Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Clients can search for and locate a Nothern California psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist or social worker by using our "find a therapist" website at: https://gaylesta.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Clients can search for and locate a Nothern California psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist or social worker by using our "find a therapist" website at: https://gaylesta.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Melissa Foster, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Melissa Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. Services available for adults, couples, families and children. My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, parenting support, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. Services available for adults, couples, families and children. My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, parenting support, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR.
(415) 799-9445 View (415) 799-9445
Photo of Rachel M Cleveland, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rachel M Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
(650) 249-9418 View (650) 249-9418
Photo of Ivan Belyaev, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ivan Belyaev
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I have been registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) by the Board OF Behavioral Sciences in California; my Registration number is AMFT144021. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. MEd in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselling (PCC). Supervised by Anastasia Berezovskaya, Clinical Psychologist PsyD, PSY 25100
I have been registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) by the Board OF Behavioral Sciences in California; my Registration number is AMFT144021. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. MEd in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselling (PCC). Supervised by Anastasia Berezovskaya, Clinical Psychologist PsyD, PSY 25100
(415) 723-5655 View (415) 723-5655
Photo of James Milner, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
James Milner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
My name is James Milner. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area. I have extensive training and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe in helping people live better lives.
My name is James Milner. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area. I have extensive training and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe in helping people live better lives.
(415) 895-9505 View (415) 895-9505
Photo of Roberto Garcia II, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Roberto Garcia II
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. I have been providing mental health services for the past 6 years working with non-profit community mental health clinics, probation offices & court systems, middle school, high schools and now as a private practice clinician. Within these settings, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, parents, teenagers, children and families at many different phases of life and personal development.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. I have been providing mental health services for the past 6 years working with non-profit community mental health clinics, probation offices & court systems, middle school, high schools and now as a private practice clinician. Within these settings, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, parents, teenagers, children and families at many different phases of life and personal development.
(415) 914-1442 View (415) 914-1442
Photo of V'Anne Singleton, MFT - Therapist and Life Coach, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
V'Anne Singleton, MFT - Therapist and Life Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Areas of experience: Life Transitions (job changes, medical concerns, parenting, loss, life stages); Relationship Counseling (dating, pre-marital, marital, separation, divorce, conflicts with supervisor/colleagues); Mood Disorders; Substance Abuse; Recovery Barriers; Perennial Dieting; Binge Eating; and Body Image Issues.
I believe my principal role as a therapist is to create a safe place for people to find their unique paths to emotional well-being and meaningful relationships. Whether you are going through a life transition, feeling depressed or anxious, experiencing a relationship conflict, or struggling with an addiction, making a change is always easier when you have an experienced professional to guide you through it. I can be that guide. Invest the time and energy to improve your emotional health in the same way you strive to improve your physical health. Our emotions need exercise and our relationships need nurturing.
Areas of experience: Life Transitions (job changes, medical concerns, parenting, loss, life stages); Relationship Counseling (dating, pre-marital, marital, separation, divorce, conflicts with supervisor/colleagues); Mood Disorders; Substance Abuse; Recovery Barriers; Perennial Dieting; Binge Eating; and Body Image Issues.
I believe my principal role as a therapist is to create a safe place for people to find their unique paths to emotional well-being and meaningful relationships. Whether you are going through a life transition, feeling depressed or anxious, experiencing a relationship conflict, or struggling with an addiction, making a change is always easier when you have an experienced professional to guide you through it. I can be that guide. Invest the time and energy to improve your emotional health in the same way you strive to improve your physical health. Our emotions need exercise and our relationships need nurturing.
(415) 326-8940 View (415) 326-8940
Photo of Erik Paul Anton Deiters, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Erik Paul Anton Deiters
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Francisco and Sebastopol, California. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. I work with individuals and couples to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health issues, as well as substance use and within the LGBTQ+ community.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Francisco and Sebastopol, California. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. I work with individuals and couples to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health issues, as well as substance use and within the LGBTQ+ community.
(415) 366-3713 View (415) 366-3713
Photo of The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center provide as integrative approach to treatment offering Western talk therapy and Eastern complimentary recommendations including meditation, yoga, and qigong.
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center provide as integrative approach to treatment offering Western talk therapy and Eastern complimentary recommendations including meditation, yoga, and qigong.
(415) 689-9680 View (415) 689-9680
Photo of J Patrick Gannon, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
J Patrick Gannon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
As a clinical psychologist with training in the treatment of anxiety, depression, marital issues, family and parenting issues, I can help you achieve your goals using a variety of tools and strategies.
I think I work best with clients who are motivated to address specific issues in their lives that hold them back in some way. Having a goal and wanting more for themselves in their personal lives, and work lives, gives the therapy the direction and purpose that increases its effectiveness. People are complex and everyone deserves to be treated as unique individuals with their own set of needs, preferences and interpersonal styles. My job is to fit into their psychological world to understand how to help them best--an "informed collaboration" that is purposeful and intentional.
As a clinical psychologist with training in the treatment of anxiety, depression, marital issues, family and parenting issues, I can help you achieve your goals using a variety of tools and strategies.
I think I work best with clients who are motivated to address specific issues in their lives that hold them back in some way. Having a goal and wanting more for themselves in their personal lives, and work lives, gives the therapy the direction and purpose that increases its effectiveness. People are complex and everyone deserves to be treated as unique individuals with their own set of needs, preferences and interpersonal styles. My job is to fit into their psychological world to understand how to help them best--an "informed collaboration" that is purposeful and intentional.
(415) 341-9857 View (415) 341-9857
Photo of Alex Gallegos, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alex Gallegos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94132
Hello, my name is Alex Gallegos and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic. 101393) in California. I have been providing treatment for 14 years in mental health. I have provided therapy for adults, children, families, couples, and support groups. Some of the areas related to mental health that I have addressed are depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and parenting problems, and I work with fathers struggling to parent their children as a result of historical trauma.
Hello, my name is Alex Gallegos and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic. 101393) in California. I have been providing treatment for 14 years in mental health. I have provided therapy for adults, children, families, couples, and support groups. Some of the areas related to mental health that I have addressed are depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and parenting problems, and I work with fathers struggling to parent their children as a result of historical trauma.
(415) 849-7926 View (415) 849-7926
Photo of Bay Area Gestalt Institute, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
(415) 969-3361 View (415) 969-3361
Photo of Greg Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Greg Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Greg is a California Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at San Francisco Counseling Collective under his supervisor, Barton Shulman.
Greg’s philosophy in working with people is, “building a relationship between you and I is the first important step; compassion, kindness, and trust take time.” Greg collaborates with his clients to create a realistic and useful treatment plan to make their progress as effective as possible.
Greg is a California Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at San Francisco Counseling Collective under his supervisor, Barton Shulman.
Greg’s philosophy in working with people is, “building a relationship between you and I is the first important step; compassion, kindness, and trust take time.” Greg collaborates with his clients to create a realistic and useful treatment plan to make their progress as effective as possible.
View
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Andrea Shelley, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Andrea Shelley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Andrea Shelley is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, as well as dual diagnosis of mental health diagnoses with substance use disorder. Dr. Shelley utilizes an evidence-based, collaborative, interactive, culturally aware, and empathetic approach and focuses on the impact of the individual diagnosis and treatment on loved ones, family, relationships, and work.
Dr. Andrea Shelley is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, as well as dual diagnosis of mental health diagnoses with substance use disorder. Dr. Shelley utilizes an evidence-based, collaborative, interactive, culturally aware, and empathetic approach and focuses on the impact of the individual diagnosis and treatment on loved ones, family, relationships, and work.
(628) 250-3670 View (628) 250-3670
Photo of Natalie Spautz, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Natalie Spautz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
I specialize in marital and premarital couple therapy, ADHD and anxiety. If anxiety, focusing or planning things are affecting your relationship, I can help. As you struggle, you know something needs to change. You're tired of avoiding or obsessing about dealing with these issues. You notice it's affecting your mental health and want to find new ways to manage it. You know your mood and stress levels affect your mental health and all parts of life. With ADHD, supports are so key for balance. You've struggled long enough and ready to make changes to feel better about them. If this is you, I can help and welcome you to reach out.
I specialize in marital and premarital couple therapy, ADHD and anxiety. If anxiety, focusing or planning things are affecting your relationship, I can help. As you struggle, you know something needs to change. You're tired of avoiding or obsessing about dealing with these issues. You notice it's affecting your mental health and want to find new ways to manage it. You know your mood and stress levels affect your mental health and all parts of life. With ADHD, supports are so key for balance. You've struggled long enough and ready to make changes to feel better about them. If this is you, I can help and welcome you to reach out.
(628) 266-2245 View (628) 266-2245
Photo of Yu Hang 'ronald' Deng, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Yu Hang 'ronald' Deng
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
I received my B.A. degree in University of California, Davis, with a major in Psychology, and my M.A. degree from John F. Kennedy University in the Counseling Psychology program. My expertise includes mental health counseling, such as depressive/anxiety disorders, communication, family, intimacy and/or relationship issues for individuals, groups, couples, and families, drug addiction treatment, and gambling addiction. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strongly believe in human potential, and my goal is to help my clients to discover and utilize the tools they have already possessed!
I received my B.A. degree in University of California, Davis, with a major in Psychology, and my M.A. degree from John F. Kennedy University in the Counseling Psychology program. My expertise includes mental health counseling, such as depressive/anxiety disorders, communication, family, intimacy and/or relationship issues for individuals, groups, couples, and families, drug addiction treatment, and gambling addiction. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strongly believe in human potential, and my goal is to help my clients to discover and utilize the tools they have already possessed!
(415) 367-4238 View (415) 367-4238
Photo of Jeanna Eichenbaum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jeanna Eichenbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
(415) 799-4049 View (415) 799-4049
Photo of Fausto Poza, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Fausto Poza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My name is Fausto Poza, I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), and I work mostly with couples and individuals on a wide variety of issues, most commonly anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, grief, and anger. I generally describe my approach as person-centered, as the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for progress and healing. Through a client-centered approach, I'll work side by side with you, helping you navigate a path forward that you feel comfortable with.
My name is Fausto Poza, I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), and I work mostly with couples and individuals on a wide variety of issues, most commonly anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, grief, and anger. I generally describe my approach as person-centered, as the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for progress and healing. Through a client-centered approach, I'll work side by side with you, helping you navigate a path forward that you feel comfortable with.
(415) 650-0423 View (415) 650-0423
Photo of Karen Marie Forsthoff, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Karen Marie Forsthoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116  (Online Only)
Many people face a variety of clinical issues over their lifetime including marital and relational issues; parenting and divorce issues; family relational problems; chronic or acute traumas; life transitional issues; substance use; depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
Many people face a variety of clinical issues over their lifetime including marital and relational issues; parenting and divorce issues; family relational problems; chronic or acute traumas; life transitional issues; substance use; depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
(628) 257-8065 View (628) 257-8065

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.