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LGBT therapists in San Francisco, CA

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

Find affirming mental health support in San Francisco with 2,460 licensed providers who understand LGBTQIA+ experiences. Access therapy virtually or in-person, with many sessions covered by insurance at reduced costs.

Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Hollywood, CA


“I believe that life is most satisfying when the relationships we have with our 'Self,' with 'Others,' and with our 'Family' are healthy and balanced.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bentley Oliver

Bentley Oliver

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a very direct therapist, I will not ask "how does that make you feel" for years as then I would need therapy!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Renee Demirdjian

Renee Demirdjian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is an integrative blend of modalities tailored to each individual, drawing from attachment-based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Jungian...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kate Salami

Kate Salami

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide an inclusive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that welcomes people of all genders, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarai Velasquez

Sarai Velasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
Emily Arai

Emily Arai

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative and grounded space where you can show up as you are without pressure to have everything figured out.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Paulson

Lisa Paulson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a supportive non-judgmental space where we can work together to move towards healing and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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
Oscar Droege-Sanchez

Oscar Droege-Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is practical and collaborative, using tools like CBT and motivational interviewing to help you better understand patterns and build real-life coping skills.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Amanda Long

Amanda Long

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“My deepest goal is supporting you not merely in reducing symptoms, but in restoring hope, establishing balance, and moving toward the life you truly deserve.”
LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
Saby Kirpal

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ava Martinez

Ava Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal, as your therapist, is to work with you to create the roadmap to achieving a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
James Witmer

James Witmer

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I approach our time together with openness, humility, acceptance, and free of pre-conceived judgement.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I aim to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Edward Garren

Edward Garren

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“The purpose of therapy is to remove blocks to truth; to help you abandon any patterns of belief that no longer serve you in a productive way; to implement self-forgiveness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Dr. Darlington Igbokwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach to mental health care is centered on building trust and understanding, ensuring that each client feels heard and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Talia Guppy

Talia Guppy

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! I am currently accepting client and I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults, providing affirming care through a solution‐focused and client‐centered approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, supporting effective and meaningful change. I also incorporate Narrative Therapy and Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address trauma and promote healing when appropriate.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating the challenges you are facing. Many of my clients come to therapy wanting a space where they feel safe, accepted, and truly understood. I strive to provide this so we can work collaboratively to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and well‐being.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Deborah Reisfeld

Deborah Reisfeld

Therapist

Virtual • California


“During the first session, clients be invited into a welcoming environment centered on safety and trust.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment — your story matters, and your care plan should reflect that.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Erika Nguyen

Erika Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe healing is not about "fixing" yourself, but about learning how to understand, accept, and integrate all parts of who you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alexander Graham

Alexander Graham

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


I specialize in supporting people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma, life transitions and much more. I have extensive experience working with high acuity teens, and I also work with adults of all ages who are navigating imbalance, self-acceptance uncertainty, or emotional overload. I support parents who need guidance in understanding their child’s needs or simply a calm place to process their own feelings. No matter your age or background, if you are struggling to find balance and peace in life, I am here to help.

My approach begins with the belief that life poses great challenges for all of us. Through these challenges, we develop adaptive patterns that may help us survive but can also bring disharmony. I aim to help you bring awareness to these patterns, loosen their grip, and reshape them so you can find greater balance and harmony in your relationship with yourself, others, and the world.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Meriah Ward

Dr. Meriah Ward

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I create safe, inclusive spaces for healing and self-understanding through evidence-based care that goes beyond symptoms to address the whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mere Abrams

Mere Abrams

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in creating intentional, nonjudgmental, and affirming spaces where clients can ask questions, process experiences, build coping skills, and feel more grounded in their values and sense of self.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jules Gomez

Jules Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have experience working with clients of all ages to manage major life transitions, move through traumatic stress, and build a toolkit of coping skills to manage day to day challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Robert Masoner

Dr. Robert Masoner

Psychiatrist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“Listening to patients is the key to understanding them as a whole, rather than simply thinking of patients as having a singular problem to fix.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Hannah Bernstein

Hannah Bernstein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm warm, direct, and a little bit stubborn about hope. I'll listen closely and I'll tell you the truth as I see it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Joshua Ong

Joshua Ong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe mental health care requires a multifaceted and holistic approach to treatment, addressing various aspects of an individual's life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Kai Chuang

Dr. Kai Chuang

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Ma Rosa Nika Varrin

Ma Rosa Nika Varrin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


My experience includes working extensively with individuals facing chronic and severe mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I also serve as a professor, educating future healthcare professionals on the importance of compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Josephine Musisi

Josephine Musisi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe effective mental health care starts with truly listening to each client's story, understanding their unique experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“My goal is helping you gain insight, build practical skills, and move toward a healthier, more balanced life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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 6 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
Maria Maguire

Maria Maguire

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Rosa, CA


I’m grateful to have a career that allows me to be authentically myself and spend my days talking deeply about things that matter. I love working with motivated, bright people who know they have a lot to offer, but feel a bit blocked. I find great joy in helping people unblock to find ease and authenticity in their own lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 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 an LGBTQIA Therapist in San Francisco, CA

Looking for LGBTQIA therapists in San Francisco starts with finding care that is identity-affirming and aligned with your needs. Many people search for support related to identity, relationships, family conflict, anxiety, depression, or life changes. As you compare therapists, look for profiles that mention LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, affirmative therapy, gender-diverse experience, or World Professional Association for Transgender Health training. This can help you find someone with relevant experience, not just general familiarity.

San Francisco has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Castro, Mission, SoMa, and the Richmond, which can make it harder to narrow your options. In-person care may work well if you want an office near work, home, or public transit. Virtual sessions can expand your search across California, especially if you want a therapist with specific experience in bisexual therapy, lesbian therapy, LGBTQIA+ couples therapy, or gender-affirming support. Read therapist bios before booking to see how they describe their approach, who they work with, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.

Therapy in San Francisco can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you search for LGBTQIA+ therapists who are accepting new patients, compare availability, review detailed profiles, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking. You can browse therapists, check fit, 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.