Therapists in Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA

I am a licensed psychotherapist providing psychotherapy for adult individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I offer both time-limited and open-ended therapy. I work collaboratively with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy and belief re-patterning. I believe that personal transformation is about getting out of one's own way to create a life you want to live and be the person you want to be.
I am a licensed psychotherapist providing psychotherapy for adult individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I offer both time-limited and open-ended therapy. I work collaboratively with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy and belief re-patterning. I believe that personal transformation is about getting out of one's own way to create a life you want to live and be the person you want to be.

What I’ve learned from 30 years of working with individuals and couples is that each therapy is a unique collaboration between client and therapist. People may come to therapy because the external circumstances of their lives are difficult or because they are aware that their inner life is preventing them from living fully, or both. My job is to make use of the many different modalities of therapy that I am trained in and listen carefully for which would most help the client get where they need to go. I always respect that it is the atmosphere of mutual trust and safety that allows these modalities to work.
What I’ve learned from 30 years of working with individuals and couples is that each therapy is a unique collaboration between client and therapist. People may come to therapy because the external circumstances of their lives are difficult or because they are aware that their inner life is preventing them from living fully, or both. My job is to make use of the many different modalities of therapy that I am trained in and listen carefully for which would most help the client get where they need to go. I always respect that it is the atmosphere of mutual trust and safety that allows these modalities to work.

Christina Papanestor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
8 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
Many of us hold on to what is familiar, routine and predictable, even when what we cling to is no longer serving us. Letting go of what is known is one of the hardest parts of growth. Change and growth are possible when a sense of security, safety, and genuine understanding is present. I provide individualized, culturally-attuned and effective psychotherapy. You might have tried psychotherapy before, and perhaps it brought you through a stormy time, but ultimately left you to find yourself repeating well-worn patterns and feeling the same insecurities that led you to seek help initially.
Many of us hold on to what is familiar, routine and predictable, even when what we cling to is no longer serving us. Letting go of what is known is one of the hardest parts of growth. Change and growth are possible when a sense of security, safety, and genuine understanding is present. I provide individualized, culturally-attuned and effective psychotherapy. You might have tried psychotherapy before, and perhaps it brought you through a stormy time, but ultimately left you to find yourself repeating well-worn patterns and feeling the same insecurities that led you to seek help initially.

Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.

Michael J Milazzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
Do you feel off or stuck in your personal, romantic, or professional life? Does worry and overwhelm sometimes thwart your efforts to improve yourself or get in the way of your goals? Oh yeah, and what are your goals? You've probably heard you should feel your feelings and face your fears, but how? For some of us, our emotions are too much; for others, we're not sure what we feel until the feelings are unbearable. You can get new perspectives on your emotions, inner critic, imposter syndrome, anxiety, or depression and strategies to start and keep you moving towards a fuller, more meaningful life.
Do you feel off or stuck in your personal, romantic, or professional life? Does worry and overwhelm sometimes thwart your efforts to improve yourself or get in the way of your goals? Oh yeah, and what are your goals? You've probably heard you should feel your feelings and face your fears, but how? For some of us, our emotions are too much; for others, we're not sure what we feel until the feelings are unbearable. You can get new perspectives on your emotions, inner critic, imposter syndrome, anxiety, or depression and strategies to start and keep you moving towards a fuller, more meaningful life.

I am passionate about my work as a therapist. I frequently feel honored and humbled to facilitate and witness another's healing process. I sense we are trying to navigate our way the best we know how, and sometimes, when we get stuck, we need support from a fellow pilgrim. I am grateful to have been the beneficiary of therapy when grappling with my own inner turmoil and difficult relationships. If you too are looking for less suffering and anxiety, more fulfilling relationships, and a deeper sense of what you truly want, I would be excited and privileged to support you in your journey.
I am passionate about my work as a therapist. I frequently feel honored and humbled to facilitate and witness another's healing process. I sense we are trying to navigate our way the best we know how, and sometimes, when we get stuck, we need support from a fellow pilgrim. I am grateful to have been the beneficiary of therapy when grappling with my own inner turmoil and difficult relationships. If you too are looking for less suffering and anxiety, more fulfilling relationships, and a deeper sense of what you truly want, I would be excited and privileged to support you in your journey.

Janeen Smith
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MFT
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
Seeking help is a courageous act. You’re here because you’re ready to create the life you want, and could use some guidance. I’m here to collaborate and support you to meet life’s challenges by uncovering the strength and resiliency inside you. Yes, it’s there.
Through psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), education and skill building, I help people overcome obstacles that are holding them back from being the person they want to be. I provide a safe place for you to reveal fears, hopes and dreams, and help you explore each of these in a collaborative way.
Seeking help is a courageous act. You’re here because you’re ready to create the life you want, and could use some guidance. I’m here to collaborate and support you to meet life’s challenges by uncovering the strength and resiliency inside you. Yes, it’s there.
Through psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), education and skill building, I help people overcome obstacles that are holding them back from being the person they want to be. I provide a safe place for you to reveal fears, hopes and dreams, and help you explore each of these in a collaborative way.

In therapy, establishing a strong rapport and a collaborative relationship with you is central to my approach, because it is ultimately you who holds the essential knowledge of Self. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief. With support, compassion, and curiosity, you can begin to expand a self-awareness that will help you live authentically.
In therapy, establishing a strong rapport and a collaborative relationship with you is central to my approach, because it is ultimately you who holds the essential knowledge of Self. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief. With support, compassion, and curiosity, you can begin to expand a self-awareness that will help you live authentically.

Amanda Grumet
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, DMA
1 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
I love working with individual clients from teens to elders. It is a privilege to have a person's trust. I love to help clients in their 20's adjust to new independence after college and discover their passions and triumph over anxiety. I also enjoy helping adults over 65 manage life adjustments and build resilience. I very much value working with families and couples to resolve conflict and make decisions. I like to help clients improve romantic relationships, conflict with colleagues at work, and family dynamics. I speak multiple languages and am drawn to helping clients understand cultural differences in couples and families.
I love working with individual clients from teens to elders. It is a privilege to have a person's trust. I love to help clients in their 20's adjust to new independence after college and discover their passions and triumph over anxiety. I also enjoy helping adults over 65 manage life adjustments and build resilience. I very much value working with families and couples to resolve conflict and make decisions. I like to help clients improve romantic relationships, conflict with colleagues at work, and family dynamics. I speak multiple languages and am drawn to helping clients understand cultural differences in couples and families.

There are so many reasons why people seek out psychotherapy. Maybe you are feeling trapped in a cycle of destructive patterns that are causing great suffering to you or the people around you. These struggles might be a result of: a painful relationship with your body and food, an eating disorder, a history of abuse, trauma or alcoholism in your childhood home or difficulites parenting your child or teenager. You may be seeking help for your child who is having trouble with relationships, school, drugs and alcohol, adhering to family rules or is not feeling strong about who they are as an individual.
There are so many reasons why people seek out psychotherapy. Maybe you are feeling trapped in a cycle of destructive patterns that are causing great suffering to you or the people around you. These struggles might be a result of: a painful relationship with your body and food, an eating disorder, a history of abuse, trauma or alcoholism in your childhood home or difficulites parenting your child or teenager. You may be seeking help for your child who is having trouble with relationships, school, drugs and alcohol, adhering to family rules or is not feeling strong about who they are as an individual.

Family is one of the most beautiful and important aspects of our lives. Navigating childhood and adolescence can be overwhelming, frustrating, challenging and confusing, at times. I use a strength-based approach through Integrative therapeutic modalities to build insight, self-esteem, confidence, balanced life, build connections and help find a client’s voice. I also help children and teens identify triggers, explore coping skills, learn self-advocacy, goal setting and how to live a healthier, happier life. I believe that a healthy family is at the core of well-adjusted happy children. I offer both individual and family therapy.
Family is one of the most beautiful and important aspects of our lives. Navigating childhood and adolescence can be overwhelming, frustrating, challenging and confusing, at times. I use a strength-based approach through Integrative therapeutic modalities to build insight, self-esteem, confidence, balanced life, build connections and help find a client’s voice. I also help children and teens identify triggers, explore coping skills, learn self-advocacy, goal setting and how to live a healthier, happier life. I believe that a healthy family is at the core of well-adjusted happy children. I offer both individual and family therapy.

I have been treating patients for more than twenty five years.
My area of specialization involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events.
Traumatic events can bring a host of overwhelming emotions that people may not have the skills to cope with effectively.
I endeavor to bring insight into the nature of trauma and introduce skills that help people to cope more effectively. Once this is accomplished, I work with people to help them find more balance and meaning in their lives.
I have been treating patients for more than twenty five years.
My area of specialization involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events.
Traumatic events can bring a host of overwhelming emotions that people may not have the skills to cope with effectively.
I endeavor to bring insight into the nature of trauma and introduce skills that help people to cope more effectively. Once this is accomplished, I work with people to help them find more balance and meaning in their lives.

We all want to live in harmony—with loved ones, in our work and creative lives, and in our minds and bodies—yet sometimes we find ourselves struggling. Perhaps you are facing a new problem—work struggles, relationship challenges, thoughts and feelings that are hard to control, or maybe you have a long term issue that you have finally decided you are going to tackle head on—whatever it is I applaud you for taking this step, and I offer you my support.
We all want to live in harmony—with loved ones, in our work and creative lives, and in our minds and bodies—yet sometimes we find ourselves struggling. Perhaps you are facing a new problem—work struggles, relationship challenges, thoughts and feelings that are hard to control, or maybe you have a long term issue that you have finally decided you are going to tackle head on—whatever it is I applaud you for taking this step, and I offer you my support.
To All of My Potential Clients,
I see clients of all kinds and all of them are adults, but of all ages from 20 to 75..
I am open to seeing you whatever your issues, need or goals. I look forward to hearing from you and hearing the specific details of your life, now, and also your history from childhood to the present. Hearing your history helps me to be as good a therapist as I can.
I would like as many details as possible. e.g. What it was like for you growing up? Or, what is your life like, now? How did that influence your earliest years? And if you aren't sure, that's okay, too.
All my best, Zoey Grusky
To All of My Potential Clients,
I see clients of all kinds and all of them are adults, but of all ages from 20 to 75..
I am open to seeing you whatever your issues, need or goals. I look forward to hearing from you and hearing the specific details of your life, now, and also your history from childhood to the present. Hearing your history helps me to be as good a therapist as I can.
I would like as many details as possible. e.g. What it was like for you growing up? Or, what is your life like, now? How did that influence your earliest years? And if you aren't sure, that's okay, too.
All my best, Zoey Grusky

Tarrah D Wauson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.

Therapy for Single People Who Want Partnership
Marriage & Family Therapist, MPS, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of us struggle to find, or be happy, in our personal relationships. And it can feel like a mystery as to why it is so difficult to feel seen and understood by a partner. Some of us may feel we give too much energy to our relationships, while some of us feel reticent to engage at more intimate levels. I work with clients to pinpoint the personal struggles and self-beliefs that are impeding the ability to feel comfortable and energized in relationship. With skill and care I bring a new perspective to your specific situation.
Many of us struggle to find, or be happy, in our personal relationships. And it can feel like a mystery as to why it is so difficult to feel seen and understood by a partner. Some of us may feel we give too much energy to our relationships, while some of us feel reticent to engage at more intimate levels. I work with clients to pinpoint the personal struggles and self-beliefs that are impeding the ability to feel comfortable and energized in relationship. With skill and care I bring a new perspective to your specific situation.

With over 25 years of working with adolescents and adults, my therapy style is authentic, empowering, strength based, compassionate, creative and fun. I am particularly skilled in working with trauma, managing strong emotions, and living with ADHD, Autism or Learning Disabilities. I enjoy supporting those looking for more purpose, self understanding, direction, peace, creativity or perspective. I have a great deal of experience working in multicultural and LGBTQ+ supportive contexts. I feel especially inspired by working with young adults because finding one’s own way in life is hard, exciting and full of possibilities.
With over 25 years of working with adolescents and adults, my therapy style is authentic, empowering, strength based, compassionate, creative and fun. I am particularly skilled in working with trauma, managing strong emotions, and living with ADHD, Autism or Learning Disabilities. I enjoy supporting those looking for more purpose, self understanding, direction, peace, creativity or perspective. I have a great deal of experience working in multicultural and LGBTQ+ supportive contexts. I feel especially inspired by working with young adults because finding one’s own way in life is hard, exciting and full of possibilities.

I am a Certified Gottman Therapist specializing in helping couples apply cinically proven methods to manage painful conflict and restore friendship, romance and passion to their relationship. Most couples call because the love they feel has been lost or buried under increasingly frequent or more intense arguing and conflict. Many couples find themselves avoiding important discussions altogether, or flaring into go-nowhere fights. Scientifically proven methods help couples learn healthy ways to clear the air when hurt, compromise in a way that is a win-win and build a rich and rewarding friendship that fuels passion and romance.
I am a Certified Gottman Therapist specializing in helping couples apply cinically proven methods to manage painful conflict and restore friendship, romance and passion to their relationship. Most couples call because the love they feel has been lost or buried under increasingly frequent or more intense arguing and conflict. Many couples find themselves avoiding important discussions altogether, or flaring into go-nowhere fights. Scientifically proven methods help couples learn healthy ways to clear the air when hurt, compromise in a way that is a win-win and build a rich and rewarding friendship that fuels passion and romance.

Matthew Grundy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
7 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94131
Are you a deep thinker, grappling with anxiety, depression, or challenges in your relationships? Do you think if you could just "figure it out" you could solve all your problems? Are you someone with a sharp, critical eye, for yourself and others? Do you feel you can describe your struggles with lots of self-awareness but aren't sure where to go from there? My work helps individuals understand themselves more deeply as whole humans, rather than just a brain dragging a body around. Together we'll use your strengths to your advantage, and help you identify where you want to change and how to go about making those changes happen.
Are you a deep thinker, grappling with anxiety, depression, or challenges in your relationships? Do you think if you could just "figure it out" you could solve all your problems? Are you someone with a sharp, critical eye, for yourself and others? Do you feel you can describe your struggles with lots of self-awareness but aren't sure where to go from there? My work helps individuals understand themselves more deeply as whole humans, rather than just a brain dragging a body around. Together we'll use your strengths to your advantage, and help you identify where you want to change and how to go about making those changes happen.

I have been a practicing psychologist since 1989 helping individuals and couples in emotional distress due to the common sources of adult unhappiness: divorce or romantic disappointment, family strife, alcohol or substance addiction, job stress, life transitions, chronic or life-threatening illness, and difficulties with aging. For couples I employ the Gottman approach to counseling, which is most useful for couples seeking to de-escalate arguments and/or recover from an affair. I also offer consulting and supervision services to psychotherapists and psychology students on a reduced fee basis. I am licensed in California and Idaho.
I have been a practicing psychologist since 1989 helping individuals and couples in emotional distress due to the common sources of adult unhappiness: divorce or romantic disappointment, family strife, alcohol or substance addiction, job stress, life transitions, chronic or life-threatening illness, and difficulties with aging. For couples I employ the Gottman approach to counseling, which is most useful for couples seeking to de-escalate arguments and/or recover from an affair. I also offer consulting and supervision services to psychotherapists and psychology students on a reduced fee basis. I am licensed in California and Idaho.
See more therapy options for Noe Valley, San Francisco
Nearby Searches for Noe Valley, San Francisco
- Bernal Heights
- Castro
- Castro-Upper Market
- Cole Valley
- Diamond Heights
- Excelsior
- Glen Park
- Haight-Ashbury
- Mission
- Outer Mission
- West Of Twin Peaks
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA
200+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
84% | Relationship Issues |
72% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Grief |
68% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
64% | Aetna |
46% | Cigna and Evernorth |
46% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
29% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Noe 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.