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LGBT therapists in Van Nuys, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Van Nuys, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in Van Nuys with 2,474 affirming, open-minded providers who understand your unique mental health needs. Access therapy virtually or in-person with flexible scheduling and average savings of 75% on sessions through insurance coverage.

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Dr. Urania Acevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be both compassionate and productive, and that genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance evidence-based practices with a deeply authentic human connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Patricia Gutierrez

Patricia Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My practice centers on trauma and PTSD, identity and gender affirming care, and the lived experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Edith Mercado-Jimenez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and understood, right from the very first conversation.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Deidre Green

Deidre Green

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience across medical and behavioral health settings. I currently serve as a Lead Social Worker at Adventist Health and also work with college students at a community college, providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and care coordination. My background spans hospital, home health, and community settings, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, end-of-life care, bipolar disorder, substance use, and chronic health conditions. I provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients. I offer telehealth sessions in the evenings and on weekends throughout California, making care accessible for clients who work during the day.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Deisy Gracia

Deisy Gracia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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 8 insurance carriers
Maria Thompson

Maria Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a first generation Mexican American woman with more than 10 years of experience in mental health and geriatric care...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Demetrus Jones

Demetrus Jones

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christopher Mckillop

Christopher Mckillop

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and develop meaningful coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Lapinski

Andrea Lapinski

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natsuko Jacobson

Natsuko Jacobson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In general, I am not here to give you advice... We will explore your struggles, histories, strength, expectations and goals together to connect with your inner wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My care is grounded in genuine collaboration and a deep respect for the individual path each person walks.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Irvine, CA


“With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Eileen Lopez

Eileen Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“As a Latina clinician, I bring a deep appreciation for the ways culture, family, and community shape our experiences and our relationship with mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Emily Jarrell

Emily Jarrell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is not about trying to "fix" you. Instead, the focus is on deepening your understanding...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Esther Kang

Esther Kang

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in guiding individuals towards their authentic selves and empowering them to live fulfilling lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“There are times when a person feels emotionally "stuck" and feel there is no way to undo it. I know this view well myself!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and I value building therapeutic relationships with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Patricia Meyer

Patricia Meyer

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“In my practice, I bring both clinical rigor and genuine warmth — creating a space where clients feel truly heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Petty

Joshua Petty

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I have specialized in emotional health for nine years, with experience treating adolescents and adults with various diagnoses.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I'm a licensed psychologist working with adolescents, adults, and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, significant life changes, or challenges with attention and focus. My goal is to offer a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you — your experiences, your values, and where you hope to go. You are a complex, whole person made up of many parts — and there is room here for all of them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Nolanda Bush Msw, Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello and welcome to therapy. You are one step closer on your journey to achieving your goals, passions, and intentions. You and I will develop a therapeutic relationship as you work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and other areas that you would like growth in. You will utilize the strengths that you already have, and keep expanding on those. It is my job to create a safe, open, and person-centered environment. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey! Keep going and growing.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Candy Taylor-Ceballos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Bilingual/Bicultural Latiné LCSW with over 15 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Pierre Yeremia

Pierre Yeremia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm compassionate, relatable, and a good listener who wants you to feel genuinely understood not rushed or reduced to a diagnosis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Martha Cervantes

Martha Cervantes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is affirming and empowering, while also being direct. I'll help you feel heard and understood, and I'll also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joanna Joestar

Joanna Joestar

Therapist

Virtual • California


I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Ekta Kumar

Dr. Ekta Kumar

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I work with adults and couples, especially professionals, students, and creatives in high-pressure environments — who want more than just coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

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 8 insurance carriers
Justin Matar

Justin Matar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Corona, CA


My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christina Stelly

Christina Stelly

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment and will be emailed to you when you book online. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

Hi! I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.

I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.

My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.

Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Gema Martir

Gema Martir

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Diego, CA


“Direct, Warm, Inquisitive and Critical questions that are focused on identity development in the family individual or couple system.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Marina V Araiza

Marina V Araiza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. People often describe me as easy to talk to, and I believe that compassion—and even a little humor when appropriate—can make the healing process feel more comfortable. We'll work together to build on your strengths and help you create meaningful, lasting change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Precious Martines

Precious Martines

Therapist

Virtual • California


As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, relationship concerns, family dynamics, and other mental health challenges.

My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

Throughout my career in the last 5 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, major life transitions, and complex mental health concern. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every person deserves compassionate, nonjudgmental care tailored to their unique story.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Erica Kholodovsky

Erica Kholodovsky

Therapist

Virtual • California


Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or a significant life transition? Perhaps you’re noticing recurring patterns in your relationships, struggling with self-criticism, or feeling disconnected from yourself despite your efforts to move forward. Genuine connection, recognition, and attunement are central to my approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change develops through a collaborative relationship in which you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected.

I’m Erica, a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), bringing over 20 years of experience in mental health treatment and wellness, including extensive clinical work in inpatient psychiatric care, intensive outpatient treatment, and psychotherapy. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, ADHD, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. As a former athlete, I also work with athletes facing performance anxiety, perfectionism, and identity concerns. I welcome individuals seeking practical strategies for managing symptoms, as well as those interested in developing a deeper understanding of their emotional experiences, relationships, and sense of self. I provide online psychotherapy throughout California, including Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego. My work integrates evidence-based treatment, relational attunement, and a whole-person perspective, with care tailored to your individual needs, circumstances, and goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kimberly Galindo

Kimberly Galindo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shelzea Zamora

Shelzea Zamora

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a mental health clinician who takes a solution‐focused and empowering approach to therapy. I believe healing happens at your pace, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood as we work together to explore challenges, build on your strengths, and move toward meaningful change.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Wajeeha Khan

Wajeeha Khan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Ramon, CA


“Healing begins with empathy. At Well Mind Therapy, we embrace your journey with compassion, creating a safe space where you feel truly seen and supported as you grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jasmine Maniti

Jasmine Maniti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“With a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and over six years of emergency and psychiatric nursing experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of mental health crises to my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Van Nuys, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Van Nuys, CA
There are over 51 therapists in Van Nuys, CA accepting new patients.
51+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Relationship issues
  • 96%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 69%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 59%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 47%Cigna
  • 43%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 94%English
  • 20%Spanish
  • 4%Farsi
  • 4%Portuguese
  • 2%Armenian
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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  • 59%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 22%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 6%Clinical Psychologist
  • 6%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 43%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 20%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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