Substance Use Therapists in San Francisco, CA
In these uncertain times I am committed to providing warm, compassionate, empathetic therapy. I am extraordinarily trauma informed. I offer in person sessions as well as telehealth, both phone and video. I have deep experiential capacity for working with alcoholics and addicts and those impacted by growing up in these family systems. I work with adults suffering from family of origin abuse, religious trauma, alcoholism and addiction. Additionally deep experience with multi-cultural experiences.
In these uncertain times I am committed to providing warm, compassionate, empathetic therapy. I am extraordinarily trauma informed. I offer in person sessions as well as telehealth, both phone and video. I have deep experiential capacity for working with alcoholics and addicts and those impacted by growing up in these family systems. I work with adults suffering from family of origin abuse, religious trauma, alcoholism and addiction. Additionally deep experience with multi-cultural experiences.
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 relocated to the Bay Area in 2020 from Los Angeles. I have worked in numerous medical center settings including Cedars-Sinai, Century City, and Kaiser Permanente just to name a few. My clients often describe me as supportive, ethical, passionate, and energetic.
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 relocated to the Bay Area in 2020 from Los Angeles. I have worked in numerous medical center settings including Cedars-Sinai, Century City, and Kaiser Permanente just to name a few. My clients often describe me as supportive, ethical, passionate, and energetic.
I work with queer individuals, gay couples, and groups navigating curiosity around identity, relationships, sexuality, intimacy, substance use, and anxiety.
Whether we’re talking about behaviors, coping strategies, relational patterns, or substances, I focus on realistic, individualized change — not shame, ultimatums, or rigid rules. We work at your pace, with your goals at the center. My style is warm, down-to-earth and I often bring humor into the room. I prioritize nonjudgmental, mutual collaboration.
I work with queer individuals, gay couples, and groups navigating curiosity around identity, relationships, sexuality, intimacy, substance use, and anxiety.
Whether we’re talking about behaviors, coping strategies, relational patterns, or substances, I focus on realistic, individualized change — not shame, ultimatums, or rigid rules. We work at your pace, with your goals at the center. My style is warm, down-to-earth and I often bring humor into the room. I prioritize nonjudgmental, mutual collaboration.
I bring 22 years of 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, misuse substances, 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.
I bring 22 years of 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, misuse substances, 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.
Whether you’re navigating a loved one’s substance use or your own, you might find yourself asking, what now?
The support I offer blends my clinical expertise in substance use and trauma with my own lived experience. This unique combination allows me to walk with you, not above you, in a space where you feel empowered to create meaningful change aligned with the goals that matter most to you.
Whether you’re navigating a loved one’s substance use or your own, you might find yourself asking, what now?
The support I offer blends my clinical expertise in substance use and trauma with my own lived experience. This unique combination allows me to walk with you, not above you, in a space where you feel empowered to create meaningful change aligned with the goals that matter most to you.
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.
Suffering and healing are impacted by our past, our present and deeply intertwined with our environments. I find importance in developing an understanding of your perspective, how you relate to others, internalize experiences, find solutions to problems and make meaning out of these ideas.
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.
Suffering and healing are impacted by our past, our present and deeply intertwined with our environments. I find importance in developing an understanding of your perspective, how you relate to others, internalize experiences, find solutions to problems and make meaning out of these ideas.
This may lead to conflict in our primary relationships, depression, anxiety, substance use, or just the sense that one's life could be more fulfilling.
I work with my clients experientially and relationally. I think of myself as a "trusted other" who creates a safe space for my clients to experience their feelings during the session. With couples, I work to discover the emotions underlying the relationship cycle, so each partner can understand the other's needs and express their own needs.
This may lead to conflict in our primary relationships, depression, anxiety, substance use, or just the sense that one's life could be more fulfilling.
I work with my clients experientially and relationally. I think of myself as a "trusted other" who creates a safe space for my clients to experience their feelings during the session. With couples, I work to discover the emotions underlying the relationship cycle, so each partner can understand the other's needs and express their own needs.
Life is short, I want my clients to enjoy the process regardless of what life throws at them. I help people move beyond difficulties such as trauma, painful relationships, substance abuse/other compulsions, excessive self-criticism, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and other common human struggles. My style is authentic and warm yet exceptionally direct. I'll help you learn to identify what's not working so you can create space for healing and skills that lead to high quality living. The ultimate goal is radical self-love/acceptance and freedom to live a meaningful and satisfying life.
Life is short, I want my clients to enjoy the process regardless of what life throws at them. I help people move beyond difficulties such as trauma, painful relationships, substance abuse/other compulsions, excessive self-criticism, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and other common human struggles. My style is authentic and warm yet exceptionally direct. I'll help you learn to identify what's not working so you can create space for healing and skills that lead to high quality living. The ultimate goal is radical self-love/acceptance and freedom to live a meaningful and satisfying life.
I completed my master's in nursing at Boston College while doing my specialized graduate training at the VA with a focus on PTSD and substance use.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
I completed my master's in nursing at Boston College while doing my specialized graduate training at the VA with a focus on PTSD and substance use.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I provide an authentic, caring and safe environment that allows for clients to access their own internal resources to do the all-important work of therapy. Evening and Saturday availability.
Thank you for taking a moment to view my profile. I provide an authentic, caring and safe environment that allows for clients to access their own internal resources to do the all-important work of therapy. Evening and Saturday availability.
I work closely with both couples and individuals. My individual clients range folks healing from anxiety, depression, grief or life transitions. I specialize in working with women, mothers, LGBTQ-2SI+ and BIPOC. I have always been fiercely passionate about helping others to amplify their strengths and manifest the lives they find most fulfilling. Nothing moves me more than to be a guide and a witness to human transformation. As we go through life's inevitable transitions, occasionally we encounter roadblocks or detours that can either stop us in our tracks or provide us with vital life lessons filled with wisdom and empowerment.
I work closely with both couples and individuals. My individual clients range folks healing from anxiety, depression, grief or life transitions. I specialize in working with women, mothers, LGBTQ-2SI+ and BIPOC. I have always been fiercely passionate about helping others to amplify their strengths and manifest the lives they find most fulfilling. Nothing moves me more than to be a guide and a witness to human transformation. As we go through life's inevitable transitions, occasionally we encounter roadblocks or detours that can either stop us in our tracks or provide us with vital life lessons filled with wisdom and empowerment.
These experiences can contribute to negative emotions and less effective ways of coping that no longer feel helpful, such as substance use or other addictive patterns.
My approach is client-centered, relational, and depth-oriented. I offer a compassionate space where we can explore what feels most important to you for your healing and transformation. I'm certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting, approaches we can integrate if they feel supportive to your process.
These experiences can contribute to negative emotions and less effective ways of coping that no longer feel helpful, such as substance use or other addictive patterns.
My approach is client-centered, relational, and depth-oriented. I offer a compassionate space where we can explore what feels most important to you for your healing and transformation. I'm certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting, approaches we can integrate if they feel supportive to your process.
Are you feeling stuck in repetitive patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from your true potential? Finding the right support can feel daunting, but you do not have to navigate this terrain alone. I offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can safely explore immediate challenges while actively stepping into the fullest, most authentic version of yourself.
Are you feeling stuck in repetitive patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from your true potential? Finding the right support can feel daunting, but you do not have to navigate this terrain alone. I offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can safely explore immediate challenges while actively stepping into the fullest, most authentic version of yourself.
You may feel stuck in constant overthinking, worry, or a sense that your mind won’t slow down—no matter how hard you try. On the outside, you’re functioning, but internally it can feel exhausting, like you’re always anticipating what could go wrong. You don’t just want temporary relief—you want to actually feel in control again. I help you do that by identifying the patterns driving your anxiety and giving you clear, practical steps to change them.
You may feel stuck in constant overthinking, worry, or a sense that your mind won’t slow down—no matter how hard you try. On the outside, you’re functioning, but internally it can feel exhausting, like you’re always anticipating what could go wrong. You don’t just want temporary relief—you want to actually feel in control again. I help you do that by identifying the patterns driving your anxiety and giving you clear, practical steps to change them.
Are you a man with problems at work, or your relationships? Do you want things to be different? Then you must do things differently. Usually we solve problems by our efforts, or with the support of friends and family. That is often best. Other times, professional guidance is required. If you want an experienced psychologist who is well informed, practical, compassionate, and collaborative, consider working with me. I am ready to help you help yourself. Just email to arrange a phone consultation without cost or obligation. Please note: I provide online therapy to California men only.
Are you a man with problems at work, or your relationships? Do you want things to be different? Then you must do things differently. Usually we solve problems by our efforts, or with the support of friends and family. That is often best. Other times, professional guidance is required. If you want an experienced psychologist who is well informed, practical, compassionate, and collaborative, consider working with me. I am ready to help you help yourself. Just email to arrange a phone consultation without cost or obligation. Please note: I provide online therapy to California men only.
I help people move through stuck patterns—overwhelm, self-criticism, relationship loops—so there’s more room for aliveness and choice. My approach is integrative and depth-oriented (relational, contemporary psychoanalytic, trauma-informed). Together we’ll slow down, notice what’s happening, and understand the meanings beneath symptoms so real change can take root.
I help people move through stuck patterns—overwhelm, self-criticism, relationship loops—so there’s more room for aliveness and choice. My approach is integrative and depth-oriented (relational, contemporary psychoanalytic, trauma-informed). Together we’ll slow down, notice what’s happening, and understand the meanings beneath symptoms so real change can take root.
Over the years, I have come to understand that many of our difficulties with work and/or relationships can be traced to some forms of disconnection internally and externally, sometime manifested as depression, anxiety, existential angst, eating disorder, or addiction. I view therapy as a continuous in-depth conversation with another person in order to mend past traumas, reconnect with self and others, and develop a new perspective on life. I will bring to this journey curiosity, compassion, knowledge, experiences, and a commitment to help you strive for a healthier and more balanced life.
Over the years, I have come to understand that many of our difficulties with work and/or relationships can be traced to some forms of disconnection internally and externally, sometime manifested as depression, anxiety, existential angst, eating disorder, or addiction. I view therapy as a continuous in-depth conversation with another person in order to mend past traumas, reconnect with self and others, and develop a new perspective on life. I will bring to this journey curiosity, compassion, knowledge, experiences, and a commitment to help you strive for a healthier and more balanced life.
With extensive experience in substance use treatment alongside advanced training in IFS, I work skillfully with your individual concerns with alcohol use while avoiding shame based or one size fits all approaches.
Are you a high performing man who is reaching a point where alcohol use feels conflicted and no longer in alignment? It is courageous to be here exploring this concern you have. I specialize in helping men who are successful, thoughtful, yet conflicted about their drinking find a more aligned path forward with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Drinking may still "work" socially or professionally, but internally something about it feels off. While you do not identify with labels such as addiction, you know your relationship with alcohol is costing you in areas such as clarity, connection and energy for work and fitness.
With extensive experience in substance use treatment alongside advanced training in IFS, I work skillfully with your individual concerns with alcohol use while avoiding shame based or one size fits all approaches.
Are you a high performing man who is reaching a point where alcohol use feels conflicted and no longer in alignment? It is courageous to be here exploring this concern you have. I specialize in helping men who are successful, thoughtful, yet conflicted about their drinking find a more aligned path forward with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Drinking may still "work" socially or professionally, but internally something about it feels off. While you do not identify with labels such as addiction, you know your relationship with alcohol is costing you in areas such as clarity, connection and energy for work and fitness.
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 Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 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.
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 Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 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.
Jessica Claire Lief
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLS, DSW
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use, trauma, self harm, Borderline Personality Disorder, prenatal and postpartum issues.
Please call me for a free telephone assessment. My work involves authentic client connection, honesty, and creative solutions to help you pursue autonomy and clarity. In my practice, I treat Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Atypical and mixed-diagnosis eating disorders.
I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use, trauma, self harm, Borderline Personality Disorder, prenatal and postpartum issues.
Please call me for a free telephone assessment. My work involves authentic client connection, honesty, and creative solutions to help you pursue autonomy and clarity. In my practice, I treat Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Atypical and mixed-diagnosis eating disorders.
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Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.