Substance Use Therapists in San Francisco, CA
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Felicia Hermle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I provide online counseling for sobriety and mental wellness. I help stressed-out high achievers find sobriety and mental balance by providing a safe space to process and talk about job stress, family issues, alcohol &
substance use
, as well as any other mental health concerns or stressors you might be experiencing. My goal is to be collaborative and person-centered, I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach to counseling and will utilize various tools such as psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT to name a few.

Erica L Spartos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I welcome individuals, families and adolescents to my private practice. A few of my specialties: Standard EMDR therapy protocols to resolve trauma and other related symptoms; Teaching coping & life skills to safely & effectively improve sleep and reduce stress, anxiety & depression; Helping adolescents and young people thrive by addressing low-self-esteem, relationship issues, ADHD and behavioral challenges; Supporting individuals and families through issues around
substance use
& co-occurring disorders; Providing a compassionate and supportive place for you to explore balance, self-awareness and life satisfaction.

Irina Slutsky
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you experiencing the many ways
substance use
can create pain, whether for you or someone you love? Are you living with a mental health condition that requires support? Identifying limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviors is an essential step to living an emotionally stable life, whatever difficult crossroads you may be experiencing. Often, emotional recovery begins with healing long-buried childhood trauma. My goal in therapy with you is to be your guide on this healing journey. You don't have to do it alone. And I believe relief can sometimes happen as early as the first session.

Melissa Morelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a licensed clinical social worker in a private practice in San Francisco. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety,
substance use
and addiction. I have expertise in working with people who have a current or past history with drug & alcohol use and recognize that
substance use
may result from different psychological, social and biological factors that are unique to each person.

Vanessa Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have extensive experience working with issues of anxiety, depression, stress management, racial trauma, post traumatic stress, relationship conflict, navigating toxic work environments, sexuality and gender, and
substance use
issues.
Are you experiencing issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, loss of identity, trauma, or lack of confidence? Are these issues causing you to neglect your own self-care and/or isolate from family and friends? Do you need support with navigating personal or professional relationships? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity? Managing a major life transition or preparing for one? These are the times when therapy can be helpful. We can work together to identify your goals, improve your quality of life, and develop a strong sense of self in the process.

Shawanda Powell
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified
Verified
My experience includes working with a variety of populations including individuals diagnoses with a variety of mental health issues including Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, and
Substance Use
Disorder; Corrections, and inpatient and outpatient clinics.
Hello. My name is Shawanda Powell. I am currently an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW). I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University, and have been practicing social work for over 10 years in the states of Mississippi, California, and Arkansas. I have experience in providing services to both children and adults in-patient and out-patient.
Waitlist for new clients

Joanna Keller
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults of all ages. I have significant experience supporting adults in the tech industry through my role as the Mental Health Manager at the onsite wellness center at Meta/Facebook for 7+ years. Additionally, I am certified in perinatal mental health and specialize in supporting individuals through the complicated journey of parenthood, including fertility challenges, fetal loss, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety,
substance use
/addiction, life transitions, personal/professional growth, and relationships/dating.

Nathan Brandon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in anxiety and
substance use
issues.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I provide personalized support and the help you need to overcome your current emotional or situational challenges. I work with you so you can overcome your problems and develop healthy, effective coping strategies that you can use throughout your life. We will get to the source of your problems and help you develop the skills and strategies you need to handle your life’s challenges. I believe that the adversities we experience in life can be great opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Michelle Turk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have seven years experience working with a wide variety of mild to moderate mental health conditions as well as co-occurring mental health and
substance use
disorders. I focus on providing clients with an empathetic and non-judgmental environment to assist them in achieving their personal goals.
Not accepting new clients

Kelle A Kirk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
For 16 years I have supported folks with mental health conditions and
substance use
disorders.
Have you made significant changes in your life but find yourself stuck in old patterns? Are you in recovery from drugs or alcohol or disordered eating, but still find yourself struggling in other ways? My Name is Kelle Kirk and I help folks in recovery STAY in recovery. Many of us have found out that cutting out the drinking or drugging or changing our relationship to food or our bodies did not "fix" everything; in some ways, maybe we found things to be more intense or complicated in this new landscape. You have come so far and made such progress, let's work on the being human and helping you learn to do something different.

Kate Franza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My name is Kate Franza and I am a licensed therapist located in San Francisco. Originally from New York, I received my degree from Fordham University. My practice is grounded in my community mental health background, with a focus on LGBTQ issues, anxiety, depression and
substance use
. My clients experience relationship struggles,trauma, chronic relapse, and many are interested in exploring and understanding their sexuality and gender identity. I use a harm reduction approach and I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive and mindfulness-based skill building.

Sergio Ruiz Psychotherapy
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified
Verified
I want to assist you in examining why you feel like your life is not where you think or sense it should be. Why you have a nagging feeling that perhaps you're wasting time and not living your life in a more deep and fulfilling manner. You may think you're “not good enough,” or “if only this would have/not have happened," life would be different. The activities you do feel banal, going to work/school is dreadful, relationships and family are difficult, and the values and beliefs that once held you have lost their ground. You feel lonely, depressed, anxious, and perhaps
substance use
is worsening. You’re wondering about doing therapy.

Kurt Vaillancourt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
For nearly 20 years, I have worked with adults, families, and couples both individually and in group settings. Some of the areas I have provided treatment for include
substance use
/abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and adjustment disorders due to life transitions. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and obtained a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) in 2005.

Dale Ayres Lcsw Sex Therapist Connection Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW CA, LCSW FL, CST, CCTP, MSW
Verified
Verified
Please visit my website www.connection2life.com I am a stigma free, sex positive, kink aware, sex worker aware, LGBTQ+ friendly therapist. I may be able to help you if you are struggling with depression, out of control sexual behavior, anxiety, self-esteem, alcohol abuse, porn addiction, meth addiction, lack of intimacy, drug abuse, internet addiction, infidelity, trauma and PTSD, grief, transgender, gender identity,
substance use
, anxiety, stress, sexual addiction, codependency, addiction, sexual abuse, divorce, BDSM, Kink, Poly, Gay, Bisexual Lesbian, Queer, Questioning.

Stephanie McDowell Licensed In Ca Co Ia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Substance use
& abuse, sexual assault & ongoing violence, homelessness and poverty related trauma.
EMAIL IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME! If you are new to therapy, struggling with current life stresses, have unresolved issues in your past or simply want to dive further into your capacity for self awareness, please reach out for support! Together we can structure sessions to address what may be preventing you from being your best self. Whether your progress needs to include improved relationships, increased motivation, stronger sense of self-worth, greater career or home success, a reduction of painful emotions or unwanted behaviors; I will strive to help you learn to relate to yourself & others in new, often healthier ways

Shana Burns
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
My practice integrates a wide-variety of therapeutic approaches to address relationship challenges, trauma, emotional regulation, anger management, anxiety, existential dissolution, identity shifts,
substance use
/abuse/misuse, personal-development, mental health struggles, intimacy, life transitions, career changes, legal involvement and grief & loss.
Welcome! Are you finding yourself feeling more uncertain as of late? Do you tend to be hard on yourself? Can you imagine actualizing your visions? Do you yearn to care for yourself more lovingly? If some of these questions resonate, I am here to offer support. I honor you and the courage it takes to seek therapy. I believe strongly that we are each capable of accessing our own innate, healing resources when we feel truly safe, seen and heard. You are worthy and deserving of care.

Jennifer Bielenberg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am a licensed psychologist who provides telehealth services to California, Washington State, and PSYPACT state residents. While I've spent much of my specialist practice at the intersection of
substance use
, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders in adults (18+), my generalist training has also prepared me to support those experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, boundary issues, deep wisdom experiences of grief and relational transitions, and overworking/burnout related to high-pressure or exploitative work environments. I regularly engage in culturally responsive training to support members of marginalized groups.

Gaelle Carey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Welcome! My name is Gaëlle Carey and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with all types of people, from CEOs to stay-at-home parents. My ideal client is anyone who is interested in empowering their life. I am a direct person and like to get right down to business, but I also genuinely care about my clients' success. I have experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adolescents and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma,
substance use
disorders, anger management, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Personality Disorders, ADHD management, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Aaron Rohrer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My specialties include cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety,
substance use
& harm reduction psychotherapy, solutions focused therapy, and trauma informed care.
Need help finding balance in your life? Coping with depression or anxiety, work stress, or figuring out how substances fit (or don't fit) into you life? I love to help people address trauma, improve communication, take control of their lives, gain confidence, and get their needs met. Since I became registered as a clinician with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in 2012, I have provided clients in the San Francisco Bay Area with a wide range of psychological services as a clinician at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and a counselor in a mental health treatment program in San Francisco.

Vincente Mozell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
No worries, I Got U! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, aka psychotherapist, with more than 15 years of working in Behavioral Health. I provide therapeutic interventions that address depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and
Substance Use
disorder, to name a few. I am also a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) and a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist. My clinical practice embraces a strengths-based approach to overcoming your challenges, and my therapy style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive and an active listener, with a pretty good sense of humor.
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Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.