Gay therapist in the Castro
A gay therapist for the Castro
Looking for a gay therapist in the Castro? Earl Johns is a gay, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who offers LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, with medication support when it helps, for people in the Castro, Duboce Triangle, Noe Valley and across San Francisco. Meet by secure telehealth or in person by request, with evening and Saturday hours.
How it works
Your walk to wellness
01
Reach out
Every journey begins with a single step. Book a free 15-minute phone call where we’ll explore your goals.
02
Getting to know you
We take time to truly understand you: your story, your strengths, and the challenges you’re facing.
03
Grow together
Through ongoing visits, typically every 2 to 8 weeks, we work toward goals tailored to your needs.
04
Find peace and wellness
Feel grounded, balanced, and at peace, with a plan that supports your wellness.
What to expect
Care that fits your life
Here’s what working together looks like, from your first visit on.
Your first visit
45 to 90 minutes. We listen to your story, your challenges, and your goals, then build an individualized plan that may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, nutrition, and medication when appropriate.
Follow-up visits
25 min
Focused medication visits, best if you already see a therapist
45 min
Medication management plus brief therapy (DBT, CBT, ACT)
60 min
Deeper therapy and mind-body work
Visits range from weekly to every 2 to 3 months, depending on your goals.
Between visits
Questions don’t always wait for your next session. Reach us by phone or email and we’ll respond within 3 business days.
Visit location: Secure HIPAA-compliant Zoom, or in person in San Francisco by request. You’ll need to be in California at the time of each visit. ADHD evaluations, including QbCheck computerized testing, are also available.
Who we see
Children and teens (ages 6 to 17)
Adults (ages 18 to 64; not currently accepting Medicare)
LGBTQIA+ people, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, nonbinary and questioning folks
Neurodivergent people, including ADHD and autism
Trauma survivors and people working through grief or big life transitions
Professionals facing burnout and stress
Allies and families of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent people
Insurance
We’re in network with these plans:
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross California
Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna
Oxford / Optum
Quest Behavioral Health
United Healthcare / Optum
Paying out of network? We provide superbills for PPO reimbursement. Copays vary by plan, so check your benefits with your insurer.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk through what’s going on and help you decide on next steps, with no pressure.
Book a free consult
How we help
Therapy that already speaks your language
Coming out at any age, dating and relationships, loneliness in a busy neighborhood, body image, party culture and family rejection. You can talk about what matters without having to explain the basics first.
Book a free consult
1
Video visits on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, at no extra cost.
2
Therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and identity, using CBT, DBT and ACT.
3
Medication management when it helps, with the same provider.
4
Support with coming out, relationships and family, at your own pace.
5
Evening and Saturday hours to fit around work and life.
6
In network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Optum and more.
7
You’ll just need to be located in California during each visit.
Common questions
Questions we hear from the Castro
Straight answers for people looking for a gay or LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in the Castro.
Book a free consult
1
Do you see people in Noe Valley, Duboce Triangle and the Mission? Yes. Anyone located in California during the visit can be seen by telehealth, in every San Francisco neighborhood.
2
Can I be seen in person? Yes. In-person visits are available by request at our office near Union Square, a short Muni Metro ride from Castro Station.
3
Do you take insurance? We’re in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Carelon, Optum, Oxford and Quest Behavioral Health, and we provide superbills for out-of-network PPO plans.
4
Do you see teens? Yes. We see children and teens ages 6 to 17, including LGBTQ+ youth, with a parent or guardian involved as appropriate.
Community
LGBTQ+ support in and around the Castro
These organizations offer community and support between visits. They aren’t affiliated with Wellthy Psychiatry, and services change, so check with each one directly.
1
San Francisco LGBT Community Center Community center at Market and Octavia with programs, support groups and events for LGBTQ+ people.
2
GLBT Historical Society Museum A museum on 18th Street in the Castro sharing queer history, exhibits and community events.
3
The Trevor Project 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
4
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 any time, day or night.
Just like waves that first break, then find stillness and serenity.
You’re not broken, and you’re not alone
And this isn’t the end of your story, just a new chapter. Our care is rooted in science, shaped by lived experience, and delivered with humanity.
Book a free consult
Services