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LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz's vibrant LGBTQIA community deserves affirming mental health care. Headway provides access to warm, solution-oriented providers across the city who support your journey. Connect with 2,469 licensed therapists with availability as soon as tomorrow.

Corrine Thomas

Corrine Thomas

Therapist

Virtual • California


I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, and the thought patterns that keep them feeling stuck. Since 2003, I’ve used CBT informed, trauma informed, and solution focused techniques to help clients understand cognitive distortions, reframe challenges, and build practical tools for lasting change. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and centered on your goals, strengths, and the skills you already have.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
George Naves

George Naves

Therapist

Virtual • Glendale, CA


Hi, I’m George. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families. I bring a diverse background and wide range of interests to my work as a mental health therapist. I have experience working with groups, couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Some of my major areas of focus include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, gender identity concerns, and LGBTQ issues. Other areas include panic disorders, anger management, divorce, and blended families.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge and a Master of Science degree from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Julissa Miro Quesada

Julissa Miro Quesada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I deeply value cultural context and our innate need for human connection, authenticity, and belonging.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jacqueline Perez

Jacqueline Perez

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Clara, CA


“I love working with the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities which has influenced my passion for offering an affirming and safe space in session.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Shera Daroga

Shera Daroga

Therapist

Virtual • California


I will be your biggest and loudest supporter and advocate. I use a little bit of humor, mixed in with kindness, and a whole lot of warmth to help you dig deep into your story. Together, we'll challenge the stories you tell yourself about your life, your experience, and society. I have extensive experience working with folks experiencing anxiety/depression, work burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, and folks exploring their identity (all identities are absolutely welcomed here!)

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Hayatghaib

Susan Hayatghaib

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe each of us already carries the capacity to heal, and that the right support helps us find it.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Juliet Mulele

Juliet Mulele

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental

Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication

management.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Niki Berkowitz

Niki Berkowitz

Therapist

Virtual • California


“She brings creativity, kindness and compassion to her work. She enjoys working with a diverse population with a wide range of challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mari Ann Fortuna

Mari Ann Fortuna

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am an active participant in session and seek to create a safe space to develop a meaningful relational base.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Aritcela Vega

Aritcela Vega

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In our sessions, you won't find a "blank wall" therapist. You'll find a real person who listens with empathy, offers gentle nudges when needed, and celebrates your wins with you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amy Klein-Zeff

Amy Klein-Zeff

Therapist

Virtual • Woodland Hills, CA


As a therapist I'm here for you. It seems brave to me make a decision to come to therapy. My part is to listen and without judgment or personal agenda and to be effective in your needs and wants. Of course, I also need to be aware of the legals and ethicals of therapy. I attended Sarah Lawrence College and Harvard University for my BA, and Phillips Graduate Institute for my MA.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Mahoney

Christopher Mahoney

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, where clients can build awareness and identify strategies to have a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Sarah Koerner

Dr. Sarah Koerner

Psychologist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is for clients to learn how to live in the present so that they can engage more fully in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brenda Garcia

Brenda Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • Commerce, CA


“My clients can expect to increase more awareness about themselves... learn more effective ways to respond to their emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kayla Hunter

Kayla Hunter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about guiding you through these challenges and empowering you on your journey to self-awareness and understanding.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Abell

Brian Abell

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“You will take away a variety of insights and skills that will allow you to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of the symptoms or struggles you have sought therapy for.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Eleanor Raymond

Eleanor Raymond

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi I'm Eleanor! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and New Mexico. I am passionate about empowering people to build self-trust and self-acceptance. Most of my clients come to therapy because they want to make a change or cope with a change that they did not choose.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jack Gallagher

Jack Gallagher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a humanistic, collaborative approach to help clients feel supported and empowered as they navigate life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sarah Bunter

Sarah Bunter

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Thousand Oaks, CA


“I approach the healing process as a psychodynamic psychotherapist combined with a humanistic perspective with the purpose of bringing the unconscious to the conscious while providing a caring and empathetic atmosphere.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Marina Sabia

Marina Sabia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide clients with a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable sharing their challenges and personal experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Marilyn Foley

Dr. Marilyn Foley

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 27 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I offer tele-health only sessions from the comfort of your home, making care accessible no matter where you are in California. I accept Anthem and Magellan insurance. My practice is intentionally small — I keep a limited caseload so every client receives my full attention and care. I am warm, experienced, and deeply committed to showing up for the people I work with.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jamie Dunn

Jamie Dunn

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Templeton, CA


I became licensed as a MFT ten years ago and began practicing 15 years ago. I earned my Master's Degree from the University of San Francisco (USF), where I dedicated my required 3,000 hours of experience to serving the diverse population that the Bay Area has to offer.

I have a broad range of experience and skills to support individual adults and adolescents of diverse backgrounds and identities seeking relief from depression and anxiety, among other common stressors in their lives.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
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
Patti Dengler

Patti Dengler

Therapist

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“I help people find answers to the questions in their lives and grow personally, professionally and in relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Monique Kennedy

Monique Kennedy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, challenging, and empowering, focused on equipping clients with the tools they need to navigate life more effectively.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Panic disorders, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Challenging, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
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
Lanie Goueth

Lanie Goueth

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a world full of adversity and disenfranchisement, it is invaluable to see ourselves as resilient and capable.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Janani Venkateswaran

Janani Venkateswaran

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Carmichael, CA


Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Infertility, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tess Norton

Tess Norton

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m an LMFT who uses a psychodynamic, client-centered approach. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I want to help people feel more connected to themselves and others. I enjoy working with Gen Z and Millennials who are navigating their unique paths in life. I mostly work with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress (due to filial piety or trauma) or societal pressures (due to gender expectations or political factors). I also work with social anxiety and self-esteem issues.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
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

Frequently asked questions

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