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LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA

Santa Monica's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health care that truly understands their experiences. Headway offers flexible, judgment-free sessions with providers experienced in supporting gender identity, sexual orientation, and community-specific challenges. With 70+ insurance plans accepted, quality affirming care is more accessible than ever.

Zora Speert Dieterich

Zora Speert Dieterich

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.7 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I am an interactive therapist whose practice involves a mutual cooperative approach to empower self-learning.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jarrad Malamed

Jarrad Malamed

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.9 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stacy Hajarian

Stacy Hajarian

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 1.7 mi away • Santa Monica, CA


“My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy. Because lasting change usually requires both structure and depth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Van Amberg

Kelly Van Amberg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.4 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“Kelly utilizes a directive and interactive approach in therapy. She believes the you are the expert in you own experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Ong

Joshua Ong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 4.9 mi away • 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
Hannah Bernstein

Hannah Bernstein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.8 mi away • 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
Dr. Sheida Francis

Dr. Sheida Francis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I view therapy as an adventure into our inner world. Understanding the inner forces that drive our feelings is vital.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Scarlett Quenette

Scarlett Quenette

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.2 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I'm a nurturing and calming presence, and despite my professionalism I'm not afraid to joke and laugh with you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jack Brennan

Jack Brennan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.4 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“My practice and approach is informed by extensive training in psychoanalysis and experience in humanistic and existential therapies in community mental health settings.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Alexander Lewin

Alexander Lewin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.1 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I have a special passion for working with artists and creative professionals as they wrestle with fears, fantasies, depressions, manias, and all the challenges not only of making art but of making a living through art.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Sheridan Henderson

Sheridan Henderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Beverly Hills, CA


“I believe in your ability to grow, heal, change. I ask you to be real, and I am real in return. I talk truth. I listen. I cuss sometimes. I crack jokes.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Gadue

Richard Gadue

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.5 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


I have had the privilege of doing this work for more than 30 years, learning along the way and stopping only to learn more.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennyta Sang

Jennyta Sang

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 4.9 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“My goal is not just symptom management, but helping you feel supported, understood, and confident in your path forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
David Andreone

David Andreone

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.2 mi away • Culver City, CA


“I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, burnout, creative blocks, relationship challenges, performance pressure, and major life or career transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Stuart Riskin

Stuart Riskin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.2 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I bring a grounded, compassionate approach to therapy that's shaped by decades of working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and across diverse life experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jessica Hyatt

Jessica Hyatt

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.1 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Julissa Miro Quesada

Julissa Miro Quesada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.8 mi away • 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
Jack Irmas

Jack Irmas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.8 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“Therapy is not just about symptom relief. It's about waking up to yourself—especially the parts you've had to hide to survive.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Oliver Drakeford

Oliver Drakeford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.2 mi away • 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
Angele Caron

Angele Caron

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.8 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I look at systemic understanding of behavior and language to examine perspective, separate one's core values from societal expectations, and create space for growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
AJ Kiefer

AJ Kiefer

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • Encino, CA


“I have a strong critical care background and treat different issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, men's health issues, postpartum depression amongst others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alexandra Cooperman

Alexandra Cooperman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Encino, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Skidmore College and my Master of Social Work from Columbia University, where I specialized in clinical practice with families. Since 2021, I have worked as an Associate Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of licensed professionals, gaining extensive experience with children, teens, and families in private practice, community mental health, and high-risk youth in the foster care system.

I am passionate about supporting children, teens, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I value creating a safe, welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. I understand that seeking therapy can feel intimidating, and I want my clients to know that I approach every session with warmth, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique experiences. My goal is to help clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions and build the skills and confidence to thrive in their daily lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Heather Totten

Heather Totten

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Encino, CA


“Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your authentic self, I offer a compassionate and supportive space...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Gomez Lezama

Jessica Gomez Lezama

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Encino, CA


I've always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit. If you are working through what happened without judgment and identity what could help you keep going.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jonathan Vela

Jonathan Vela

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Jack Sample

Dr. Jack Sample

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic, depth-oriented therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Seth Gold

Seth Gold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • N Hollywood, CA


“My goal is to help clients build insight, resilience, and the tools necessary to achieve their personal goals and improve overall functioning and quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maple Moriji

Maple Moriji

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.6 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“His calling is to specialize in treating clients who have struggled with issues related to cultural diversity and who have suffered from trauma while growing up (such as childhood sexual abuse).”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Miranda Vatterott

Miranda Vatterott

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.5 mi away • Beverly Hills, CA


“I believe you are the expert in your life. You have the answers. You just may need some guidance in accessing them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cheryl Moss

Cheryl Moss

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.

I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Terence Ford

Dr. Terence Ford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“My work is grounded in psychoanalytic theory and technique, which means we'll look beyond surface symptoms to understand what's shaping your inner experience and patterns in relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Charles Bewley

Charles Bewley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


More that fifteen years of teaching English and drama at a Los Angeles public high school taught me many things - primarily, it taught me how often people's barriers to achievement are not due to any lack of skill or ability, but rather from emotional barriers stemming from stress, adversity and trauma. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders, PTSD (including Complex-PTSD) and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Athina Danilo

Athina Danilo

Therapist

In-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


“Using relational, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed therapy—along with inner child work, parts work, mindfulness, and somatic awareness—we create space for healing and self-connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Rosania

John Rosania

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • 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
Dr. Doug Wilson

Dr. Doug Wilson

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Burbank, CA


“I collaborate with a wide range of clients, with a particular interest in helping men with a variety of issues including relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, difficult childhoods, and infidelity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
James Dvorak

James Dvorak

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.7 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


“I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and those exploring questions around identity, belonging, and connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dennis Goldenson

Dennis Goldenson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Woodland Hills, CA


“I have extensive experience in client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy that is directly relevant to young adults, couples and families.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Eric Pierce

Eric Pierce

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


Hi I'm Eric. My clients describe me as easy to talk to, open, and compassionate. I see my role as unlocking the healer within you, developing a plan for change, and transforming new insights into lasting growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sheila Kelly

Sheila Kelly

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Torrance, CA


“I believe the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is an essential healing component of therapy and provides the foundation from which growth and self-healing occurs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Los Angeles, CA


I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 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.

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