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LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, 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 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.

Leonard Noel

Leonard Noel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in supporting clients in navigating the challenges of life through Eastern Spirituality, Mindfulness, Narrative therapy & Brainspotting.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Jorge Belloso-Curiel

Jorge Belloso-Curiel

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! Thank you for considering me as a potential therapist. I have worked in social services related occupations for over thirty years. I am humbled daily and appreciate working with people wherever stage they are in their life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Alejandro Bulnes-Mendizabal

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in both Spanish and English, from colloquial to professional levels. My work has included supporting individuals facing HIV/AIDS-related challenges, domestic violence, substance use, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, dual diagnosis, sexuality-related concerns, aging-related issues, and the broader impact these experiences can have on families and support systems. Across community, academic, and clinical settings in Mexico and the U.S., I’ve built a strong foundation in helping people navigate both personal suffering and societal distress.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christina Rodriguez

Christina Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in various social work settings.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jeffrey Maloney

Jeffrey Maloney

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I have been a psychologist for 44 years and worn many hats: schools, private practice, clinics and agencies. Experience counts for a lot! I am dedicated to my patients reducing their suffering.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amanda Cheyenne Weston

Amanda Cheyenne Weston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Amanda Cheyenne believes that self actualization comes from committed compassion to our present felt experience paired with responsible (and often playful) action.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Esau Valdez

Esau Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a space where you can be open about what you're experiencing without judgment, shame, or guilt.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Noel Sherry

Noel Sherry

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, working with you to unlock your potential and achieve lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Isabela Barros Doyle

Dr. Isabela Barros Doyle

Psychologist

Virtual • Santa Barbara, CA


“I'm especially drawn to supporting clients through relationship challenges, life transitions, questions of identity, and issues of confidence and empowerment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nina Alpert

Dr. Nina Alpert

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I help individuals and couples gain insight into the unconscious patterns that shape their emotional life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jerrica Calvillo

Jerrica Calvillo

Therapist

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


Jerrica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has extensive experience helping clients with anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, crisis support, and substance use concerns.

Jerrica’s approach is compassionate, supportive, and client-centered. She strives to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Using evidence-based tools tailored to each person’s needs, she helps clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing.

Jerrica feels honored to walk alongside her clients as they work toward positive change, greater balance, and a more hopeful future.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sridevi Banka

Sridevi Banka

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Dublin, CA


“I specialize in affirming, evidence-based care for adolescents ages 12+, LGBTQ+ individuals, and new mothers navigating pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and early parenthood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvette Carreon

Yvette Carreon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is to have a meaningful conversation and apply evidence-based practices to real life situations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lucia Olson

Lucia Olson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In the first session, I may ask more questions than in a typical session, but I will provide an open, supportive and calm presence where you take the lead in what you would like to focus on in sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Gabriele Gutierrez

Gabriele Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that true change happens when people are given the support they need in order to draw upon their own strengths to realize their full potential.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Raquel Buchanan

Raquel Buchanan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“The best compliment I have ever received was that my therapeutic approach "was like talking to a friend."”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jessica Castro

Jessica Castro

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Jessica Castro, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’m a mother of two and have been married for 15 years, which gives me a deep, personal understanding of the joys and challenges that come with relationships and family life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and stronger connections. My clients often share that therapy with me helps them feel heard, empowered, and better equipped to handle life’s stressors. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where meaningful change can happen.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Robyne Vance

Robyne Vance

Therapist

Virtual • California


Always happy to help!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. My professional experience includes inpatient hospitalization, community-based mental health, and private practice settings, allowing me to support clients with a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. I specialize in grief and loss, relationship concerns, caregiving stress, chronic and terminal illness, workplace burnout, and major life transitions. I also have specialized experience supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington’s Disease and strive to provide an inclusive, culturally responsive space where clients feel respected and supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Brian Campany

Brian Campany

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate and supportive, while also offering thoughtful challenge when it can help you grow.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Tahir

Lisa Tahir

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am still amazed at how resilient and resourceful people are. The desire to be loved and happy drive so much of our human experience and I am motivated to help people achieve peace, fulfillment, meaning, and happiness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Sean O'Hara

Dr. Sean O'Hara

Psychologist

Virtual • California


My approach to psychotherapy is always client centered with an emphasis on the clients focus and areas they wish to address. I have worked in counseling and psychotherapy for 38 years in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms and private practice and have created, developed and been clinical director for many Intensive Outpatient Programs for Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis.

Getting people past anxiety disorders is a passion of mine andI specialize in anxiety and sports performance anxiety and all forms of addictions. I work with teenagers and young adults dealing with academic, sports and achievement areas.

I work with parents and adults on healthy launching and individuation of their children. With the ever emerging world of technology and media I work with individuals on Video Gaming Addiction, Internet Addiction and Pornography Addiction and poor regulation of screen time which leads to depressed mood, anxiety and poor productivity especially in younger people.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Serge' Nelson

Dr. Serge' Nelson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I am committed to delivering personalized, high-quality care in a respectful, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Charlotte Carrasco

Charlotte Carrasco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I understand the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals and young adults—from family dynamics and workplace discrimination to identity development and the pressures of finding your place in the world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Mark Emeka

Mark Emeka

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Living with cerebral palsy has shaped my understanding of resilience, adaptation, and navigating systems of difference.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nancy Schulz

Nancy Schulz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a warm and compassionate therapist who believes everyone possesses an inherent "inner sun" that occasionally gets clouded by life's stressors.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sisi Yu

Sisi Yu

Psychologist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Many of my clients are high-achieving teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, burnout, or patterns around alcohol or substance use.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jay Rosenthal

Jay Rosenthal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I truly have an eclectic approach. Client centered and humanistic therapy naturally aligned with me.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Ryan. I treat adults using psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is ideal for clients who are willing to be introspective about their problems and are okay with being confronted in a direct way. This type of therapy can be hard but provides the basis for deep and meaningful work.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Scott Ivey

Dr. Scott Ivey

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“During sessions, I prioritize listening to you approximately 80% of the time and provide feedback on the remaining 20%.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Affirming, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rochelle Ashton-Beasley

Rochelle Ashton-Beasley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about creating a space where clients feel truly seen and understood, and I bring both warmth and clinical structure to every session.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marielle Tavares

Marielle Tavares

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in healthcare. My background in both physical and mental health has shaped the way I practice: I believe in caring for the whole person, not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. I work with adults experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, stress, mental health concerns related to perimenopause and menopause, and difficulty navigating life transitions. I take an open-minded, compassionate approach and want my clients to feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I am committed to providing thoughtful mental health care that recognizes the important connection between physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and environment.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Samir Hamed

Samir Hamed

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach to providing care is client-centered and holistic. I work collaboratively with clients to understand their unique needs and create personalized treatment plans.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Lauren Azantian

Lauren Azantian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm passionate about working with individuals who want to understand themselves on a deeper level, not just manage symptoms but shift the patterns underneath them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Michelle Balke

Michelle Balke

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I conduct a thorough intake at the first appointment and also provide tips, techniques, and resources to support the client in feeling better...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Blanca Rondon

Dr. Blanca Rondon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take pride in fully supporting our LGBTQ+ community and Veteran populations with their unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mike Chang

Mike Chang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I make strong connections with my clients through an authentic presence, well-developed active listening skills, and transparency.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Victor Milberg

Victor Milberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm genuine, interactive, and warm. I make great efforts to be available to accommodate your schedule.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Johnny Zhong

Johnny Zhong

Therapist

Virtual • Roseville, CA


Johnny Zhong is a compassionate, client-centered therapist specializing in trauma, EMDR, and certified in psychosomatic therapy. He focuses on anxiety, depression, and body image issues, working with children, teenagers, and some adults. His approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs. In addition to his clinical work, Johnny is also training to become a music therapist, expanding his therapeutic repertoire by integrating music into his treatment methods.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Max Olkowski-Laetz

Max Olkowski-Laetz

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Max, and I am an LCSW practicing in California.

For many people, the hardest part of the therapy process is getting started. Asking someone to go to all the work of finding not just a therapist, but the right therapist for them, all while in the middle of a mental health crisis? It can be a daunting task. My practice centers around making that process as painless as possible, so that we can get right to the core of what made you decide to seek therapy in the first place, and get to work on working on you.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, Stress management
Challenging, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 3 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.