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LGBT therapists in Santa Maria, CA

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

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

Find open-minded, affirming therapy in Santa Maria tailored to LGBTQIA experiences and identity. Headway's 2,307 providers deliver evidence-based care through flexible virtual or in-person sessions, with average savings of 75% on therapy costs through insurance.

Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a warm, safe and welcoming environment that allows you to feel comfortable sharing and being vulnerable, while also feeling secure.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Pablo Ponce

Pablo Ponce

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is collaborative, direct, and practical. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, but also challenged toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meagan Pruden

Meagan Pruden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I value genuine connection and believe healing happens best in a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jenifer Wendy Chan

Jenifer Wendy Chan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
William Hernandez

William Hernandez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Working together is a reflective and collaborative process that attends to both symptoms and the deeper patterns that shape your emotional life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karishma Bendale

Karishma Bendale

Therapist

Virtual • California


I completed my Master's in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field varying from community youth work, psychiatric inpatient nursing, and counseling. I became licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in April 2023, accruing over 4 years of experience providing psychotherapy to clients in the LGBTQ and immigrant communities navigating mood, identity, and relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angie Douma

Angie Douma

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You're the author and expert in your life story. The backstory: your family, culture, sexuality, chosen tribe, and politics significantly impact how your story will unfold.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Danielle Restieaux-Louis

Danielle Restieaux-Louis

Therapist

Virtual • California


I work with couples, families, and adults navigating life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, fertility challenges, PTSD, bipolar disorder, sexual identity exploration, intimacy concerns, and family conflict. Many of my clients are high-achieving individuals who look “fine” on the outside but feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected internally.

My style is warm, relational, and deeply attuned — but also strategic and structured. I am direct in a gentle way. I will validate you, and I will challenge you. I hold unconditional positive regard for every client while helping you become the person you truly want to be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Albert Xiong

Albert Xiong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In the (virtual) therapy room, you can expect me to be an animated and relatively lighthearted therapist; I pride myself on bringing my genuine self into our therapeutic relationship, and that's someone who's curious and playful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maryam Goudarzi

Maryam Goudarzi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach is empathetic, collaborative, and strength-based. She tailors interventions to meet client needs, fostering a safe space for exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Frank Tyler

Dr. Frank Tyler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I bring particular expertise in men's health, including the impact of masculinity on emotional wellbeing and personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Patricia Harvey

Patricia Harvey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Torrance, CA


“I'm often described as warm, personable, and easy to talk to, and I sometimes use gentle humor to help create comfort and connection in our sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Ben Gallenson

Dr. Ben Gallenson

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and structured. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy or sessions that feel directionless.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christina Billings

Christina Billings

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work from the belief that healing occurs when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered, especially those navigating complex or high-acuity mental health concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Bradford Noble

Bradford Noble

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and empowering, grounded in multicultural counseling and social justice education...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Shay Groenewold

Dr. Shay Groenewold

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Owen Akenzua

Owen Akenzua

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I take a calm, down-to-earth approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused strategies to help you build insight and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jamie Sweigert

Jamie Sweigert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a gentle, authentic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with validation and constructive feedback that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, develop new insights, and feel empowered to create desired...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvette Flanagan

Yvette Flanagan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe everyone deserves a space where they can be fully seen, heard, and supported. My work is rooted in a holistic and culturally sensitive approach, honoring the many layers that shape who we are. Together, we work not just on what hurts, but on nurturing the parts of you that inspire growth, resilience, and joy.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Ma Rosa Nika Varrin

Ma Rosa Nika Varrin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“My goal is to help you regain a sense of control, especially during times when it may feel out of reach, so that together, we can achieve the best possible treatment outcomes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Justin Matar

Justin Matar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Corona, CA


“I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Mitzy Ruelas

Mitzy Ruelas

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi!

I’m Mitzy Ruelas (she/her/ella), a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #158894) based in San Diego, offering online therapy to adults throughout California. I’m so glad you’re here—choosing to care for yourself is a meaningful and courageous step.

I commonly support clients experiencing anxiety, attachment and inner child wounds, relationship challenges, depression, low self-esteem, codependency, emotional overwhelm, and avoidance. I specialize in intergenerational trauma, Latinx/e therapy, and I am training in Brainspotting (a trauma-informed, neurobiological based therapy).

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Haley Hudson

Haley Hudson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides thoughtful, personalized care in a supportive and nonjudgmental space. I take the time to truly understand your concerns, your goals, and what’s most important to you.

My approach is both clinical and holistic—while I offer medication management when appropriate, I also integrate lifestyle, sleep, and evidence-informed strategies to support your overall well-being.

I value a collaborative, high-touch experience where you feel informed, comfortable, and involved in every step of your care. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, clear, and like yourself again—with a plan that is both effective and sustainable.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Leonardo Garcia

Leonardo Garcia

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Visalia, CA


“Additionally, for longer-term treatment, utilize sand tray, expressive arts, mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other treatment modalities tailored to each client.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm listening for feelings, themes, patterns, and especially experiences that haven't been articulated or spoken out loud yet.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Steineckert

Ashley Steineckert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be honest about what's hard, confusing, or painful — and also when they feel challenged in thoughtful and compassionate ways.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Personal Practitioners

Personal Practitioners

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My treatment philosophy emphasizes both celebrating neurodivergent strengths and addressing genuine challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Adrian Yepes

Adrian Yepes

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I specialize in mood disorders — including depression and bipolar disorder- anxiety and OCD-spectrum conditions, and ADHD across the adult lifespan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Diana Pena

Diana Pena

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Rafael, CA


“I've dedicated my practice to supporting those who may have struggled to find providers comfortable with their complexity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Cheyenne Lofthouse-Wolf

Cheyenne Lofthouse-Wolf

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I am Cheyenne, an LCSW who believes therapy doesn't have to feel stiff or clinical to be effective. With several years of experience supporting youth, parents and families, I help clients navigate trauma, maternal mental health challenges, ADHD, anxiety and the often overwhelming stress of everyday life. If you're in the thick of parenting, navigating your teen years or simply feeling stretched too thin, you don't have to figure it out alone.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Maty Wenham

Maty Wenham

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring a very human, down-to-earth presence to therapy and value curiosity, humor, and authenticity in the work we do together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tiphanie Ortiz

Tiphanie Ortiz

Therapist

Virtual • California


Life can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling high expectations, major transitions, or the constant pressure to show up perfectly in every role you play.

I specialize in supporting teenagers, young professionals, and adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and navigating life’s many changes.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“My goal isn't to "fix" you—you're not broken. I'm here to help you understand your conditions, develop coping strategies, and build on your strengths.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Elaine Zaragoza

Elaine Zaragoza

Therapist

Virtual • California


I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with extensive experience in both community settings and private practice. I specialize in supporting women through the unique challenges they face in life. I offer a compassionate, empathetic approach to help women navigate anxiety, depression, struggles with identity, and the journey toward recognizing their self-worth.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Hoang Nguyen

Hoang Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want to build a safe and trusting environment where client can freely express his/her thoughts without being judged...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bechael Harris

Bechael Harris

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


Welcome, I'm glad you're here.

I’m Bechael S. Harris, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience. I provide care for adults and older adults navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health concerns. My practice blends compassion, evidence-based treatment, and a commitment to helping each person feel heard, valued, and supported.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sheila Paul

Sheila Paul

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Victorville, CA


“Therapy with us isn't about perfection. It's about progress, self-trust, and building a life that finally feels like it's yours.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 8 insurance carriers
Rebecca Moreno

Rebecca Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to help you feel empowered and hopeful, while providing you the tools you need to navigate through your hardships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Alexius Carter

Dr. Alexius Carter

Therapist

Virtual • California


“A client will always feel that I was 100% engage in the session and walk away feeling heard and validated.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 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.