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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Cherie Harper

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT, LNHA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hello, My name is Cherie Harper; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an advocate for those who may suffer from a mental illness or have experienced a mental health crisis. With expert knowledge and 21 years of experience, my goal has always been to help erase the stigma that shadows around those who may suffer of a mental illness. My experience includes in-patient settings, community mental health, crisis residential, individual and couple’s counseling. I have a wide range of experience working with adults, older adults and Transitional Age youth. Growing up I witnessed close family members and friends who suffered from a mental illness have difficulty receiving the help they so desperately needed. This has not only motivated me but has inspired me to advocate at the forefront for all those who are underserved and disadvantaged. I use a person centered, recovery, and integrative approach in treatment, I believe in meeting a person where they are at in life. My approach is different in that I believe that a person can recover from mental illness and learn to manage their lives fully and recognize when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. I use evidenced base techniques including Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. Most of the time I don’t take myself seriously, I know that I have flaws and have learned to live with them and appreciate some of my flaws. My approach is warm, friendly and empathetic, I am ready to take on complicated issue’s and assist you to tackle your struggles head on. If you are looking for a counselor who will listen, provide honest feedback and guide you to a better you than I am the counselor for you. My areas of expertise include: ● Depression, Stress and Anxiety ● Couples Counseling ● Trauma and Abuse ● Chronic Mental Illness ● Relationship Issues ● Anger Management ● Career Difficulties

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Holly Starr

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

Hello, I am a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a BA in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I move comfortably between live talk therapy and online written mediums. I have worked with adolescents, adults and the elderly in residential and private practice settings. I am struck by the unique challenges we all face as we transition from one developmental stage of life to the next. My early work as a suicide prevention hotline counselor and grief therapist/supervisor has laid the foundation for my enduring interest in how to move through depression, loss and bereavement. I am particularly attuned to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and relational conflict which may affect our productivity and may lead to feelings of despondency or anxiety. As a therapist, I am an intuitive listener and an active observer as I encourage clients to become more open and curious about what they are feeling. Together, we explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words, that may feel conflicted or shrouded by pain. As issues become clearer, we might explore how our thoughts influence our choices and behaviors. We may find that even small shifts can have a positive impact on feelings of well-being. I realize that it may not be easy to reach out to a therapist for help. You've taken the first step and I look forward to meeting you as you begin this journey for yourself.

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Dr. Connie Zimmerman

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. I am also a married mother of two college age daughters. My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, stress management, women's issues and young adult issues. I use a client-centered and solution-focused approach to counseling and therapy, based on a cognitive-behavioral model of emotions and behavior. Client-centered means that I strive to provide a warm, compassionate and judgment-free environment. Solution-focused means that we will focus on specific problems or goals, and work toward developing skills and strategies to solve those problems and reach those goals. Cognitive-behavioral means that we will examine how your thoughts and beliefs affect your feelings and actions. Research shows that CBT is the best available drug-free approach for most psychological problems. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from examining how their thoughts affect how they feel about themselves and the world around them. Clients tell me that finding the right therapist and starting therapy can be a stressful and intimidating process. It takes a certain kind of intelligence to know how and when to reach out for help, and courage to follow-through. If you are struggling, but are ready to achieve your full potential and lead a life that is fulfilling and meaningful then I would be honored to work with you.

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Lily Vega

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,PPS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGrief
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been providing individual telehealth therapy services to adults within a private practice setting for the last 6 months. I work with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication difficulty, grief and loss, life transitions, and feelings of overwhelm and low self-worth. Together we will practice identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to negative feelings, improve communication skills, process difficult experiences such as grief and loss and trauma, and improve feelings of low self-worth. My therapeutic approach empowers clients to become the best versions of themselves. I meet my clients where they are and firmly believe that they are the experts in their lives. We will work collaboratively to discover strategies and solutions that work best for you. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive processing therapy (trauma-focused). I look forward to working with you to help you obtain insight for personal growth, and become the best version of yourself.

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Thomas Cagle

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the State of California. I have over 24 years of experience working with clients with a varying range of issues including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bereavement/grief, and relationship issues. I've also helped many individuals who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse, as well as those who are experiencing divorce and family custody issues. My style of counseling is to be empathic, understanding. and genuine. Respect and compassion are also core to establishing a healthy and trusting relationship. My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral, but I also incorporate psychodynamic, DBT, person-centered and rational emotive treatment. I strongly believe it is imperative to be aware of cultural, LGBTQIA+ and lifestyle differences, and to be sensitive to these issues. I will design our sessions and treatment plan to address these issues as well as your specific goals and needs. Taking the first step to enhancing and making changes to our lives can be difficult, but it is also a powerful step in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life. I can provide you with the support and guidance you need as you enter the next chapter of your life, and I look forward to working with you.

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Desirae Spignor

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGrief
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting clients with stress and anxiety, working through substance use & trauma. I also have experience working with folks navigating grief and loss. I utilize an eclectic, trauma informed, anti-racist , harm reduction approach to support with addressing symptoms. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific challenges. Taking the first step to addressing your challenges takes courage. I am here to work with you in that process.

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Amye Cole

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Dr. Mario Nicolas

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

Hi, I’m Dr. Mario Nicolas. I am a Ph.D. (Penn State, 2002) trained Clinical Psychologist, with extensive experience in military mental health (Maj [Ret. – 2014]; USAF), clinical neuropsychology (fellowship trained; Univ. of Virginia Medical School [2005-07]), and Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH; past-USAF program consultant [2015-20]). If you want to learn more, check me out on LinkedIn. I provide individual therapy to adults and am available on weekday evenings, some early weekday early-mornings, and weekend mornings. I consider myself a cognitive-behavioral therapist, strongly influenced by Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My style of interaction is patient-centered & culturally sensitive; and I consider hearing (not just listening to) my patient’s situation (your “story”) to be my most important task. I incorporate motivational interviewing, and the science of behavior-change, into everything that I do. At our initial visit we will go through what I describe as my "Game Plan" for working together. The "Game Plan" is a metaphor that many of my clients have found helpful for working with me -- in that it provides a "shared story" that we can use to navigate our work together. Here is the "Game Plan..." 1. We use the metaphor of a journey that you're on; and I am ONE OF your guides (friends, family members, mentors, etc. are also guides). 2. Help you understand the direction you're heading on this journey... This is your “North Star” or "Guiding Light..." essentially your “purpose” or your “values” -- the type of person you want to be in your life. NOTE: Your Values are different from your goals. The metaphor for the difference between the two is that Goals are like "destinations" (you can accomplish it) and Values are like "directions" (You don't ever get there... you just focus on moving forward and/or towards it). 3. Understand the concept of a “psychological toolbox” that is made up of certain tools. Our focus is on adding as many tools to your toolbox as we can. IMPORTANT: Our focus is not necessarily on finding tools that work... just ADDING TOOLS TO THE TOOLBOX. Important things to know about the "toolbox" are that: a) it is limitless and can never get too full, and b) the more tools you have in your toolbox the better you will feel about life. 4. Understand the the two main tools in the toolbox: A. INSIDE THE HEAD (ITH) tools: thoughts, images, sayings/mantras, memes, memories, the focus of your thoughts (past/present/future), your perspective B. OUTSIDE THE HEAD (OTH) tools: behaviors, reactions, hobbies/interests, body posture, facial expressions, things you do more/less, things you do/don’t do 5. Help you understand and recognize the tools that you use and, IMPORTANTLY, the tools that have become habits for you and/or have become "automatic.". The best way to recognize tools that have become automatic, is to pay attention to how you THINK, ACT, and/or FEEL. If you are THINKING/ACTING/FEELING in ways that just "don't feel right" that's a sign that you are using automatic tools that do NOT work for you. On the other hand, if you feel positive and healthy, that's a sign that you are using tools that DO work for you. 6. Once you recognize the tools that you’re using, you will learn how to ask yourself “Is this tool helpful or not helpful?” (based on how well it moves you TOWARDS or AWAY FROM your “North Star”) 7, If the tools work, we will help you to continue using them, and/or to strengthen your use of them. If they do not work , we will help you try out different ones and/or develop new ones. NOTE: Just because a tool does not work in one situation; it does not mean that it will not work in another situation. Therefore, you don't necessarily have to get rid of tools that aren't working. Also, even if you cannot get rid of, or change, a particular tool that is not helpful; you can learn to develop other types of tools that you can use to limit its impact (e.g., "watering down the liquor"). Don't worry if this "Game Plan" does not make too much sense for you; we will discuss it more during our first session. Likewise, if this "Game Plan" does not work for you, we will discuss addressing your therapy in a different way. I look forward to working with you!

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Michael Alexander

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, & 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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Ciara Kapp

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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 94105 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

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