Substance Use Therapists in San Francisco, CA
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, work stress or burnout, relationship challenges, grief, substance use, or major life transitions, I’m here to help.
I take an integrative, personalized approach to meet your unique needs. Using somatic practices, solution-focused strategies, and mindfulness, we’ll work together to regulate your nervous system, restore balance, and help you feel more grounded—whether you’re navigating stress, emotional challenges, or seeking growth.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, work stress or burnout, relationship challenges, grief, substance use, or major life transitions, I’m here to help.
I take an integrative, personalized approach to meet your unique needs. Using somatic practices, solution-focused strategies, and mindfulness, we’ll work together to regulate your nervous system, restore balance, and help you feel more grounded—whether you’re navigating stress, emotional challenges, or seeking growth.
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.
I specialize in treating adults struggling with substance use and addiction, as well parents whose children and partners of loved ones who are navigating addiction and recovery.
I support clients in understanding the root causes of substance use and develop healthier coping strategies. This includes working to set boundaries, heal relationships, and work through guilt or shame.
I support clients in who are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, or identity challenges during pregnancy or after childbirth.
I specialize in treating adults struggling with substance use and addiction, as well parents whose children and partners of loved ones who are navigating addiction and recovery.
I support clients in understanding the root causes of substance use and develop healthier coping strategies. This includes working to set boundaries, heal relationships, and work through guilt or shame.
I support clients in who are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, or identity challenges during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use/addiction, life transitions, personal/professional growth, and relationships/dating.
I am dedicated to helping people lead rich and satisfying lives by discovering habits that lead to personal growth, while overcoming obstacles in their way. I am privileged to witness clients' courage, vulnerability, and willingness to change.
Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use/addiction, life transitions, personal/professional growth, and relationships/dating.
I am dedicated to helping people lead rich and satisfying lives by discovering habits that lead to personal growth, while overcoming obstacles in their way. I am privileged to witness clients' courage, vulnerability, and willingness to change.
Specializing in working through substance use challenges and helping reclaim your life.
Couples and individuals experience challenges, and I aim to help you identify what those are, understand the nuances and develop techniques so your partnership can support each member. Together we can examine patterns of communication, individual needs and navigate difficult decisions, whilst using the therapeutic space as a microcosm for the real world.
Specializing in working through substance use challenges and helping reclaim your life.
Couples and individuals experience challenges, and I aim to help you identify what those are, understand the nuances and develop techniques so your partnership can support each member. Together we can examine patterns of communication, individual needs and navigate difficult decisions, whilst using the therapeutic space as a microcosm for the real world.
It has been my pleasure to give support to patients living with chronic pain and chronic health conditions or with substance use disorders who desire to increase their quality of life.
Since 2021 I have specialized in supporting patients living with chronic pain. Studies show that a combo of CBT and mind body therapies can be used to reduce the experience of pain and improve quality of life. I have found this to be very effective.
It has been my pleasure to give support to patients living with chronic pain and chronic health conditions or with substance use disorders who desire to increase their quality of life.
Since 2021 I have specialized in supporting patients living with chronic pain. Studies show that a combo of CBT and mind body therapies can be used to reduce the experience of pain and improve quality of life. I have found this to be very effective.
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.
I work with individuals who may be struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress management and substance use.
I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals navigating life transitions, grief, and emotional distress. I believe our social and cultural identities deeply influence how we experience the world and shape our understanding of ourselves. In our work together, we will explore the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that impact your life, with the goal of strengthening decision-making, enhancing self-worth, and improving relationships and overall quality of life.
I work with individuals who may be struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress management and substance use.
I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals navigating life transitions, grief, and emotional distress. I believe our social and cultural identities deeply influence how we experience the world and shape our understanding of ourselves. In our work together, we will explore the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that impact your life, with the goal of strengthening decision-making, enhancing self-worth, and improving relationships and overall quality of life.
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.
I have 15 years of experience providing the following modalities: EMDR Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Individual Therapy, Group Therapies and Family Therapy. My approach is warm, focused and affirming. You will always know what we are working on in therapy with me. We'll work hard together to reach your goals and stay focused on the objectives.
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.
I have 15 years of experience providing the following modalities: EMDR Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Individual Therapy, Group Therapies and Family Therapy. My approach is warm, focused and affirming. You will always know what we are working on in therapy with me. We'll work hard together to reach your goals and stay focused on the objectives.
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.
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, 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 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, 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.
You Rule Therapy | sex, drugs + therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Would you like to explore substance use in a non-dogmatic, non-judgmental way?
Cynthia and the team of YRT Associates at specialize in substance use harm reduction, sex therapy, and treating compulsive/"out of control" sexual behavior. We enthusiastically welcome clients across gender and sexuality spectrums, as well as those who engage in consensual sexual behaviors including, but not limited to, kink and polyamory.
Would you like to explore substance use in a non-dogmatic, non-judgmental way?
Cynthia and the team of YRT Associates at specialize in substance use harm reduction, sex therapy, and treating compulsive/"out of control" sexual behavior. We enthusiastically welcome clients across gender and sexuality spectrums, as well as those who engage in consensual sexual behaviors including, but not limited to, kink and polyamory.
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.
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 specialize in substance use, anxiety, women's issues, and couples therapy.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
I specialize in substance use, anxiety, women's issues, and couples therapy.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Mental Health and Substance use Therapy for Queer, Trans / Gender Expansive, Poly, Kinky, HIV+, Bodies at all Sizes and Abilities.
I generally work with adults and elders in the LGBTQIA2+, poly, kinky, and substance using communities. The Queer and Gender Expansive community is full of folx as unique as the stars. I work with each person to find out who they are, what identities are important to them, and understand their unique lived experience and goals.
Mental Health and Substance use Therapy for Queer, Trans / Gender Expansive, Poly, Kinky, HIV+, Bodies at all Sizes and Abilities.
I generally work with adults and elders in the LGBTQIA2+, poly, kinky, and substance using communities. The Queer and Gender Expansive community is full of folx as unique as the stars. I work with each person to find out who they are, what identities are important to them, and understand their unique lived experience and goals.
Currently, I work with adults in substance use recovery, leading group therapy to provide psychoeducation on relapse prevention.
Specialties are trauma-focused therapy, DBT, women, and teens. I love to meet clients where they are. I am very adaptable and curious. I love to learn new modalities and collaborate with my clients to discover which will work best for you.
Currently, I work with adults in substance use recovery, leading group therapy to provide psychoeducation on relapse prevention.
Specialties are trauma-focused therapy, DBT, women, and teens. I love to meet clients where they are. I am very adaptable and curious. I love to learn new modalities and collaborate with my clients to discover which will work best for you.
Are you experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love?
I use brainspotting, a technique developed out of EMDR, to help clients process trauma, difficult issues/symptoms and to get unstuck. I also use Gestalt, Somatic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and, in terms of substance use, Abstinence Recovery support (12-Step, etc.) as well as Harm Reduction approach.
Are you experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love?
I use brainspotting, a technique developed out of EMDR, to help clients process trauma, difficult issues/symptoms and to get unstuck. I also use Gestalt, Somatic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and, in terms of substance use, Abstinence Recovery support (12-Step, etc.) as well as Harm Reduction approach.
I specialize in sex therapy, trauma and PTSD, harm reduction and substance use, and helping clients cope with loss, shame, identity, or major life changes.
I tailor my approach to meet you exactly where you are using methods such as narrative therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. Sessions are rooted in compassion and collaboration. Whether we're unpacking the weight of past trauma, exploring intimacy and communication, or finding new ways to deal with pain, my goal is to walk with you with care and curiosity.
I specialize in sex therapy, trauma and PTSD, harm reduction and substance use, and helping clients cope with loss, shame, identity, or major life changes.
I tailor my approach to meet you exactly where you are using methods such as narrative therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. Sessions are rooted in compassion and collaboration. Whether we're unpacking the weight of past trauma, exploring intimacy and communication, or finding new ways to deal with pain, my goal is to walk with you with care and curiosity.
I have experience working with diverse populations in both residential and community settings and can work with you through life transitions, managing anxiety and burnout, addressing substance use concerns for yourself or a loved one, working through codependency or other relationship challenges, or anything else you may want to explore.
My approach is both grounded and holistic. I like to understand you as a whole person and how your background and experiences have led to this point. I have a flexible and collaborative approach with the intention of helping you feel empowered and ready to take steps toward a more fulfilling life. I integrate therapeutic techniques from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy - sharing practical skills and resources to help you along the way.
I have experience working with diverse populations in both residential and community settings and can work with you through life transitions, managing anxiety and burnout, addressing substance use concerns for yourself or a loved one, working through codependency or other relationship challenges, or anything else you may want to explore.
My approach is both grounded and holistic. I like to understand you as a whole person and how your background and experiences have led to this point. I have a flexible and collaborative approach with the intention of helping you feel empowered and ready to take steps toward a more fulfilling life. I integrate therapeutic techniques from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy - sharing practical skills and resources to help you along the way.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
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.