Therapists in Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA

Phillip Whitely, M.S., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA 94114
I believe that each of us has the ability to make the changes necessary in order to live the life we want. Unfortunately, we cannot always clearly see that path. My goal is to help you uncover the answers which will allow you to take the necessary steps in order to make positive changes in your life. Whether you want to make changes in your habits, further understand your behaviors in relationships, get a handle on your anxiety or depression, or maybe something else, I believe a strong connection with an understanding therapist will help you along your journey.
I believe that each of us has the ability to make the changes necessary in order to live the life we want. Unfortunately, we cannot always clearly see that path. My goal is to help you uncover the answers which will allow you to take the necessary steps in order to make positive changes in your life. Whether you want to make changes in your habits, further understand your behaviors in relationships, get a handle on your anxiety or depression, or maybe something else, I believe a strong connection with an understanding therapist will help you along your journey.

Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.

We all have moments of feeling isolated and “stuck.” This can stem from the difference between what your life looks like now and how you would like it to be. The stress of this disconnection can seep into all aspects of your world: socially withdrawing or getting into more arguments can lead to depression and relationship conflict. You might feel like what you do is never “good enough,” increasing anxiety. You might hide your stress by focusing on what you can control, particularly after traumatic events. Therapy can help bring back joy and spontaneity into your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and energized.
We all have moments of feeling isolated and “stuck.” This can stem from the difference between what your life looks like now and how you would like it to be. The stress of this disconnection can seep into all aspects of your world: socially withdrawing or getting into more arguments can lead to depression and relationship conflict. You might feel like what you do is never “good enough,” increasing anxiety. You might hide your stress by focusing on what you can control, particularly after traumatic events. Therapy can help bring back joy and spontaneity into your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and energized.

I help individuals, couples, & polycules with issues across all types of platonic & intimate relationships – from friends, family, colleagues, communities, to lovers including intimacy and sex. I can help you develop your relational, charismatic, emotional, dating, & erotic skills for the best professional opportunities, relationships, intimacy, and sex possible. I can help you embrace your authentic desires, make dating fun, flirt flawlessly, overcome shame, re/ignite the spark, build confidence, connect to communities, overcome porn addiction, manage open relationships, and go for what you want & stop what you don't.
I help individuals, couples, & polycules with issues across all types of platonic & intimate relationships – from friends, family, colleagues, communities, to lovers including intimacy and sex. I can help you develop your relational, charismatic, emotional, dating, & erotic skills for the best professional opportunities, relationships, intimacy, and sex possible. I can help you embrace your authentic desires, make dating fun, flirt flawlessly, overcome shame, re/ignite the spark, build confidence, connect to communities, overcome porn addiction, manage open relationships, and go for what you want & stop what you don't.

Just as the words of a poem can open our eyes, minds and hearts in ways language otherwise might not be able to, I believe that psychotherapy is a creative process that utilizes language to access psychic terrain that's often inaccessible in our everyday lives. Accessing and exploring this internal terrain in therapy can be both enlightening and transformative.
Just as the words of a poem can open our eyes, minds and hearts in ways language otherwise might not be able to, I believe that psychotherapy is a creative process that utilizes language to access psychic terrain that's often inaccessible in our everyday lives. Accessing and exploring this internal terrain in therapy can be both enlightening and transformative.

Do you feel trapped and alone, with no one to talk to about your worries, fears, gender, or sexuality? Are you stuck in cycles of conflict with your loved ones that you can't break free from, or do you need to set boundaries with family or coworkers? A therapist is a safe person to support you with these very concerns. I will help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, or trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.
Do you feel trapped and alone, with no one to talk to about your worries, fears, gender, or sexuality? Are you stuck in cycles of conflict with your loved ones that you can't break free from, or do you need to set boundaries with family or coworkers? A therapist is a safe person to support you with these very concerns. I will help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, or trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.

Christopher Corey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer a flexible and organic therapeutic experience that addresses a wide range of emotional concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, fear, and creative or sexual blockages. My practice is rooted in the "here and now" — the present moment — where we can bring to light what has been hidden beneath the surface. By uncovering and understanding these underlying issues, we can begin to reclaim your inner strength and make choices that align with your authentic self.
I offer a flexible and organic therapeutic experience that addresses a wide range of emotional concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, fear, and creative or sexual blockages. My practice is rooted in the "here and now" — the present moment — where we can bring to light what has been hidden beneath the surface. By uncovering and understanding these underlying issues, we can begin to reclaim your inner strength and make choices that align with your authentic self.

I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
![Photo of Emily [Donavon] Tien, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb97b2ce-0a38-426c-a20d-3a5467e3d704/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Emily. I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories and driven to make sense of them—including my own. Therapy has led me to seek answers about why we suffer and, more importantly, how we heal. I work with teens, adults, and couple, especially those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, recovering from trauma, addressing phobias and finding their sense of self. Client describe me as encouraging, insightful, and gentle as I offer direct feedback and challenge old ways of thinking.
Hi, I’m Emily. I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories and driven to make sense of them—including my own. Therapy has led me to seek answers about why we suffer and, more importantly, how we heal. I work with teens, adults, and couple, especially those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, recovering from trauma, addressing phobias and finding their sense of self. Client describe me as encouraging, insightful, and gentle as I offer direct feedback and challenge old ways of thinking.

Ji Eun (Gina) Midlam, LCSW,ACM,CCM,CHC. I have been licensed therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2005. Currently, I also work in the healthcare industry for 20 years as a clinical supervisor and have my evening practice. My therapeutic approach/areas of focus involve:, life/health coaching, job stress management, career counseling, emotional supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, marital stress counseling, infertility and female related issues, medical issues of a new diagnosis, anxiety and depression, self-esteem/confidence problems.
Ji Eun (Gina) Midlam, LCSW,ACM,CCM,CHC. I have been licensed therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2005. Currently, I also work in the healthcare industry for 20 years as a clinical supervisor and have my evening practice. My therapeutic approach/areas of focus involve:, life/health coaching, job stress management, career counseling, emotional supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, marital stress counseling, infertility and female related issues, medical issues of a new diagnosis, anxiety and depression, self-esteem/confidence problems.

Chris S. Doorley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
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).
Meet Our Therapists

You finally left the office after another long day. This should be when you can take a deep breath and relax, but it’s not. The day’s stress is still with you, and you have no way to shut it off. And in some ways, this is more comfortable for you. You’ve spent so long training yourself to ignore your own needs that it’s easier to stay focused on everyone and everything else. But lately, you’ve begun to wonder what it’s all for. You see other people enjoying full lives. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in this narrow existence. You love your career, but there must be more to life than this. Now is the time to make a change.
You finally left the office after another long day. This should be when you can take a deep breath and relax, but it’s not. The day’s stress is still with you, and you have no way to shut it off. And in some ways, this is more comfortable for you. You’ve spent so long training yourself to ignore your own needs that it’s easier to stay focused on everyone and everything else. But lately, you’ve begun to wonder what it’s all for. You see other people enjoying full lives. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in this narrow existence. You love your career, but there must be more to life than this. Now is the time to make a change.

Stephan Charbit
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hello. I’m Stephan, and I’m a trauma-informed, relational psychotherapist based in San Francisco. I help people who struggle with depression, anxiety and relationship issues by helping them understand and work with their underlying patterns, so that they can reconnect with their true selves. I particularly enjoy working with people in the technology and design industries; as well as people from multicultural or international backgrounds. I am currently accepting clients for online psychotherapy. Please get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation
Hello. I’m Stephan, and I’m a trauma-informed, relational psychotherapist based in San Francisco. I help people who struggle with depression, anxiety and relationship issues by helping them understand and work with their underlying patterns, so that they can reconnect with their true selves. I particularly enjoy working with people in the technology and design industries; as well as people from multicultural or international backgrounds. I am currently accepting clients for online psychotherapy. Please get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation

Troy Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA 94114
As a gay therapist focused on LGBTQ+ mental health, I bring a deep understanding and professional experience to help gay, bi and queer men shift to a healthier mindset, find meaning and purpose, and create a fulfilling, connected life. Whether you’re working through life transitions or seeking deeper connections and fulfillment, I will guide you every step of the way. I provide a safe and welcoming space to process emotions, find clarity, and build resilience. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about embracing your story and moving toward a brighter future.
As a gay therapist focused on LGBTQ+ mental health, I bring a deep understanding and professional experience to help gay, bi and queer men shift to a healthier mindset, find meaning and purpose, and create a fulfilling, connected life. Whether you’re working through life transitions or seeking deeper connections and fulfillment, I will guide you every step of the way. I provide a safe and welcoming space to process emotions, find clarity, and build resilience. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about embracing your story and moving toward a brighter future.

Amber Leshan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA 94114
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to my clients. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to my clients. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.

I enjoy supporting my clients' curiosity to uncover and explore what contributes to who they are and how they connect with the people in their lives. I work especially well with traumatic experiences, troubled upbringing, grief and anxiety. If you want to understand or change the way you relate to yourself, your story and the world and maybe are longing for a more authentic self expression and acceptance or sense of iner strength, we might be a good fit. I believe that sustainable change happens from the inside and you have the capacity to create this change.
I enjoy supporting my clients' curiosity to uncover and explore what contributes to who they are and how they connect with the people in their lives. I work especially well with traumatic experiences, troubled upbringing, grief and anxiety. If you want to understand or change the way you relate to yourself, your story and the world and maybe are longing for a more authentic self expression and acceptance or sense of iner strength, we might be a good fit. I believe that sustainable change happens from the inside and you have the capacity to create this change.

These are really tough times, aren’t they? When relationships feel strained or life feels overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to turn. Therapy can help. I offer a warm, collaborative space for couples, families, and individuals to explore challenges and create meaningful change. In couples therapy, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to help partners manage conflict, repair trust, and strengthen emotional and physical intimacy. My clinical background includes training at Stanford, the University of Virginia, and the University of Michigan, where I focused on relational and identity-centered care.
These are really tough times, aren’t they? When relationships feel strained or life feels overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to turn. Therapy can help. I offer a warm, collaborative space for couples, families, and individuals to explore challenges and create meaningful change. In couples therapy, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to help partners manage conflict, repair trust, and strengthen emotional and physical intimacy. My clinical background includes training at Stanford, the University of Virginia, and the University of Michigan, where I focused on relational and identity-centered care.

Are you feeling sad, lonely or hurt? Are you struggling with relationships? Are you experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love? Are you living with a mental health condition that requires support? Identifying limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviors are essential steps to living an emotionally stable life, whatever difficult crossroads you may be experiencing. Often, emotional recovery begins with healing long-buried childhood trauma. And I believe relief can sometimes happen as early as the first session. (Licensed in CA, TX and FL.)
Are you feeling sad, lonely or hurt? Are you struggling with relationships? Are you experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love? Are you living with a mental health condition that requires support? Identifying limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviors are essential steps to living an emotionally stable life, whatever difficult crossroads you may be experiencing. Often, emotional recovery begins with healing long-buried childhood trauma. And I believe relief can sometimes happen as early as the first session. (Licensed in CA, TX and FL.)

Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.

Life's challenges are like unmarked trails—sometimes overwhelming, often unexpected. I specialize in navigating these terrains, from anxiety and depression to the rocky terrain of trauma and life transitions. I understand that healing and personal growth are not always linear processes. Thus, the journey we undertake may not always follow the straightest path; it may require us to navigate unexpected turns and adapt our course as we uncover new insights about yourself. This flexibility is a key to my approach, allowing us to explore the depth of your experiences and emotions in a way that is both meaningful and transformative.
Life's challenges are like unmarked trails—sometimes overwhelming, often unexpected. I specialize in navigating these terrains, from anxiety and depression to the rocky terrain of trauma and life transitions. I understand that healing and personal growth are not always linear processes. Thus, the journey we undertake may not always follow the straightest path; it may require us to navigate unexpected turns and adapt our course as we uncover new insights about yourself. This flexibility is a key to my approach, allowing us to explore the depth of your experiences and emotions in a way that is both meaningful and transformative.
See more therapy options for Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco
Nearby Searches for Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco
- Castro
- Civic Center
- Cole Valley
- Diamond Heights
- Fillmore
- Haight-Ashbury
- Hayes Valley
- Japantown
- Mission
- Noe Valley
- Western Addition
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA
700+
Average cost per session
$185
Therapists in Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Life Transitions |
64% | Grief |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Aetna |
76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
74% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Castro-Upper Market, San Francisco, CA see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
31% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Castro-Upper Market, 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.