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LGBT therapists in Santa Monica, CA

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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.

Monica Castanon

Monica Castanon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a therapist who leads with empathy, making others feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Demetria Seawood

Demetria Seawood

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, supportive, and direct—creating a space where you can feel heard, understood, and challenged toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shahrzad Shadmani

Shahrzad Shadmani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Laguna Niguel, CA


As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.

Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Eating disorders, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Edison Leung

Dr. Edison Leung

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


My approach to mental health care centers entirely around you. True healing happens when trust, safety, and collaboration come together. Whether you are navigating severe depression, managing long-term anxiety, or recovering from trauma, my goal is to provide a premium, supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered to reclaim a stable, fulfilling life.

As a board-certified adult psychiatrist, I bring unique depth to my clinical practice. I earned both my MD and PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, grounding my approach to medication management in advanced scientific research and evidence-based medicine.

My leadership and clinical training within the University of Texas Health System—including roles as Chief Resident, Assistant Medical Director, and Assistant Professor—deeply shaped my view of mental health. Having cared for individuals across institutions like MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann, the Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center, and Maui Memorial Medical Center, I possess the outpatient and inpatient expertise required to manage complex clinical cases with complete confidence.

I provide convenient, high-quality telepsychiatry and virtual care for adults (ages 18 and older) actively located in Texas, California, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Primary Clinical Focus Areas:

  • Mood Disorders: Advanced care for major depression, treatment-resistant depression, and bipolar disorder.
  • Anxiety & Stress: Targeted strategies for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and high-stress professional burnout.
  • Trauma: Compassionate, evidence-based recovery and support for PTSD.

Above all, I believe in partnering with you as a collaborative ally. My practice is a safe, sophisticated space where clinical excellence is a given, and we work together to help you rediscover hope and transformation.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
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
Catherine Broadhead

Catherine Broadhead

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My aim is to empower you with self-awareness, coping strategies, and emotional skills to overcome challenges, reduce distress, improve relationships, and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alyssa Rodriguez

Alyssa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a genuine, collaborative relationship with my clients and value the courage it takes to open up.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jordanna Herrell

Jordanna Herrell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My counseling style is one of acceptance, genuineness, and positive regard. I aim to empower you to work through challenging situations with fortitude and resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Salamatou Carr

Salamatou Carr

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My background spans inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health, and correctional healthcare—experiences that have shaped me into a clinician who leads with compassion, cultural humility, and deep respect for every person's story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Bill Benson

Bill Benson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague, and practical without reducing therapy to bumper-sticker wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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. 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
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
Jessica Agunnamani

Jessica Agunnamani

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm a warm, open-minded, and holistic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on helping clients feel genuinely understood and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Cherie Azodi

Dr. Cherie Azodi

Therapist

Virtual • California


Meet Dr. Cherie Azodi Psy.d.LMFT

I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and doctoral Clinical Psychologist, with over 11 years of experience working with complex mental health cases. I specialize in providing individual, couples, and family therapy, focusing on issues like eating disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, divorce and relationship problems, and maternal mental health.

My approach integrates culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized support. I believe in creating a strong therapeutic alliance to foster healing and resilience.

I am committed to optimizing patient outcomes and improving mental health through evidence-based strategies. If you're looking for compassionate support, feel free to reach out at 949-973-6789

[email protected]

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Edith Quevedo

Edith Quevedo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 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
Maxwell Cadena

Maxwell Cadena

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I care deeply about creating a space where people feel understood - not just as a presenting concern, but as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Kruse

Daniel Kruse

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 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
Eunique LeGuie

Eunique LeGuie

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with BIPOC women navigating maternal mental health, grief, and the identity shifts that can quietly unravel what you thought you knew about yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yu-Ning Lin

Yu-Ning Lin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm an empathetic listener who believes in fully understanding my client in order to customize effective strategies individually.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Lapinski

Andrea Lapinski

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
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 3 insurance carriers
Kimberly G. Galindo

Kimberly G. Galindo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Natsuko Jacobson

Natsuko Jacobson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In general, I am not here to give you advice... We will explore your struggles, histories, strength, expectations and goals together to connect with your inner wisdom.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stuart Brugman

Stuart Brugman

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello there. Thanks for checking out my profile.

I don't know what brings you to this tiny nook of the internet, on this particular day, but I am grateful and very curious to hear.

As a therapist, I've worked with adolescents and adults for over a decade; sharing in their challenges, connecting in laughter and kindness.

It would be my joy to learn your story and meet you with warmth, humor, and sincerity.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Candice Jeffers

Candice Jeffers

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“I bring specialized expertise in OCD and PTSD/trauma treatment, along with comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Young Tae Lee

Young Tae Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bakersfield, 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
Jordan Bunting

Jordan Bunting

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a compassion focused and evidence-based clinician specializing in treating clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Marvin Cain Alexander

Dr. Marvin Cain Alexander

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I embrace a strength-based, client-centered approach to assisting clients in identifying their needs, setting goals to achieve set outcomes, and cope through the stress of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Maranda Garnett

Maranda Garnett

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a gender affirming, person centered, and trauma informed approach to create a safe space for you to be vulnerable...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Helen Mettu

Helen Mettu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“Every session is patient-centered and specific so as to create a warm and relaxing environment for my patients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Hanh Truong

Dr. Hanh Truong

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a Vietnamese refugee who has faced profound hardship, I bring a deep understanding of resilience, trauma, and healing to my work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Belinda Rubalcava

Belinda Rubalcava

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Watsonville, CA


I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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

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.