Photo of Dr. Alexandra Davidson, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Alexandra Davidson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.
(415) 481-4255 View (415) 481-4255
Photo of Amy T Goldman, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Amy T Goldman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
In today’s fast paced world, we are faced with many stressors, obstacles and challenges. Sometimes we need to slow down and take stock of what we have and changes we may want to make. My practice is geared towards helping adults and couples achieve the life that they want rather than struggling just to get by. Therapy can be both challenging and an exciting experience. Together, we can work on eliminating your anxiety, depression, relationships problems and general discontent.
In today’s fast paced world, we are faced with many stressors, obstacles and challenges. Sometimes we need to slow down and take stock of what we have and changes we may want to make. My practice is geared towards helping adults and couples achieve the life that they want rather than struggling just to get by. Therapy can be both challenging and an exciting experience. Together, we can work on eliminating your anxiety, depression, relationships problems and general discontent.
(415) 494-8546 View (415) 494-8546
Photo of Dorinda A Woodley, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dorinda A Woodley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working at Pacific CBT providing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to adults and teens who are looking for support with anxiety and depression.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working at Pacific CBT providing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to adults and teens who are looking for support with anxiety and depression.
(628) 266-2165 View (628) 266-2165
Photo of Lizbeth Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lizbeth Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Lizbeth Hernandez. I have extensive experience working in mental health. I am passionate about the work that I do. The first phase of therapy is building a therapeutic alliance. I believe that without trust and transparency, my clients will not make the progress they need. I have over 20 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and other areas that impair daily functioning.
Hello, my name is Lizbeth Hernandez. I have extensive experience working in mental health. I am passionate about the work that I do. The first phase of therapy is building a therapeutic alliance. I believe that without trust and transparency, my clients will not make the progress they need. I have over 20 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and other areas that impair daily functioning.
(415) 949-2545 View (415) 949-2545
Photo of Alisa Huntington, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alisa Huntington
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
My name is Dr. Alisa Huntington, and I've been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist for 24 years. I love facilitating self-awareness and growth. Through a variety of modalities, I give you the tools to help you be the best version of yourself. I believe each individual has the tools to help him/her/themselves, they just might need a little guidance to unveil the layers. I see people who are depressed or anxious, questioning their sexual identity, in unhappy relationships, poor relationships with family members, adoptees or birth parents who have relinquished their child, and a variety of other issues.
My name is Dr. Alisa Huntington, and I've been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist for 24 years. I love facilitating self-awareness and growth. Through a variety of modalities, I give you the tools to help you be the best version of yourself. I believe each individual has the tools to help him/her/themselves, they just might need a little guidance to unveil the layers. I see people who are depressed or anxious, questioning their sexual identity, in unhappy relationships, poor relationships with family members, adoptees or birth parents who have relinquished their child, and a variety of other issues.
(415) 687-1016 View (415) 687-1016
Photo of Miriam Geiger, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Miriam Geiger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Transformative therapy for the LGBTQ+ community. Are you hoping to feel more joy, love, or tenderness in your life? Despite your hard work to achieve success, are you dissatisfied and anxious? These dilemmas may seem impossible to overcome while juggling your responsibilities, but the truth is, avoiding your needs and feelings by running on autopilot will never lead to fulfillment in your professional, personal, or romantic relationships. Therapy can help bring peace to both your inner voices and outer world.
Transformative therapy for the LGBTQ+ community. Are you hoping to feel more joy, love, or tenderness in your life? Despite your hard work to achieve success, are you dissatisfied and anxious? These dilemmas may seem impossible to overcome while juggling your responsibilities, but the truth is, avoiding your needs and feelings by running on autopilot will never lead to fulfillment in your professional, personal, or romantic relationships. Therapy can help bring peace to both your inner voices and outer world.
(510) 216-1722 View (510) 216-1722
Photo of Nika Ayat, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nika Ayat
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with passionate people who deeply want to feel connected and loved, but find themselves hurting in relationships. My clients come from backgrounds where they weren’t taught healthy relationship skills, and they realize they're stuck in patterns they want to change, such as self-judgment or blame, self-sabotage, avoidance, relational anxiety, codependency, or abuse. My mindset is everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. With a curious mind and multicultural lens, I help make meaning of your experiences, shed light on what exists outside your awareness, and help you learn new ways of feeling connected and loved.
I work with passionate people who deeply want to feel connected and loved, but find themselves hurting in relationships. My clients come from backgrounds where they weren’t taught healthy relationship skills, and they realize they're stuck in patterns they want to change, such as self-judgment or blame, self-sabotage, avoidance, relational anxiety, codependency, or abuse. My mindset is everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. With a curious mind and multicultural lens, I help make meaning of your experiences, shed light on what exists outside your awareness, and help you learn new ways of feeling connected and loved.
(415) 914-9238 View (415) 914-9238
Photo of Thomas Meade - Brown Therapy Center, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Thomas Meade - Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Often, our past relationships leave us wounded. The story that we tell ourselves becomes permeated with negative thoughts, low self-worth, and shame. As these feelings manifest, we become anxious and depressed. Therapy can help us discover perspectives that create a new narrative, one in which we have different ways to manage our emotions and lead a more enjoyable life.
Often, our past relationships leave us wounded. The story that we tell ourselves becomes permeated with negative thoughts, low self-worth, and shame. As these feelings manifest, we become anxious and depressed. Therapy can help us discover perspectives that create a new narrative, one in which we have different ways to manage our emotions and lead a more enjoyable life.
(415) 326-9802 View (415) 326-9802
Photo of Catherine Singstad, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Catherine Singstad, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Most of my clients come in struggling with their closest relationships - with their partners, parents, kids, colleagues and/or friends. There is often a deep longing for more joy, authenticity, and freedom from painful symptoms like anxiety and depression. I help clients learn to understand and thoughtfully navigate their emotional world, as we work to unpack and rewire recurring symptoms and habits. Issues I commonly work with include unhealthy relationships, work/life balance, healing unresolved childhood wounds, couples issues, anxiety, depression, parenthood, trauma, low self-esteem, addiction, infertility, loss, and grief.
Most of my clients come in struggling with their closest relationships - with their partners, parents, kids, colleagues and/or friends. There is often a deep longing for more joy, authenticity, and freedom from painful symptoms like anxiety and depression. I help clients learn to understand and thoughtfully navigate their emotional world, as we work to unpack and rewire recurring symptoms and habits. Issues I commonly work with include unhealthy relationships, work/life balance, healing unresolved childhood wounds, couples issues, anxiety, depression, parenthood, trauma, low self-esteem, addiction, infertility, loss, and grief.
(415) 906-4220 View (415) 906-4220
Photo of Michelle Vo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Vo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
If you've stumbled upon my page, you're likely seeking emotional support and helpful skills to navigate life's challenges. Perhaps you've been feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected to your work, relationships, or even yourself. This can be very painful to navigate alone. In therapy with me, you can work through negative thinking patterns or habits, common stressors, and allow room for acceptance of things you cannot control. In therapy, you can gain new skills as we talk through your lived experience. Your story is unique, so we will work together to navigate treatment goals that can improve your quality of life.
If you've stumbled upon my page, you're likely seeking emotional support and helpful skills to navigate life's challenges. Perhaps you've been feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected to your work, relationships, or even yourself. This can be very painful to navigate alone. In therapy with me, you can work through negative thinking patterns or habits, common stressors, and allow room for acceptance of things you cannot control. In therapy, you can gain new skills as we talk through your lived experience. Your story is unique, so we will work together to navigate treatment goals that can improve your quality of life.
(415) 612-3540 View (415) 612-3540
Photo of Rebecca Wilson, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca Wilson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I am a trauma-informed therapist and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance, and process past negative experiences. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I work with traumas such as illness, loss, assaults, birth trauma, car accidents, and war. I also specialize in working with anxious attachment styles. I help individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, work stress, and unresolved grief.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance, and process past negative experiences. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I work with traumas such as illness, loss, assaults, birth trauma, car accidents, and war. I also specialize in working with anxious attachment styles. I help individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, work stress, and unresolved grief.
(415) 997-5204 View (415) 997-5204
Photo of Ngozi Ojukwu, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ngozi Ojukwu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I work with adults and couples to address issues that include, but are not limited to anxiety, workplace trauma, depression, stress and anger management, experiences with microaggressions, and building healthy relationships.
Do you find yourself struggling to find the motivation to work but terrified of losing your job? You might have a nice, pretty cushy gig that pays you well, but you find yourself in an existential crisis wondering: Is this it? Does anything I do matter? And when you consider switching things up, the options feel nonexistent or terrifying... You feel grateful for what you have, but still want different...more. There is more to life than work. There is life outside work that you can feel excited and fulfilled by. I can help. Reach out if you'd like to feel more free within your own life.
I work with adults and couples to address issues that include, but are not limited to anxiety, workplace trauma, depression, stress and anger management, experiences with microaggressions, and building healthy relationships.
Do you find yourself struggling to find the motivation to work but terrified of losing your job? You might have a nice, pretty cushy gig that pays you well, but you find yourself in an existential crisis wondering: Is this it? Does anything I do matter? And when you consider switching things up, the options feel nonexistent or terrifying... You feel grateful for what you have, but still want different...more. There is more to life than work. There is life outside work that you can feel excited and fulfilled by. I can help. Reach out if you'd like to feel more free within your own life.
(628) 227-5529 View (628) 227-5529
Photo of Kimberly Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kimberly Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I have experience in treating a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
I imagine you found yourself here because there is something in your life you are seeking to overcome. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to walk this journey alone. No matter what you’re going through, there is hope and change is possible. I honor and respect the strength and vulnerability it takes to seek help, to give pain space to heal, and to bravely step into growth. As a therapist, I truly love what I do and genuinely care about the people with whom I work. It’s my passion to come alongside others in the midst of their challenges and to help them live from a place of authenticity, empowerment, and self-awareness.
I have experience in treating a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
I imagine you found yourself here because there is something in your life you are seeking to overcome. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to walk this journey alone. No matter what you’re going through, there is hope and change is possible. I honor and respect the strength and vulnerability it takes to seek help, to give pain space to heal, and to bravely step into growth. As a therapist, I truly love what I do and genuinely care about the people with whom I work. It’s my passion to come alongside others in the midst of their challenges and to help them live from a place of authenticity, empowerment, and self-awareness.
(310) 868-2302 View (310) 868-2302
Photo of Scott Carollo, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Scott Carollo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
(415) 860-0769 View (415) 860-0769
Photo of Peter M Schumacher, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Peter M Schumacher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
There is no precedent in recent history for what is happening right now in our communities, and in our world. The COVID-19 pandemic is necessitating limited social contact with strict guidelines for personal health. We are all anxious and worried about ourselves, our families and friends, and the whole social nexus that we are immersed in. More than anything else, we need to be both accepting and flexible in order to successfully manage the complications we are now faced with. I have 40+ years experience helping people gain strength, focus, and the confidence to overcome obstacles that impede success.
There is no precedent in recent history for what is happening right now in our communities, and in our world. The COVID-19 pandemic is necessitating limited social contact with strict guidelines for personal health. We are all anxious and worried about ourselves, our families and friends, and the whole social nexus that we are immersed in. More than anything else, we need to be both accepting and flexible in order to successfully manage the complications we are now faced with. I have 40+ years experience helping people gain strength, focus, and the confidence to overcome obstacles that impede success.
(650) 741-5443 View (650) 741-5443
Photo of Sean Monsarrat, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sean Monsarrat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
It is natural to encounter challenges beyond our understanding and ability to manage that induce stress, anxiety and depression. We may have reached a puzzling crossroads in life, we may be in conflict with ourselves and others, or we may want more harmony and direction in our lives. We may have been deeply wounded or traumatized in childhood. Sometimes all we know is we feel anxious, depressed, or something is missing or wrong. Psychotherapy offers powerful approaches to these issues, and the transformation we seek comes naturally from a genuine, healthy human relationship with a skilled, compassionate psychotherapist.
It is natural to encounter challenges beyond our understanding and ability to manage that induce stress, anxiety and depression. We may have reached a puzzling crossroads in life, we may be in conflict with ourselves and others, or we may want more harmony and direction in our lives. We may have been deeply wounded or traumatized in childhood. Sometimes all we know is we feel anxious, depressed, or something is missing or wrong. Psychotherapy offers powerful approaches to these issues, and the transformation we seek comes naturally from a genuine, healthy human relationship with a skilled, compassionate psychotherapist.
(415) 997-2909 View (415) 997-2909
Photo of Melissa Liptak, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Melissa Liptak
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
My goal as a therapist is to help you create positive change and live life with more ease, meaning and connection. I provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy that will help you learn new skills to move you in the direction you are seeking. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, and have a particular interest in helping teenage girls, parents, and those in the midst of life transitions. I have worked extensively with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, academic stress, perfectionism, parenting challenges, relationship conflicts, life transitions, grief and loss.
My goal as a therapist is to help you create positive change and live life with more ease, meaning and connection. I provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy that will help you learn new skills to move you in the direction you are seeking. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, and have a particular interest in helping teenage girls, parents, and those in the midst of life transitions. I have worked extensively with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, academic stress, perfectionism, parenting challenges, relationship conflicts, life transitions, grief and loss.
(415) 446-1253 View (415) 446-1253
Photo of Shianling Weeks, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Shianling Weeks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
It's okay to be enraged - about unjust treatment both individually and on a societal level (racism, structural racism, sexism, all the isms). It's okay to be deeply sad. It's okay to be anxious. All the feelings are there for a reason, and sometimes there isn't any particular reason you can identify. It's okay to judge yourself, it's okay to be "negative." We will learn to feel the feelings and think the thoughts, while choosing what you want to do next, based on what's important to you. I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, infertility, and perinatal distress.
It's okay to be enraged - about unjust treatment both individually and on a societal level (racism, structural racism, sexism, all the isms). It's okay to be deeply sad. It's okay to be anxious. All the feelings are there for a reason, and sometimes there isn't any particular reason you can identify. It's okay to judge yourself, it's okay to be "negative." We will learn to feel the feelings and think the thoughts, while choosing what you want to do next, based on what's important to you. I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, infertility, and perinatal distress.
(415) 942-1872 View (415) 942-1872
Photo of Laura DeSantis, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Laura DeSantis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My specialties include Complex PTSD, dissociation, and anxiety, but I work with my clients on a variety of challenges.
As a therapist, my goal is to foster a space for you to explore what you want for yourself and your life through introspection, healing, and acceptance of self. I offer an interactive style that is engaged, compassionate, attuned to your strengths, and informed by modern neuroscience so we're getting to the root of things. This space is yours, a place where you can be heard without judgment, where vulnerability meets understanding, and where healing can truly happen.
My specialties include Complex PTSD, dissociation, and anxiety, but I work with my clients on a variety of challenges.
As a therapist, my goal is to foster a space for you to explore what you want for yourself and your life through introspection, healing, and acceptance of self. I offer an interactive style that is engaged, compassionate, attuned to your strengths, and informed by modern neuroscience so we're getting to the root of things. This space is yours, a place where you can be heard without judgment, where vulnerability meets understanding, and where healing can truly happen.
(628) 241-7672 View (628) 241-7672
Photo of Sergio Ruiz Psychotherapy, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Ruiz Psychotherapy
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I want to assist you in examining why you feel like your life is not where you think or sense it should be. Why you have a nagging feeling that perhaps you're wasting time and not living your life in a more deep and fulfilling manner. You may think you're “not good enough,” or “if only this would have/not have happened," life would be different. The activities you do feel banal, going to work/school is dreadful, relationships and family are difficult, and the values and beliefs that once held you have lost their ground. You feel lonely, depressed, anxious, and perhaps substance use is worsening. You’re wondering about doing therapy.
I want to assist you in examining why you feel like your life is not where you think or sense it should be. Why you have a nagging feeling that perhaps you're wasting time and not living your life in a more deep and fulfilling manner. You may think you're “not good enough,” or “if only this would have/not have happened," life would be different. The activities you do feel banal, going to work/school is dreadful, relationships and family are difficult, and the values and beliefs that once held you have lost their ground. You feel lonely, depressed, anxious, and perhaps substance use is worsening. You’re wondering about doing therapy.
(408) 868-2217 View (408) 868-2217

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.