Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Leslie Elwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122
I became a therapist because of the transformative experience I had as a client. I know firsthand how powerful and healing the therapeutic relationship can be. I work with people who have experienced trauma or painful experiences that continue to affect them. It is possible to create the life and the relationships that nourish you, but most of us get stuck along the way and need help in healing the parts of ourselves that keep us in unhealthy and ultimately unfulfilling patterns of thought, feeling or behavior. My approach emphasizes acceptance of, and compassion for, the whole person.
I became a therapist because of the transformative experience I had as a client. I know firsthand how powerful and healing the therapeutic relationship can be. I work with people who have experienced trauma or painful experiences that continue to affect them. It is possible to create the life and the relationships that nourish you, but most of us get stuck along the way and need help in healing the parts of ourselves that keep us in unhealthy and ultimately unfulfilling patterns of thought, feeling or behavior. My approach emphasizes acceptance of, and compassion for, the whole person.
Stav Fishman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
Woundedness is inherent to our human experience, but so is our capacity for healing. In these uncertain and rapidly shifting times, feeling lost, isolated, or overwhelmed by life is only natural. But we are not meant to face it alone. Finding a supportive and attentive therapist can be the first step toward inner peace and deeper connections, both inwardly and with others. I view therapy as an evolving journey where we get to explore together your story and the various parts of yourself—the familiar as well as the unconscious. I truly believe we each already hold the wisdom and strength needed for this journey of growth.
Woundedness is inherent to our human experience, but so is our capacity for healing. In these uncertain and rapidly shifting times, feeling lost, isolated, or overwhelmed by life is only natural. But we are not meant to face it alone. Finding a supportive and attentive therapist can be the first step toward inner peace and deeper connections, both inwardly and with others. I view therapy as an evolving journey where we get to explore together your story and the various parts of yourself—the familiar as well as the unconscious. I truly believe we each already hold the wisdom and strength needed for this journey of growth.
Nellie Rodgers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Nellie works with late teens, couples and adults of all ages to address sticking points, navigate transitions, and overcome challenges. Through a positive and supportive framework of therapy and coaching, she provides guidance to help clients get their lives back on track, surmount obstacles, and reach their goals.
Nellie works with late teens, couples and adults of all ages to address sticking points, navigate transitions, and overcome challenges. Through a positive and supportive framework of therapy and coaching, she provides guidance to help clients get their lives back on track, surmount obstacles, and reach their goals.
I'm a therapist specializing in working with teens and young adults, focusing on anxiety, perfectionism, addiction, and neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and concussion/TBI. In my practice, I help teens understand that anxiety is not an enemy to be feared but a signal to be understood and harnessed. Together, we work on strategies to manage anxiety effectively, allowing it to serve as a guide rather than a ruler. By shifting this perspective, teens learn to recognize anxiety's presence as a normal and manageable part of their lives, building resilience and gaining control over their emotional responses.
I'm a therapist specializing in working with teens and young adults, focusing on anxiety, perfectionism, addiction, and neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and concussion/TBI. In my practice, I help teens understand that anxiety is not an enemy to be feared but a signal to be understood and harnessed. Together, we work on strategies to manage anxiety effectively, allowing it to serve as a guide rather than a ruler. By shifting this perspective, teens learn to recognize anxiety's presence as a normal and manageable part of their lives, building resilience and gaining control over their emotional responses.
This human experience is at times daunting. Even welcomed life transitions can leave us feeling untethered. You may be struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin, find deeper connection in your relationships, or knowing your place in this world. I believe in the innate wisdom each individual possesses. I will accompany you into this lifelong process of returning to your sense of self. We come to know ourselves more fully through our relationships even as the discoveries may be startling or disorienting. Through these explorations you will find a deepened connection with what you ardently seek.
This human experience is at times daunting. Even welcomed life transitions can leave us feeling untethered. You may be struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin, find deeper connection in your relationships, or knowing your place in this world. I believe in the innate wisdom each individual possesses. I will accompany you into this lifelong process of returning to your sense of self. We come to know ourselves more fully through our relationships even as the discoveries may be startling or disorienting. Through these explorations you will find a deepened connection with what you ardently seek.
Khawaja Saad Haye
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Khawaja Saad Haye (call him Saad) is a Trauma & PTSD Specialist. He acquired specialty certifications in clinical trauma. He has helped clients who experienced trauma from childhood, sexual assaults, war, and racial trauma. His approach is strengths based, skills based and solution focused. Saad helps his client's understand their visceral reactions and will support them in the moment to attend to themselves in an effective manner. It is not uncommon for Saad to point out physical shifts in session to help the client be more aware of how their mind-body are interconnected.
Khawaja Saad Haye (call him Saad) is a Trauma & PTSD Specialist. He acquired specialty certifications in clinical trauma. He has helped clients who experienced trauma from childhood, sexual assaults, war, and racial trauma. His approach is strengths based, skills based and solution focused. Saad helps his client's understand their visceral reactions and will support them in the moment to attend to themselves in an effective manner. It is not uncommon for Saad to point out physical shifts in session to help the client be more aware of how their mind-body are interconnected.
Melissa Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. Services available for adults, couples, families and children.
My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, parenting support, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. Services available for adults, couples, families and children.
My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, parenting support, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR.
Cherise Arzaga
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, 74795
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Alex Silberstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'm here to guide you on a journey of holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I approach therapy from a three-pronged perspective—considering the past, present, and future. My eclectic, evidence-based methods will help you reframe thoughts, regulate emotions, and explore the root causes of your symptoms, including understanding the different "parts" of yourself that make you unique. This approach will build coping skills while also healing the root of core wounds.
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'm here to guide you on a journey of holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I approach therapy from a three-pronged perspective—considering the past, present, and future. My eclectic, evidence-based methods will help you reframe thoughts, regulate emotions, and explore the root causes of your symptoms, including understanding the different "parts" of yourself that make you unique. This approach will build coping skills while also healing the root of core wounds.
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My psychotherapy practice aims to reveal and nurture your inner life so that you can have a more expansive experience of yourself in the world.
My psychotherapy practice aims to reveal and nurture your inner life so that you can have a more expansive experience of yourself in the world.
Chris S. Doorley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Many of my clients tend to be curious about discovery, growth and change, often expressing a desire to re-enliven their own natural ways of being. I view myself as a resource for those seeking to reconnect with their own nature: holistic wellness. My approach draws from awareness practices including mindfulness meditation; nature psychology, both research and practice; and years of clinical, group, & graduate work to encourage ways to tap your resilience, creativity, insight, and calm (equanimity).
Many of my clients tend to be curious about discovery, growth and change, often expressing a desire to re-enliven their own natural ways of being. I view myself as a resource for those seeking to reconnect with their own nature: holistic wellness. My approach draws from awareness practices including mindfulness meditation; nature psychology, both research and practice; and years of clinical, group, & graduate work to encourage ways to tap your resilience, creativity, insight, and calm (equanimity).
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
In every psychotherapy session there is a place where the client and therapist meet and come alive in the present moment. This is the place that I work from. I achieve this through active dialogue, attentive listening and creative exchange. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
In every psychotherapy session there is a place where the client and therapist meet and come alive in the present moment. This is the place that I work from. I achieve this through active dialogue, attentive listening and creative exchange. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
We help over-achieving, perfectionist women get rid of anxiety, find inner peace and true confidence. Are you finally at a place in your life where you're no longer in survival mode? You’ve hit your career milestones? You’re checking off the bucket list items? Your friends and family think you’re doing so well… but there's still something missing? I get it. You might experience low levels of chronic depression and anxiety masked as perfectionism, people-pleasing, or work-a-holic like tendencies.
We help over-achieving, perfectionist women get rid of anxiety, find inner peace and true confidence. Are you finally at a place in your life where you're no longer in survival mode? You’ve hit your career milestones? You’re checking off the bucket list items? Your friends and family think you’re doing so well… but there's still something missing? I get it. You might experience low levels of chronic depression and anxiety masked as perfectionism, people-pleasing, or work-a-holic like tendencies.
Hello! Whatever your reasons are for considering counseling, I hope that you are able to see the wisdom and the bravery in seeking assistance. Our mental and emotional health are important and have a large impact on our relationships, careers, and general well-being. They should be treated as a priority. Consider that people go to the gym to take care of their bodies, and that taking preventative measures are more effective and efficient than waiting until something breaks down. We take these attitudes towards our bodies, why not our minds?
Hello! Whatever your reasons are for considering counseling, I hope that you are able to see the wisdom and the bravery in seeking assistance. Our mental and emotional health are important and have a large impact on our relationships, careers, and general well-being. They should be treated as a priority. Consider that people go to the gym to take care of their bodies, and that taking preventative measures are more effective and efficient than waiting until something breaks down. We take these attitudes towards our bodies, why not our minds?
Do you feel overwhelmed by challenging relationships with loved ones, friends, or coworkers? Do you feel anxious or depressed, or struggle with low self-esteem, OCD, or the effects of trauma? Are you seeking a way to live a meaningful life that reflects your values? The Bay Area CBT Center is a group practice of behavioral therapists dedicated to providing high quality evidence-based treatments. Our integrative approach allows us to apply principles from the most up to date research-based treatments while adapting these tools to meet your unique needs and build an authentic relationship with you.
Do you feel overwhelmed by challenging relationships with loved ones, friends, or coworkers? Do you feel anxious or depressed, or struggle with low self-esteem, OCD, or the effects of trauma? Are you seeking a way to live a meaningful life that reflects your values? The Bay Area CBT Center is a group practice of behavioral therapists dedicated to providing high quality evidence-based treatments. Our integrative approach allows us to apply principles from the most up to date research-based treatments while adapting these tools to meet your unique needs and build an authentic relationship with you.
We at the Bay Area Center for Children love helping families and children of all ages through difficult times. Whether your child is struggling with acting out behaviors such as defiance or hyperactivity, or internalizing problems like depression or anxiety, we can help.
We at the Bay Area Center for Children love helping families and children of all ages through difficult times. Whether your child is struggling with acting out behaviors such as defiance or hyperactivity, or internalizing problems like depression or anxiety, we can help.
I believe that therapy can help you feel more connected to yourself and those around you, freer to pursue your goals, and more alive. My approach is to provide a warm supportive environment so you can feel comfortable and able to speak about whatever is distressing you. I like to work collaboratively, exploring both the past and the present, to figure out what is preventing you from feeling more fulfilled. Together, we will develop strategies to remove these obstacles.
I believe that therapy can help you feel more connected to yourself and those around you, freer to pursue your goals, and more alive. My approach is to provide a warm supportive environment so you can feel comfortable and able to speak about whatever is distressing you. I like to work collaboratively, exploring both the past and the present, to figure out what is preventing you from feeling more fulfilled. Together, we will develop strategies to remove these obstacles.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Belvedere
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Brisbane
- Colma
- 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
$189
Therapists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
82% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Stress |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
72% | Aetna |
56% | Cigna and Evernorth |
54% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in San Francisco, CA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | 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.