Self-Harming Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Manali Deolalkar, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Manali Deolalkar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
You've worked hard to build a life that looks good from the outside. But somewhere along the way, you lost touch with what you actually want, separate from what your family expected or what success was supposed to look like. I'm a South Asian therapist who grew up in Mumbai, navigating between cultures my whole life. I built this practice for people tired of explaining their world before therapy can begin. You shouldn't have to translate your life for your therapist. I work with South Asian adults, immigrants, multicultural couples, and high-achieving professionals virtually across California, New Jersey, Idaho and SC.
You've worked hard to build a life that looks good from the outside. But somewhere along the way, you lost touch with what you actually want, separate from what your family expected or what success was supposed to look like. I'm a South Asian therapist who grew up in Mumbai, navigating between cultures my whole life. I built this practice for people tired of explaining their world before therapy can begin. You shouldn't have to translate your life for your therapist. I work with South Asian adults, immigrants, multicultural couples, and high-achieving professionals virtually across California, New Jersey, Idaho and SC.
(628) 216-7639 View (628) 216-7639
Photo of Karina Morales, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Karina Morales
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I have experience in working in clinics, community-based outpatients, and detention settings. I have a passion for working with young adults in efforts of assisting them in re-writing their stories and utilizing necessary coping skills to manage and evolve during difficult times. I assist my clients in separating themselves from their problems, giving their stories meaning, helping shape their identity, and discovering their life purpose.
I have experience in working in clinics, community-based outpatients, and detention settings. I have a passion for working with young adults in efforts of assisting them in re-writing their stories and utilizing necessary coping skills to manage and evolve during difficult times. I assist my clients in separating themselves from their problems, giving their stories meaning, helping shape their identity, and discovering their life purpose.
(310) 997-4980 View (310) 997-4980
Photo of Johnny Morataya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Johnny Morataya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach to therapy is to create a secure and comfortable space for anyone to address their mental health needs and concerns; I am not here to judge but to understand and help. My goal is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work towards the goals that you set. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality to aid in processing thoughts and feelings with regard to certain stressors and identify helpful coping skills.
My approach to therapy is to create a secure and comfortable space for anyone to address their mental health needs and concerns; I am not here to judge but to understand and help. My goal is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work towards the goals that you set. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality to aid in processing thoughts and feelings with regard to certain stressors and identify helpful coping skills.
(510) 804-2497 View (510) 804-2497
Photo of Stephanie Lay, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Stephanie Lay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
(650) 481-9439 View (650) 481-9439
Photo of Marlana Pierson, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Marlana Pierson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I am passionate about helping individuals better understand how their thoughts and emotions impact behavior to make positive changes. I specialize in working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I use an empathetic yet direct approach to help increase self-awareness to look inward at yourself, and relationships, and dive into the past to discover unwanted patterns with the goal of creating a life worth living. Additionally, I have experience supporting parents of teens who are struggling to balance child care, work responsibilities, and self-care.
I am passionate about helping individuals better understand how their thoughts and emotions impact behavior to make positive changes. I specialize in working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I use an empathetic yet direct approach to help increase self-awareness to look inward at yourself, and relationships, and dive into the past to discover unwanted patterns with the goal of creating a life worth living. Additionally, I have experience supporting parents of teens who are struggling to balance child care, work responsibilities, and self-care.
(415) 949-2198 View (415) 949-2198
Photo of Jacquelyn Tribulato Williams - Inspiration Psychological Services, Psychologist, PsyD
In far too many situations individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia have internalized messages that there is no hope, that they are simply victims of their mental illness, and unable to reach their life goals. My practice, Inspiration Psychological Services' primary purpose is to provide individuals who struggle with mental illness with the neccessary coping skills that they need to manage symptoms, cope with everyday life challenges, and improve the quality of their lives. I strongly believe in providing a supportive atmosphere that consists of understanding individual experiences, addressing needs, instilling hope, building on strengths, and recognizing potential.
In far too many situations individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia have internalized messages that there is no hope, that they are simply victims of their mental illness, and unable to reach their life goals. My practice, Inspiration Psychological Services' primary purpose is to provide individuals who struggle with mental illness with the neccessary coping skills that they need to manage symptoms, cope with everyday life challenges, and improve the quality of their lives. I strongly believe in providing a supportive atmosphere that consists of understanding individual experiences, addressing needs, instilling hope, building on strengths, and recognizing potential.
(281) 940-2212 View (281) 940-2212
Photo of Matthew McGiffen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Matthew McGiffen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hi! I have been a practicing social worker and clinical therapist for over ten years. I specialize in working with adults of all ages who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, intrusive thoughts, impulse control issues, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. I also have extensive experience in mental health crisis support.
Hi! I have been a practicing social worker and clinical therapist for over ten years. I specialize in working with adults of all ages who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, intrusive thoughts, impulse control issues, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. I also have extensive experience in mental health crisis support.
(951) 357-0514 View (951) 357-0514
Photo of Braulio García, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Braulio García
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Whether you are coping with depression, sexuality issues, struggling with chronic illness or addiction issues, or having problems in your relationships with others, I believe that therapy can help you find the solutions to move forward in your life. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to live their best life and can become 'unstuck' with the help of therapy. I work with adults, both younger and older, cis women and trans & non-binary clients, as well as with couples navigating problems in their relationships.
Whether you are coping with depression, sexuality issues, struggling with chronic illness or addiction issues, or having problems in your relationships with others, I believe that therapy can help you find the solutions to move forward in your life. I believe that all individuals have the capacity to live their best life and can become 'unstuck' with the help of therapy. I work with adults, both younger and older, cis women and trans & non-binary clients, as well as with couples navigating problems in their relationships.
(415) 702-3696 View (415) 702-3696
Photo of Teresa Rosecliff, Psychologist, PhD
Teresa Rosecliff
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I provide depth-oriented, feminist psychotherapy to young adults, college students, queer folks, and people healing from traumatic experiences. My approach is trauma-informed and queer-affirming, and I'm deeply committed to the values of transparency, collaboration, and humility in my work. As a queer person myself, I understand how important it is to find spaces where we are affirmed, respected, and upheld as our unique and authentic selves. Together, we will co-create a space where you feel both seen and valued, and challenged to grow.
I provide depth-oriented, feminist psychotherapy to young adults, college students, queer folks, and people healing from traumatic experiences. My approach is trauma-informed and queer-affirming, and I'm deeply committed to the values of transparency, collaboration, and humility in my work. As a queer person myself, I understand how important it is to find spaces where we are affirmed, respected, and upheld as our unique and authentic selves. Together, we will co-create a space where you feel both seen and valued, and challenged to grow.
(415) 430-9955 View (415) 430-9955
Photo of Kristen Swangler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Kristen Swangler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Online Only
Congratulations on taking the first step to putting you first. This is my motto and approach in therapy - putting you first so you can create a life worth living. I have over a decade of experience supporting children youth and families.
Congratulations on taking the first step to putting you first. This is my motto and approach in therapy - putting you first so you can create a life worth living. I have over a decade of experience supporting children youth and families.
(415) 477-1407 View (415) 477-1407
Photo of Jennifer Nguyen, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Jennifer Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I hope to work side-by-side with family members and individuals of all ages, ethnicity, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and religions, to work through tough past and current life circumstances/experiences.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I hope to work side-by-side with family members and individuals of all ages, ethnicity, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and religions, to work through tough past and current life circumstances/experiences.
(408) 430-0634 View (408) 430-0634
Photo of Stanley E. Wipfli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC
Stanley E. Wipfli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC
Online Only
If you feel stuck, anxious or depressed, I can help. You may be exhausted due to the stress of worrying all the time. Or, you lack energy and motivation and struggle with feelings of low self-worth. Perhaps you've had a traumatic experience or suffer from PTSD. You might be using substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope. You're tired of struggling, and you want to find a way out of the turmoil. You long to feel more in control. You wish you could move through life with more ease and experience more joy. If only you could feel good about yourself and have more fulfilling relationships. The good news is that I can help you achieve
If you feel stuck, anxious or depressed, I can help. You may be exhausted due to the stress of worrying all the time. Or, you lack energy and motivation and struggle with feelings of low self-worth. Perhaps you've had a traumatic experience or suffer from PTSD. You might be using substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope. You're tired of struggling, and you want to find a way out of the turmoil. You long to feel more in control. You wish you could move through life with more ease and experience more joy. If only you could feel good about yourself and have more fulfilling relationships. The good news is that I can help you achieve
(510) 756-4991 View (510) 756-4991
Photo of Jeff Shore, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Jeff Shore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
(415) 594-4207 View (415) 594-4207
Photo of Andrea Bass, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
Andrea Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. In our healing journey together, connection to our emotions, our body (somatic mindfulness), our creativity and our life force brings deeper relationships with others leading to a greater connection to ourselves. If we have experienced trauma we can find new ways to self-regulate and build resilience. We can learn to love and accept all the different parts of who we are. I feel honored to accompany you on this journey while providing skillful guidance, attunement and resources along the way.
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. In our healing journey together, connection to our emotions, our body (somatic mindfulness), our creativity and our life force brings deeper relationships with others leading to a greater connection to ourselves. If we have experienced trauma we can find new ways to self-regulate and build resilience. We can learn to love and accept all the different parts of who we are. I feel honored to accompany you on this journey while providing skillful guidance, attunement and resources along the way.
(415) 877-1964 View (415) 877-1964
Photo of Molly Kathleen Saeger, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Molly Kathleen Saeger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Francisco, CA 94102
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.
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.
(415) 964-4721 View (415) 964-4721
Photo of Michael Carnevale, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Michael Carnevale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My name is Michael Carnevale, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Francisco, California who works with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have experience serving a diverse client population of all ages using primarily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I operate from a person-in-environment lens that acknowledges the many factors and variables in our lives beyond the individual.
My name is Michael Carnevale, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Francisco, California who works with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have experience serving a diverse client population of all ages using primarily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I operate from a person-in-environment lens that acknowledges the many factors and variables in our lives beyond the individual.
(626) 702-2927 View (626) 702-2927
Photo of Christopher 'christhmus Presence' Chu - Christhmus Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Christhmus Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for People of the Global Majority (PGM): a term for ethnic groups which constitute about 85% of the global population. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with ≥1 PGM in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for People of the Global Majority (PGM): a term for ethnic groups which constitute about 85% of the global population. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with ≥1 PGM in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
View
Photo of Michael Nguyen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Michael Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Sometimes we find ourselves repeating patterns that feel familiar, yet leave us feeling stuck or disconnected. My background includes working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, substance use, and those living with HIV/AIDS. While these experiences inform my work, I support clients across a wide range of concerns. Using a relational approach informed by evidence-based practices, we explore patterns shaping your current experience and integrate your past in service of a life that feels more like you.
Sometimes we find ourselves repeating patterns that feel familiar, yet leave us feeling stuck or disconnected. My background includes working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, substance use, and those living with HIV/AIDS. While these experiences inform my work, I support clients across a wide range of concerns. Using a relational approach informed by evidence-based practices, we explore patterns shaping your current experience and integrate your past in service of a life that feels more like you.
(415) 851-3212 View (415) 851-3212
Photo of Rose Markotic, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Rose Markotic
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. Together we will examine the areas you'd like to focus on in therapy and establish goals. I will ask for your active participation and introduce tools to help you reduce symptoms, build more positive thinking, and establish lifelong skills. I use a TEAM-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach and integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction methods into my practice.
My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. Together we will examine the areas you'd like to focus on in therapy and establish goals. I will ask for your active participation and introduce tools to help you reduce symptoms, build more positive thinking, and establish lifelong skills. I use a TEAM-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach and integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction methods into my practice.
(415) 727-8107 View (415) 727-8107
Photo of Vivienne Kim, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Vivienne Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Online Only
Therapy is an opportunity to come home to yourself and expand your capacity for connection and vitality. My role is to be by your side as you examine parts of yourself that are difficult to face alone. I shine a warm light on experiences, emotions, and beliefs that have yet to be processed, and seek to expand upon sources of strength, expression, connection, and beauty. Whatever the areas of growth you bring to the therapeutic space, my priority is to hold an empathic, non-judgmental, inclusive space in which you feel safe and deeply seen.
Therapy is an opportunity to come home to yourself and expand your capacity for connection and vitality. My role is to be by your side as you examine parts of yourself that are difficult to face alone. I shine a warm light on experiences, emotions, and beliefs that have yet to be processed, and seek to expand upon sources of strength, expression, connection, and beauty. Whatever the areas of growth you bring to the therapeutic space, my priority is to hold an empathic, non-judgmental, inclusive space in which you feel safe and deeply seen.
(341) 444-2120 View (341) 444-2120

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Self-Harming Therapists
How does therapy for self-harm work?
A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?
Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.