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LGBT therapists in El Cajon, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in El Cajon with 2,408 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded care tailored to your unique needs. Access talk therapy and medication management virtually or in-person, with sessions often available as soon as the next day. Our network supports your journey with flexible scheduling and insurance coverage to help you focus on your wellbeing.

Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I practice through a client-centered, nonjudgemental lens and really emphasize building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Arkadiy Yaretskiy

Dr. Arkadiy Yaretskiy

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I seek to understand emotional difficulties within the broader context of an individual's life, health, relationships, and culture.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kristyne McPhail

Kristyne McPhail

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, allowing you to take an active role in identifying what you would like to work on and what meaningful change looks like for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
James Wagner

James Wagner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My clients don't need a therapist who hands them worksheets; they need someone who will actually sit with them in the hard stuff.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patricia Riley

Patricia Riley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in each individual's right to self determination. Life can have multiple challenges, but with a thoughtful approaches it can reduce the power over us the challenges can have.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Bruce Strumpf

Bruce Strumpf

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you feel better an move toward the life you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Mariah Larkin

Mariah Larkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I think a collaborative approach is very effective. We both bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zaryn Avaren

Zaryn Avaren

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring genuine empathy for the messy process of change, combined with an adaptable, evidence-based approach that focuses heavily on cultivating your self-compassion and unique strengths.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Mohammad Reza Emami

Mohammad Reza Emami

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is culturally responsive and grounded in the belief that every individual deserves to feel understood, supported, and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Bita Saad Adel

Bita Saad Adel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in your mental health journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Danevia Rhone

Danevia Rhone

Therapist

Virtual • California


Some things you've been carrying for so long they've started to feel like part of who you are. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults who are navigating trauma, grief, loss, and the weight of experiences that don't just go away on their own. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic situations, gender expressions, and sexual orientations find a real home in my practice, including folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in a way they haven't before.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Laurie Gallagher

Laurie Gallagher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help clients feel heard, understood and valued. In addition, I would like them to come away from therapy with a larger tool-box, including stronger communication and relationship-building skills.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Juan Maillo

Juan Maillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Andrew Vandernoot

Dr. Andrew Vandernoot

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in a dynamic approach, focusing on the deeper emotional patterns and relational and childhood experiences that shape how we think, feel, and connect.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
William Jacob Kavanaugh

William Jacob Kavanaugh

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My presence is warm and grounded, and my approach focuses on helping you make sense of your feelings and create a life that you feel good about.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
Zoot Sax

Zoot Sax

Therapist

Virtual • California


My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a deep belief in people's capacity for growth, healing, and resilience. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire, and have worked with many diverse populations - from individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, trauma, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and couples. I have worked with CBT, DBT, ACT, and CPT approaches as well as completing advanced training in both ABFT & EMDR.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Claudia Estrada

Claudia Estrada

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach is warm, supportive, and holistic, helping clients explore the root of their challenges while building practical coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Lou Bordisso

Dr. Lou Bordisso

Therapist

Virtual • California


I subscribe to cognitive behavioral therapy, emphasizing the rational behavioral therapy modality. I hold a doctorate (EdD) in counseling and educational psychology from the University of San Francisco, where I also earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I earned a Master's in Divinity from the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union. I have been practicing since 1987 and am a seasoned therapist.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lori Guidinglight

Lori Guidinglight

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a collaborative partner in your healing. My approach is holistic, integrative, and deeply strengths-based—meaning we don't just look at what's heavy or broken, but we focus on the natural resilience and tools you already carry.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shauntis Bussey

Shauntis Bussey

Therapist

Virtual • California


So you’ve known for a while that you needed to talk to a therapist, but you’re not sure who will actually get you. Glad you found me. Maybe you’ve held it together so well that even you started believing your struggles weren’t “that bad.” You’ve learned to go it alone, carry all the responsibility, and push through. For a while, it worked: you checked the boxes, hit the milestones, got the bag. But now you’re exhausted, overthinking, and wondering why a life that looks fine on paper still feels so hard and empty. This is the point where you don’t need another cardigan-wrapped therapist who’s going to nod and let you fill the silence. You need someone who will get to the heart of things quickly, challenge you when it matters, and give you something you might not have right now: a soft place to land.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alejandra Arias

Alejandra Arias

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Desiree Joslyn

Desiree Joslyn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and their families, helping to create understanding, support, and meaningful connections.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, my name is Ryan. I treat adults using psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is ideal for clients who are willing to be introspective about their problems and are okay with being confronted in a direct way. This type of therapy can be hard but provides the basis for deep and meaningful work.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Edward Quintana

Edward Quintana

Therapist

Virtual • California


“They can expect someone who is dedicated to making their lives better... someone that is compassionate to struggles with a non-judgmental perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Marlene Blanco

Marlene Blanco

Therapist

Virtual • Onyx, CA


“I provide a supportive, non judgmental space for you to work on reconnecting with yourself and making the changes that you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Yu-Ning Lin

Yu-Ning Lin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm an empathetic listener who believes in fully understanding my client in order to customize effective strategies individually.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Veronica Dobson

Veronica Dobson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My work is grounded in expertise in human sexuality, women's and men's issues, and a deep commitment to being both LGBTQIA+ affirming and religiously affirming.”
LGBTQIA+, Family issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Nichole Wofford

Dr. Nichole Wofford

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’ve worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice, and I’m deeply committed to providing culturally affirming care that honors the full complexity of who you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Matthew Smith

Dr. Matthew Smith

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Rosa, CA


“I believe the most helpful psychotherapy includes a genuine human connection balanced with the artful science of research-proven psychology.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Griggs

Brittany Griggs

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with adults with ADHD, parents of neurodivergent children, and young professionals who are ready to stop fighting their brains and start building a life that actually fits them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fritzie Fernandez-Craft

Fritzie Fernandez-Craft

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, active, and entirely collaborative, meaning we work as a team to break old patterns and build lasting relief.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Chanel Halimi

Chanel Halimi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to always be calm, warm, and nurturing with my clients. I also provide clients with exercises, insights, and strategies so that they can truly grow and transform.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sophie Davis-Cohen

Sophie Davis-Cohen

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship dedicated to your growth, focused on your goals, and fueled by curiosity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Rachel Howard

Rachel Howard

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello! I am Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Practitioner.

I have almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. I specialize in trauma and family work. I am an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natalia Mathis

Natalia Mathis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“When you're in the room with me, you'll be met with a safe and supportive environment filled with kindness, patience, and empathy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Hayatghaib

Susan Hayatghaib

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is person-centered and humanistic. We each have within us the capability of healing ourselves with the right guidance and support.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Crystal Folk

Crystal Folk

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting each client in the space that they are in.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tamie Cox

Tamie Cox

Therapist

Virtual • Fort Bragg, CA


“I also have a deep commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and creating space where every part of who you are is genuinely welcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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.

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