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LGBT therapists in San Diego, CA

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in San Diego, CA

San Diego's vibrant LGBTQIA community deserves mental healthcare from providers with relevant experience and open-minded approaches. Headway offers flexible sessions, medication management support, and works with your insurance to help you focus on your care without worrying about costs.

Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, CA


As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of clinical experience, I bring something distinctive to mental health care: a research-informed approach grounded in real-world compassion. My background as a Sub-Investigator in psychiatric trials keeps me current with the latest treatment innovations, while my Master's from Western University of Health Sciences and ongoing Doctoral studies ensure I'm always expanding my expertise.

I specialize in the conditions that require specialized understanding: ADHD, autism, complex patients, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use disorders, alongside comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. What excites me about this work is that every client teaches me something new about resilience and recovery.

My clinical experience spans diverse settings, from outpatient care to cutting-edge research, giving me a unique perspective on evidence-based treatment. I combine thorough psychiatric evaluations using DSM-5 criteria with personalized medication management, always staying current with the latest advances in psychiatric care.

What I want you to know is this: your mental health journey matters to me both professionally and personally. I'm committed to providing care that's not just clinically excellent, but deeply respectful of your individual experience and goals.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Dr. Julie Cohen

Dr. Julie Cohen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Alex Lapinski

Dr. Alex Lapinski

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in supporting adults navigating challenges with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, particularly those whose self-worth has been impacted by emotionally immature, mentally ill, or personality-disordered parents and family.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natalie Rahe

Natalie Rahe

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a partnership—where your goals guide the process, and we build tools that fit your real life, not some cookie-cutter model.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rebecca Braunstein

Rebecca Braunstein

Therapist

Virtual • California


“By strengthening awareness and self-attunement, one can truly begin to become enlightened and embrace healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jessica Saucedo

Jessica Saucedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize a person-centered approach. It is important for the person I am working with to feel heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Cindy Nguman

Cindy Nguman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like a warm, supportive conversation rather than a rigid clinical interrogation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
David Trejo

David Trejo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Pasadena, CA


“There is no ideal client: My purpose as your therapist is meet you where you are at in life and move forward with you on your journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Gonzalez Morales

Elizabeth Gonzalez Morales

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Latinx, queer, non-binary therapist committed to providing affirming, culturally responsive, and relational care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zachary Arnold

Zachary Arnold

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a person-centered lens, meaning I see you as the expert of your life and view our therapeutic relationship as a key part of the healing process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Cintia Ctibor

Cintia Ctibor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a world where trauma, and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart's true narrative.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Krista Sabados

Krista Sabados

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based therapy and nervous system healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Evelyn Ramirez

Evelyn Ramirez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner providing medication management and supportive therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and women’s mental health.

I have specialized training in perinatal and postpartum mood disorders through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and take a holistic, integrative approach to care.

Soy enfermera con doble certificación en salud mental psiquiátrica y medicina familiar. Ofrezco **manejo de medicamentos y terapia de apoyo

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Brandy Jaramillo

Brandy Jaramillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a licensed clinical social worker specializing in supporting adults navigating the complex emotional landscape of chronic illness, burnout, and caregiver stress.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kyle Tretter

Kyle Tretter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I take an integrated approach that combines medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic wellness strategies to promote meaningful and lasting improvement.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Andrea Gomar Padilla

Andrea Gomar Padilla

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a supportive space where both children and caregivers feel understood, empowered, and equipped with tools to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julieta Serrato

Julieta Serrato

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Julieta a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2016 and bring both clinical experience and real-life perspective into my work. I create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and person-centered care to help clients build emotional resilience and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, life transitions, and trauma.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Linda Fong

Linda Fong

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Albany, CA


“I am guided by my values of Compassion, Wisdom, Healing and Empowerment. My focus is helping people THRIVE in healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shara Ally

Shara Ally

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I use measurement-based care, structured symptom tracking that guides our treatment adjustments and minimizes trial-and-error.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julia Hengst

Julia Hengst

Therapist

Virtual • California


As someone who has gone through years of therapy myself, I am very passionate about working with you for your highest good. With a background in meditation, conflict mediation, somatic work, spirituality and psychology, I have a solid toolkit that is at your service. My undergrad degree from Berkeley is in Media Studies, so we will also explore how media shapes us and the current culture we live in.

I work with all different ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, social groups, nationalities and orientations!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Matthew Tapia

Matthew Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring together two distinct disciplines: the relational depth of individual and family therapy, and the science-backed precision of behavioral analysis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Conrad Larkin

Conrad Larkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Rosa, CA


“During my more than 30 years as a therapist I have found that once an unworkable pattern is revealed and the emotions connected to that are expressed, your authentic self is more available.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sue Brekka

Sue Brekka

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I offer a safe environment of compassion and respect. Working pyschodynamically, from an object relations perspective, integrating parts work (IFS)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Yadira Nieto

Yadira Nieto

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and supportive. I see therapy as a partnership where you can show up as yourself and feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ivan Arevalo Fuentes

Ivan Arevalo Fuentes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a holistic therapist who is interested in helping clients walk on a path to heal mind, body, and spirit.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jaime Haasch

Jaime Haasch

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am warm, welcoming, and direct in my approach with clients. I include mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and acceptance in my work with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
Kianna Romero

Kianna Romero

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have experience working with minority populations, mainly with the Latinx community as well as LGBTQIA+ community.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Airy Ramirez

Airy Ramirez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Through our collaborative work, clients can expect to gain valuable self-insights, develop practical coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angelique Gray

Angelique Gray

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a gentle, inclusive space where you can safely exhale and begin to rediscover the resilient, true self that's been there all along.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Julie Hall-Sweaza

Julie Hall-Sweaza

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Julie. I have been a therapist for almost 20 years. I have experience with individuals and families who are living with mental health issues, and I also have extensive experience helping those with substance use problems. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can offer a supportive place to feel understood, begin to recover, and reconnect with yourself.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Adedayo Adebisi

Adedayo Adebisi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Temecula, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Matthew Paden

Matthew Paden

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Matthew is also an end-of-life doula and a Certified HeartMath® trainer, integrating mindfulness, emotional regulation, and compassionate presence into his work.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elia Saint Karene

Elia Saint Karene

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My work focuses on helping you reconnect with your inner motivation, expand your capacity for joy, and create a life that feels deeply fulfilling.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Helder Araujo MD PhD

Dr. Helder Araujo MD PhD

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“His practice is intentionally small to ensure individualized care, where each patient has the time and attention needed to understand how their symptoms developed and how best to approach treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Emily C. Keehn

Emily C. Keehn

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My approach is direct, calm, and collaborative. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships while helping clients address challenges in meaning, practical, and compassionate ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 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 an LGBTQIA Therapist in San Diego

Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in San Diego starts with finding identity-affirming care. This can mean a therapist who lists experience with affirmative therapy, WPATH-informed care, gender-diverse clients, coming out, family dynamics, relationship concerns, or support for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Finding a therapist who understands LGBTQIA+ experiences matters beyond general training, so review their listed specialties, approach, and bio to see whether their experience matches what you want to talk about.

San Diego has many therapists across neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Valley, and La Jolla, which can make it easier to find options but harder to narrow them down. Virtual care can also expand your choices, especially if you want a therapist with specific LGBTQIA+ experience or need more flexible scheduling. As you compare therapists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how clearly they describe their work with LGBTQIA+ people, gay couples therapy, lesbian couples therapy, or LGBTQIA+ couples counseling.

Therapy in San Diego can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you compare therapists who are accepting new patients, review bios, enter your insurance details for an estimated cost, and book directly when you’re ready.

If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.

Find a provider - your way

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