Gender Identity & Transgender Health Therapists in California

For gender expansive therapy seekers, finding a therapist who has knowledge and experience in gender identity and transgender health can be one of the most important components of their therapy search. Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals experience the same types of mental health challenges as people whose gender identity corresponds with the sex you were assigned at birth. These mental health challenges may occur for reasons that have nothing to do with gender identity, or they may be related to the unique challenges experienced by people who are gender expansive. For example, research indicates that transgender people experience higher rates of mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety.

79 Matching Therapists with Availability

Ruth  Robles's profile picture
Vetted

Ruth Robles

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Life transitions - Loss, grief, and bereavement
 In-person & online
TherapySmith, Inc.'s profile picture
Vetted

TherapySmith, Inc.

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Eric  Samuels's profile picture
Vetted

Eric Samuels

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - College & graduate student mental health - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Men's issues - Relationship issues
 In-person & online
Kathleen  Keogh's profile picture
Vetted

Kathleen Keogh

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Attachment issues - Existential crisis & challenges - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Life transitions
 In-person & online
Marirose  Occhiogrosso's profile picture
Vetted

Marirose Occhiogrosso

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Binge eating disorder - Bulimia nervosa - Trauma - Anxiety
 In-person & online
Shelley M. Samuels's profile picture
Vetted

Shelley M. Samuels

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Life transitions - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Trauma - Domestic violence
Online only
Avigail  Schotz's profile picture

Avigail Schotz

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Artists' mental health - Family issues - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Relationship issues
Online only
Guidance Teletherapy Family Counseling's profile picture
Vetted

Guidance Teletherapy Family Counseling

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Depression - Anxiety - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Sexual harassment & assault - Career counseling
Online only
Janine  Morris's profile picture

Janine Morris

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Attachment issues - Body image - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma
 In-person & online
Heather  Tahler's profile picture

Heather Tahler

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Family issues - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Life transitions - Work stress - Women's issues
Online only
Brian  Henderson's profile picture
Vetted

Brian Henderson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Chronic pain - Couples counseling - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Loss, grief, and bereavement
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Nadeshda  Hernandez's profile picture
Vetted

Nadeshda Hernandez

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Mindfulness - Relationships - Career success - Self-esteem - Eating disorders & disordered eating
 In-person & online
Taylor  Dovala's profile picture
Vetted

Taylor Dovala

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Premarital counseling - Relationship issues
 In-person & online
Jeremi R Hanson's profile picture
Vetted

Jeremi R Hanson

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Codependency - Couples counseling - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Ilana  Grines's profile picture
Vetted

Ilana Grines

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Sexual health & dysfunction - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Couples counseling
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Deborah  Helt's profile picture
Vetted

Deborah Helt

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - Gender identity - Sexuality - Trauma
 In-person & online
Jonathan  Newsum's profile picture
Vetted

Jonathan Newsum

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Addiction - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Developmental disorders
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Lauren  Trestler's profile picture
Vetted

Lauren Trestler

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Relationship issues
 In-person & online
Conor  Smith's profile picture

Conor Smith

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Men's issues - Stress management
 In-person & online
Emily  Polak's profile picture
Vetted

Emily Polak

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Self-esteem - Anxiety - Relationship issues - Perfectionism - Body image
 In-person & online
Sheri D. Keller's profile picture
Vetted

Sheri D. Keller

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Parenting - Mindfulness - Life transitions - Addiction
 In-person & online
Private Practice of Suzanne M. Adams, PhD's profile picture

Private Practice of Suzanne M. Adams, PhD

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Chronic illness - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Stress management - Trauma - Mood disorders
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Jon-David  Settell's profile picture
Vetted

Jon-David Settell

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Depression - Anxiety - Life transitions - Relationship issues - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Hartselle and Associates's profile picture
Vetted

Hartselle and Associates

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Sleep disorders - Eating disorders - Substance abuse - Anxiety - Obsessive compulsive disorder
Online only
Cyndi  Long's profile picture
Vetted

Cyndi Long

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Women's issues - Emotion regulation
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Mike  Lysaght's profile picture
Vetted

Mike Lysaght

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - BDSM / Kink Aware Practice - Polyamory / Open Relationships - College & graduate student mental health - Caregiver stress & support
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Haley  Myers's profile picture
Vetted

Haley Myers

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - Family issues - Parenting - Trauma
 In-person & online
Panicha  McGuire's profile picture
Vetted

Panicha McGuire

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - ADHD - Anxiety - Autism spectrum disorder - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
Online only
Janelle  Farias's profile picture
Vetted

Janelle Farias

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Depression - Child mental health - Couples counseling - Mindfulness
 In-person & online
Hella Good Therapy's profile picture
Vetted

Hella Good Therapy

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Gender identity & transgender health - Anxiety - Relationship issues - Neurodiversity - Nonmonogamy, polyamory, and kink - Race & cultural identity
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

1-30 of 79 providers who match your search criteria

FAQs about how to find a therapist in California

How do I find a therapist in California?

Find a therapist near you in California on Zencare. Narrow your search by using filters like insurance, therapy budget specialty, and provider identity. Mental health professionals on Zencare are vetted for their extensive experience treating individual adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. Explore each potential therapist profile to learn more about their specialties, and watch an introductory video to get a sense of their personality. Book a free initial call to find the right therapist for you!

Does insurance cover therapy in California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover therapy. However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. If the therapist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the therapist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee at the time of therapy session. If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan, you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a therapist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. Note that services designed to treat topics which are not diagnosed mental health conditions, such as couples counseling and life coaching, are not typically covered by health insurance. The potential mental health provider must also be a licensed therapist in your state for the insurance company to cover services.

How do I find an affordable therapist in California?

Therapists located in California offer session fees from <$100/session. To find a therapist who meets your budget, filter by session fee on Zencare. Many therapists offer a sliding scale, or a range of session fees based on financial need to clients who would not otherwise be able to afford typical therapy rates in California. If you are struggling to pay for therapy, consider asking for a sliding scale, looking for an in-network therapist, or seeking services through a local agency, college counseling center, or hospital.

How can I make an appointment with a therapist in California?

Start your search for an appointment with a therapist in California on Zencare. Many mental health professionals located in California require clients to have an introductory call before booking a full appointment online. In this free call, the prospective therapist will ask about your goals for treatment, and make sure that their skills, specialized training, and scope of private practice are a match for your mental health issues. At the same time, you should assess if you feel comfortable talking with the therapist, as studies show that the most important determinant of successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. After an initial call, you’ll typically be given the option to book an appointment with the therapist, or continue your search if it’s not a good fit. At the initial session, you’ll likely discuss the therapeutic process and determine goals for your personal growth. Common therapy goals include learning effective coping strategies to deal with negative feelings, increasing self-awareness, and gaining a deeper understanding and insight into relationship patterns.

How can I find a therapist in California who sees clients after hours?

Find a therapist who sees clients after hours on Zencare. Many therapists in California offer appointments outside of traditional business hours. Simply filter by Office Hours under More Filters to choose the time of day that works best for you, whether that be early morning before work, in the evenings, or even over the weekend. After hours sessions are a good option for busy individuals, couples, and families dealing with hectic schedules and who need a flexible option for their mental health care.

How do I find a therapist in California who offers in-person sessions?

Find a therapist who offers in-person sessions on Zencare. Many therapists in California have resumed offering in-person sessions; you can filter by “In-Person” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for in-office sessions. You can also search by map to find providers in California near you. While some clients prefer in-person sessions because they offer a safe, neutral ground for the session to take place, for the widest range of therapist options, consider expanding your search to also include providers licensed in your state who offer telehealth, or therapy sessions via remote video call.

How do I find a therapist in California who offers online sessions?

Find a therapist who offers online sessions on Zencare. Most therapists in California continue to offer appointments online; you can filter by “Online” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for teletherapy sessions. In order to see a therapist, they must be licensed to provide online sessions to clients living in your state. Online therapy is different from text therapy, or asynchronous therapy; online therapy offers the same consistent relationship with a local California therapist that an in-person session would, with sessions taking place via phone or a video sessions through a secure teletherapy platform. Online therapy sessions are a convenient way to find a therapist near California without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

Where can I get mental health therapy in California?

Start your search for mental health therapy in California on Zencare. Many therapists are quality-vetted for excellence in clinical care. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it might be time to seek professional support in the form of counseling services, couples therapy, or psychiatric medication management. There are a wide range of private practice therapists to choose from in California; consider narrowing your search by criteria like insurance carrier, therapy budget, specialty, or provider identity to find a great fit!

How can I start therapy in California?

Start your search for a great therapist in California on Zencare. First, consider any logistic limitations, like how far you are willing to travel outside of California or if you are open to online sessions with a local provider. Also consider how much your therapy budget is, and when you are available for therapy. Then, make a list of priorities for your ideal therapist: do they match your identity, or have expertise in a specific area like anxiety or depression? There is no one reason to start therapy; many individuals in California go see a therapist when they need help to move forward through a difficult time, cope with symptoms of a mental illness such as a mood disorder, navigate life transitions, process relationship difficulties or improve their behavioral health. Use your priorities to filter on Zencare by insurance, speciality, and availability. Look through a few provider profiles to find the therapist you might click with, watch their introductory videos, and book a free call to find a great personal fit!

What kinds of mental health providers are available in California?

There are many different kinds of mental health providers available in California, including psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors. As long as the provider is licensed in your state, the factor that matters most to therapy outcomes is the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship you build with your therapist. Common types of therapy provided in California include cognitive therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and insight-oriented therapies like psychodynamic therapy. Other providers offer a blend of techniques for a more interpersonal, holistic approach. Some mental health therapists in California also offer specialized treatment services, like couples therapy, premarital counseling, and family therapy. While most California providers are qualified to treat general challenges, like depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem, for concerns such as substance abuse, personality disorders, and eating disorders, consider seeking expert care. Together with your therapist, you’ll build a treatment plan that addresses your reasons for seeking therapy and monitor progress toward your wellness goals and overall well being.

How does paying for therapy work in California?

There are several options for paying for therapy in California. For many people, the most affordable way to seek mental health services is to look for a provider who is in-network with your insurance. Due to high demand and low availability, in-network providers often have long waitlists; to widen your options and start therapy sooner, you might also consider looking for an out-of-network provider. When you see an out-of-network therapist in California, you can ask for a sliding scale if you are unable to afford their typical session fees, or seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you have a PPO or POS plan. For clients who have an insurance plan with a high deductible and low medical costs, therapy costs are often comparable when you see a therapist in- or out-of-network. While paying for therapy can be a substantial investment, it’s also a great way to improve relationships, boost self-esteem, address symptoms of mental illness, and ultimately live a happier, more self-directed life.

Static Google Map showing locations of in-person providers