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LGBT therapists in Bakersfield, CA

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health support from providers who truly get it. Headway offers warm, solution-oriented therapists experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity concerns. With 2,467 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Cynthia Fullwood-fleck

Cynthia Fullwood-fleck

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey—one where you show up as your authentic self and know that you'll be supported every step of the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Natasha Houston

Natasha Houston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach with my clients is open and honest communication while offering a non-judgmental approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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
Shawn McClellan

Shawn McClellan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative, and I focus on helping you build skills you can use in real life, not just insight you can talk about.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Carmen Santillan

Carmen Santillan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dean Wright

Dean Wright

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I come with an existentialist approach to the therapeutic room which means I am trying to help my clients find meaning in the change they seek.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
Chermayne Moore

Chermayne Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My mission is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can be your most unfiltered and authentic self.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Susan Choe

Susan Choe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is eclectic, psychodynamic, humanistic, and integrative. I would describe my communication style as open, attuned, and collaborative.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
M. Watson

M. Watson

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California, and I work with individual adults navigating life transitions, everyday stress, and everything in between. My background in older adult services means I bring a deep understanding of how health, identity, and relationships shift over time — and I love meeting clients where they actually are, not where they "should" be. I see clients via telehealth, which makes it easy to fit therapy into a busy schedule.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, End of life care, PTSD, Stress management
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Blair Bishop

Blair Bishop

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm and collaborative. I think that humor can be incredibly healing and I incorporate it when appropriate.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittaney Latta

Brittaney Latta

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use techniques from several practices such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, Bowen family systems, person-centered, solution-focused, and Gottman in order to better help you to reach your goals in therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tone Va'i

Tone Va'i

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm direct, relational, and reflective in how I work. I started in early childhood mental health, which shaped how I understand people.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jay Ferrel

Jay Ferrel

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally responsive. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Andres Borja

Andres Borja

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a warm, grounded presence to therapy and believe that effective treatment starts with authentic connection and mutual respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lindsey Kohn

Lindsey Kohn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where clients feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions, patterns, and experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julie Pennington

Julie Pennington

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ukiah, CA


“I support people navigating trauma, disabilities, neurodiversity, sexuality and gender non-conforming and all-around life stressors in a relaxed, nonjudgmental space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leslie Wenzell

Leslie Wenzell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that we all have gifts and strengths that can be cultivated through the therapeutic process and through a client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Navneet Dhaliwal

Navneet Dhaliwal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized, with a focus on creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable, supported, and actively involved in their treatment plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Charles Codner

Charles Codner

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Reina Foxworthy

Reina Foxworthy

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been in practice for over ten years. I help Gen Zers and Millennials to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress that the fast-paced world of today causes. Whether the ever-evolving world is making it difficult for you to navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, parenthood, work pressures, romantic partnerships, emotional trauma, or interpersonal relationships, I am prepared to aid in rebuilding your confidence and developing a powerful toolkit for combatting mental health blocks.

As a proud Mexican woman, it’s important to me to provide a space for marginalized groups to feel understood and validated. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply passionate about supporting the queer community with compassion and empathy. I am also sex-positive and have helped many of my clients overcome barriers and concerns regarding sex and physical intimacy.

I graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2016. I began seeing clients in 2014, and in the years since, I have worked in substance abuse programs, behavioral health hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and numerous group practices. Today, I enjoy managing my own practice and seeing my clients thrive as they tackle treatment goals. I am located in Los Angeles and am exclusively offering virtual therapy at this time, making it convenient for you to meet for your sessions in the comfort of your chosen space.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Heather Peebles

Heather Peebles

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I specialize in CBT, trauma informed therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength based interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 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 5 insurance carriers
Hector Montes

Hector Montes

Therapist

Virtual • Compton, CA


“I am certified in TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), CPP (child parent psychotherapy)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Energetic, Inquisitive
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Brandon Brawner

Dr. Brandon Brawner

Psychologist

Virtual • Oakland, CA


“Attentive listening, open dialogue, compassionate inquiry and a strong sense of adventure are my therapeutic guidelines.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
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
Margaret Moreno

Margaret Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in therapy that brings an enduring sense of calm and confidence, freeing us to focus on what really matters in life...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Monica Cashiotta-Munn

Dr. Monica Cashiotta-Munn

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I believe a good therapist will work their way out of a job, educating you how to be your own best counselor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ashley Griffin

Ashley Griffin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sara Fierro

Sara Fierro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients frequently describe my style as direct, deeply validating, and genuinely invested in moving them forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dominique Dunn

Dominique Dunn

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Dr. Marc Steinmetz

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My mission is to offer you a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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
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
Kara McCafferty

Kara McCafferty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most successful when a client feels: respected, free to express their experience without fear of judgement, supported, and appropriately challenged.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carl Hess

Carl Hess

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


Carl Hess is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist offering in-person sessions in the city of Ventura. Carl works with individuals, families, and couples, helping to improve relationships and to discover the path to more rich and meaningful lives. Carl employs knowledge of a wide range of treatment modalities to create individualized treatment plans with practical solutions for life's challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Christiana Grotlisch

Christiana Grotlisch

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm direct, warm, and a little spunky. I'll challenge you when it's useful, but you won't find judgment in our sessions, just a space to be met where you are.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a LGBTQIA Therapist in Bakersfield, CA

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Bakersfield starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist’s training, specialties, and experience should match what you want support with, such as gender identity, sexual identity, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or family stress. Look for therapists who mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or LGBTQIA+-affirming care in their profiles. The right fit goes beyond clinical skill — it also includes feeling respected in how your identity and goals are understood.

In a mid-sized city like Bakersfield, local LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists may be easier to compare when you include both in-person and virtual appointments in your search. Virtual care can expand your options if nearby office availability is limited or if your schedule works better outside a fixed commute. As you compare therapists, review whether they are accepting new patients, offer appointment times that fit your calendar, and provide a free phone consultation. Reading bios closely can help you see who explicitly works with LGBTQIA+ populations and how they describe their therapy style.

Therapy in Bakersfield can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your needs, review estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person care. You can browse therapist profiles, compare fit, and book directly when you’re ready.

Find a provider - your way

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.