padilla

Tammy Boen-Padilla

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a person-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, believing that a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and respect is the foundation for meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Antonia Sloan

Antonia Sloan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aspire to find the best approach that will enable you to gain insights, achieve personal growth and develop happiness within your life and personal relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Anne Brace

Anne Brace

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients find me to be curious about their experiences and respectful of their readiness to share difficult information.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Hendricks Marquez

Jennifer Hendricks Marquez

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“My goal is to empower clients to discover their own solutions, fostering personal growth and healing at their pace.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sholonda Jackson -Jasper

Sholonda Jackson -Jasper

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work hard using various modalities to support individuals and couples, therapy for clients to support in navigating mental health impacts associated with reintegration after incarceration; unhealthy relationships; domestic/interpersonal violence;...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Marlene Glenn

Marlene Glenn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, focused, and deeply collaborative. I offer talk therapy that is both compassionate and practical, aiming to help you feel relief and see real shifts in a relatively short time.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Joanna Burga

Joanna Burga

Therapist

Virtual • Encinitas, CA


I have a warm demeanor and am also able to challenge your beliefs or behaviors that are not serving you based on your needs and wants in life. I have been working in the mental health field for over 9 years and have worked in different levels of care such as inpatient psychiatric, outpatient clinics and individual therapy.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Penelope Rayas

Penelope Rayas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am trained in psychodynamic theory and use a variety of body oriented, insight oriented, holistic and interpersonal approaches.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
John Rosas

John Rosas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, direct, and solution focused. I combine CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and coaching to help you understand your patterns and take meaningful action.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Louise Thompson

Dr. Louise Thompson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“She believes in listening to patients in a non-judgmental, respectful, compassionate and empathetic atmosphere as the first step to a therapeutic alliance for overcoming personal obstacles for a more fulfilling quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Smith-Ratliff

Jacqueline Smith-Ratliff

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Dr. Jackie, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe healing happens when people feel truly seen, safe, and understood. I work with individuals, couples, and teens navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in helping you reconnect with your strengths and move forward with clarity and hope.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Oprah Diop

Oprah Diop

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. I am open-minded, easy to talk to, and strive to build genuine connections that make therapy feel more like a conversation than an interview. Many people describe me as someone who feels familiar, like they’ve known me for years. I believe in using humor, collaboration, and practical strategies to help navigate life’s challenges while honoring each person’s culture, experiences, and values.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 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
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  • 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.