First Responders Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I have a nursing / medical background that facilitates my comfort in working within the medical professions, emergency & paramedic services.
I am engaging, warm and thoughtful in my style of relating. I am comfortable working with couples & individuals engaged in occupations that require emergency responses to incidents that are traumatic and may cause vulnerability to post traumatic stress disorder. I provide therapeutic intervention to people who work in the protective services professions.
I have a nursing / medical background that facilitates my comfort in working within the medical professions, emergency & paramedic services.
I am engaging, warm and thoughtful in my style of relating. I am comfortable working with couples & individuals engaged in occupations that require emergency responses to incidents that are traumatic and may cause vulnerability to post traumatic stress disorder. I provide therapeutic intervention to people who work in the protective services professions.
I work primarily with adults and young adults suffering with trauma, using EMDR alongside CBT and solution-focused and person-centered approaches that support real change. Something uncomfortable brought you here. You may have tried to move forward and found that something still lingers. You understand what’s going on, but it hasn’t shifted in a meaningful way. My clients come ready to do real work and to find relief. I meet each person as a whole person, not as a diagnosis or as a presenting problem. Our focus is on what hasn’t moved and why, so you’re not just managing symptoms but creating genuine, lasting movement forward.
I work primarily with adults and young adults suffering with trauma, using EMDR alongside CBT and solution-focused and person-centered approaches that support real change. Something uncomfortable brought you here. You may have tried to move forward and found that something still lingers. You understand what’s going on, but it hasn’t shifted in a meaningful way. My clients come ready to do real work and to find relief. I meet each person as a whole person, not as a diagnosis or as a presenting problem. Our focus is on what hasn’t moved and why, so you’re not just managing symptoms but creating genuine, lasting movement forward.
I have helped a variety of clients of all ages with various issues, including trauma ( first responders, childhood, intergenerational, sexual), anxiety, sexual issues, anger management, grief/loss, social-emotional skills, and ADHD management.
I take a strengths-based, compassionate, non-judgmental, and curious approach to therapy that fosters a warm and safe environment. I believe therapy can be fun and creative and as such utilize a variety of techniques with clients, including CBT, somatic, art and play interventions, and mindfulness-based techniques in order to keep therapy more engaging.
I have helped a variety of clients of all ages with various issues, including trauma ( first responders, childhood, intergenerational, sexual), anxiety, sexual issues, anger management, grief/loss, social-emotional skills, and ADHD management.
I take a strengths-based, compassionate, non-judgmental, and curious approach to therapy that fosters a warm and safe environment. I believe therapy can be fun and creative and as such utilize a variety of techniques with clients, including CBT, somatic, art and play interventions, and mindfulness-based techniques in order to keep therapy more engaging.
Are you a first responder (law enforcement , fire, EMS, dispatch)?
I understand that the needs of first responders require a culturally competent therapist. I have over 100 hours of specific training in responder culture and mental health in addition to over 10 years of experience in trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR and CBT. I am here to help you help yourself and help others.
Are you a first responder (law enforcement , fire, EMS, dispatch)?
I understand that the needs of first responders require a culturally competent therapist. I have over 100 hours of specific training in responder culture and mental health in addition to over 10 years of experience in trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR and CBT. I am here to help you help yourself and help others.
My background includes working in psychiatric settings and supporting high-stress populations, including first responders.
Relationships can be one of the most rewarding and most difficult parts of life. When communication breaks down or emotional connection fades, it can affect your entire sense of stability and well-being. I specialize in couples therapy and marriage counseling, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy.
My background includes working in psychiatric settings and supporting high-stress populations, including first responders.
Relationships can be one of the most rewarding and most difficult parts of life. When communication breaks down or emotional connection fades, it can affect your entire sense of stability and well-being. I specialize in couples therapy and marriage counseling, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy.
I specialize in therapy for first responders, healthcare workers, teachers and fellow therapists.
Growth or healing can be challenging and I admire the courage and effort it takes to take this step toward self care. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I support those impacted by experiences including trauma, anxiety, panic, moodiness, irritability, numbing, disconnection, reactivity, troubling behaviors or worrisome thoughts.
I specialize in therapy for first responders, healthcare workers, teachers and fellow therapists.
Growth or healing can be challenging and I admire the courage and effort it takes to take this step toward self care. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I support those impacted by experiences including trauma, anxiety, panic, moodiness, irritability, numbing, disconnection, reactivity, troubling behaviors or worrisome thoughts.
As first responders and emergency workers, you’re trained to stay sharp.
Therapy should make life easier: less edge, more patience, faster decompression.
We’ll keep it practical, with clear goals and week-to-week tracking. We’ll use EMDR if trauma symptoms are present—an evidence-based treatment for reducing hyperarousal and shutdown. I worked for eight years as a crisis counselor, and I’m familiar with emergency work culture.
As first responders and emergency workers, you’re trained to stay sharp.
Therapy should make life easier: less edge, more patience, faster decompression.
We’ll keep it practical, with clear goals and week-to-week tracking. We’ll use EMDR if trauma symptoms are present—an evidence-based treatment for reducing hyperarousal and shutdown. I worked for eight years as a crisis counselor, and I’m familiar with emergency work culture.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
I help individuals, couples, and/or families grow toward healing and health through integrative therapy. Throughout the lifespan many things can happen to interfere with our relational health- addiction, body image, trauma, depression, just to name a few- and I have experience guiding my clients through them all. Together we will work towards you, your relationships, or your family system becoming its most empowered and functional.
I help individuals, couples, and/or families grow toward healing and health through integrative therapy. Throughout the lifespan many things can happen to interfere with our relational health- addiction, body image, trauma, depression, just to name a few- and I have experience guiding my clients through them all. Together we will work towards you, your relationships, or your family system becoming its most empowered and functional.
It is difficult to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. It's even more difficult to find someone who has the experience to help you, once you find the courage to reach out. It is my honor to help my clients find peace and fulfillment in their careers, relationships, and overall life experiences.
It is difficult to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. It's even more difficult to find someone who has the experience to help you, once you find the courage to reach out. It is my honor to help my clients find peace and fulfillment in their careers, relationships, and overall life experiences.
Some of my clients are first responders, military members, and high-performing professionals, but you do not need a high-intensity story to belong here.
I offer trauma-informed, relational therapy grounded in trust, safety, and honest connection. My background as a flight medic, deputy sheriff, and firefighter gives me firsthand insight into high-stress environments, trauma, and the weight people carry. I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, loss, burnout, life transitions, and neurodivergence.
Some of my clients are first responders, military members, and high-performing professionals, but you do not need a high-intensity story to belong here.
I offer trauma-informed, relational therapy grounded in trust, safety, and honest connection. My background as a flight medic, deputy sheriff, and firefighter gives me firsthand insight into high-stress environments, trauma, and the weight people carry. I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, loss, burnout, life transitions, and neurodivergence.
I am a clinical psychologist and performance psychologist. I run men's groups and offer one-to-one sessions. I am also an author. On a personal level, I embrace community, fitness, fun, family, and adventure as part of keeping a healthy nervous system, and my why is to assist others in improving their health and quality of life through caring for themselves and their mental health in new and improved ways.
I am a clinical psychologist and performance psychologist. I run men's groups and offer one-to-one sessions. I am also an author. On a personal level, I embrace community, fitness, fun, family, and adventure as part of keeping a healthy nervous system, and my why is to assist others in improving their health and quality of life through caring for themselves and their mental health in new and improved ways.
I specialize in working with first responders and individuals who have experienced trauma, understanding the complexities of high-stress professions and their impact on mental health.
I approach goal setting collaboratively, working with you to identify what's most important and what changes you'd like to see. Together, we'll break down larger goals into manageable steps, ensuring they are realistic and aligned with your values. I regularly check in to celebrate progress and adjust goals as needed.
I specialize in working with first responders and individuals who have experienced trauma, understanding the complexities of high-stress professions and their impact on mental health.
I approach goal setting collaboratively, working with you to identify what's most important and what changes you'd like to see. Together, we'll break down larger goals into manageable steps, ensuring they are realistic and aligned with your values. I regularly check in to celebrate progress and adjust goals as needed.
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
If you find yourself struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for personal growth; take this opportunity to challenge yourself. My aim is to work together to help you illuminate your path. Through introspection and confidence building we will work on developing the skills and courage to continue your journey toward a more satisfying life.
If you find yourself struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for personal growth; take this opportunity to challenge yourself. My aim is to work together to help you illuminate your path. Through introspection and confidence building we will work on developing the skills and courage to continue your journey toward a more satisfying life.
I specialize in working with active duty service members, veterans, and individuals navigating major life transitions. I approach therapy with the belief that each person is unique and already has resilience within them. My work is collaborative and strengths-based—I focus on helping clients build on what they already have while developing new tools for healing and growth. I tailor treatment to fit each person’s individual needs and goals.
I specialize in working with active duty service members, veterans, and individuals navigating major life transitions. I approach therapy with the belief that each person is unique and already has resilience within them. My work is collaborative and strengths-based—I focus on helping clients build on what they already have while developing new tools for healing and growth. I tailor treatment to fit each person’s individual needs and goals.
I work with high-achieving adults who are used to holding it all together—but internally feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients are medical professionals or individuals living with chronic health conditions who are navigating stress, burnout, and the emotional weight of responsibility.
If you’re used to being the strong one for everyone else, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on your own needs. You may notice anxiety, irritability, disconnection, or a sense that you’re running on empty. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, fix, or push through.
I work with high-achieving adults who are used to holding it all together—but internally feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients are medical professionals or individuals living with chronic health conditions who are navigating stress, burnout, and the emotional weight of responsibility.
If you’re used to being the strong one for everyone else, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on your own needs. You may notice anxiety, irritability, disconnection, or a sense that you’re running on empty. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, fix, or push through.
Dr. Ariel Place - Neurocatalyst
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC, CEO
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with veterans, first responders, and individuals navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances, including trauma exposure, work-related injury, and court involvement.
I specialize in trauma-focused care using EMDR, parts work, and evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies to help clients process difficult experiences and restore trust in themselves. Treatment is structured, intentional, and focused on helping clients address internal conflict, regulate stress responses, and move forward with greater clarity and stability
I work with veterans, first responders, and individuals navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances, including trauma exposure, work-related injury, and court involvement.
I specialize in trauma-focused care using EMDR, parts work, and evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies to help clients process difficult experiences and restore trust in themselves. Treatment is structured, intentional, and focused on helping clients address internal conflict, regulate stress responses, and move forward with greater clarity and stability
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life is specific to how we work on resolving and reducing suffering.
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life is specific to how we work on resolving and reducing suffering.
I have immediate availability for new clients seeking expert support for sexual concerns, intimacy challenges, and relationship issues throughout California via telehealth.
If you're feeling disconnected, from your partner, your sexuality, or even yourself, you're not alone. Many people I work with come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they can't quite name, carrying shame or frustration around intimacy, communication, or desire. Whether you're navigating sexual concerns, relationship struggles, or simply want to build deeper, more authentic connections, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where all parts of you are welcome.
I have immediate availability for new clients seeking expert support for sexual concerns, intimacy challenges, and relationship issues throughout California via telehealth.
If you're feeling disconnected, from your partner, your sexuality, or even yourself, you're not alone. Many people I work with come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they can't quite name, carrying shame or frustration around intimacy, communication, or desire. Whether you're navigating sexual concerns, relationship struggles, or simply want to build deeper, more authentic connections, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where all parts of you are welcome.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Burlingame
- Corte Madera
- Daly City
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Rafael
- Sausalito
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.