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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Dr. Daryl Temkin

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D., MA, MFC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
33 years of experience

I have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 30 years with a wide range of counseling experiences. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Existential Philosophy from the University of California, USC, in 1989. My dissertation is housed at the USC Doheny Library and is available online. My Master's Degree was earned at Loyola Marymount in Counseling Psychology and Education. At the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA, is where I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Near Eastern Studies. Upon being licensed in 1987, I entered private practice in counseling psychology. For three years, I was a Ph.D. Psychology Intern at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. There I worked with medical traumas, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cancer patients and their families, chronic illness, loss of identity, loss of limb, emotional and physical and sexual abuse, sexual orientation and transgender issues, anxieties, stress, panic disorders and depression. Besides the above categories, I also focus on marital relations, relationship counseling, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, infidelity, infertility, workplace and business psychology, relationship development, self-development, personal issues, separations and divorce, parenting, adolescent issues, grief and loss issues as well as dating and co-habitation issues. My training and philosophy is focused on existential-humanistic and client-centered psychology. I specialize in listening and discovering what is needed and desired by the client and then doing my utmost to help the client get what they need and want. Where applicable, I help clients see more options to their own behaviors and choices as well as to discover deeper ways to understand their relationship challenges. I strive to help clients consider, evaluated, and experience alternative life and communication choices to potentially replace previous harmful choices. I greatly enjoy helping a client discover new personal strengths that can overcome and overpower previous challenges and that were mainly seen as impossible. My goal is to successfully help clients experience and achieve healthy skills that ideally lead towards personal insights and emotional growth, a deeper grasp of realistic happiness, and an opportunity to mature into a stronger sense of life empowerment. In addition, where applicable, my ideal is to nurture hope and perhaps to rebuild hope where hope has been neglected, forgotten, abused, or destroyed.

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Ashton Hasson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,Lactation Educator,Doula
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Southern California. I'm a woman of color and mother of three. One of my specialties is maternal mental health as i work with mom's as a Doula pre-birth and after birth . As a therapist I can help a new mom adjust to parenting and possibly manage concerns related to postpartum depression or to her mentaI health concerns that she may be experiencing as it relates to her new role. I have extensive experience working with Trauma and issues that follow such as PTSD, anxiety, depression etc. My job is to support you in making the best decisions for you. You are the master of your life and know yourself much better then I do. I ask that you allow me to be your guide on your journey of self-discovery following this new adjustment in your life. I am not the expert on your life, you are! Hopefully, I can help you look at things from a vantage point you may not have previously been looking. We will discuss your current symptoms and/or issues you are currently experiencing, possible solutions and barriers to utilizing some of the solutions we come up with. We will determine a Treatment plan together and you will decide what a successful completion of treatment will look like. I am available should you decide to go on this journey with me to tackle some of the difficulties you are now experiencing.

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Autumn Jones

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help! Making the decision to explore your vulnerabilities with a mental health professional can be difficult. I applaud you for stepping out of your comfort zone and into change and rediscovery. My name is Autumn Jones and I believe that building trust by creating a clinical space free from judgment has allowed me to also create a professional connection and rapport. Some of my most important work has been helping people adjust to change while working through both physical and mental challenges resulting from depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self-image, adjusting to illness and stress. Although I am skilled at using various treatment modalities such as strengths-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness, I maintain flexibility depending on your needs and preferences. This approach enables me to follow your lead to help you meet your desired goals and expectations. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan, California and Florida. I earned a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Social Work. I have committed to a life of discovery and growth, which provided me with the opportunity to travel the world while meeting people with unique cultural differences and traditions. Over the past 13 years, much of what I have learned personally and professionally has been incorporated into my work. I look forward to working with you as you seek clarity and embrace growth. Please feel free to contact me anytime through Better Help. I usually check messages twice each day of the week. I offer messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions with availability during evenings and weekends.

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Lauren Passoff

Offering therapy in CA
License: BS, MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 14 years. I have an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, parenting problems, career challenges, family separation, learning disabilities, and general issues related to adjustment/ and attachment, and general issues related to self-esteem . My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psycho-dynamic, trauma informed care guided by evidenced based practices. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. We will formulate goals together. I enjoy working with people on their thought process, actions/reactions, and how it relates to their life experiences. We can access how this helps or hinders your daily life. I believe that most people have experienced events in their lifetime, that when left ignored, directly impact our lives in the present. It is my goal to help you identify these events, and help my clients move through them. I formulate collaborative goals with each individual, couple, and family I work with, to identify pathways for working through issues from the past that hold us back from being our best selves. We will work to re-write a narrative that will allow you to heal, and live a life of fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction!! I believe that each person has unique impressions and experiences, and so my treatment is tailored to their individual needs. I have a client-centered approach and firmly believe that clients are the change-makers and have the power to guide their own recovery. It is my goal to provide an empathic and engaging style throughout treatment while providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space. I am trained to work with all ages and especially enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I am sensitive to multicultural issues and welcome working and learning from people from a variety of backgrounds. I hope to work with you in exploring your emotions, concerns, and trauma/significant events to help you find some relief and develop long-term solutions that bring positive results. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Steven Frank

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I am experienced in helping clients with depression and anxiety, as well as stress issues. Over the last few years I’ve been treating survivors of trauma and abuse. Having working in the California State Hospital system as a psychiatric technician, I have been part of a hospital treatment team in working with those with bipolar disorder (those stable on their medication). I enjoy working with couples to repair communication and trust, whether to reconcile differences or to improve communication after separation or divorce. I appreciate and respect anyone deciding to seek positive change in their life. Taking the first steps in committing to treatment takes a whole lot of dedication and courage. I want to know what you want from therapy, what made you take those first steps in scheduling an appointment. I want to understand what you need to improve, not to add to conflict and personal pain. I look forward to your call.

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Lindsay Parkinson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have a unique experience in a variety of settings; day & residential programs, hospital & crisis settings, as well as private practice. I’ve volunteered in several Countries, offering art & talk therapy individually, in groups, and gained a healthy perspective about culture, gender dynamics, sexual orientation, and non binary identities. I believe that everyone should have reliable, affordable & effective care. Care being the main objective, we all deserve the right to non-biased, non-judgmental service. You want to know you’re being understood and are treated with compassion, especially in times of challenge & distress. I’ve helped my clients with depression and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & major life transitions. 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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Gina Gonzalezreyna

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hello! My name is Gina Gonzalezreyna, a doctoral candidate with a California MFT license and over 20 years of professional experience. With a kind and steady hand, I utilize interventions that are engaging, meaningful, and sometimes even humorous. My focus is to increase my clients' sense of self-awareness, inner-wisdom, and well-being. Whether in English or/ and Spanish, I can help you deal with issues related to relationships, parenting, motivation, self-esteem/ confidence, grief & loss, depression, and Autism. I believe that you are the expert in your story and that, even if you don't know it yet, you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what seems currently challenging . Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, I am here to support your efforts in this wonderful process of personal discovery. To this purpose, keeping a weekly standing appointment is important, whether on live chat, phone call, or video session. I keep to the times on my schedule and please allow 24hours for text and other replies. In case of emergency please dial 988. As per Better Help’s contract, this platform is not for extreme cases in mental health or where your safety or that of others’ may be at stake. I look forward to meeting you and starting this adventure leading to emotional growth and stability.

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Margaret Calvert

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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This is Sally Dunn's avatar and link to their profile

Sally Dunn

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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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Elysse Endter

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
3 years of experience

I'm so glad you're here. My clients describe me as someone who will support you in those difficult moments with sincere empathy and compassion. I am a therapist who focuses on hope and acceptance. My style is integrative and collaborative. I focus on attachment and family dynamics to provide understanding and make connections. Together, we will identify and make progress toward your goals. Whether you are navigating feelings of shame around sex, untangling the complicated web of grief, or putting the pieces back together after a traumatic event, the space is there. My experience working with survivors of complex trauma has greatly informed my practice, and I deeply believe in every person’s ability to heal. I am most passionate about issues related to trauma, grief, intimacy, and sex/relationships, but am comfortable working with a wide range of clients. I am ready to partner with you to create the changes you desire. If my profile connects with you, please feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation. I am available to see anyone in California via online therapy. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" and every person has a unique story. It would be an honor to hear to yours.

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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 94126 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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