Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Mia Gutfreund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
When you are struggling individually or in your relationships, it can be hard to know where to begin, and harder at times to believe that getting what you need is even possible. You may have feelings you don't understand, experiences that you are trying to make sense of, or patterns that you feel stuck in. Your experiences and feelings are worthy of our curiosity and consideration. Through our conversations together, the therapy process can help us get to know you better, and open up possibilities for deepening understanding, compassion, connection, and resilience in your life.
When you are struggling individually or in your relationships, it can be hard to know where to begin, and harder at times to believe that getting what you need is even possible. You may have feelings you don't understand, experiences that you are trying to make sense of, or patterns that you feel stuck in. Your experiences and feelings are worthy of our curiosity and consideration. Through our conversations together, the therapy process can help us get to know you better, and open up possibilities for deepening understanding, compassion, connection, and resilience in your life.
My name is pronounced E-O-Anna, and I have 15 years of experience in assisting unique individuals, like yourself, in overcoming obstacles and setbacks, to shine as you are meant to. I work from a Strength-Based Approach and believe in your potential, whether you are a child or an adult, with a collaborative, individualized and Brief strategy to help you to alleviate those symptoms with haste. I specialize in treating Anxiety and Trauma with EMDR, CBT and Somatic modalities to ensure progress, with a Brief/Solutions focused framework. Together we will see the progress you desire, and quickly.
My name is pronounced E-O-Anna, and I have 15 years of experience in assisting unique individuals, like yourself, in overcoming obstacles and setbacks, to shine as you are meant to. I work from a Strength-Based Approach and believe in your potential, whether you are a child or an adult, with a collaborative, individualized and Brief strategy to help you to alleviate those symptoms with haste. I specialize in treating Anxiety and Trauma with EMDR, CBT and Somatic modalities to ensure progress, with a Brief/Solutions focused framework. Together we will see the progress you desire, and quickly.
Julie K Peters
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
Claudia E Rivas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94188 (Online Only)
Learn ways to manage stress and symptoms in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, providing psychotherapy via HIPAA compliant online platform.
Learn ways to manage stress and symptoms in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, providing psychotherapy via HIPAA compliant online platform.
Lanie Eichler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
When approached with integrity, compassion, curiosity and care, psychotherapy can be profoundly transformative and healing. It can help you traverse uncertainty, discover what nourishes and sustains you, and deepen your experience of your world. Though at times elusive, the answers you seek are within; personally, professionally, spiritually. I am deeply dedicated to helping you bridge the corridor between where you are and where you long to be. Together we will work to understand what truly matters to you so that you can live a richer, happier, more satisfying life.
When approached with integrity, compassion, curiosity and care, psychotherapy can be profoundly transformative and healing. It can help you traverse uncertainty, discover what nourishes and sustains you, and deepen your experience of your world. Though at times elusive, the answers you seek are within; personally, professionally, spiritually. I am deeply dedicated to helping you bridge the corridor between where you are and where you long to be. Together we will work to understand what truly matters to you so that you can live a richer, happier, more satisfying life.
Hello! My name is Julie Schmidt. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) providing Client Centered counseling for Californians for nearly 20 years. I enjoy working with clients who are interested in improving their thinking, feeling, and behaviors as life brings us opportunities to explore our strengths and gain insight. People develop and experience their perspectives and feelings in their own unique way, therefore I offer a variety of approaches to therapy. I offer clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or "CBT" which emphasizes the link between thinking, feeling, and behaviors.
Hello! My name is Julie Schmidt. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) providing Client Centered counseling for Californians for nearly 20 years. I enjoy working with clients who are interested in improving their thinking, feeling, and behaviors as life brings us opportunities to explore our strengths and gain insight. People develop and experience their perspectives and feelings in their own unique way, therefore I offer a variety of approaches to therapy. I offer clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or "CBT" which emphasizes the link between thinking, feeling, and behaviors.
We will take a deep look at troublesome symptoms like depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, and chronic health issues. In order to make real changes to your life, we will define habitual coping patterns that are built into your mind and body, namely your unique defensive structure, and slowly uncover difficult past events and feelings that you buried to survive. These character aspects are now blocking your healthy self-expressions and authentic self. Eventually your growing self-awareness and the release of long-held emotions will take you to a new life phase.
We will take a deep look at troublesome symptoms like depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, and chronic health issues. In order to make real changes to your life, we will define habitual coping patterns that are built into your mind and body, namely your unique defensive structure, and slowly uncover difficult past events and feelings that you buried to survive. These character aspects are now blocking your healthy self-expressions and authentic self. Eventually your growing self-awareness and the release of long-held emotions will take you to a new life phase.
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
Lisa Johnson is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2000. She has a PsyD and MA from Pepperdine University. Lisa has worked for many years as both a psychologist and small business owner, with particular expertise in addressing matters of workplace stress. Lisa works with adults of all ages and backgrounds to help them hear their own voice in a world that is constantly seeking to influence them for its own purposes. She seeks to understand the present individual, by way of exploring how past successes and disappointments have shaped them.
Lisa Johnson is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 2000. She has a PsyD and MA from Pepperdine University. Lisa has worked for many years as both a psychologist and small business owner, with particular expertise in addressing matters of workplace stress. Lisa works with adults of all ages and backgrounds to help them hear their own voice in a world that is constantly seeking to influence them for its own purposes. She seeks to understand the present individual, by way of exploring how past successes and disappointments have shaped them.
I have more than 20 years experience working with individuals and couples in short term and in longer term in depth psychotherapy. My clients struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, relationship challenges, questions around life direction, life purpose, personal identity. Often they report feeling "stuck," frustrated in their creative expression or in their ability to change or move forward in their lives. I try to look at each individual's strengths (ask how we can build upon those), and also look at where a person is getting in his or her own way.
I have more than 20 years experience working with individuals and couples in short term and in longer term in depth psychotherapy. My clients struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, relationship challenges, questions around life direction, life purpose, personal identity. Often they report feeling "stuck," frustrated in their creative expression or in their ability to change or move forward in their lives. I try to look at each individual's strengths (ask how we can build upon those), and also look at where a person is getting in his or her own way.
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
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I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
Meredith Holmes
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
Cristina Mariscal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting adults, older teens, and couples facing difficult life transitions, relationship issues, intergenerational/ historical traumas, grief/loss, depression and anxiety. I provide support from a multicultural lens, taking into account physical, mental, spiritual, emotional wounds. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their journey of healing. I sit alongside them as they mend emotional/behavioral wounds and uncover inner strengths, insight and increase awareness about themselves.
I specialize in supporting adults, older teens, and couples facing difficult life transitions, relationship issues, intergenerational/ historical traumas, grief/loss, depression and anxiety. I provide support from a multicultural lens, taking into account physical, mental, spiritual, emotional wounds. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their journey of healing. I sit alongside them as they mend emotional/behavioral wounds and uncover inner strengths, insight and increase awareness about themselves.
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
I work well with individuals and couples who are finding themselves at times of change. Change has the potential for transformation - whether that change is motivated by a desire to grow and seek greater fulfillment or one that is an unexpected cause of suffering. I love working with people one-on-one or in the context of a relationship to find their paths toward acceptance, connection, and wholeness.
I work well with individuals and couples who are finding themselves at times of change. Change has the potential for transformation - whether that change is motivated by a desire to grow and seek greater fulfillment or one that is an unexpected cause of suffering. I love working with people one-on-one or in the context of a relationship to find their paths toward acceptance, connection, and wholeness.
Dr. Fathi completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California Los Angeles, subsequently pursued graduate training in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California, and later completed her Doctorate at the California State University of Northridge. She has worked at some of the most well-known drug and alcohol treatment centers in Southern California, as well as private and state-funded clinics helping individuals, families, and couples.
Dr. Fathi completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California Los Angeles, subsequently pursued graduate training in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California, and later completed her Doctorate at the California State University of Northridge. She has worked at some of the most well-known drug and alcohol treatment centers in Southern California, as well as private and state-funded clinics helping individuals, families, and couples.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Gayle Paul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
If you’re searching for change in your relationships, mental wellness or your use of substances, my focus is using the latest in neuroscience to get you there. I keep up with the latest findings on the brain and the mind and weave it into my therapy approach. I use as many of the advances as possible to change clients’ anxiety, stress and depression. I approach therapy as a collaboration between me and the individual or couple. What works best for the individual or the couple is what I emphasize. I offer articles, books and blogposts for couples and clients to use and refer to in between sessions to enhance the work we’re doing.
If you’re searching for change in your relationships, mental wellness or your use of substances, my focus is using the latest in neuroscience to get you there. I keep up with the latest findings on the brain and the mind and weave it into my therapy approach. I use as many of the advances as possible to change clients’ anxiety, stress and depression. I approach therapy as a collaboration between me and the individual or couple. What works best for the individual or the couple is what I emphasize. I offer articles, books and blogposts for couples and clients to use and refer to in between sessions to enhance the work we’re doing.
Vanessa Lin McGraw
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you navigating a major life transition and feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready to address that issue that’s been put aside for years? Or do you simply want a space to be supported as you grow? Whatever brought you here, I hope to journey with you towards greater well-being. I see adult individuals, couples, and families. My practice includes working with parents through pregnancy and postpartum. I cherish this time because I’ve seen it offer opportunities for deep healing and connection. I also provide dyadic play therapy for young children and caregivers. As a mother of two, I know the delight and chaos of parenting little ones.
Are you navigating a major life transition and feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready to address that issue that’s been put aside for years? Or do you simply want a space to be supported as you grow? Whatever brought you here, I hope to journey with you towards greater well-being. I see adult individuals, couples, and families. My practice includes working with parents through pregnancy and postpartum. I cherish this time because I’ve seen it offer opportunities for deep healing and connection. I also provide dyadic play therapy for young children and caregivers. As a mother of two, I know the delight and chaos of parenting little ones.
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
$190
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
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
71% | Aetna |
56% | Cigna and Evernorth |
54% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
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.