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. Barbara Prosniewski

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,M. Ed.
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I have been working with children and parents and individuals for many years. My approach to therapy is one of respect, compassion and a bit of tough love when it is needed. You need to feel that I am genuinely trying to help you and care for you. I try to normalize, as much as possible, the emotional circumstances under which you are coming to therapy. None of us are perfect. None of us have come through life unscathed. We also have certain strengths. We have all made mistakes. We have all become stuck in our thinking and with our feelings. Often communication breaks down. Here is where we learn different strategies and, as a result, become stronger, more capable and more fulfilled. I do also like to bring some humor into our sessions, when appropriate, as laughter is good for the soul and does help us gain a different perspective on the situation and ourselves.

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Andres Hoyo

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi, my name is Andres Hoyo. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, parenting challenges general life stressors, and adverse perceptions of self-esteem. My counseling style is client-centered and non-judgmental. I believe in allowing my clients to take more of a lead during sessions, and I perceive the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients, with my client’s perspective as the primary guide to self-discovery. I strive to encourage and support my clients to find their own solutions and identify their own personal strengths and resources, while providing them a comfortable and safe environment to process their emotions and thoughts. I think it takes courage to seek help, when we are feeling inadequate, unfulfilled, lonely, or managing any other negative emotions impacting our ability of live happy and fulfilling lives, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment for my clients to feel heard, safe and understood. So, if you are thinking about reaching out for help and need to feel safe and comfortable, I hope I can be of service to you to provide you with the support you need to take steps to improve your overall sense of well-being.

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Kristie Preston

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Family conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. My early experience was working with children, adolescents and families. Recently, I have been working with clinical leaders providing clinical consultation, mentoring, professional development and coaching. I have worked with clients on a range of challenges from self-esteem, family dynamics, life changes, professional development and more. My therapeutic approach is a combination of person-centered and solution-focused with motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral interventions as well. I believe everyone has the strength to work through the challenges they may face and my goal is to help you find that those strategies. I work with each person to find the approach that works best for them as everyone has unique needs. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and help you reach your goals.

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Margaret Reul

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to invest in your mental health. In today's world of ever-increasing stressors, it is more important than ever to take care of our bodies and minds. The therapeutic process can be a wonderful tool whether you are in crisis, or looking for answers and meaning in your life. There has long been stigma surrounding taking care of your mental health and I am glad that those barriers are beginning to fade away as more people become aware of the benefits therapy can provide. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worked practicing in the state of California (License Number: LCSW75171). I earned my Bachelor's Degree at UC Santa Barbara and then went on to earn my Masters in Social Work Degree at Cal State Los Angeles. I have an extensive background in helping individuals and families deal with a variety of mental health and medical concerns. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, or problems with friends, family or work, there is no problem too big or too small to discuss in therapy. I have experience helping those with Serious Mental Illness as well as those looking for a mental health tune-up. I also have experience helping first-responders, particularly in dealing with the struggles of facing COVID-19 head on. I want to help you discover what goals you want to set for yourself, and then help you achieve those goals. You are in the driver's seat to guide your life to a place that brings you self-awareness, peace and happiness. I prefer a Solution-Focused therapeutic approach that helps you quickly start the path to feeling relief from your specific stressors. I look forward to beginning our journey together. I specialize in evening and weekend sessions to help you fit therapy into your busy life.

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Charlene Edwards

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Becoming your best self can be complicated. Defining "best" for you is the beginning . The amazement of it all is that each and everyone gets to decide and design what best means to them. Creating a safe space for that level of exploration and actualization is a challenge that I readily accept. The experience may not feel good or light all of the time, but it will be safe. As a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years experience integrating psychotherapy, spirituality and self development interventions, I enjoy working with those interested in doing more of what works and less of what is not working. The areas of concern can be career related, intimate partnerships, strained family dynamics, phase of life challenges or a feeling of unfulfillment that you cannot muster the strength to shake off. I have an eclectic practice that is specific to individual needs and perspective, such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Transpersonal . I view the commitment to therapy as courageous and oftentimes frightening. The assurance of knowing you have space to reveal all your hidden places in pursuit of bringing into the light that which needs healing and elevating can be life altering. I encourage you to be willing to explore the possibility of a better you through counseling. If you decide that my approach resonates, I look forward to working with you to assess your current needs and refine skills and methods necessary for the mastery of life’s adventures.

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Jennifer Cawelti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

Are you like me and have found when I seek to change anything in my life it is the most exciting, terrifying, rewarding, difficult and life altering experience? Deepak Chopra once said, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.” I have found this sentiment to be true in my personal life. Making the decision to change is a difficult choice, but I believe, the true path to healing and joy. In my career I have the pleasure of getting to know many different people from different walks of life and individuals in different phases. I have found the desire to better oneself to be the most amazing and rewarding work I could ever ask for. Passion brought me into this field and to this day drives my work. I try to work with each of my clients individually, getting to know each person and cater my practice to ways to work with you specifically. No two people are alike, so why should I do the same therapy with every client. I am a therapist who will get to know you and work to understand you. I have seen the ways that therapy can produce change, from my own personal work to the work I do with my clients. I look forward to all new clients who come into my life and I can’t wait to get to know each of you. "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." James Baldwin

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Dr. Janet Distefan

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

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Donna Dover

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Socialworker in the State of California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients coping with addictions, LGBTQI+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, anxiety, life transitions, depression, ADHD and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Michelle Walker

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

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, couples, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jessica Bromley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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 94134 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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