LGBTQ+ therapists in Santa Barbara, California CA
We are proud to feature top rated LGBTQ+ therapists in Santa Barbara. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
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Serving LGBTQ+
Jamie Fortin
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
I believe that meaningful change happens in the context of a genuine, attuned relationship. Therapy is not about fixing what is “wrong,” but about deepening understanding, expanding awareness, and creating space for something new to emerge.
My approach is grounded in depth psychology, relational therapy, and experiential work. Together, we explore not only the challenges that bring you in, but also the underlying patterns, emotions, and unconscious dynamics that shape your life. I work collaboratively, with curiosity and respect, to help you develop a stronger connection to yourself and to others.
I also integrate Animal-Assisted Therapy when appropriate, partnering with my therapy dog, Sophie. Her presence can help create a calming, supportive environment and often allows for connection and insight in ways that feel more natural and less pressured.
I have a particular interest in working with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and the desire for deeper self-understanding. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply sensing that something in your life wants to shift, therapy can be a place to slow down, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and intention.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step. My role is to meet you where you are, offering a steady, compassionate presence as we make sense of your experience together.
8 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Serving LGBTQ+
Melanie Simms
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
I believe that everyone is capable of change. However, we must believe in our worth and treat ourselves with kindness in order to create that change. If life feels hard right now, that's because it is! The bodies and brains that we have were not built for the world we currently live in. Everyone grows up in an environment where their needs were not perfectly met. The ways we dealt with those unmet needs as children become unhealthy coping strategies in adulthood. With conscious effort, reflection, and practice, we can heal those wounds and learn better strategies. That's what therapy is for and I am here to help!
11 Years Experience
In-Person Near Santa Barbara, CA
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Serving LGBTQ+
Erin Gienger
Marriage and Family Therapist, Pre-licensed AMFT
I provide a safe space for clients to process whatever emotions or responses they may be experiencing. I have over 3,500 hours of experience doing therapy with various types of clients. I recently graduated from an MFT program and have enjoyed interacting with a new set of clients. I am particularly interested in working with clients who have had trauma, abuse, or difficulty with life transitions. I make myself available to give clients the ability to process their lives in a new way. If you believe I could be a good fit for you as your therapist, please get in touch with me.
7 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Serving LGBTQ+
Matthew Kijak, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Let's work through this together.
If you’re feeling worn out, anxious, and disconnected, and your current way of living feels off course, my therapeutic approach can provide the support you need. Much of our distress originates from deeply rooted, uncontrollable negative thoughts about ourselves and the world, embedded during our upbringing. Often, we remain unaware of what keeps us stuck, making it challenging to find a way out.
I've been fortunate to assist numerous individuals whose lives felt unsustainable and unfulfilling, guiding them to uncover their truest, most vibrant selves. This process is not about making minor adjustments; it's about profound transformation. The life you desire is closer than you realize, but the path to it isn’t always clear when traveled alone.
Together, we will explore evidence-based techniques, enriched with the wisdom of philosophy, the tranquility of Buddhism, the strength of Stoicism, the practice of Mindfulness, and the insights of the mind-body connection through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s a deep awakening, liberating you from the negative thoughts and emotions that have held you back."
8 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Serving LGBTQ+
Samer Fawaz
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., LMFT #149147
The concept of self-love is a mystery because you often default to a painful pattern of beating yourself up. Being productive is important to you but instead you feel overwhelmed and burnt out. You want to be in the flow with your partner but rather you are constantly at odds leaving you feeling lonely and isolated. Cultivating deeper relationships is a value to you but you feel disconnected, anxious and stressed. These and other of life’s great emotional impasses are what often lead people to therapy.
I believe the most valuable impact therapy can have on you is a deeper understanding of yourself and who you want to show up as in the world. Through consistent, gentle, and thoughtful investigation of oneself, there can be considerable growth. The deeper we are able to go together, the more attuned you will become with yourself and others.
I provide my clients with directive, empowering therapy aimed at challenging you to look at yourself in a more introspective and curious way. My clients walk away from therapy with me feeling inspired and motivated to make meaningful change in their life. My main areas of focus include: entrepreneurs, entertainment industry professionals, gay men & couples.
6 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
LGBTQ+ therapists in Santa Barbara, California Statistics
LGBTQ+ therapists in Santa Barbara, California average 15 years of experience and charge around $214 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (76%), Trauma and PTSD (64%), and Depression (62%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$214
Accept insurance
36%
Offer sliding scale
60%
Gender ID
| 62% |
Female |
|
| 29% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 4% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 60% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 40% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 76% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 64% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 62% | Depression |
| 52% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 49% | LGBTQ+ Issues |
| 49% | Stress |
| 47% | Loss or Grief |
Ages Served
| 99% | Adult |
| 68% | Young Adult |
| 56% | Senior |
| 53% | Teen |
| 24% | Children |
Client Focus
| 100% | LGBTQ+ |
| 82% | Women |
| 59% | Men |
| 45% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 42% | Black / African American |