Therapists in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA

Welcome! I'm Anitha, and I'm a licensed therapist with experience and interest in working with anxiety, trauma, relationships, family dynamics, self-image, and identity exploration. I approach this work by getting curious about how your thoughts, feelings, and lived experience impact the way you are thinking about yourself and your values, and what may be keeping you stuck in patterns you are hoping to shift. We might be a good fit if you want to explore your past, ground in the present, and create a future that feels meaningful.
Welcome! I'm Anitha, and I'm a licensed therapist with experience and interest in working with anxiety, trauma, relationships, family dynamics, self-image, and identity exploration. I approach this work by getting curious about how your thoughts, feelings, and lived experience impact the way you are thinking about yourself and your values, and what may be keeping you stuck in patterns you are hoping to shift. We might be a good fit if you want to explore your past, ground in the present, and create a future that feels meaningful.

I am a certified sex and dating coach who helps individuals and couples of all kinds overcome sexual concerns like mismatched desire, low desire and sexual communication difficulties. My clients see an increase in the quality of their sexual interactions with partners and more confidence to ask for what they need after working with me. I also provide individual dating coaching to help people find the right partners and navigate the tricky waters of online dating. I identify as a feminist and work with all genders, orientations and relationship structures.
I am a certified sex and dating coach who helps individuals and couples of all kinds overcome sexual concerns like mismatched desire, low desire and sexual communication difficulties. My clients see an increase in the quality of their sexual interactions with partners and more confidence to ask for what they need after working with me. I also provide individual dating coaching to help people find the right partners and navigate the tricky waters of online dating. I identify as a feminist and work with all genders, orientations and relationship structures.

Making the changes you want to see in your life begins with the relationship you have with yourself. Together, we will strengthen that relationship, helping you trust yourself with compassion and ease. My primary goal is to create a present and focused space where you will feel heard and understood. By incorporating your strengths, interests, and values I will uniquely tailor treatment for you drawing from a variety of styles as I get to know you.
Making the changes you want to see in your life begins with the relationship you have with yourself. Together, we will strengthen that relationship, helping you trust yourself with compassion and ease. My primary goal is to create a present and focused space where you will feel heard and understood. By incorporating your strengths, interests, and values I will uniquely tailor treatment for you drawing from a variety of styles as I get to know you.

Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.
Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.

I've been told I have a calming energy. I start with listening, asking questions, and reflecting back what I hear you saying. I'll ask you what you see as a problem and what you want to change. I enjoy and work well with clients who self-reflect and implement behavioral changes in their life. I assign homework tasks.
I've been told I have a calming energy. I start with listening, asking questions, and reflecting back what I hear you saying. I'll ask you what you see as a problem and what you want to change. I enjoy and work well with clients who self-reflect and implement behavioral changes in their life. I assign homework tasks.

Chris Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
10 Endorsed
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
Not accepting new clients
We are all wired to change and grow. But sometimes we get stuck in old patterns and beliefs that keep us from realizing the fullest expression of ourselves. I collaborate with my clients in a safe, non-judgmental environment where we identify these patterns and start developing new ways of experiencing them.
We are all wired to change and grow. But sometimes we get stuck in old patterns and beliefs that keep us from realizing the fullest expression of ourselves. I collaborate with my clients in a safe, non-judgmental environment where we identify these patterns and start developing new ways of experiencing them.

Rhea St. Julien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
1 Endorsed
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
My speciality is working with people who have experienced trauma. I use a range of modalities, including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Talk Therapy, to help my patients see real change. My approach is engaged, relational, and embodied.
My speciality is working with people who have experienced trauma. I use a range of modalities, including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Talk Therapy, to help my patients see real change. My approach is engaged, relational, and embodied.

Welcome!
Often when people come to me, they have already had several therapists and found that the usual passive approach has not felt effective enough for them. When there is a strong desire to make real changes in how we live our lives, we need to receive the kind of support that will help us see ourselves more clearly, even if it's edgy, scary or hard. It requires loving support to help bring love to those disowned parts, and alchemically transform them with the power of self-awareness and loving compassion. Once less self-preoccupied, energy frees up, and we are able to bring the world what it needs most.
Genuine presence!
Welcome!
Often when people come to me, they have already had several therapists and found that the usual passive approach has not felt effective enough for them. When there is a strong desire to make real changes in how we live our lives, we need to receive the kind of support that will help us see ourselves more clearly, even if it's edgy, scary or hard. It requires loving support to help bring love to those disowned parts, and alchemically transform them with the power of self-awareness and loving compassion. Once less self-preoccupied, energy frees up, and we are able to bring the world what it needs most.
Genuine presence!

My approach is behavioral and goal oriented. I focus on identifying new coping strategies and changing behavioral patterns that damage relationships. I assist clients in identifying deeply held values and taking behavioral steps towards getting closer to these values. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients who struggle with relationship problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. I help clients identify particular core beliefs that act as barriers to values-based behavior and explore alternative coping behaviors to utilize when one's schemas are triggered in relationships. Particular methods I incorporate in treatment include mindfulness, cognitive defusion, exposure, and Nonviolent communication.
My approach is behavioral and goal oriented. I focus on identifying new coping strategies and changing behavioral patterns that damage relationships. I assist clients in identifying deeply held values and taking behavioral steps towards getting closer to these values. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients who struggle with relationship problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. I help clients identify particular core beliefs that act as barriers to values-based behavior and explore alternative coping behaviors to utilize when one's schemas are triggered in relationships. Particular methods I incorporate in treatment include mindfulness, cognitive defusion, exposure, and Nonviolent communication.

If you're a woman longing for relief from anxious thoughts or the heaviness of depression, you're not alone. My passion is empowering women like you to overcome challenges like past trauma, unhealthy relationships, and perfectionism—things that often fuel anxiety and depression.
In our work together, I’ll offer warmth, understanding, and support as we explore your experiences and help you rediscover your inner strength and voice. I’m here to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow and heal in ways that feel meaningful to you.
If you're a woman longing for relief from anxious thoughts or the heaviness of depression, you're not alone. My passion is empowering women like you to overcome challenges like past trauma, unhealthy relationships, and perfectionism—things that often fuel anxiety and depression.
In our work together, I’ll offer warmth, understanding, and support as we explore your experiences and help you rediscover your inner strength and voice. I’m here to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow and heal in ways that feel meaningful to you.

Vonceil Yara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
As we embark on this therapeutic journey together, please know that this is a safe space, a place of acceptance, where we can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We will collaboratively address the challenges you're facing. Recognizing and embracing the role of our cultural backgrounds and life experiences in shaping us, I always strive to bring a culturally sensitive and inclusive lens to our interactions. I believe that our diverse backgrounds aren't just an important part of our identities, but also contribute to our resilience and capacity for growth and change.
As we embark on this therapeutic journey together, please know that this is a safe space, a place of acceptance, where we can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We will collaboratively address the challenges you're facing. Recognizing and embracing the role of our cultural backgrounds and life experiences in shaping us, I always strive to bring a culturally sensitive and inclusive lens to our interactions. I believe that our diverse backgrounds aren't just an important part of our identities, but also contribute to our resilience and capacity for growth and change.

Maxwell Custer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
2 Endorsed
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with individuals seeking a richer, more fulfilling life. My clients want to lift the haze, engage in their work, and commit to themselves in a holistic way. They often struggle with finding purpose, understanding identity, overcoming addiction, and navigating relationships. I offer a safe space to process emotions and collaborate on a path forward. In this supportive environment, clients can gain insight, reconnect with their values, and foster personal growth. My approach to therapy is deep and reflective, yet also filled with laughter, celebration, and gratitude.
I work with individuals seeking a richer, more fulfilling life. My clients want to lift the haze, engage in their work, and commit to themselves in a holistic way. They often struggle with finding purpose, understanding identity, overcoming addiction, and navigating relationships. I offer a safe space to process emotions and collaborate on a path forward. In this supportive environment, clients can gain insight, reconnect with their values, and foster personal growth. My approach to therapy is deep and reflective, yet also filled with laughter, celebration, and gratitude.

I am an integrative therapist, using a holistic model and techniques from somatic, relational, inter-subjective, and transpersonal psychology, as well as techniques from my own long-standing spiritual practices, such as drumming, chanting and Vipassana Buddhist meditation practice. I got my masters in Psychology with a Somatic Concentration from JFK, Orinda, CA in 1997. As LGBTQIA identified and a Pacific Islander, I know that both trauma and healing can come from our individual and cultural histories. I welcome anyone seeking growth or healing and I'm committed to healing within marginalized communities. My areas of specialty include people with histories of trauma and/or addiction, people looking to integrate spiritual experiences, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community.
I am an integrative therapist, using a holistic model and techniques from somatic, relational, inter-subjective, and transpersonal psychology, as well as techniques from my own long-standing spiritual practices, such as drumming, chanting and Vipassana Buddhist meditation practice. I got my masters in Psychology with a Somatic Concentration from JFK, Orinda, CA in 1997. As LGBTQIA identified and a Pacific Islander, I know that both trauma and healing can come from our individual and cultural histories. I welcome anyone seeking growth or healing and I'm committed to healing within marginalized communities. My areas of specialty include people with histories of trauma and/or addiction, people looking to integrate spiritual experiences, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, California. I offer in-person sessions in the City and telehealth services throughout the state of California. I work with individuals and couples, with a focus on somatic approaches to therapy and counseling for gay men.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, California. I offer in-person sessions in the City and telehealth services throughout the state of California. I work with individuals and couples, with a focus on somatic approaches to therapy and counseling for gay men.

Laura Rivera Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
Therapy is a creative process, one that begins when we give ourselves permission to speak freely, inviting gentle curiosity and the emergence of something new. I see patients who have traversed painful experiences and want help making sense of them. The objective is not to erase the painful memories, but to find what can still grow and even flourish out of the rubble. In our work together, we will make room for words and feelings that matter, some perhaps spoken for the first time. This process can lead to deeper self-knowing, relief from psychological pain, and a fuller engagement with life.
Therapy is a creative process, one that begins when we give ourselves permission to speak freely, inviting gentle curiosity and the emergence of something new. I see patients who have traversed painful experiences and want help making sense of them. The objective is not to erase the painful memories, but to find what can still grow and even flourish out of the rubble. In our work together, we will make room for words and feelings that matter, some perhaps spoken for the first time. This process can lead to deeper self-knowing, relief from psychological pain, and a fuller engagement with life.

My therapeutic style is grounded in a humanistic approach and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy with a pragmatic, down-to-earth style. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strengths based. I help clients learn to regulate and manage feelings that overwhelm them and negatively affect their thoughts, moods, and attitudes that, in turn, lead to destructive behavior. Whether it is anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, or relationship issues, individual clients come to understand their present circumstances in light of their past. I am committed to helping clients improve relationships and gain self knowledge.
My therapeutic style is grounded in a humanistic approach and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy with a pragmatic, down-to-earth style. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strengths based. I help clients learn to regulate and manage feelings that overwhelm them and negatively affect their thoughts, moods, and attitudes that, in turn, lead to destructive behavior. Whether it is anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, or relationship issues, individual clients come to understand their present circumstances in light of their past. I am committed to helping clients improve relationships and gain self knowledge.

Therapy with Don Mack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCT
6 Endorsed
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA 94102
I provide psychotherapy for individuals and couples. My aim is to help you identify and understand past experiences and assist you in making decisions to help cultivate a life of satisfaction, meaning and peace.
I have a warm, interactive approach and hope to gain an understanding of your perspective through engagement and asking in-depth questions. I was trained in the psychodynamic process and through experience I incorporate self-psychology and the cognitive-behavior approach in order to come up with an individualized plan for each client.
I provide psychotherapy for individuals and couples. My aim is to help you identify and understand past experiences and assist you in making decisions to help cultivate a life of satisfaction, meaning and peace.
I have a warm, interactive approach and hope to gain an understanding of your perspective through engagement and asking in-depth questions. I was trained in the psychodynamic process and through experience I incorporate self-psychology and the cognitive-behavior approach in order to come up with an individualized plan for each client.

I work with people who think deeply, feel intensely, and crave a sense of aliveness—even if they wouldn’t put it that way. Often high-achieving, creative, or curious, they come in when something essential has gone missing. Burnout, stuckness, or a quiet disconnection from meaning. They’re not looking for hacks or surface fixes—they want to understand themselves more fully, and live in a way that feels more congruent with who they actually are.
I work with people who think deeply, feel intensely, and crave a sense of aliveness—even if they wouldn’t put it that way. Often high-achieving, creative, or curious, they come in when something essential has gone missing. Burnout, stuckness, or a quiet disconnection from meaning. They’re not looking for hacks or surface fixes—they want to understand themselves more fully, and live in a way that feels more congruent with who they actually are.

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, codependence, 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, codependence, 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.

Therapy can be a space where meaningful change begins—where you don’t have to go it alone, and where you’re met with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for your story.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults and couples navigating anxiety, grief, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are seeking support in making sense of who they are in the world and how they relate to others. Whatever brings you in, my intention is to meet you with care, intention, and a genuine interest in who you are beyond your struggles.
Therapy can be a space where meaningful change begins—where you don’t have to go it alone, and where you’re met with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for your story.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults and couples navigating anxiety, grief, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are seeking support in making sense of who they are in the world and how they relate to others. Whatever brings you in, my intention is to meet you with care, intention, and a genuine interest in who you are beyond your struggles.
See more therapy options for Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Nearby Searches for Hayes Valley, San Francisco
- Castro
- Castro-Upper Market
- Civic Center
- Downtown
- Fillmore
- Japantown
- Nob Hill
- North of Market (NoMa)
- Pacific Heights
- South of Market (SoMa)
- Tenderloin
- Western Addition
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
75% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
68% | Stress |
66% | Coping Skills |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Aetna |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
74% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA see their clients
68% | Online Only | |
32% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
20% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Hayes Valley, 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.