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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 2,469 providers available and sessions starting as low as $0 with insurance, quality care is within reach.

Laura Celnar

Laura Celnar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a non-judgmental space where we embrace being imperfect and where you will feel safe and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sarah Darwich

Sarah Darwich

Therapist

Virtual • California


I enjoy working with all age ranges, with most mental health issues. I genuinely share the experience with my client, I get in their shoes, and I feel what they feel. The beauty about therapy is knowing that you are there to actually work on yourself, no matter the process. I hope to help many become better people and create better futures for themselves.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Mayra Licano

Mayra Licano

Therapist

Virtual • California


¡Hola! Finding your balance doesn't happen all at once, it happens paso a paso (step by step). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8+ years of experience, my heart’s work has always been to provide culturally centered, evidence-based care for those navigating the complexities of early parenthood, identity transitions, anxiety, and depression.

My goal is to provide a warm, collaborative space where you feel truly heard and empowered. Together, we will work to reduce the overwhelm so you can find more balance and joy in your everyday life.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Anthony Gulla

Anthony Gulla

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up fully as yourself—without judgment, pressure, or needing to have everything figured out.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Men's issues
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
Bonni Funk

Bonni Funk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I've had over 20 years experience in helping people heal from co-dependency, particularly from those with narcissistic behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alea Holman

Alea Holman

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful growth begins when you can show up fully as yourself and feel supported in the process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jaime DiMeco

Jaime DiMeco

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I'm Jaime DiMeco & I'm honored that you're here. I've been a psychotherapist since 2018, & have the privilege to serve clients of all backgrounds - with a variety of therapeutic needs & goals - struggling through difficult seasons of life.

I am passionate about working with individuals to successfully heal the lasting impacts of significant trauma.

I also have extensive experience helping the LGBTQAI+ community, & their families, affirm their identity & connect positively to themselves & others.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Cruz, CA


“In sessions, I combine emotional insight with practical skill-building so therapy feels both supportive and useful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Ryan Tran

Dr. Ryan Tran

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I pride myself in providing a safe and welcoming environment for my clients to be able to express themselves in a judgment-free zone.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Men's issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Joan Mendoza

Joan Mendoza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Everything you need to live the life you want is already in you ~ This is the core belief that guides my therapeutic work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Noely Mendez

Noely Mendez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help clients feel understood, build practical coping tools, and move toward healing with compassion, clarity, and care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar

Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi there, I'm Chelsy, a Licensed Therapist. In my 8 years as a therapist, I have become passionate about supporting women navigating seasons of life, those who are pregnant, post-partum, coping with loss and beyond. I love providing support during life transitions and helping my clients to be the best possible versions of themselves. Working with me you can expect a warm and judgement free space to have honest and transparent conversations, process experiences, and practice coping tools.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lori Buelna

Lori Buelna

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a compassionate and safe place to review what matters most in order to promote your strength in healing with optimism.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Edwin Bai

Edwin Bai

Therapist

Virtual • Tustin, CA


“Building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship so individuals can grow and heal brings me deep joy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vee Ghookasian

Vee Ghookasian

Therapist

Virtual • California


I'm here to support you every step of the way! This is a non-judgmental space to collaborate, learn to trust, and heal in relationships. Together, we can navigate through the jumble in your mind, explore past traumas, and understand their current impact on your life. I integrate CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy to help you find peace.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Uriel Blumstein

Uriel Blumstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal in working with anyone, regardless of the severity of their symptoms, is to help them find safety in a relationship: when this happens, recovery can begin.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mahamudun Nabi

Mahamudun Nabi

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“My approach to psychiatric care is patient-centered, collaborative, and grounded in both evidence-based medicine and a deep understanding of each individual's unique life experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
John Rosania

John Rosania

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Burbank, CA


INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - PSYCHOANALYSIS

I invite you to say what you would never say in ordinary conversation. I specialize in anxiety, depression, difficult to describe dissatisfaction, work/career difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual problems, imposter syndrome, men's issues, creative blocks, sexual abuse, religious/cultic/satanic trauma and relationship issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Alejandra Torrero

Dr. Alejandra Torrero

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“I specialize in working with college-age students and professionals seeking greater clarity and direction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vanessa Engelbert

Vanessa Engelbert

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“Vanessa is a client-centered, strength-based therapist who will meet you where you are, listen with empathy, and provide you with support and unconditional positive regard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Brannon La Force

Brannon La Force

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jason Briggs

Jason Briggs

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“Suffering is part of the human condition and unnecessary suffering is resisting what is and can be addressed with compassion and understanding...”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kabirat Oyenuga

Kabirat Oyenuga

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kelli Redfield

Kelli Redfield

Therapist

Virtual • Escondido, CA


“I specialize in trauma, Somatic Integration, and supporting folks who feel a little "too much" for the world—creative, curious, quirky souls navigating complex emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Jose Carranza

Jose Carranza

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi there, my name is Jose Carranza, LFMT, maneuvering through life and work with thoughtful intention and an open heart. I have approximately a decade of experience working in the mental health field and about 5 years practicing as a therapist. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have lengthy experience working with mood, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joelle Maletis

Joelle Maletis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Joelle is proactive, dynamic, & compassionate while addressing her client's individual needs. By offering a safe space, Joelle works with a diverse clientele that includes C-suite executives, active and retired military personnel, first responders,...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jacquelin Garcia De Santiago

Jacquelin Garcia De Santiago

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with adults and specialize in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, and adjustment disorders...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Nicole Penick

Dr. Nicole Penick

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Nicole takes an integrative (humanistic and psychodynamic) approach to tackle the individual desires of each person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Shoshana Rosenberg

Shoshana Rosenberg

Therapist

Virtual • California


Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, grief, depression, or experiences from the past that continue to affect your present. Perhaps you find yourself reacting in ways that don't make sense, feeling disconnected from others, or carrying burdens that have followed you for years.

I believe that symptoms often make sense when we understand the story behind them.

For nearly 20 years, I have worked as a psychotherapist helping children, adolescents, adults, and families heal, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. My experience includes working in private practice, schools, pediatric healthcare settings, and community mental health programs. I also taught graduate students in counseling and family therapy programs, helping train the next generation of therapists.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bianca Morris

Bianca Morris

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring an empathetic, grounded presence to therapy and believe you are the expert in your own life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Susan Miller

Susan Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


Congratulations for taking the hardest step in therapy, reaching out for help. Past traumas, grief, chronic pain and illness, failed relationships, poor self-esteem, or mental illnesses impacts each of us at difference times in our lives. These moments can make us questions ourselves, traps us into feeling hopeless, with no motivation or energy to believe in a better tomorrow. I will not promise that therapy will be easy or that I have a magic cure so you will no longer have Tragedy, illness or loss. I can promise to provide a safe space, using best practices to move forward. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 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 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Lara

Jennifer Lara

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I show up as a real person—warm, curious, a little unconventional—and I create a space where you can do the same.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stacy Hajarian

Stacy Hajarian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Monica, CA


“My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy. Because lasting change usually requires both structure and depth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvonne Miller

Yvonne Miller

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and live a life worth celebrating.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laura Lien-Mitobe

Laura Lien-Mitobe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My primary goal as a therapist is to provide a client-centered, non-judgmental, caring, supportive, safe space for you to explore experiences, patterns and feelings that may be causing you pain and/or hinder your personal goals and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alexander Lewin

Alexander Lewin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I have a special passion for working with artists and creative professionals as they wrestle with fears, fantasies, depressions, manias, and all the challenges not only of making art but of making a living through art.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Andrea Jordan

Andrea Jordan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and disease management coordinator with a background in psychiatric care and medical care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Jourdan Johnson

Dr. Jourdan Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, holistic, and goal-oriented, focusing on each client's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

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.