Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in 94115

Photo of Lena Nicodemus, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lena Nicodemus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
(415) 991-6762 View (415) 991-6762
Photo of Bryan Russo, MS, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bryan Russo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Too often psychotherapy focuses on causality, pathology and cures. However, rather than being "sick" or 'broken", often we are just lost inside ourselves or relationships. Everyone is a unique person with their own story, experience and perspective. The goal of therapy is to achieve a deeper awareness of where we are, to discover internal meaning for our many experiences, and to experience a life worth living. While working towards that awareness, I also feel it important to teach individuals, couples and families the skills needed to cope with the pain and day to day stressors that bring them into therapy.
Too often psychotherapy focuses on causality, pathology and cures. However, rather than being "sick" or 'broken", often we are just lost inside ourselves or relationships. Everyone is a unique person with their own story, experience and perspective. The goal of therapy is to achieve a deeper awareness of where we are, to discover internal meaning for our many experiences, and to experience a life worth living. While working towards that awareness, I also feel it important to teach individuals, couples and families the skills needed to cope with the pain and day to day stressors that bring them into therapy.
(415) 449-7330 View (415) 449-7330
Photo of Jennifer Nam - Bay Area Center for Mood Disorders, PhD, Psychologist
Bay Area Center for Mood Disorders
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Therapy helps to improve lives in a meaningful way (have better relationships with friends, family members and partners, improve our self-esteem). I work to help you identify issues, problems and patterns, but also to implement skills and tools make changes to these patterns. I offer a warm, compassionate, and collaborative environment, and I will work with you to tailor clinical interventions to fit your needs and goals.
Therapy helps to improve lives in a meaningful way (have better relationships with friends, family members and partners, improve our self-esteem). I work to help you identify issues, problems and patterns, but also to implement skills and tools make changes to these patterns. I offer a warm, compassionate, and collaborative environment, and I will work with you to tailor clinical interventions to fit your needs and goals.
(415) 697-3964 View (415) 697-3964
Photo of Wendy Skillern - Wendy Skillern, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Skillern, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Life can feel overwhelming--but it doesn't have to. If you have experienced trauma, whether recurring or as an isolated incident, even the typical stresses of a normal day can provoke anxiety, fear, anger, or withdrawal. Luckily, therapy can provide you tools to deal with life's challenges, enabling you to minimize your stress levels and continue your personal growth. I will guide you to increased happiness and well-being by supporting you in exploring and enacting lasting, positive changes in your relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
Life can feel overwhelming--but it doesn't have to. If you have experienced trauma, whether recurring or as an isolated incident, even the typical stresses of a normal day can provoke anxiety, fear, anger, or withdrawal. Luckily, therapy can provide you tools to deal with life's challenges, enabling you to minimize your stress levels and continue your personal growth. I will guide you to increased happiness and well-being by supporting you in exploring and enacting lasting, positive changes in your relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
(415) 202-6934 View (415) 202-6934
Patricia Hecht
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
As a San Francisco therapist, I work with adults, young children and adolescents. I provide marriage therapy, couples counseling and individual psychotherapy. I have over 20 years of experience, and am expert in helping my patients understand their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. I have helped people facing a diverse, wide variety of challenges in their lives. I use my expertise to provide a safe atmosphere where you can explore solutions for your problems. I use an interactive approach to help you develop improved ways of coping with issues. My goal is to help improve the quality of your life.
As a San Francisco therapist, I work with adults, young children and adolescents. I provide marriage therapy, couples counseling and individual psychotherapy. I have over 20 years of experience, and am expert in helping my patients understand their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. I have helped people facing a diverse, wide variety of challenges in their lives. I use my expertise to provide a safe atmosphere where you can explore solutions for your problems. I use an interactive approach to help you develop improved ways of coping with issues. My goal is to help improve the quality of your life.
(415) 969-5956 View (415) 969-5956
Photo of Mia Gutfreund, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mia Gutfreund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 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.
(415) 980-6912 View (415) 980-6912
Photo of Nicole Collins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Specializing in trauma and addiction. I believe that addiction, alcoholism, depression, the things that push against your joy, calm, serenity, and sense of security, are powerful and baffling. Still, something unique inside of you is ready to push back against it all. The fear, anxiety, depression, and trauma that press against your head and chest are real, but they should not define you. I feel my role is to help you find the resources within to overcome the challenges and suffering that life may bring.
Specializing in trauma and addiction. I believe that addiction, alcoholism, depression, the things that push against your joy, calm, serenity, and sense of security, are powerful and baffling. Still, something unique inside of you is ready to push back against it all. The fear, anxiety, depression, and trauma that press against your head and chest are real, but they should not define you. I feel my role is to help you find the resources within to overcome the challenges and suffering that life may bring.
(415) 539-2964 View (415) 539-2964
Photo of Deborah V Kohloss, PhD, Psychologist
Deborah V Kohloss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I've been in private practice for twenty years offering psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. I received my B.A. at the Un. of Iowa where I studied poetry and creative writing, my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at U.C. Berkeley, trained in psychoanalysis at PANY-NYU. I am on the Faculty at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, currently accepting new patients only in my San Francisco CA office. I take Aetna insurance through Headway. I've worked with children and families on early attachment issues, adults with depression, anxiety, early trauma, creative blocks, gay and lesbian issues, psychosomatic problems.
I've been in private practice for twenty years offering psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. I received my B.A. at the Un. of Iowa where I studied poetry and creative writing, my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at U.C. Berkeley, trained in psychoanalysis at PANY-NYU. I am on the Faculty at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, currently accepting new patients only in my San Francisco CA office. I take Aetna insurance through Headway. I've worked with children and families on early attachment issues, adults with depression, anxiety, early trauma, creative blocks, gay and lesbian issues, psychosomatic problems.
(415) 237-4357 View (415) 237-4357
Photo of Jeremy Mintz, PsyD, Psychologist
Jeremy Mintz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I imagine you've found your way here because you're feeling stuck and needing a reason to hope that things will change. Others may not see that you're feeling this way, but you know you're in need of relief. If this sounds like what you're going through, I may be a good fit to help you.
I imagine you've found your way here because you're feeling stuck and needing a reason to hope that things will change. Others may not see that you're feeling this way, but you know you're in need of relief. If this sounds like what you're going through, I may be a good fit to help you.
(415) 964-2474 View (415) 964-2474
Photo of Tammy Que Phan Vuong, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tammy Que Phan Vuong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello. I work with adults, families and couples. My training and expertise are treating anxiety, depression, relationship/family/in-law issues, psychosis, personality disorders, life transition, immigrations and identity exploration. My therapy styles are warm, client centered, emotional focused. I share with my clients a lot that "You want to make sure you feel comfortable talking to me." It is true because therapy is personal.
Hello. I work with adults, families and couples. My training and expertise are treating anxiety, depression, relationship/family/in-law issues, psychosis, personality disorders, life transition, immigrations and identity exploration. My therapy styles are warm, client centered, emotional focused. I share with my clients a lot that "You want to make sure you feel comfortable talking to me." It is true because therapy is personal.
(415) 936-0585 View (415) 936-0585
Photo of Leslie R Davis, JD, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leslie R Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
(415) 366-0587 View (415) 366-0587
Photo of Jessica Claire Lief, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Claire Lief
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My name is Jessica Lief. I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use issues, trauma, self harm, prenatal and postpartum issues, miscarriage and fertility issues. I work with adults of all ages. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness.
My name is Jessica Lief. I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use issues, trauma, self harm, prenatal and postpartum issues, miscarriage and fertility issues. I work with adults of all ages. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness.
(628) 265-8809 View (628) 265-8809
Photo of Adriana Popescu - Firebird Healing, PhD
Firebird Healing
PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
At Firebird Healing we specialize in treating trauma. We know that experiencing trauma can impact every aspect of your life. Unresolved and unhealed trauma can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being, body, work, relationships, creativity, and success. Experiences of trauma profoundly shape how you see yourself and the world, and are often at the root of life struggles and difficulties. Trauma is often what underlies conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, conflicts, difficulties, or a lack of joy and satisfaction with living. The experts at Firebird Healing have found that addressing trauma and engaging the support, healing, and tools to triumph over trauma is one of the most profound, expansive, and life-altering choices you can make.
At Firebird Healing we specialize in treating trauma. We know that experiencing trauma can impact every aspect of your life. Unresolved and unhealed trauma can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being, body, work, relationships, creativity, and success. Experiences of trauma profoundly shape how you see yourself and the world, and are often at the root of life struggles and difficulties. Trauma is often what underlies conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, conflicts, difficulties, or a lack of joy and satisfaction with living. The experts at Firebird Healing have found that addressing trauma and engaging the support, healing, and tools to triumph over trauma is one of the most profound, expansive, and life-altering choices you can make.
(415) 329-3677 View (415) 329-3677
Photo of Reed A Malcolm Psychotherapist, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Reed A Malcolm Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am a psychotherapist with offices in SF and Oakland, where I treat both adults and couples. I take a relational and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. We are all unique, consciously and unconsciously influenced by the relationships and life-events that leave a lasting impact on how we address our current situation. Difficulties can sometimes arise when the habitual thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that once served us now have us feeling stuck, depressed, and powerless. Fear, ambivalence, compulsivity and patterned thinking can hamper our ability to address the inevitable twists and turns of daily life.
I am a psychotherapist with offices in SF and Oakland, where I treat both adults and couples. I take a relational and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. We are all unique, consciously and unconsciously influenced by the relationships and life-events that leave a lasting impact on how we address our current situation. Difficulties can sometimes arise when the habitual thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that once served us now have us feeling stuck, depressed, and powerless. Fear, ambivalence, compulsivity and patterned thinking can hamper our ability to address the inevitable twists and turns of daily life.
(415) 358-5359 View (415) 358-5359
Photo of Michael Myette, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael Myette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
(415) 991-7993 View (415) 991-7993
Photo of Elizabeth Miller, MA, PPS, LPCC, Counselor
Elizabeth Miller
Counselor, MA, PPS, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I’ve been working as a Mental Health Clinician in various roles for over a decade. I’ve had the privilege of connecting and supporting humans from all ages and backgrounds. I have an integrative holistic approach with an emphasis in bottom-up body-based modalities. I believe everyone has their own unique path to finding balance and healing. I make it a priority to provide a space that is trauma informed, culturally inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ safe. EMDR. IFS. Somatic. Mindfulness. Self-Compassion. Attachment. Reiki.
I’ve been working as a Mental Health Clinician in various roles for over a decade. I’ve had the privilege of connecting and supporting humans from all ages and backgrounds. I have an integrative holistic approach with an emphasis in bottom-up body-based modalities. I believe everyone has their own unique path to finding balance and healing. I make it a priority to provide a space that is trauma informed, culturally inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ safe. EMDR. IFS. Somatic. Mindfulness. Self-Compassion. Attachment. Reiki.
(415) 319-9913 View (415) 319-9913
Photo of Ashley Kellem, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ashley Kellem
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I enjoy working with children, teens, families, and those interested in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. While I work with a variety of demographics and backgrounds, I’ve found my work most focused around those suffering from eating disorders, addictions, women’s issues, terminal illness, grief and spiritual emergence. Those whose realities feel tenuous, who want to take back control of their life. Who they are, and who they hope to be.
I enjoy working with children, teens, families, and those interested in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. While I work with a variety of demographics and backgrounds, I’ve found my work most focused around those suffering from eating disorders, addictions, women’s issues, terminal illness, grief and spiritual emergence. Those whose realities feel tenuous, who want to take back control of their life. Who they are, and who they hope to be.
(510) 944-1671 View (510) 944-1671
Photo of Robynne Herron, LPCC
Robynne Herron
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello, I am Robynne (Robin üòâ) Herron. I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is relaxed with a gratuitous use of humor. I favor existential and client-centered approaches. Typically, I work with clients that are focused on figuring out how to feel better; however, I have worked with many clients that weren't sure what feeling better would look like or that were stuck thinking it couldn't get better at all.
Hello, I am Robynne (Robin üòâ) Herron. I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is relaxed with a gratuitous use of humor. I favor existential and client-centered approaches. Typically, I work with clients that are focused on figuring out how to feel better; however, I have worked with many clients that weren't sure what feeling better would look like or that were stuck thinking it couldn't get better at all.
(415) 340-7922 View (415) 340-7922
Photo of Batya Ross, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Batya Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
(415) 275-6820 View (415) 275-6820
Photo of Sebastian Earl, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sebastian Earl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My approach is holistic(mind, body and spirit) and I work with individuals and couples primarily around self-acceptance/love, learning how to achieve intimacy and breaking free of conditioning. Helping you discover your deepest truths and find your purpose, desire and drive in life. I provide an opportunity for people to grow and heal, in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental and nurturing environment. This work helps to heal trauma/ PTSD), depression, low self-esteem, addictions and anxiety. I also welcome those who simply want the added flexibility good therapy can achieve, enabling them to live fuller, richer, happier lives.
My approach is holistic(mind, body and spirit) and I work with individuals and couples primarily around self-acceptance/love, learning how to achieve intimacy and breaking free of conditioning. Helping you discover your deepest truths and find your purpose, desire and drive in life. I provide an opportunity for people to grow and heal, in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental and nurturing environment. This work helps to heal trauma/ PTSD), depression, low self-esteem, addictions and anxiety. I also welcome those who simply want the added flexibility good therapy can achieve, enabling them to live fuller, richer, happier lives.
(415) 795-2685 View (415) 795-2685
Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.