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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Starr Lee

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, my name is Starr Lee, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have nine years of experience as a clinical therapist, working with individuals and families from diverse communities. I worked with a wide range of clients struggling with PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I provide person-centered therapy with the focus of self-awareness and self-acceptance to encourage growth. My therapeutic stance is to encourage self-exploration of thoughts and feelings, looking at every aspect of a person’s life to identify strengths and build resiliency. Therapy is focus on you and exploring the use of your skills and abilities to develop small changes that will lead to bigger changes. I have training in a range of modalities including art therapy, parenting skills, grief counseling, solution-focused, strength-based model, family therapy, existential therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing an individual as a whole person. My goal is to build a meaningful relationship with you through unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness on your path to regain health, wholeness and wellness. I am looking forward to getting to know you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

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Denae Leigon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 30 years experience. I worked for 19 years as a therapist and supervisor at a county Children's Mental Health Department. While there I had the opportunity to lead parenting classes, lead support groups, and work with clients to improve communication and stability. The couples and families presented with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, adoption issues, attachment issues, abuse and trauma, and ADHD. In addition, I was the therapist for Juvenile Hall. My counseling style is compassionate and open. I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach that is client driven. I know it takes courage to be vulnerable and I strive to provide a safe and trusting connection in order to benefit my client. The road to growth can be challenging and exciting, but it can lead to the life you have envisioned. I am here to support you on that path.

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Rachel Konecki

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there, and welcome! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have 10 years experience in counseling individuals, families, couples, and facilitating group therapy. My experience covers a variety of issues including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, issues of aging and older adulthood, and I have helped many people struggling with acute mental illness. I approach each of my clients with sincere curiosity about their life experiences and I have compassion and respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable in seeking help and personal growth. Building a relationship of trust is important to me and I believe it’s crucial to my clients’ progress. While I tailor my methods to the needs of each unique client, I draw from my experience and training in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution-focused therapies. Taking that first step toward personal growth, improving relationships, and seeking help can be difficult but so rewarding. I would be honored to walk along side you and help in your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Bethany Minick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

Please read before reading below: Please message me first before booking a time slot so that you and I can determine the next best step. Thanks! Hi, and thanks for visiting! My name is Bethany and I am glad to meet you! I was raised in a very eclectic city, thus I have an appreciation for culture, arts, music and outdoor activities! Did I mention I really love food and cooking? I do! I can be described as easy-going, understanding, down to earth and goal-oriented. I find myself constantly thinking about current goals, new goals and old goals. Don’t worry-I also know what it’s like to be kind to yourself when energy isn’t exactly matching goals. We all need a break sometimes! Sometimes we need a break from work, others or even ourselves. My goal is to help you find your path on your journey and help find what uniquely works for you! I have experience working with disadvantaged youth, couples, families, individuals with disabilities, support systems, advocacy, group homes and day programs and helping individuals manage psychiatric symptoms through collaborative efforts. I am able to work with: Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Feelings of loneliness Grief Trauma Personal processing Interpersonal processing Individuals in caregiving positions Couples and Families My approach to therapy is Person-Centered. I practice Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals. I follow Emotion-Focused Therapy and Gottman Theory for couples. I also have a niche for helping find alternative life strategies and helping to structure healthy routines. I am ready to hear your story and join with you on your personal process! *Note: Option for messaging only: If you are interested in having “live messaging only” therapy as an option, I am open to that and we can discuss what that would look like. *Note: You may send messages in between sessions. I check my mail 1-2 times daily and will respond to your message by 6 PM Monday-Friday. *Note: When it is time to schedule and depending on what time you select, I may also ask you to readjust that time up to 15 minutes if I have a client before or after you. This may be done to ensure that you get the proper time that you deserve. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. Information shared with my counselor is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information.

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Monica Englander

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I'm an LCSW with 20 years experience in counseling individuals, couples, families and groups. I specialize in issues of Self Esteem, and healing our own sense of being able to manage our lives, our relationships, and our feelings in positive and effective ways. I'm also very familiar with Corporate and EAP counseling, and supervising Interns who are working towards their license. My clients come from all backgrounds and life experiences, all kinds of careers, and often, clients who themselves work in the helping professions, from therapists to doctors and nurses, to teachers and caregivers. I'm respectful of culture, self-identity, and of beliefs: who you are and what has meaning for you are crucially important, and to the degree that these things are valued by you, the are valued by me. I believe in the dignity and human rights of all people. My counseling style is inquisitive and interactive -- I want to know what you need to tell me. I want to know what is causing your life to be anything less than pleasant, safe, and manageable. I want you to be okay, to feel okay, and to be confident in yourself and in your choices: I want you to feel safe, and that it is good to be you. Most of my clients present with some degree of past trauma, or injury to their sense of being worthy and needed -- there are wounds in all of us, whether we consider them minor or overwhelming. Life is not easy, and if we are carrying unhealed wounds, every setback, every disappointment can re-trigger those pains of the past. I find that once the major wound of how we see ourselves is healed -- when we see ourselves as someone we like and accept -- someone we trust --- then the rest of life's problems are much easier and quicker to resolve. Thanks for taking the time to read about how I can work with you. Not every therapist is a good fit for every client. I hope you've seen here something that clicks, that makes sense, and that feels safe and good to you. I'm very communicative, and I'll always want to know how you feel, what you think, and what you want. Your needs need to get met. I hope that I can help you do exactly that. I'm wishing you all the best, now and always. I believe all that it takes is a little help for us to find our way. I'm looking forward to meeting you soon.

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Phyllis Trail

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Hi! I am Phyllis Trail, LMFT. I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a nursing background. I help clients master life changes, including stress, anxiety, addictions, illness, grief and loss, depression, and other issues. One of my focus areas has been those who are raising OPKs (Other People's Kids). Another has been Christian Counseling, for those who prefer it. Our lives have largely been affected by what we adapted to as children, when we learned about life from people around us. Sometimes therapy involves sorting those ideas from what my client really wants, and giving them permission to have that. Other times therapy is more present-day, as we tackle current stressors or issues. There are many schools or methods of psychotherapy. I take cues from my clients to find ways they can receive help. I rely on my instincts and our relationship to guide us. I enjoy revealing hope to my clients. I often can see the silver lining that awaits as we venture through hindrances, to reach freedom, peace, and hope. People come to a therapist to sort out problems, to find solutions and ways out. People need hope. They need love, compassion, and empathy; those are my tools and strengths. When people get insight and permission to be themselves and move forward, their eyes light up and their entire face changes. It’s awesome, being free! I’m interested in helping you get free. If my description of therapy appeals to you and your needs, contact me. Let’s see what we come up with! You are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths to assist you in overcoming challenges. I honor you for getting started!

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Valerie Sanz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have 14 years of professional work experience in the field. I have experience in helping clients who are managing or coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and are seeking change. I build on motivation, self esteem, and confidence techniques and treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor our sessions 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 through that journey.

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Yvonne Martinez

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

My name is Yvonne Martinez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My therapeutic approach is strength-based, client-centered, solution-focused combined with cognitive behavior therapy, with a collaborative approach sprinkled with some humor. I am no cookie-cutter therapist, and your feedback is important to me, which is why I do my best to meet you on your level. I provide a safe, empathetic, comfortable environment while guiding and assisting you in identifying triggers, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that impact your daily life. I have experience in working with people who have mild to severe Depression/Anxiety symptoms, grief/loss, trauma, Women's issues, relationship issues, work related issues, life stress, adapting to changes, and more. Tackling one problem at a time, I'll be by your side. If you're ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

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Judith Crane

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Eduardo Jasso

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 94160 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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