Find therapists in San Francisco   


Hanadi Beydoun

Psychologist (Clinical)

I’m Hanadi Beydoun, a licensed clinical psychologist. I offer a warm, relational space to explore what’s…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Dr. Jen Bachtold

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As a psychologist, my passion lies in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and facilitating their jou…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Jocelyn Morris-Bryant

Psychotherapist
Relationship Therapist

Serving high-achieving individuals, spouses, and adult families who experience relationship chaos and…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Alison Murphey

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

When experiencing significant life changes, living as a survivor, or processing the impact of the past, i…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Sara Sanford

Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Worker

I help adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and care. My approac…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Nicole Ohebshalom

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Nicole Ohebshalom is an integrative psychotherapist rooted in mindfulness with a private practic…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Ms Ewa Litauer

Psychotherapist (Integrative)
Medical Hypnotherapist & Reiki

Trauma informed care for Mind, Body and Soul.


HAS AVAILABILITY

We are a private therapy practice in San Francisco specializing in psychotherapy for women, childre…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Ms Peggy Handler

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Offering video and phone as well as in person therapy


HAS AVAILABILITY

Jasmine Khor

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I am here to work with you, to address the emotional challenge(s) you find yourself in, build insight a…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Rebekah Smith

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

A licensed professional clinical counselor providing compassionate and collaborative care to residents…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Ms Lorene Charles

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I am passionate about helping people become comfortable with their emotions and more authentic…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Psychiatrist and psychiatric educator with dynamic psychotherapy emphasis. Currently only acceptin…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Andrew Kushnick

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
JD

Welcome! As a former practicing attorney, I offer a practical, evidence-based approach to thera…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Dr Nathan Brandon

Licensed Psychologist

You deserve a therapist who makes you feel safe, secure, and connected while helping to guide you throug…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Dr Rose Gupta

Psychoanalyst
Licensed Clinical SocialWorker

I am a psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, and a licensed clinical social worker in private pr…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Mr Christopher Corey

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Individual work is core to my practice. I work with adults, adolescents and families. Together…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Ms Gloria Saltzman

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
MFA

Please contact me to check for availability. Thank you


HAS AVAILABILITY

Dr Derek Rubinstein

Psychologist (Clinical)

I offer high quality individualized mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I…


HAS AVAILABILITY

Lindsay Goodlin

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." -Dalai Lama


HAS AVAILABILITY


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Therapists by cities in United States





Therapists near you in San Francisco


If you are looking for qualified nearby or online independent therapists in San Francisco, you are on the right page.  The therapists listed above include registered and licensed counsellors, marriage and family therapists, specialised psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Broadly speaking, psychologists, psychiatrists, and family therapists are most suitable for specialised family or clinical situations. Counsellors, on the other hand, offer great value if you seek support, a safe space to talk, or affordable therapy options in San Francisco.

Important: If you face harm or a life-threatening situation, visit a nearby emergency service, hospital, or mental health clinic immediately. If you are in crisis, consider these helplines and suicide hotlines worldwide to get immediate support.


How to find a therapist in San Francisco?


Seeking help is the first step to improving your life. This step takes courage, and you should be proud to have come this far. Still, we know looking for the right therapist is hard, especially when you are already having a tough time. We built TherapyRoute to make finding your perfect match therapist, reviewed and verified, from the privacy and safety of your home, easy.

To find your best therapist, we recommend a systematic approach. Follow the steps below, and use the dropdowns and search tools to narrow down the results, e.g., by gender, race, and identity, until you find your perfect match, either nearby or online.


Step 1 - Identify the client -  Who needs the therapy?


It might seem obvious, but understanding who the “client” is can be more complex. For example, a child’s behaviour might stem from a family issue. In that case, a family therapist in San Francisco or a couples therapist in San Francisco may help address relational patterns more effectively than focusing solely on the child’s symptoms.

Similarly, if anxiety or mood issues occur in the context of a troubled romantic relationship, a relationship therapist who sees couples might be the best starting point. The “Client group” drop-down helps you narrow your search. Consider whether you need help as an individual, a couple, a family, or even a group.


Step 2 - Clarify the issue - What's the matter?


Be honest with yourself about what you want from therapy. Perhaps you know exactly what’s wrong or only know that you feel “off” and want to feel better. That’s okay. The more precise you are about the issue, the easier it will be to identify a suitable therapist (e.g., do you need an anxiety therapist in San Francisco, PTSD therapists in San Francisco, child therapist in San Francisco, or depression therapist in San Francisco).


For clinical cases: If you’re dealing with diagnosable conditions like depression, OCD, personality disorders, or complex trauma, consider professionals trained in assessment and evidence-based treatments. These include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) who can recognize and treat mental health conditions.


For everyday life challenges: If your concerns are more about stress, anger management, personal development, or relationship issues without a formal diagnosis, you have more options. Counselling psychologists, professional counsellors, marriage and family therapists, or child psychologists may be suitable. They can help you navigate emotional difficulties, improve communication, and foster personal growth.

Use the “Filter by profession” and “Issues treated” options to find a therapist who specializes in your areas of concern, whether it’s trauma therapy, addiction, eating disorders, or a desire for better-coping strategies.


Step 3 - Consider affordability and sustainability. 


Therapy is rarely a single session. It’s a process that unfolds over time, so choosing someone you can sustainably meet with is essential.

Consider the location: is the therapist near you, or does online therapy suit your situation? Online therapy can be more accessible but isn’t always the best fit—especially if you need hands-on, in-person support or your challenges make online sessions less ideal.

Consider fees and affordability: Some therapists accept insurance or medical aid; others offer sliding scale fees. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask about costs, frequency of sessions, and payment options. If a particular therapist can’t accommodate your budget, request a referral to someone more affordable who can still meet your needs.


Step 4 - Prepare yourself for the session.


Before your first appointment, think about what you want to achieve. What questions do you have for the therapist? What are your goals—reduced anxiety, healing from trauma, improving a relationship, or gaining insight into yourself?

As you attend sessions, reflect on what you’ve learned. Apply strategies and insights to your daily life. Between sessions, consider reading our expert-written articles to empower yourself further. For instance, explore:

Who needs therapy?

How to choose a therapist?

Different approaches to therapy

Types of therapists

Getting the most out of therapy


This preparation and ongoing engagement will help ensure therapy remains relevant and effective, so remember to keep checking in.  

Ask yourself: Are you making progress toward your goals? Are you comfortable with your therapist’s style and approach? If not, consider trying someone else. Finding the right fit can take time, but the effort is worth it. 

Step 5 - Maximise your therapy. 


Therapy works best when you invest in the process. Engage fully, ask questions, and be honest with your therapist. Complete any exercises or journaling they suggest. Reflect on sessions afterwards, noting insights or techniques you can apply at home.


Real change often happens between appointments as you incorporate what you’ve learned into your daily routines. If you’re exploring anxiety management, try new coping strategies your therapist recommends. For relationships, practice communication tips. This active participation helps solidify your gains and move you toward desired outcomes.



How can I tell if a therapist is right for me? 


In San Francisco, therapists are trained to work with a range of issues and to refer you to another specialist if necessary.

Therapists differ in their approach (orientation), and each brings a personality that impacts their style. Two examples of approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy and person-centred therapy. The first is more rationally focused (targeting negative thought patterns), while person-centred therapy is more empathic, centring on unconditional positive regard. 

Beyond stylistic differences, each therapeutic orientation carries a philosophy (that may or may not match your outlook), pros and cons, focus, and evidence base. You can learn more about different orientations, types of therapies, and their tools here. 

Knowing which is best for you requires careful assessment and professional thought. Best is to set up an introductory appointment with a skilled and regarded therapist, answer their questions, hear their opinion, and decide if what they say brings confidence.

People experience better outcomes when the therapeutic relationship (rapport) is good. So, choose someone you like and trust. Gauge your connection and feelings of security before committing to more meetings. 



How can you tell if a therapist is a good fit for you during the first session?


During the first session, a good therapist will actively listen, show empathy, and create a safe space for you to share. They should also explain their therapeutic approach and be transparent about the treatment process. Trust your instincts and assess if you feel understood and supported.



How much does therapy in San Francisco cost?


Therapists' fees in San Francisco vary based on multiple factors including the therapist's training background, reputation, and experience level. Some therapists accommodate people with diverse incomes through sliding scale fees.

They ensure affordability, accessibility, and fair value by adjusting their charges based on the client's income to make therapy more affordable and accessible. Before making an appointment, always contact the therapist and inquire about their rates and fees for therapy sessions.

 Investing time in researching and comparing different therapists can ensure you receive quality care that meets your needs without causing financial strain, e.g., considering each therapist's office address and choosing one near your residence or workplace can help keep within your budget.



Tips and Articles About...


Knowledge is power. Follow these links to expert-written articles published here to help you get the most from therapy, better understand each therapy service, and choose the proper treatment for your needs.



Founder’s Note:

I started TherapyRoute alongside my full-time private practice to help people connect with the right nearby or online therapists. Over time, large online platforms have begun redefining therapy to suit their aims, prioritizing profit over personal needs.

TherapyRoute is about returning focus to you, ensuring therapy remains an independent, tailored service for your unique journey.

— Vincenzo Sinisi, Clinical Psychologist

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