Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, 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 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.

Dr. Richard Lautenbacher

Dr. Richard Lautenbacher

Psychologist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Dr. Lautenbacher focuses on compassionately building rapport and adapting to your unique needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Lynn Northrop

Dr. Lynn Northrop

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My core values include authenticity, kindness, humility, & celebrating the unique beauty & worth of every human.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rebecca Schack

Rebecca Schack

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Many people I work with appear capable and composed on the outside while their bodies remain in a constant state of stress, anxiety, or emotional shutdown.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, End of life care
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Julie Cohen

Dr. Julie Cohen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kimberly Elliott

Kimberly Elliott

Therapist

Virtual • California


I feel this work is a vocation driven by humility, love, patience, and integrity. I enjoy developing relationships and assisting people on their way to living life to their fullest potential. I believe the world can change one person at a time through mindful, values-based living. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, with my family and my three little furry friends.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Amber Smith

Amber Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to communicate in a direct yet non-judgmental way. My style is to listen intently, ask clarifying questions, and offer insights to help you gain new perspectives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Dr. Nicko Jaeger

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Snehalkumar Patel

Dr. Snehalkumar Patel

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I believe that mental health care should be collaborative. I take the time to understand your concerns in depth, explain treatment options clearly, and work with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals and values.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Steven Frank

Steven Frank

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in trauma work and am certified in EMDR, and I also help adults and older adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or worn down by patterns that no longer serve them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Beverly Ann Lunar

Beverly Ann Lunar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I firmly believe that effective mental health care requires absolute transparency, active collaboration, and treatments rooted in solid clinical evidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Herbert Schnabel

Herbert Schnabel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use trauma-focused, experiential methods for deep healing. This includes specialized tools for reprocessing painful memories (like EMDR), plus creative methods like Mindfulness, Play, and Art to help you gain insight and self-understanding.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hilda Torres

Hilda Torres

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is collaborative, grounded, and direct when helpful, while still allowing space for you to move at a pace that feels safe.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gina Feletar

Gina Feletar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chula Vista, CA


I am Gina Feletar, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience, and a dedicated companion on your journey toward well-being. I am serving clients in both Arizona and California.

Healing begins when we see the whole person, not just the symptoms. My practice blends evidence-based care with a holistic perspective, creating space for healing that also honors your uniqueness. Beyond managing mental health conditions, my mission is to help you reclaim your strength, and rediscover hope rooted in wellness and purpose.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Shanna Rayyan

Shanna Rayyan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself an approachable, down-to-earth person who provides therapy in a judgment-free and safe environment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jeff Danese

Jeff Danese

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care
Challenging, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ashley Rafal

Ashley Rafal

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in creating a safe, collaborative space where growth is possible and progress is meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Julianne Sobel

Dr. Julianne Sobel

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I use a combination of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques to teach clients coping skills to manage emotional distress and disruptive thoughts.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Geni Duran

Geni Duran

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I view therapy as a collaborative partnership where we work together to explore the challenges you're facing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lee Lynch

Lee Lynch

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I have worked in LGBTQ+ communities for over 10 years and I love supporting people who live outside of the norm.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Patricia Jones

Patricia Jones

Therapist

Virtual • California


Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or past experiences? Moving forward can feel difficult when emotional pain, relationship struggles, or life stress leave you feeling trapped or uncertain.You do not have to face these challenges alone. I provide a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you heal, grow, and regain confidence. I believe your worth is not defined by your past or your struggles. Together, we will explore practical tools and strategies to help you create meaningful change and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Nicola Wilson

Nicola Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Eureka, CA


“I use a reflective listening approach to therapy and empower my clients with information about brain chemistry and functioning.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leah Dean

Leah Dean

Therapist

Virtual • Lake Forest, CA


“I'm continually driven by the belief that everyone has the potential for positive growth and change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Veronika Glusker

Dr. Veronika Glusker

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I bring warmth, curiosity, and honesty into the therapy space, and I approach each person with care and without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rebecca Nguman

Rebecca Nguman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should feel like a real conversation. We'll work together to explore who you are, what you want, and how to make each day feel a little lighter.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Tish Wakefield

Tish Wakefield

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping culturally diverse, LGBTQIA, and neurodivergent adults improve wellbeing, coping, and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Alison Dotti

Dr. Alison Dotti

Psychologist

Virtual • Santa Rosa, CA


Hi, I’m Dr. Alison Dotti, a licensed psychologist who works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I have been practicing for 8 years and love being a part of my client's journey towards creating the life they want to live. I support clients who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, family communication concerns, motivation difficulties, neurodiversity, or questions related to identity and belonging.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I specialize in treating adults and adolescents dealing with serious mental illness, including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and geriatric...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Angela Canestraro

Angela Canestraro

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am an LMFT with more than 15 years of experience in trauma, relationships, and family systems.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kaitlin Chin

Kaitlin Chin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I deeply understand how frustrating it can be to finally work up the courage to ask for help — only to walk away feeling unheard, invalidated, or dismissed.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I understand how these conditions can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, often in ways that feel overwhelming or isolating.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alan Murray

Alan Murray

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing, and I will be honored to walk that journey with you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I see our relationship as a true partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based treatment approaches, you bring the most important element—intimate knowledge of your own experience, strengths, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Carmon Williams

Carmon Williams

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, and welcome! Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief. You may feel stuck, stressed, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, feel understood, and start building the tools to regain control and find peace.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Diana (Didi) Orozco

Diana (Didi) Orozco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a safe enough space where you can show up exactly as you are—tears, laughter, uncertainty, and all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Monica, CA


“My goal isn't to "fix" you—you're not broken. I'm here to help you understand your conditions, develop coping strategies, and build on your strengths.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Genean Jeffery-Johnson

Genean Jeffery-Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I help you slow down enough to notice what's actually happening in your body in the moment things get hard, not just the words being said.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Ava Martinez

Ava Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal, as your therapist, is to work with you to create the roadmap to achieving a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Nicole Perkins

Nicole Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help you gain practical tools and insights to handle life's challenges with more confidence and ease.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Wilhana Zaghetto Shetty

Wilhana Zaghetto Shetty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am trained in IFS and EMDR, a specialized therapeutic approach for treating complex trauma, PTSD, and phobias.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Cindy Nguman

Cindy Nguman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a warm, supportive conversation rather than a rigid clinical interrogation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

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.