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Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
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Amy Backos

Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
5 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (415) 592-6406
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Available both in-person and online
San Francisco, CA 94131
Longing for more energy and clarity to thrive in your life? Do past pain, unwanted thoughts, or strained relationships feel like obstacles? If you’re ready to release the worry you’re carrying and embrace joy, ease, and success, I invite you to explore a creative and effective approach. I blend creativity and logic, focus and curiosity, thoughts and emotions, helping you release worries and feel at ease through a unique combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Art Therapy. Learn mindfulness, thought observation, and how to live in alignment with your values rather than reacting to discomfort/fear.
I help women, teens and tweens discover their empowered journey to recover from trauma. By tapping into your strengths and integrating creative psychology, you can build resilience, clear emotional blocks, and unleash your imagination. My culturally humble approach values diversity, respecting and celebrating each individual’s unique story and experiences.
With 30 years of experience as an expert creativity psychologist, author, researcher, board-certified art therapist, and professor, I bring modern, evidence-based strategies to our sessions. Together, we’ll create a space for healing, insight, and growth. Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation today and follow me on Instagram at Dr Amy Backos.
Call or Amy Backos now for a free 15 minute consultation - (415) 592-6406

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Art Therapy Center of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 592-6406
My website
Unlock Your Creativity! Experience the transformative power of creative psychology. Easy and pressure-free consultation. Message now!
I specialize in Women's Issues, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD 
I see individuals and couples  
Coaching, therapy & online workshops: call for complementary 20 minute consultation. Find more content on Instagram: dramybackos
Amy Backos
Let's Connect (415) 592-6406
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Art Therapy Center of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 592-6406
My website
Unlock Your Creativity! Experience the transformative power of creative psychology. Easy and pressure-free consultation. Message now!
I specialize in Women's Issues, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD 
I see individuals and couples  
Coaching, therapy & online workshops: call for complementary 20 minute consultation. Find more content on Instagram: dramybackos
Amy Backos

Finances

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Venmo, Visa, Zelle
"
Clients pay directly after each session. I offer courtesy billing so you can work with your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 592-6406
"
Clients pay directly after each session. I offer courtesy billing so you can work with your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 592-6406

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / PSY24943 Amy Backos
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 29 years
  • Attended California School of Professional Psychology and Ursuline College , PhD, Clinical Psychology & MA, Art Therapy, Graduated 1997
  • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from Art Therapy Credential Board 99191 / 1999
  • Certificate from Board of Behavioral Sciences PSY24943 / 2012
"
Creativity expert with three decades as an Art Therapist and Psychologist, award-winning professor emerita of a graduate art therapy university department, expert in trauma recovery (assault, abuse, interpersonal, combat), author of three therapy books, host of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast.
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 592-6406
"
Creativity expert with three decades as an Art Therapist and Psychologist, award-winning professor emerita of a graduate art therapy university department, expert in trauma recovery (assault, abuse, interpersonal, combat), author of three therapy books, host of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast.
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 592-6406

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Women's Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

  • Cultural Humility
  • Depression
  • Mood Disorders
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Positive psychology / Strength-based
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spirituality
  • Substance Use
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Do these issues align with your needs? or (415) 592-6406
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Do these issues align with your needs? or (415) 592-6406

5 Endorsements

Dr. Jordan A. Gonzales
Dr. Jordan A. Gonzales
Marriage & Family TherapistPhDLMFTATR-BC
As a psychologist and art therapist, Dr. Backos is an expert and leader in her field. She brings passion, empathy, enthusiasm, creativity, and the latest evidence-based knowledge to her work.
Sylvan O’Brien
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family TherapistAMFTATR
Amy is a leader in the field of art therapy. Her expertise supports clients in their healing journey by addressing the roots of their concerns. She works compassionately with clients to access their creativity and transform their lives.
Leslie M Robertson
Leslie M Robertson
Licensed Professional CounselorPhDLCPCLPCATR-BCNCC
Dr. Backos supported me in finding my creative identity as a doctoral student, and her perceptive guidance continues to shape my professional development.
Missy Satterberg
Missy Satterberg
Marriage & Family TherapistPhDLMFTATR-BC®
Dr. Backos is phenomenal! Her clinical skills & warm personality create a welcoming environment. Her work with trauma through the lens of ACT and art therapy make her a standout. Her mentorship has shaped my path as a clinician, educator and creative.

Client Focus

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
Lesbian Allied
Racial Justice Allied

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
Lesbian Allied
Racial Justice Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Art Therapy
  • Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
  • Coaching
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Feminist
  • Positive Psychology
  • Strength-Based
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Ask about what different forms of therapy will be like. or (415) 592-6406
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Ask about what different forms of therapy will be like. or (415) 592-6406

Location

Primary Location

Art Therapy Center of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 592-6406
"
Unlock Your Creativity! Experience the transformative power of creative psychology. Easy and pressure-free consultation. Message now!
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call for a free consultation now - (415) 592-6406
"
Unlock Your Creativity! Experience the transformative power of creative psychology. Easy and pressure-free consultation. Message now!
Photo of Amy Backos, Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Call for a free consultation now - (415) 592-6406