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LGBT therapists in California

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in California

Find culturally competent mental health support in California through Headway's network of 2,486 warm and empowering providers experienced in LGBTQIA+ care. Sessions are available within days, covered by insurance, with average savings of 75% on therapy costs.

Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


“My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fabiola Tenorio

Fabiola Tenorio

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Latina EMDR therapist who uses compassion to guide my patients through healing areas in their lives where they are feeling stuck. My patients are often working through trauma, grief, or unhelpful beliefs about self, others, or the world that can manifest into anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, and/or PTSD. I also offer Individual and Group EMDR Consultations to clinicians looking to become Certified in EMDR Therapy. Se habla español.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My expertise includes OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Oladunni Amiri

Oladunni Amiri

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe every person's story is unique, and my approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of mental health struggles like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Paula D. Atkinson

Paula D. Atkinson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I love working with those recovering from years of dieting, disordered eating, food obsession, internalized weight stigma and body hatred.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Shelly Calhoun

Shelly Calhoun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Torrance, CA


“I combine medication management with proven therapeutic techniques to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical strategies for lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Roger Schwartz

Roger Schwartz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Before I approach you through a clinical lens, I strive to meet you first as a fellow human being—with deep respect for your unique story.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily McKillip

Emily McKillip

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am known for creating a warm, safe, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Substance use / addiction
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Chartia Byrdsong-Flowers

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jordanna Herrell

Jordanna Herrell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is one of acceptance, genuineness, and positive regard. I aim to empower you to work through challenging situations with fortitude and resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marina Sabia

Marina Sabia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide clients with a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable sharing their challenges and personal experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aritcela Vega

Aritcela Vega

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In our sessions, you won't find a "blank wall" therapist. You'll find a real person who listens with empathy, offers gentle nudges when needed, and celebrates your wins with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Riverside, CA


“We listen, empathize and acknowledge your concerns. We utilize biopsychosocial model in all our assessments, evaluations and evidence-based practice for a better patient outcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
George Naves

George Naves

Therapist

Virtual • Glendale, CA


Hi, I’m George. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families. I bring a diverse background and wide range of interests to my work as a mental health therapist. I have experience working with groups, couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Some of my major areas of focus include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, gender identity concerns, and LGBTQ issues. Other areas include panic disorders, anger management, divorce, and blended families.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge and a Master of Science degree from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Arianna Penalba

Arianna Penalba

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a counselor, I would describe myself as an eclectic therapist, and I use a variety of theoretical approaches in my work, depending on my specific client's needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nancy Lopez

Nancy Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I balance insight and self-exploration with practical tools and strategies, helping clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves while working toward meaningful, achievable goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jarrad Malamed

Jarrad Malamed

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Conrad Larkin

Conrad Larkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Rosa, CA


“During my more than 30 years as a therapist I have found that once an unworkable pattern is revealed and the emotions connected to that are expressed, your authentic self is more available.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Luis Obispo, CA


“I use measurement-based care, structured symptom tracking that guides our treatment adjustments and minimizes trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Baleska Alfaro

Baleska Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Micaela Pericone-Kapp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I'm here to listen deeply, think critically about what's happening for you specifically, and create treatment plans that actually work in your real life—not just in theory.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans. As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I help clients navigate intimacy, identity, and relationships with sensitivity and respect, always honoring your values, culture, and lived experience.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Christopher Mahoney

Christopher Mahoney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, where clients can build awareness and identify strategies to have a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kory Doyle

Kory Doyle

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My specialty is working with LGBT+ adults and couples. Issues I have worked with in the past include same-sex couples' dynamics, self-acceptance, the coming-out process, and gender transition.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Trung Ngo

Trung Ngo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm especially passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to provide inclusive, affirming care to every client, regardless of their identity or orientation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Vargas

Maria Vargas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I will work with you and empower you to know that your voice is heard; you are seen; and that you matter.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alec Bustos

Alec Bustos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families, especially those navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, adoption/foster care, and identity exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shanna Holladay

Shanna Holladay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a deeply affirming therapist for LGBTQIAS2+ clients and have extensive experience supporting transgender folks navigating transition, identity, and the mental health weight that often comes with it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julissa Miro Quesada

Julissa Miro Quesada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 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 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yanira Chavez

Yanira Chavez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first-generation Latina living with chronic illnesses, I understand the unique hardships, cultural expectations, and barriers that can impact mental health and well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Dr. Melissa Bagwell

Dr. Melissa Bagwell

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Apple Valley, CA


“Clients often describe my style as warm, supportive, and infused with humor, which helps create a safe space for exploration and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Maddie Asghari

Maddie Asghari

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“Mental health treatment shouldn't feel like something that happens to you—it should feel like something you're actively creating for yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Maxwell Cadena

Maxwell Cadena

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I care deeply about creating a space where people feel understood - not just as a presenting concern, but as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mallory Nesberg

Mallory Nesberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a warm, down-to-earth approach where clients can leave sessions feeling calm, empowered, and optimistic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

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
Sam Zia

Sam Zia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an AASECT-trained Sex Therapist. I have an MA in Clinical Psychology, and am a PhD Candidate in Human Sexuality.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Cylystina Nevel

Cylystina Nevel

Therapist

Virtual • California


Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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.