Christian Therapists in South San Francisco, CA
Is your child struggling just to make it through a typical day at school? Does he/she have difficulty focusing in class, finishing assignments and establishing friendships with peers? I can help your child be successful by teaching him/her positive coping skills through the use of play therapy, role play, etc.
Is your child struggling just to make it through a typical day at school? Does he/she have difficulty focusing in class, finishing assignments and establishing friendships with peers? I can help your child be successful by teaching him/her positive coping skills through the use of play therapy, role play, etc.
Thank you for making the decision to be here. You are taking an important step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your life. I am here to truly listen to your story in a safe and non-judgmental environment. My ideal client is someone who feels stuck in overwhelming emotions like anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship stress, or cultural adjustment challenges. They seek relief, self-understanding, healthier relationships, and hope. Deep down, they believe life can be different, and together, we will work toward healing, empowerment, and lasting change.
Thank you for making the decision to be here. You are taking an important step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your life. I am here to truly listen to your story in a safe and non-judgmental environment. My ideal client is someone who feels stuck in overwhelming emotions like anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship stress, or cultural adjustment challenges. They seek relief, self-understanding, healthier relationships, and hope. Deep down, they believe life can be different, and together, we will work toward healing, empowerment, and lasting change.
I am in-network with Medicare, Aetna, Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (Optum). I also welcome EAP referrals. I have 13 years of psychotherapy experience and currently accepting new clients:
Life is a journey that can be difficult to navigate at times. The journey can feel like a safe and familiar path; other times, it can feel like a series of obstacle courses designed to test your will and endurance. Circumstances in life can take you out of your "normal" and cause you to feel anxious, uneasy, and scared. Yet it is during these times that the greatest potential for growth and change tend to occur.
I am in-network with Medicare, Aetna, Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (Optum). I also welcome EAP referrals. I have 13 years of psychotherapy experience and currently accepting new clients:
Life is a journey that can be difficult to navigate at times. The journey can feel like a safe and familiar path; other times, it can feel like a series of obstacle courses designed to test your will and endurance. Circumstances in life can take you out of your "normal" and cause you to feel anxious, uneasy, and scared. Yet it is during these times that the greatest potential for growth and change tend to occur.
I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Christian Counseling, with training in schools, hospitals, and clinics that serve diverse and faith-based communities.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure how to support your child through a tough time? Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, school struggles, or your own mental health, you don’t have to go through it alone. I provide a warm and collaborative space to support children, teens, and families — with a special focus on neurodiverse children, anxiety, and trauma. I also work closely with monolingual Spanish-speaking families to ensure care is accessible, respectful, and empowering.
I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Christian Counseling, with training in schools, hospitals, and clinics that serve diverse and faith-based communities.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure how to support your child through a tough time? Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, school struggles, or your own mental health, you don’t have to go through it alone. I provide a warm and collaborative space to support children, teens, and families — with a special focus on neurodiverse children, anxiety, and trauma. I also work closely with monolingual Spanish-speaking families to ensure care is accessible, respectful, and empowering.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and trauma, particularly those stemming from domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Many of my clients are neurodivergent and seek a space where they feel understood and supported. If my clients feel overwhelmed or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, we work together to find tools to begin healing. My practice is affirming and inclusive of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent individuals, offering a safe space to explore identity, resilience, and growth.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and trauma, particularly those stemming from domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Many of my clients are neurodivergent and seek a space where they feel understood and supported. If my clients feel overwhelmed or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, we work together to find tools to begin healing. My practice is affirming and inclusive of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent individuals, offering a safe space to explore identity, resilience, and growth.
Life can be challenging. Messy relationships, past hurts that won't go away, the stress and pressures of keeping up every day. ...And so often in our struggle, we can feel alone and unseen. Wherever you're at today, it is my honor to meet you there and to walk with you toward healing and wholeness. My name is Holly Stangle, and I'm a licensed therapist in CA and WA, passionate about creating a safe place where people can be honest, be seen, and find healing and growth. I accept several insurance plans in CA and WA. In-person sessions now available in San Diego, CA!
Life can be challenging. Messy relationships, past hurts that won't go away, the stress and pressures of keeping up every day. ...And so often in our struggle, we can feel alone and unseen. Wherever you're at today, it is my honor to meet you there and to walk with you toward healing and wholeness. My name is Holly Stangle, and I'm a licensed therapist in CA and WA, passionate about creating a safe place where people can be honest, be seen, and find healing and growth. I accept several insurance plans in CA and WA. In-person sessions now available in San Diego, CA!
I specialize in attachment trauma, anxiety and social anxiety, relationship issues, and betrayal and infidelity recovery, taking a client-centered approach. Do you replay conversations in your head or feel like you disappear and struggle to take up space in relationships? Maybe you notice the same argument or patterns when trying to connect with others. You want connection, but something happens and you pull back, shut down, or feel anxious. Responses are often shaped by early experiences, especially if closeness once felt uncertain or unsafe. Some become anxious and seek reassurance, others withdraw, and many move between both.
I specialize in attachment trauma, anxiety and social anxiety, relationship issues, and betrayal and infidelity recovery, taking a client-centered approach. Do you replay conversations in your head or feel like you disappear and struggle to take up space in relationships? Maybe you notice the same argument or patterns when trying to connect with others. You want connection, but something happens and you pull back, shut down, or feel anxious. Responses are often shaped by early experiences, especially if closeness once felt uncertain or unsafe. Some become anxious and seek reassurance, others withdraw, and many move between both.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License No. 101589), with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. By fostering resilience and promoting positive change, I support clients in improving their mental health and achieving a greater sense of balance and fulfillment.” My therapeutic approach is flexible and integrative, incorporating client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. I encourage self-reflection and personal growth, empowering clients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License No. 101589), with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. By fostering resilience and promoting positive change, I support clients in improving their mental health and achieving a greater sense of balance and fulfillment.” My therapeutic approach is flexible and integrative, incorporating client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. I encourage self-reflection and personal growth, empowering clients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Josephine Nowell, LMFT. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I’m dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. My therapeutic approach combines compassion with evidence-based practices, creating a supportive environment to allow clients to feel safe while exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in a collaborative process with each of my clients that empowers each person to find healing, resilience, and personal growth.
Josephine Nowell, LMFT. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I’m dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. My therapeutic approach combines compassion with evidence-based practices, creating a supportive environment to allow clients to feel safe while exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in a collaborative process with each of my clients that empowers each person to find healing, resilience, and personal growth.
My journey through these struggles has shaped my purpose: to help others find their path to healing. I truly believe that transformation is possible. Whether it's through working with me or someone else, I genuinely hope you find the support you need. It CAN happen. For the past 12 years, I’ve worked with children and especially teens. My focus is on helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. This is more than a profession for me- it's a calling rooted in deep compassion.
My journey through these struggles has shaped my purpose: to help others find their path to healing. I truly believe that transformation is possible. Whether it's through working with me or someone else, I genuinely hope you find the support you need. It CAN happen. For the past 12 years, I’ve worked with children and especially teens. My focus is on helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. This is more than a profession for me- it's a calling rooted in deep compassion.
I am a first-generation Mexican-American bilingual clinician with a love for culture and food. I enjoy working with families, youth, and adults navigating through life challenges that include grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, generational relational trauma, and life stress.
I am a first-generation Mexican-American bilingual clinician with a love for culture and food. I enjoy working with families, youth, and adults navigating through life challenges that include grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, generational relational trauma, and life stress.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Dr. McKinstry: I'm a pre-licensed psychologist. Working passionately in the field of mental health since 2004. Beginning as an intake counselor at the original Hollywood Wilshire YMCA. I completed my doctorate coursework in 2009. And have held my doctorate since 2015.
Dr. McKinstry: I'm a pre-licensed psychologist. Working passionately in the field of mental health since 2004. Beginning as an intake counselor at the original Hollywood Wilshire YMCA. I completed my doctorate coursework in 2009. And have held my doctorate since 2015.
Hello, my name is DaMona and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I use a variety of approaches, tailored to the needs and preferences of my clients.
Hello, my name is DaMona and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I use a variety of approaches, tailored to the needs and preferences of my clients.
Hello, my name is Keila Mendez, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage Family Therapist with over four years of experience. I have a diverse professional background specializing in crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. My therapeutic approach is to provide a non-judgmental, interactive safe space, where you can reach your treatment goals. My therapeutic approaches include use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapist
Hello, my name is Keila Mendez, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage Family Therapist with over four years of experience. I have a diverse professional background specializing in crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. My therapeutic approach is to provide a non-judgmental, interactive safe space, where you can reach your treatment goals. My therapeutic approaches include use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapist
My name is Genie Lee, LMFT and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and children. My focus currently is on adults individually and in couples therapy. My approach is that each of us has the strength inside to solve whatever problems we face and I am here to help you figure it all out. I mostly work with individual adults or couples who have issues that interfere with their relationships, work, and life.
My name is Genie Lee, LMFT and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and children. My focus currently is on adults individually and in couples therapy. My approach is that each of us has the strength inside to solve whatever problems we face and I am here to help you figure it all out. I mostly work with individual adults or couples who have issues that interfere with their relationships, work, and life.
I'm Henry Venter, a licensed psychologist (CA Psychologist PSY18428) with over 25 years of experience. My approach to therapy is practical and focused on empowering clients to achieve their desired life. My clients span various age groups, from young adults to older individuals, who come seeking help with challenges that hinder their desired quality of life. I am most effective with clients who actively engage in therapy, willingly process information between sessions, and complete assigned tasks.
I'm Henry Venter, a licensed psychologist (CA Psychologist PSY18428) with over 25 years of experience. My approach to therapy is practical and focused on empowering clients to achieve their desired life. My clients span various age groups, from young adults to older individuals, who come seeking help with challenges that hinder their desired quality of life. I am most effective with clients who actively engage in therapy, willingly process information between sessions, and complete assigned tasks.
Dr. Oscar F. Cervantes is a bicultural, Spanish/English bilingual clinical psychologist with a Masters in Sciences in Clinical Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with over 34 years of academic and clinical experience. He has privileges in some of the most prestigious hospitals in the Bay Area. Dr. Cervantes specializes in cross-cultural psychology, mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral medicine. In addition to his private practice, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Oscar F. Cervantes is a bicultural, Spanish/English bilingual clinical psychologist with a Masters in Sciences in Clinical Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with over 34 years of academic and clinical experience. He has privileges in some of the most prestigious hospitals in the Bay Area. Dr. Cervantes specializes in cross-cultural psychology, mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral medicine. In addition to his private practice, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School Department of Internal Medicine.
More Therapists Nearby
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 14 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is licensed in 25 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
See more therapy options for South San Francisco
Nearby Christian Therapists Searches for South San Francisco
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Foster City
- Millbrae
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- San Bruno
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
Christian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.
Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?
Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.
How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?
Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.
Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?
While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.