When it comes to finding a therapist, San Francisco, CA has more options than many other more rural areas, but independent practice practitioners in your PPO plan may not be what you need. And using out of network benefits on a licensed psychologist not in your network can get expensive in the city. That’s where online therapy with an online platform like BetterHelp can help. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 licensed professionals that provide online psychotherapy comparable to what you can get with in-person sessions. 

Online psychotherapy with BetterHelp can target any number of mental health challenges like unresolved trauma, social anxiety, stress management, and improving emotional intelligence. In addition, therapists are trained in a variety of specialties such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. To get started, you’ll fill out an online questionnaire that will match you with a licensed therapist that meets your wants and needs. If you don’t feel that you have a good rapport with your therapist, you can switch until you find your perfect match at no additional cost. 

With online therapy it can be easier to take that first step of seeking the help you need, whether you want to find treatment for a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, or have been meaning to work on self-actualization. If you are looking for any type of talk therapy in the San Francisco area, the licensed professional therapists at BetterHelp can get you started on your journey to better mental health and well-being.

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Courtney Cope

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

Hello there! I am so glad you are here. My name is Courtney and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been working in the mental health field since 2010. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing difficulty with life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief/loss, professional and career challenges, partner/relationship stress, life crises, adjustment issues, and a variety of other challenges. My clinical approach is person-centered and humanistic in nature. When we begin our work together my goal is to help you feel as comfortable, safe, and know that what you share with me is valued and held in confidence. I also highly draw upon Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, Bowenian Family Systems, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and the work of Carl Rogers as a foundation for the work I do with clients. My goal is provide you with a therapeutic experience that allows you to feel relief and shifts sooner rather than later and to give you a sense of confidence moving forward in both yourself and the therapeutic process. As my client, you can expect to be treated with respect, care, compassion, and have someone walking beside you who will support you in becoming the best version of yourself that feels right, true, and honest to you. On a personal note, I have been on both sides of the therapeutic exchange as both a therapist and as a client over the previous 22 years. As a therapist, I draw on my experience from sitting in the client seat to infuse experiences and qualities I valued as a client into my sessions with my own clientele now as the therapist: compassion, confidentiality, non-judgmental conversation, unconditional positive regard, helpful insight, mirroring and reflecting values and priorities back to client to enhance their personal life clarity, and providing a safe and welcome space where clients always feel cozy and at ease. In my experience, having someone you can be totally open and honest with to help process and sort through all the thoughts, feelings, and information you have inside your head, heart, and body can begin to make a huge difference in how you feel. And I am honored to fulfill that sacred role in the lives of my clients. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know more about what is going on in your life right now, and beginning to help you feel better through our time together. For your reference, my online office hours are Monday-Saturday. Sunday is my personal day and I am not available for messaging or sessions that day. Any messages I receive after Saturday evening will be responded to by Monday at noon.

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Gary Santorella

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
27 years of experience

My training is in brief cognitive-behavioral therapy. This means that we will deal in the here and now. When we discuss family history, it will be in the context of understanding how over-learned behaviors are influencing you current situation, then develop new ways (behaviors and thinking) to deal with the challenges you are facing. I work best with clients who have a specific goals that they are trying to achieve. That doesn't mean that we can't spend some time figuring this out. But once we do, we will come up with a jointly derived game plan and measures to determine if we've gotten there. Besides being a therapist, I'm a Lean implementation specialist, have been an executive coach for 25 years, and have extensive experience helping people improve their leadership/people skills and working through difficult workplace issues. I have also treated victims of trauma and have a great deal of experience working with PTSD. I co-authored a paper titled: Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers to HIV: Stress Reactions and Counseling Interventions which appeared in the journal Social Work in Healthcare. I have also authored a professional book titled Lean Culture for the Construction Industry: Building Committed and Responsible Teams published by Taylor & Francis.

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Hiroko Makiyama

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Brandy Walker

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,LMSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

I am an LCSW in the state of California and Georgia. I have been in the field for over 15 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of clients such as: LGBTQ, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, physical trauma, emotional abuse, relationship problems, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, parenting problems, anger management and the like. Life is an individual journey with many different experiences. Sometimes those experiences can lead to turmoil, tragedy, trauma and pain. The pain can feel debilitating as if moving on is merely impossible. However, I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life’s problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change. Those changes can transform an individual’s life. Thus, the road to therapy begins with one single step. If you are willing to take the first step, the journey of healing and transformation can begin. By understanding your mindset, increasing self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness, you can have significant benefits on your overall well-being. My job is to provide you with tools that you need to rebuild your life and sense of self. If you are willing to do the work, the benefits and possibilities are endless. Investing in therapy can be a rewarding experience, and it can be the key to a more fulfilling life. I am here for you every step of the way as you blossom from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, meditating and praying. I am eager to help you begin your journey of self-discovery.

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Dr. Scott Huckaby

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Maureen O'Shea

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am a licensed California psychologist with more than 30 years of professional experience. I work to help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I attempt to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Priscilla Lane

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Galina Storozhenko's avatar and link to their profile

Galina Storozhenko

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Nydia Collins

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

Hi there! Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step in seeking support in this journey we call life. My name is Nydia (its basically Lydia just with an N) I am a licensed clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been in this field for over 20 years. Areas I can help support you in are as follows: stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. Some modalities in my therapy toolbelt are MI, CBT, DBT, and I am currently working towards certification in EMDR. I do not wish to overwhelm you with this information if you do not know what form of therapy you want but know there are options and there is no one size fits all. The beauty is that I can always tailor my skill set to your needs. I am very passionate about helping others, its a privilege to support and work alongside someone so they can be the best version of themselves. I respect all, am accountable and transparent. I am grateful for the opportunity to help others. If you have questions or are interested in booking with me please refer to my information by clicking my name on this page. I wish you nothing but the best in this process.

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Emily Gomez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in San Francisco

Finding the best therapist close by in San Francisco can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Francisco. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Francisco, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in San Francisco or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater San Francisco area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of San Francisco, elsewhere in San Francisco, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Francisco area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Francisco therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Francisco due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in San Francisco may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Francisco, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Francisco above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Francisco helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified San Francisco therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a San Francisco therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A San Francisco therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 94147 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Francisco counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Francisco licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Francisco, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

San Francisco has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Francisco.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Francisco:

94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94137, 94139, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94143, 94144, 94145, 94146, 94147, 94151, 94158, 94159, 94160, 94161, 94163, 94164, 94172, 94177, 94188

Popular cities near San Francisco, CA

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