Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Judith Anna Nitchie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CMT, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122 (Online Only)
Life with a chronic illness presents unique challenges. Not only do you have your new (and changing) physical reality, but anxiety, depression and overwhelm can show up unannounced. I've been there!
The great news is that, with help, we can transform our state of mind and start loving life again.
WE can get YOU back on the road to loving your life--let's get to it!
Life with a chronic illness presents unique challenges. Not only do you have your new (and changing) physical reality, but anxiety, depression and overwhelm can show up unannounced. I've been there!
The great news is that, with help, we can transform our state of mind and start loving life again.
WE can get YOU back on the road to loving your life--let's get to it!
Mariana Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, SUDRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
There may be so many painful and powerful memories that brought you here, stringing along with them the thoughts and emotions that continue to have a negative toll on your daily life. You disconnect, you zone out, you freeze, you run. You may have asked yourself, “Why can’t I just let all of this go and move on?” People in your life may have asked you the same question. Maybe you already tried to take care of the issue yourself, you tried going down so many different avenues to heal and you worked doing so. I’d like to honor that. Now you’re here, trying a different path. So, let’s let's try something new. We'll travel together.
There may be so many painful and powerful memories that brought you here, stringing along with them the thoughts and emotions that continue to have a negative toll on your daily life. You disconnect, you zone out, you freeze, you run. You may have asked yourself, “Why can’t I just let all of this go and move on?” People in your life may have asked you the same question. Maybe you already tried to take care of the issue yourself, you tried going down so many different avenues to heal and you worked doing so. I’d like to honor that. Now you’re here, trying a different path. So, let’s let's try something new. We'll travel together.
Shelby Chantilly Alkire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
You've been on this personal development hamster wheel for YEARS. You've read all self-help books and follow all the psuedo-therapy social media accounts... but it's not helping. You've been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and ashamed. You desire to have a "healthy" relationship where your needs and desires are put first... yet you notice that you're repeating the same relationship patterns again and again. You question yourself and your judgment frequently and you want to learn to trust yourself more than the opinions of others.
You've been on this personal development hamster wheel for YEARS. You've read all self-help books and follow all the psuedo-therapy social media accounts... but it's not helping. You've been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and ashamed. You desire to have a "healthy" relationship where your needs and desires are put first... yet you notice that you're repeating the same relationship patterns again and again. You question yourself and your judgment frequently and you want to learn to trust yourself more than the opinions of others.
Brooke Bendix
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Growing up in today’s world isn’t easy! As a parent you want to ensure your 'GenZ'er has the emotional support they need to thrive in life. Imagine your child or teen with an improved sense of self-awareness and confidence in themselves. I provide a safe space to explore and manage their emotions and thoughts so they can develop a better sense of self. Our mission at Therapyology is to empower the next generation to lead a more valued life! It takes a village, am I right? I practice with a team approach working together with parents/doctors/teachers/school counselors to ensure each individual and family receives the best care.
Growing up in today’s world isn’t easy! As a parent you want to ensure your 'GenZ'er has the emotional support they need to thrive in life. Imagine your child or teen with an improved sense of self-awareness and confidence in themselves. I provide a safe space to explore and manage their emotions and thoughts so they can develop a better sense of self. Our mission at Therapyology is to empower the next generation to lead a more valued life! It takes a village, am I right? I practice with a team approach working together with parents/doctors/teachers/school counselors to ensure each individual and family receives the best care.
Joanne Davis, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
It may be time for a fresh strategy if talk therapy has left you still battling extreme anxiety, a harsh inner critic telling you you're "not good enough," an "imposter," or you helplessly repeat the same annoying habits like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or procrastination. Unfortunately, people tend to blame themselves for feeling stuck, unaware that their biology plays a key role. I guide clients to engage their innate healing potential with evidence-based therapies. This helps free them from ingrained habits or conditions that resist change. There's hope! Let's see if I can help you too.
It may be time for a fresh strategy if talk therapy has left you still battling extreme anxiety, a harsh inner critic telling you you're "not good enough," an "imposter," or you helplessly repeat the same annoying habits like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or procrastination. Unfortunately, people tend to blame themselves for feeling stuck, unaware that their biology plays a key role. I guide clients to engage their innate healing potential with evidence-based therapies. This helps free them from ingrained habits or conditions that resist change. There's hope! Let's see if I can help you too.
Daniela A Tempesta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I specialize in treating adults in their 20's and 30's. Most of my clients have the things that they believe constitute a good life (secure jobs, close friend groups, active social lives, etc) yet they continue to feel anxious, lost, sad, unfulfilled, burned out, and perplexed by what their purpose on this earth really is. Additionally, many of them experience significant distress caused by an endless drive towards achievement rather than fulfillment and a self-defeating pattern of comparing themselves to others.
I specialize in treating adults in their 20's and 30's. Most of my clients have the things that they believe constitute a good life (secure jobs, close friend groups, active social lives, etc) yet they continue to feel anxious, lost, sad, unfulfilled, burned out, and perplexed by what their purpose on this earth really is. Additionally, many of them experience significant distress caused by an endless drive towards achievement rather than fulfillment and a self-defeating pattern of comparing themselves to others.
Sarah E. Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
My style is active, empowering, solution-focused, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and humorous. My approach is collaborative — we'll work together to help identify and reach your goals. I welcome an open dialogue to create the best therapy for you as an individual. I see the immense strength, value, and potential for self-growth in each of my clients.
My style is active, empowering, solution-focused, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and humorous. My approach is collaborative — we'll work together to help identify and reach your goals. I welcome an open dialogue to create the best therapy for you as an individual. I see the immense strength, value, and potential for self-growth in each of my clients.
Valesia Ho
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Dr. Valesia Ho. I'm so glad that you're here. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have an inherent desire to help people live more meaningful lives and cultivate stronger relationships with themselves and others. I especially enjoy working with people who want to learn more about the connection between their thoughts, emotions and behaviors and live a more mindful and values aligned life. I have specialty areas in treating sexual health concerns (individuals and couples), sleep issues and trauma. I am a Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT.
Hi! I'm Dr. Valesia Ho. I'm so glad that you're here. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have an inherent desire to help people live more meaningful lives and cultivate stronger relationships with themselves and others. I especially enjoy working with people who want to learn more about the connection between their thoughts, emotions and behaviors and live a more mindful and values aligned life. I have specialty areas in treating sexual health concerns (individuals and couples), sleep issues and trauma. I am a Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT.
Alex Eichenbaum
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Dr. Alex Eichenbaum is a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with adults coping with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and the impacts of surviving past traumas. He uses an integrative approach to therapy, employing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral and mindfulness techniques to tailor treatment to your specific needs. Dr. Eichenbaum emphasizes a collaborative, strength-based approach that values and affirms each person’s unique identity and culture.
Dr. Alex Eichenbaum is a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with adults coping with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and the impacts of surviving past traumas. He uses an integrative approach to therapy, employing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral and mindfulness techniques to tailor treatment to your specific needs. Dr. Eichenbaum emphasizes a collaborative, strength-based approach that values and affirms each person’s unique identity and culture.
Susan Jewkes Allen
MSW, GCDF
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Career transition can be a time of possibility new beginnings; it can be stressful, confusing. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed. My specialization in career and lifework transition is informed by a clinical background on how work impacts well being. Together we identify how to create a life that works; a life that is fulfilled and meaningful. Overcome internal barriers, develop new mindsets, creatively maximize professional/personal effectiveness, launch a successful job search strategy: Resumes, LinkedIn, Networking, Interviews, Assessment: Strong Interest Inventory, Transferable Skills, Myers Briggs Type Indicator MBTI, Enneagram.
Career transition can be a time of possibility new beginnings; it can be stressful, confusing. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed. My specialization in career and lifework transition is informed by a clinical background on how work impacts well being. Together we identify how to create a life that works; a life that is fulfilled and meaningful. Overcome internal barriers, develop new mindsets, creatively maximize professional/personal effectiveness, launch a successful job search strategy: Resumes, LinkedIn, Networking, Interviews, Assessment: Strong Interest Inventory, Transferable Skills, Myers Briggs Type Indicator MBTI, Enneagram.
Suangsmorn Stapatyanon
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I specialize in working with adolescents (13-17) and emerging adults (18-29) who are struggling with relationship/peer, family, behavioral, emotional, self-esteem, academic, and career challenges. My clients and their families look for support to address different life changes and stressors, such as starting college, loss/grief, dating/relationships, navigating independence, and intergenerational family conflict. They are also looking for strategies to effectively manage symptoms related to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, adjustment disorders, and trauma.
I specialize in working with adolescents (13-17) and emerging adults (18-29) who are struggling with relationship/peer, family, behavioral, emotional, self-esteem, academic, and career challenges. My clients and their families look for support to address different life changes and stressors, such as starting college, loss/grief, dating/relationships, navigating independence, and intergenerational family conflict. They are also looking for strategies to effectively manage symptoms related to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, adjustment disorders, and trauma.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Anxiety is something you’ve struggled with for a long time. While you seem to be functioning OK on the outside, inside you’re dealing with feelings of dread, catastrophic thoughts that you can’t seem to stop, and constantly feeling like you need to plan for what could go wrong. The good news is that therapy can help you struggle less with anxiety. You and I will work together to help you relate to anxiety more effectively and focus on building a full and vital life.
Anxiety is something you’ve struggled with for a long time. While you seem to be functioning OK on the outside, inside you’re dealing with feelings of dread, catastrophic thoughts that you can’t seem to stop, and constantly feeling like you need to plan for what could go wrong. The good news is that therapy can help you struggle less with anxiety. You and I will work together to help you relate to anxiety more effectively and focus on building a full and vital life.
Dan Gaylinn
Psychologist, PhD, MA, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I welcome you to the crossroads. This is a place where you can learn to live your life to its full potential. Although I have a diverse practice, I specialize in working with roughly 25-to-35 year-old individuals and couples, helping them find ways to foster safety, strength and inner peace when facing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and relationship challenges. Whether you are looking for relief from painful confusion, sadness, or worry, or are just looking for more meaningful life experiences and relationships, I welcome you on this journey towards personal growth.
I welcome you to the crossroads. This is a place where you can learn to live your life to its full potential. Although I have a diverse practice, I specialize in working with roughly 25-to-35 year-old individuals and couples, helping them find ways to foster safety, strength and inner peace when facing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and relationship challenges. Whether you are looking for relief from painful confusion, sadness, or worry, or are just looking for more meaningful life experiences and relationships, I welcome you on this journey towards personal growth.
Paul Silverman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131
Therapy should be easy to understand and active from the word go. We don't just talk about the problem or figure out why the patterns are there; we hit the ground running with action and get you feeling better as soon as possible. I work with a lot of folks who have tried therapy before and been disappointed when insight and understanding don't lead to change, and folks who are trying therapy for the first time and want it to be practical and clear. I start with a free 20-minute phone consultation.
Therapy should be easy to understand and active from the word go. We don't just talk about the problem or figure out why the patterns are there; we hit the ground running with action and get you feeling better as soon as possible. I work with a lot of folks who have tried therapy before and been disappointed when insight and understanding don't lead to change, and folks who are trying therapy for the first time and want it to be practical and clear. I start with a free 20-minute phone consultation.
Beyond Coping
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Sarah Cox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
Therapy is a unique opportunity to learn more about ourselves and discover how we can step forward in life, relationships and work with more passion and purpose. I work with you to cultivate the insight, strength and agency that help you to work through challenges, move through difficult transitions and find more purpose and fulfillment in your life. My style is warm, direct and highly attuned to the interrelation between the mind, emotions and body.
Therapy is a unique opportunity to learn more about ourselves and discover how we can step forward in life, relationships and work with more passion and purpose. I work with you to cultivate the insight, strength and agency that help you to work through challenges, move through difficult transitions and find more purpose and fulfillment in your life. My style is warm, direct and highly attuned to the interrelation between the mind, emotions and body.
Juliet Baxter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxiety and people pleasing tendencies that affect your ability to function and your relationships? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of doing the "wrong" thing. Do you wonder if navigating decisions could be easier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by having to manage their careers, relationships, and general life obstacles.
Do you struggle with anxiety and people pleasing tendencies that affect your ability to function and your relationships? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of doing the "wrong" thing. Do you wonder if navigating decisions could be easier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by having to manage their careers, relationships, and general life obstacles.
Sally Scheidlinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I imagine you’ve been hard on yourself lately. Thoughts like, “you’re not good enough” or “you should be over this by now,” play on repeat, unchecked. My approach is one focused on self-compassion, the art of reworking internal monologues to respond to yourself in a gentler, more understanding manner. You may not feel ready or deserving of treating yourself more kindly, but I would be honored to hold that warm space for you until you are.
I imagine you’ve been hard on yourself lately. Thoughts like, “you’re not good enough” or “you should be over this by now,” play on repeat, unchecked. My approach is one focused on self-compassion, the art of reworking internal monologues to respond to yourself in a gentler, more understanding manner. You may not feel ready or deserving of treating yourself more kindly, but I would be honored to hold that warm space for you until you are.
Ryan James Carroll
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I believe therapy is not just for dealing with symptoms; it can also lead to dramatic life transformation. I work relationally, meaning that our relationship will be the foundation of our work together. I believe that the psyche is made up of different parts that formed in different of our lives, and one of the keys to making change is getting these parts to work together. I believe that thinking about what’s happened is insufficient; we will work in the present moment to explore not just what we think, but also what we feel emotionally and somatically.
I believe therapy is not just for dealing with symptoms; it can also lead to dramatic life transformation. I work relationally, meaning that our relationship will be the foundation of our work together. I believe that the psyche is made up of different parts that formed in different of our lives, and one of the keys to making change is getting these parts to work together. I believe that thinking about what’s happened is insufficient; we will work in the present moment to explore not just what we think, but also what we feel emotionally and somatically.
Matthew Gould
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Life can be better... we can feel, think, and live more in alignment with the ways that we really want to. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help get us there. While friends can help relieve loneliness and various medications can ease symptoms, the process of psychotherapy helps us to change the way we experience and interact with our feelings and with the world around us. For the past 20 years I have had a full-time psychotherapy practice and have helped many individuals and couples activate potential and live fuller more rewarding lives.
Life can be better... we can feel, think, and live more in alignment with the ways that we really want to. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help get us there. While friends can help relieve loneliness and various medications can ease symptoms, the process of psychotherapy helps us to change the way we experience and interact with our feelings and with the world around us. For the past 20 years I have had a full-time psychotherapy practice and have helped many individuals and couples activate potential and live fuller more rewarding lives.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Brisbane
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Francisco, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$189
Therapists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Stress |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
69% | Aetna |
55% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
54% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in San Francisco, CA see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
23% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Francisco?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.