Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Stacey Mcguirl
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
Darla Wolgast Romano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel tired of old patterns that inhibit your fun and connection in life? Would you like to have tools to cope with your anxieties and stresses and make the changes you desire? I have over 35 years experience in helping individuals bring attention to their issues to gain insight and acceptance--allowing for change and growth. My first session with individuals/couples will help you clarify your needs and create goals for our work. With couples, I will help you each take responsibility for your own issues; supporting better communication, more enjoyment and greater connectedness in your partnership.
Do you feel tired of old patterns that inhibit your fun and connection in life? Would you like to have tools to cope with your anxieties and stresses and make the changes you desire? I have over 35 years experience in helping individuals bring attention to their issues to gain insight and acceptance--allowing for change and growth. My first session with individuals/couples will help you clarify your needs and create goals for our work. With couples, I will help you each take responsibility for your own issues; supporting better communication, more enjoyment and greater connectedness in your partnership.
Caitlin Torres Graham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can feel like a big knot of different colored threads that can include overcoming trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and identity. My goal is to work with you to untangle that knot to improve your sense of wellbeing, insight, self-compassion and coping techniques. I know that doing this self work can be overwhelming, so I value a transparent, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I have extensive experience working with trauma, intergenerational family dynamics and trauma, ethnic identity issues, self esteem, body image issues, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Life can feel like a big knot of different colored threads that can include overcoming trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and identity. My goal is to work with you to untangle that knot to improve your sense of wellbeing, insight, self-compassion and coping techniques. I know that doing this self work can be overwhelming, so I value a transparent, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I have extensive experience working with trauma, intergenerational family dynamics and trauma, ethnic identity issues, self esteem, body image issues, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Svenson Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
If your child has experienced trauma & dissociation, they may have trouble managing their feelings, communicating their needs, or be using challenging behaviors. The world can feel scary to the traumatized child, so it's hard for them to communicate. They often cope in ways that were the best solution during the trauma, but no longer fit current circumstances, and which seem confusing or destructive. I see it as my job to help your child explore their inner world, so, through the language of play, they can learn how to express emotions, solve problems, & get needs met in healthy ways that fit the present!
If your child has experienced trauma & dissociation, they may have trouble managing their feelings, communicating their needs, or be using challenging behaviors. The world can feel scary to the traumatized child, so it's hard for them to communicate. They often cope in ways that were the best solution during the trauma, but no longer fit current circumstances, and which seem confusing or destructive. I see it as my job to help your child explore their inner world, so, through the language of play, they can learn how to express emotions, solve problems, & get needs met in healthy ways that fit the present!
Sheron Gershelis
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
Bay Area Relationship Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I work with Asian American individuals and couples around relationship issues. Most of my clients are thriving in their careers, but they want more. They want meaningful and deep connections. They want to be seen and accepted for who they are. But as Asians living in the US, being seen and understood is often complicated by cultural misunderstandings, holding conflicting values and identities, communication differences, prejudice and racism, intergenerational trauma, and immigration issues.
I work with Asian American individuals and couples around relationship issues. Most of my clients are thriving in their careers, but they want more. They want meaningful and deep connections. They want to be seen and accepted for who they are. But as Asians living in the US, being seen and understood is often complicated by cultural misunderstandings, holding conflicting values and identities, communication differences, prejudice and racism, intergenerational trauma, and immigration issues.
Anja Schmitz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Welcome to my practice! Have you been feeling like anxiety, low mood and motivation have been getting you stuck and preventing you from living the life you want to? Anxiety is a normal and important feeling that we developed to protect us from harm. If you are experiencing overwhelming levels of anxiety though, it can prevent you from doing things you care about, disrupt your social life and cause intense distress. Similarly, if you suffer from very low mood and motivation, it might seem impossible to engage in activities you previously cared about.
Welcome to my practice! Have you been feeling like anxiety, low mood and motivation have been getting you stuck and preventing you from living the life you want to? Anxiety is a normal and important feeling that we developed to protect us from harm. If you are experiencing overwhelming levels of anxiety though, it can prevent you from doing things you care about, disrupt your social life and cause intense distress. Similarly, if you suffer from very low mood and motivation, it might seem impossible to engage in activities you previously cared about.
Sonia Bello
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
I am a bilingual bicultural Marriage & Family Therapist in the field of mental health for over 13 years. In my practice, I strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for individuals to explore and grow in desired areas. I work from a strength-based approach and I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
I am a bilingual bicultural Marriage & Family Therapist in the field of mental health for over 13 years. In my practice, I strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for individuals to explore and grow in desired areas. I work from a strength-based approach and I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
Laura M Goodspeed
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
The most significant predictor of a successful therapy experience is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. Building a safe, nurturing relationship is where I excel. My style is warm and highly interactive, best suited for clients who prefer a therapist who feels very "human." I assist clients to explore their thought patterns and corresponding emotional responses, and to identify unconscious assumptions they hold about themselves and the world, which inform behavior patterns. I also provide practical tools for regulating anxiety, managing depression, and processing grief.
The most significant predictor of a successful therapy experience is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. Building a safe, nurturing relationship is where I excel. My style is warm and highly interactive, best suited for clients who prefer a therapist who feels very "human." I assist clients to explore their thought patterns and corresponding emotional responses, and to identify unconscious assumptions they hold about themselves and the world, which inform behavior patterns. I also provide practical tools for regulating anxiety, managing depression, and processing grief.
Ali Howard Kirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
I’m a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a clinical supervisor. For the past 15 years I’ve helped people better understand themselves, heal from past difficulties, and build stronger interpersonal connections. Examining one’s difficulties requires courage and resolve. Therapy is a long-term investment in yourself and in your desire to live a fuller, more satisfying life. With a lot of effort and patience, the therapeutic process can pays off.
I’m a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a clinical supervisor. For the past 15 years I’ve helped people better understand themselves, heal from past difficulties, and build stronger interpersonal connections. Examining one’s difficulties requires courage and resolve. Therapy is a long-term investment in yourself and in your desire to live a fuller, more satisfying life. With a lot of effort and patience, the therapeutic process can pays off.
Elizabeth L. Reed
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Seeking support is an act of courage and strength. Life can be inherently stressful and sometimes can feel overwhelming. We will work together first to address your current symptoms and alleviate your suffering. As you begin to feel better, we can then shift into working with longer term patterns and challenges. As you embark on this journey, I offer a mindful, compassionate and collaborative container for our process together.
Seeking support is an act of courage and strength. Life can be inherently stressful and sometimes can feel overwhelming. We will work together first to address your current symptoms and alleviate your suffering. As you begin to feel better, we can then shift into working with longer term patterns and challenges. As you embark on this journey, I offer a mindful, compassionate and collaborative container for our process together.
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Gina Poelke
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hello. I am a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults. I provide treatment for a host of issues including anxiety, panic, stress, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, substance use, and severe mental illness. I will help and support you by providing brief psychotherapy to address specific problems, or provide longer term treatment to address multiple issues or long standing difficulties.
Hello. I am a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults. I provide treatment for a host of issues including anxiety, panic, stress, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, substance use, and severe mental illness. I will help and support you by providing brief psychotherapy to address specific problems, or provide longer term treatment to address multiple issues or long standing difficulties.
Theresa Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
My name is Theresa Rodriguez, CADC, LMFT. I have been in the helping field for over 14 years. My experience and background are with individuals who need further assistance with mental health, substance use, trauma, LGBTQ+. Using Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention techniques to help clients make progress and start feeling better about where they are and where they have yet to go. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
My name is Theresa Rodriguez, CADC, LMFT. I have been in the helping field for over 14 years. My experience and background are with individuals who need further assistance with mental health, substance use, trauma, LGBTQ+. Using Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention techniques to help clients make progress and start feeling better about where they are and where they have yet to go. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
You Exploration with damon johnson, lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
YOU are desiring clarification and willing to conduct self-exploration. You are troubled by a recent or historical trauma and are seeking peace of mind, restoration of self, or closure. You have noticed a drastic shift in your mood and no explanation for it. Unable to concentrate due to fixation on visions others deny seeing or are receiving commands from a voice not your own. You want tools to help manage daily stressors. You may need an objective "ear" to hear you without judgement. You are here to seek help, let's chat and confirm YOU EXPLORATION with damon johnson, lcsw is the practice to meet your personal/clinical needs.
YOU are desiring clarification and willing to conduct self-exploration. You are troubled by a recent or historical trauma and are seeking peace of mind, restoration of self, or closure. You have noticed a drastic shift in your mood and no explanation for it. Unable to concentrate due to fixation on visions others deny seeing or are receiving commands from a voice not your own. You want tools to help manage daily stressors. You may need an objective "ear" to hear you without judgement. You are here to seek help, let's chat and confirm YOU EXPLORATION with damon johnson, lcsw is the practice to meet your personal/clinical needs.
Pablo Lo Giudice - Spanish Bilingual
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients. Welcome, I'm Pablo, a Spanish bilingual psychotherapist specializing in supporting gay men in California on their journey towards love, self-discovery, and mental well-being. With a focus on rapid, results-oriented therapy, I offer a compassionate yet confrontational approach to facilitate meaningful change. Do not settle for solitude or succumb to despair, depression. You can learn to nurture a partnership, to embrace happiness, and to set healthy boundaries with those around you.
Accepting new clients. Welcome, I'm Pablo, a Spanish bilingual psychotherapist specializing in supporting gay men in California on their journey towards love, self-discovery, and mental well-being. With a focus on rapid, results-oriented therapy, I offer a compassionate yet confrontational approach to facilitate meaningful change. Do not settle for solitude or succumb to despair, depression. You can learn to nurture a partnership, to embrace happiness, and to set healthy boundaries with those around you.
Lyle Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You wake up in the morning and immediately want to go back to sleep. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted by everyday microaggressions and outright bigotry. You want acceptance and understanding, but it just seems like nothing will ever change. You feel isolated, anxious, and afraid for the future. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that you are not alone. Help is available. I specialize in working with clients across the LGBTQAI+ spectrum on issues such as being true to oneself, managing anger, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and neurodiversity.
You wake up in the morning and immediately want to go back to sleep. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted by everyday microaggressions and outright bigotry. You want acceptance and understanding, but it just seems like nothing will ever change. You feel isolated, anxious, and afraid for the future. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that you are not alone. Help is available. I specialize in working with clients across the LGBTQAI+ spectrum on issues such as being true to oneself, managing anger, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and neurodiversity.
Lisa Sporri
Psychologist, PhD, MEd
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you concerned about your child's development? Is your child experiencing learning difficulties? I conduct pediatric neuropsychological evaluations to help understand how your child learns best and then provide recommendations based on that learning profile. My goal is to bridge the gap between neuropsychological assessment and educational/treatment programming. I am not only a pediatric neuropsychologist, but have a master's degree in special education. This enables me to better integrate the neuropsychological assessment and educational programming. Integral to my approach is translating the neurocognitive profile to parents, educators and physicians in a meaningful, practical and collaborative manner.
Are you concerned about your child's development? Is your child experiencing learning difficulties? I conduct pediatric neuropsychological evaluations to help understand how your child learns best and then provide recommendations based on that learning profile. My goal is to bridge the gap between neuropsychological assessment and educational/treatment programming. I am not only a pediatric neuropsychologist, but have a master's degree in special education. This enables me to better integrate the neuropsychological assessment and educational programming. Integral to my approach is translating the neurocognitive profile to parents, educators and physicians in a meaningful, practical and collaborative manner.
Kavitha Goldowitz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
I have over 10 years experience working with individuals and couples. My area of expertise includes working with ethnic and multicultural population and addressing issues related to couples in inter-racial marriages, struggles with cultural assimilation and family relationship dynamics. I speak 5 languages and I am keenly aware of the specific issues faced by Indian-Americans in particular and Asian Americans and Latinos in general, especially with regards to struggles with personal and cultural identity. I offer brief and long term models of therapy. I also provide tele-therapy (online) in addition to face-to-face counseling.
I have over 10 years experience working with individuals and couples. My area of expertise includes working with ethnic and multicultural population and addressing issues related to couples in inter-racial marriages, struggles with cultural assimilation and family relationship dynamics. I speak 5 languages and I am keenly aware of the specific issues faced by Indian-Americans in particular and Asian Americans and Latinos in general, especially with regards to struggles with personal and cultural identity. I offer brief and long term models of therapy. I also provide tele-therapy (online) in addition to face-to-face counseling.
Tracy McGillis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112 (Online Only)
I provide a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental space to explore any issues that have brought you to therapy. I work with individuals and couples at all developmental stages, partnering with you to navigate the uncertainties of life transitions, relationship difficulties, and barriers that may be keeping you stuck. Most of us want to move in the direction of a meaningful, authentic life that reflects our values, but for various reasons the path becomes obscured. I both challenge and support my clients in their courageous steps toward clarity and fulfillment.
I provide a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental space to explore any issues that have brought you to therapy. I work with individuals and couples at all developmental stages, partnering with you to navigate the uncertainties of life transitions, relationship difficulties, and barriers that may be keeping you stuck. Most of us want to move in the direction of a meaningful, authentic life that reflects our values, but for various reasons the path becomes obscured. I both challenge and support my clients in their courageous steps toward clarity and fulfillment.
Carolyn Ponting
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Dr. Ponting is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in treating anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression in adults and children. In her roles as a researcher and clinician, she focuses on improving mental health during the transition to parenthood, including pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Ponting also works with families with young children ages 2-6 who have experienced a recent traumatic event.
Dr. Ponting is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in treating anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression in adults and children. In her roles as a researcher and clinician, she focuses on improving mental health during the transition to parenthood, including pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Ponting also works with families with young children ages 2-6 who have experienced a recent traumatic event.
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
$188
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.