LGBTQ+ psychiatry in San Mateo

LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatry in San Mateo.

Looking for a gay or LGBTQ+ psychiatric provider in San Mateo? Meet with Earl Johns, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and LGBTQ+ provider, by secure telehealth from San Mateo, Burlingame, Foster City and across the Peninsula. No commute, with evening and Saturday hours.

A calm turquoise beach with gentle waves

How it works

Your walk to wellness.

  1. 01

    Reach out

    Every journey begins with a single step. Book a free 15-minute phone call where we’ll explore your goals.

  2. 02

    Getting to know you

    We take time to truly understand you: your story, your strengths, and the challenges you’re facing.

  3. 03

    Grow together

    Through ongoing visits, typically every 2 to 8 weeks, we work toward goals tailored to your needs.

  4. 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

Queer-affirming care for San Mateo, from home.

On the Peninsula, LGBTQ+-affirming psychiatric care can mean a drive into San Francisco or a long wait. Telehealth brings it to you, whether you’re in San Mateo, Redwood City or anywhere in between.

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 San Mateo.

Straight answers for people looking for affirming psychiatric care in San Mateo County.

Book a free consult

1

Do you have an office in San Mateo? Visits are by secure video, so you can meet from home or work anywhere in San Mateo County. In-person visits in San Francisco are available by request.

2

Can you work with my therapist or doctor? Yes. With your written permission, we’ll coordinate with your therapist, primary care provider or care team in San Mateo County.

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 San Mateo County.

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 Mateo County Pride Center LGBTQ+ community center in San Mateo with support groups, counseling and youth programs.

2

Outlet (Adolescent Counseling Services) Support programs for LGBTQ+ youth on the Peninsula.

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.

A golden ocean wave at sunrise

Just like waves that first break, then find stillness and serenity.

You’re not broken. 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