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LGBT therapists in Lake Forest, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA

Finding affirming mental health care in Lake Forest is now accessible through Headway's diverse network of open-minded providers. Whether you're exploring identity, managing relationships, or addressing life transitions, our providers offer evidence-based therapy and medication management with authentic support. Sessions are flexible, covered by insurance, and available within two weeks.

James Carr

James Carr

Therapist

Virtual • Visalia, CA


“I want clients to feel they are accepted and respected as well as taking back the power they may have lost along the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Stephanie Straeter

Dr. Stephanie Straeter

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Specifically, you will learn how and when to use strategies to manage stress, emotions, self-destructive behaviors, impulses and habits.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Lorraine Navarro

Lorraine Navarro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in helping each person build resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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
Chidinma Nwankwo

Chidinma Nwankwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“She prioritizes building a solid therapeutic relationship with her patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Lisa Slover

Lisa Slover

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help clients cultivate a deep sense of peace, find lasting happiness, and feel empowered to confidently shape their lives and future.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Jessica Gomez

Jessica Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to ensure that each client's unique needs are met, recognizing that no single approach fits all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carly Singh

Carly Singh

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is trauma informed, eclectic and somatically oriented. I integrate my trainings in Hakomi (mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy) into much of my work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Stella Eliboh

Stella Eliboh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“My approach to care is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I work closely with clients to understand their experiences, goals, and concerns while using evidence‐based practices to guide treatment decisions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Alex Honigman

Alex Honigman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want clients I work with to feel empowered, grounded and have a greater understanding of themselves and the healthy pathways that lead to a meaningful life aligned to their value set.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Kaylee Kryzer

Kaylee Kryzer

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Barbara, CA


“Clients have noted they can tell I genuinely enjoy connecting with them, and have emphasized feeling sessions are safe, non-intimidating, accepting, and steady.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Laura Helquist

Laura Helquist

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and flexible, drawing on evidence-based techniques Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Cierra Whatley

Cierra Whatley

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I believe people know what they actually need in order to be happy, my role is to help you to tap into that wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bart Liles

Bart Liles

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe everyone needs help from time to time.

I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.

I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Leigh Johnson

Leigh Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Deborah Mata

Deborah Mata

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With over 15 years of experience, I supervise associates and interns and help clients in CA, CO, and TX navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and body image concerns...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
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
Dr. Gary Bushweiler

Dr. Gary Bushweiler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I have been trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches in therapy. Since every individual is unique, I use my knowledge and experience to determine and use the skills and techniques best suited for the client and their circumstances in life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Christina Daly

Dr. Christina Daly

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I’m a licensed psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology, experienced in supporting adults and older teens through anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions. Clients describe me as warm, grounded, and approachable, with a style that’s both compassionate and direct. I create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported while working toward meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Arkadiy Yaretskiy

Dr. Arkadiy Yaretskiy

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“His approach combines psychotherapy with medication management, body-based practices, and attention to sleep, nutrition, and daily rhythms, with the goal of making change possible and sustainable.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nicholas Prelesnik

Nicholas Prelesnik

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Ana, CA


“I've been told by clients that they appreciate my no-nonsense approach and calling out unhealthy behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carolyn Le

Carolyn Le

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand what's been going on and what matters to you, and we'll work together to find a path forward that feels manageable and realistic for your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Diane Anderson

Diane Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have been in private practice for the past 18 years. I see myself as a CBT therapist with other emphasis in Psychodynamic clinician.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Direct, Inquisitive
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
Carrie Christensen

Carrie Christensen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is direct, compassionate, and practical. I value curiosity over judgment and work to create a space where clients can explore patterns honestly without feeling shamed or pathologized.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Esau Valdez

Esau Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have been a therapist for a little over for 4years, and have 20 plus years of experience in providing services in the mental health field. I received my MA from Brandman University and utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and other modalities to help reduce symptoms and foster change in unhealthy behaviors.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Challenging, Creative, Direct, Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aviva Euripides

Aviva Euripides

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an experienced clinician and gage our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Luis Contreras

Luis Contreras

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Meghna Das

Meghna Das

Therapist

Virtual • California


There is so much growing that we do in our teens & young adulthood (and our adulthood too!), whether we want to or not. I know how overwhelming it can be, especially with so many factors at play (culture, trauma, world events, etc). As your therapist, I’m here to support you through all this.

I am someone who:

  • Works with BIPOC, children of immigrants, LGBTQ+, & neurodivergent teens, young adults, adults, & those who are grieving
  • Is trauma informed, & community/justice oriented
  • Knows how the systems at play affect us daily & at a deeper unconscious level
  • Creates a safe space for you to explore the parts of your life that may feel too difficult to hold on your own

If you want any of the following, then I am the therapist for you:

  • Work through your relationships, life events, &/or grief using talk therapy & body-centered approaches
  • Process life events, ideas, feelings with thought provoking questions
  • Support in navigating relationships & your inner world in any capacity
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jaime Collins

Jaime Collins

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi there, I'm Jaime - a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience supporting all ages in crisis settings involving anxiety, depression, and trauma.

I use a trauma informed approach that blends CBT, mindfulness, and other evidence-based practices and strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood while building tools to navigate life’s challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs and goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Teryn Leaper

Teryn Leaper

Therapist

Virtual • California


Teryn Leaper has a Masters in Counseling

Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University.

She is currently board certified with the BBS in

California and BHEC in Texas.

Teryn has been spent the last decade in Los

Angeles and has been living in Texas for the last

year. Outside of work Teryn likes to read, write

short stories and poems and knit.

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

Audrey Sarto

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Barbara, CA


“I'm passionate about working with individuals who have been disempowered by society, with an emphasis on childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender, non-monogamy, and relational...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Hector Montes

Hector Montes

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, 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 9 insurance carriers
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
Barbara Crofford

Barbara Crofford

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a therapist with extensive experience in trauma and substance use recovery, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you will feel heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julia Verdugo

Julia Verdugo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is integrative and relational, drawing from both past and present-focused frameworks.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tara Joseph

Tara Joseph

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I guide clients in healing past wounds, overcoming challenges, and building healthier relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 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.