Therapists for Children in San Francisco, CA
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, grief or a major life change such a job loss, separation, or becoming a new parent or ongoing parental stress you’re not alone. Having received my training at Kaiser, Paradise Valley Hospital, and the Community Research Foundation, I have been in the counseling field for 10+ years which has allowed me to fine-tune my skills to offer a supportive, compassionate space to help you navigate these challenges and work towards your goals. I’d be happy to connect with you to talk about next steps and to see if we’re a good fit
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, grief or a major life change such a job loss, separation, or becoming a new parent or ongoing parental stress you’re not alone. Having received my training at Kaiser, Paradise Valley Hospital, and the Community Research Foundation, I have been in the counseling field for 10+ years which has allowed me to fine-tune my skills to offer a supportive, compassionate space to help you navigate these challenges and work towards your goals. I’d be happy to connect with you to talk about next steps and to see if we’re a good fit
The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center have gone through top graduate schools in the Bay Area and extensive training in the field of psychology.
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center have gone through top graduate schools in the Bay Area and extensive training in the field of psychology.
I offer individual and family therapy for adults, adolescents, and children, and couples therapy for adult partners.
My therapeutic goal is to help each client identify unhealthy patterns, clarify personal goals and purpose, develop more meaningful relationships, increase focus and self-confidence, and nurture their unique strengths. My style is active, compassionate, creative, and free of judgment.
I offer individual and family therapy for adults, adolescents, and children, and couples therapy for adult partners.
My therapeutic goal is to help each client identify unhealthy patterns, clarify personal goals and purpose, develop more meaningful relationships, increase focus and self-confidence, and nurture their unique strengths. My style is active, compassionate, creative, and free of judgment.
I work with children, teens, and adults, meeting each person where they are—whether they’re navigating a major life transition or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them.
I empower clients to challenge negative thoughts, develop healthy coping skills, and foster positive change. Let's work together to overcome challenges and improve your well-being.
I work with children, teens, and adults, meeting each person where they are—whether they’re navigating a major life transition or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them.
I empower clients to challenge negative thoughts, develop healthy coping skills, and foster positive change. Let's work together to overcome challenges and improve your well-being.
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Francisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA 94109
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
You've been managing — holding it together at work, in relationships, in your day-to-day — but something underneath feels off. Maybe it's anxiety that won't quiet, a heaviness you can't shake, or old patterns that keep showing up. You're not just looking for coping strategies. You want to get to the root of it. You're ready to go deeper — to explore the parts of yourself you've been pushing aside. Using EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy, we work with your mind, body, and nervous system to create real, lasting change. You deserve a therapist who sees the whole you — in a space that's affirming, inclusive, and yours.
You've been managing — holding it together at work, in relationships, in your day-to-day — but something underneath feels off. Maybe it's anxiety that won't quiet, a heaviness you can't shake, or old patterns that keep showing up. You're not just looking for coping strategies. You want to get to the root of it. You're ready to go deeper — to explore the parts of yourself you've been pushing aside. Using EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy, we work with your mind, body, and nervous system to create real, lasting change. You deserve a therapist who sees the whole you — in a space that's affirming, inclusive, and yours.
We work with children, adults, and families.
Therapists are marriage and family trainees in the Community Mental Health Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
We work with children, adults, and families.
Therapists are marriage and family trainees in the Community Mental Health Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Asja Kristina
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in working with adults who are navigating anxiety, betrayal trauma, and nervous system dysregulation. Many of my patients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and together, we work toward creating a greater sense of calm, balance, and wholeness.
My approach is trauma-informed and integrative. I draw on psychodynamics, relational work, somatic practices, mindfulness, and evidence-based methods to support both body and mind. In our work, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space to explore your experiences and move at your own pace.
I specialize in working with adults who are navigating anxiety, betrayal trauma, and nervous system dysregulation. Many of my patients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and together, we work toward creating a greater sense of calm, balance, and wholeness.
My approach is trauma-informed and integrative. I draw on psychodynamics, relational work, somatic practices, mindfulness, and evidence-based methods to support both body and mind. In our work, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space to explore your experiences and move at your own pace.
I believe that therapists and clients are partners in the therapeutic process, and that a client centered approach is best for promoting growth and wellbeing. Your personal goals guide us through the process, and we work together to help you reach them in a compassionate and honest way.
I believe that therapists and clients are partners in the therapeutic process, and that a client centered approach is best for promoting growth and wellbeing. Your personal goals guide us through the process, and we work together to help you reach them in a compassionate and honest way.
The Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD provides assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with ADD/ADHD.
At the Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD we work collaboratively as a group to provide the most effective treatment possible. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and an educational therapist to help develop the best treatment for you. Who provide up-to-date evidence-based, effective treatment.
The Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD provides assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with ADD/ADHD.
At the Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD we work collaboratively as a group to provide the most effective treatment possible. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and an educational therapist to help develop the best treatment for you. Who provide up-to-date evidence-based, effective treatment.
As a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist with over 30 years of experience, I guide clients through a structured, step-by-step process to address deep-seated obstacles, heal childhood wounds, and cultivate self-awareness.
People seek therapy for many reasons—relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, body image concerns, trauma recovery, or a deeper search for meaning and purpose. Whatever brings you here, I offer a compassionate and collaborative space where we can work together to create meaningful change. My approach integrates mindfulness with psychotherapy, helping you engage directly with thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns in a way that promotes lasting well-being. With warmth, presence, and deep empathy, I support you in building a more fulfilling, authentic life.
As a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist with over 30 years of experience, I guide clients through a structured, step-by-step process to address deep-seated obstacles, heal childhood wounds, and cultivate self-awareness.
People seek therapy for many reasons—relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, body image concerns, trauma recovery, or a deeper search for meaning and purpose. Whatever brings you here, I offer a compassionate and collaborative space where we can work together to create meaningful change. My approach integrates mindfulness with psychotherapy, helping you engage directly with thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns in a way that promotes lasting well-being. With warmth, presence, and deep empathy, I support you in building a more fulfilling, authentic life.
At SF Bay Play Therapy, we support families navigating big emotions (for children and grown-ups alike), behavioral struggles, and life transitions.
Through play-based tools like games, puppets, and Kimochis, your child will learn to express big feelings, build social skills, and handle challenges with more confidence. Play is their language—and it works. We help kids feel seen, understood, and better able to cope with life’s ups and downs.
At SF Bay Play Therapy, we support families navigating big emotions (for children and grown-ups alike), behavioral struggles, and life transitions.
Through play-based tools like games, puppets, and Kimochis, your child will learn to express big feelings, build social skills, and handle challenges with more confidence. Play is their language—and it works. We help kids feel seen, understood, and better able to cope with life’s ups and downs.
Your thoughts, feelings and needs are shaped by your own background, family history, past interpersonal encounters and other significant events, including early child trauma.
I specialize in treating individuals with severe mental illnesses, e.g. psychosis and autistic spectrum disorders, characterological disorders, and/or with a history of trauma or abuse. More specifically, I work with those who struggle with chronic self-blame, self-doubt, a lack of liveliness, or generally, a sense of purposelessness and internal deadness.
Your thoughts, feelings and needs are shaped by your own background, family history, past interpersonal encounters and other significant events, including early child trauma.
I specialize in treating individuals with severe mental illnesses, e.g. psychosis and autistic spectrum disorders, characterological disorders, and/or with a history of trauma or abuse. More specifically, I work with those who struggle with chronic self-blame, self-doubt, a lack of liveliness, or generally, a sense of purposelessness and internal deadness.
Rachel Forbes | Therapy for Those Who Care
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MA, MSEd
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I also specialize in working with children and families, such as those navigating anxiety, structural family changes, social challenges.
I help clients build their sense of self-worth by developing a true sense of safety, freedom, groundedness, and acceptance within themselves, and in fostering reciprocal and interdependent relationships with those around them. My style of therapy is a combination of psychodynamic, relational, and somatic, attuning to the client's individual needs.
I also specialize in working with children and families, such as those navigating anxiety, structural family changes, social challenges.
I help clients build their sense of self-worth by developing a true sense of safety, freedom, groundedness, and acceptance within themselves, and in fostering reciprocal and interdependent relationships with those around them. My style of therapy is a combination of psychodynamic, relational, and somatic, attuning to the client's individual needs.
I have 20+ years of experience working with adults, couples, children, and adolescents.
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
I have 20+ years of experience working with adults, couples, children, and adolescents.
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
We are all part of a greater family system that deeply impacts our mental health. Managing life’s present-day difficulties or reactions to events from the past can cause anxiety, depression, and distress. I offer clinically knowledgeable, empathetic, genuine and authentic support. I provide individual, family, and couples therapy.
We are all part of a greater family system that deeply impacts our mental health. Managing life’s present-day difficulties or reactions to events from the past can cause anxiety, depression, and distress. I offer clinically knowledgeable, empathetic, genuine and authentic support. I provide individual, family, and couples therapy.
I offer online therapy to adults, couples, children, and families throughout California, as well as nationwide life coaching.
My approach is collaborative and intentional. Together, we will explore what feels challenging, clarify what matters most to you, and work toward meaningful change, helping you better understand your emotions and relationships while discovering authentic and creative ways forward.
I offer online therapy to adults, couples, children, and families throughout California, as well as nationwide life coaching.
My approach is collaborative and intentional. Together, we will explore what feels challenging, clarify what matters most to you, and work toward meaningful change, helping you better understand your emotions and relationships while discovering authentic and creative ways forward.
In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves.
I believe that at the root of each of our individual selves is the desire to be and feel seen and valued for who we are - completely. There are many societal, historical, and familial barriers to this and I believe that looking introspectively at these obstacles and what is at the root of our presenting issues can greatly affect our well-being.
In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves.
I believe that at the root of each of our individual selves is the desire to be and feel seen and valued for who we are - completely. There are many societal, historical, and familial barriers to this and I believe that looking introspectively at these obstacles and what is at the root of our presenting issues can greatly affect our well-being.
Perhaps you have experienced a traumatic event or childhood neglect that is manifesting as fear, anxiety, or helplessness.
For over 25 years, I have dedicated my life to helping men and women overcome myriad issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, CPTSD (complex PTSD), developmental trauma, ADHD, and chronic medical conditions. I offer you a comprehensive interactive mind/body approach to healing that is direct yet kind, supportive, and encouraging.
Perhaps you have experienced a traumatic event or childhood neglect that is manifesting as fear, anxiety, or helplessness.
For over 25 years, I have dedicated my life to helping men and women overcome myriad issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, CPTSD (complex PTSD), developmental trauma, ADHD, and chronic medical conditions. I offer you a comprehensive interactive mind/body approach to healing that is direct yet kind, supportive, and encouraging.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist with 20+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and individuals.
I specialize in providing individualized care that is strength-based and our focus will be on your unique needs and goals.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist with 20+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and individuals.
I specialize in providing individualized care that is strength-based and our focus will be on your unique needs and goals.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Children Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
FAQ - About Child Therapy
When does a child need to see a therapist?
Children naturally experience emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, though, they need support from a professional. A child may benefit from therapy if their emotions or behaviors change significantly within a short period of time. For example, if a child usually spends time with friends after school but begins isolating in their room, further inquiry is warranted. Other areas for concern include altered sleep patterns, lack of appetite, intense anger, irritability, or hopelessness, or developmental regression in young children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking).
What can a child therapist help with?
A therapist can help with any difficult experience a child may encounter growing up, including learning problems or anxiety related to school, relationship challenges with friends or parents, bullying, intense emotions or phobias, divorce and family dynamics, or the death of a pet or loved one. A therapist can help children process their experience and develop coping skills in an age-appropriate way
What therapy types are most suitable for children?
Children can benefit from different forms of therapy, including family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, depending on their condition. Play therapy is a great option for younger children who may not be able to fully articulate their feelings. In this approach, kids play with toys and games while a therapist observes and helps the child express their emotions and develop coping skills.
Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.