How to Find the Best Therapist in San Francisco for Your Needs
Takeaway: Finding a therapist can be daunting, especially in a city as large and diverse as San Francisco. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this post, I offer my top tips and resources for finding a therapist in San Francisco who is right for your unique needs and goals.
Living in San Francisco means having lots of therapists to choose from. Should you do cognitive behavioral or dialectical behavior therapy? EMDR? "Talk" therapy? What about individual therapy or family therapy?
You may be seeking therapy or mental health treatment for anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, depression, stress, life transitions, living with chronic illness, bipolar disorder, unhelpful patterns or disordered eating. Maybe you need to heal your emotions, overcome negative thinking, come to terms with the past, get tools and learn skills to cope with your feelings, improve your relationships or just talk to a professional about how to deal with the demands of a crazy world.
So, where to begin to find a therapist in San Francisco? I've got answers to your questions!
Tips to help you find a therapist in San Francisco (from a licensed marriage and family therapist)
As a therapist (and a client myself!) I know how important it is to find the right therapist. But trying to find a therapist in San Francisco can feel confusing. You're wondering:
How much does a therapist cost in San Francisco?
How do I find a therapist who’s right for me and my unique needs?
What type of therapy would help me best?
Will my therapist take my insurance?
Can I consult with a therapist for free to see if they're right for me?
I've got you! Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, depression, stress or any other life challenges, take the first step and read on about how to find the perfect therapist in San Francisco, CA.
4 things to do before you start looking for a therapist in San Francisco
Before looking for a San Francisco therapist, first reflect on your needs, goals, and preferences for therapy:
Clarify WHY you're seeking therapy
You may be seeking mental health treatment for a specific condition, such as depression, anxiety, trauma or disordered eating. Or you might need support navigating the many challenges of life - relationship issues, work stress, chronic illness or life transitions. Therapy can also help you learn skills and strategies to improve self-care, increase focus or better handle life stress. What positive outcome would you like to see as a result of going to therapy? Think about the specific changes you'd like to see in your thinking, feeling and well-being.
Research different types of therapy
There are lots of therapies, each with its own approach and techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) explores how thoughts affect your mood. EMDR, Brainspotting and IFS therapies can help heal anxiety, trauma, depression and distressing feelings and thinking. The focus of dialectical behavior therapy is on managing intense, difficult emotions and decreasing relationship conflict. Research different types of therapy to see if there's one (or more) that resonates with you.
Decide between in person and online therapy
Want to find an in-person therapist in San Francisco? Consider the commute time to and from your appointment. If you opt for virtual therapy, the chances of finding the perfect therapist increase drastically, since you can see a therapist located anywhere in California. There are almost three times as many therapists in the entire state of California compared to therapists in the San Francisco Bay area (source).
Know your therapy budget
If you want to use insurance to pay for therapy, check your benefits and see if there are any restrictions or requirements. Keep in mind that many therapists aren't paneled with insurance due to the administrative burden, low reimbursement rates, client confidentiality concerns and other restrictions. If you find the perfect therapist with specialized experience and expertise working with your issues (i.e., anxiety) but who doesn't take your insurance, can you invest in your mental health to work with that therapist? Side note: you may be able to use "out of network" insurance benefits with private-pay therapists!
What to look for in a therapist
Taking the time to find the right therapist can have a huge impact on your mental health and well-being. There are many licensed therapists in San Francisco (and online!) who offer evidence-based approaches to help clients manage depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. Here are some tips to help you identify the kind of therapist you'd like to work with, whether it's in-person in San Francisco or online:
Look for specialized therapists
If you're dealing with a specific mental health issue or concern, look for therapists who specialize in that area. For example, if you're struggling with trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), look for a therapist with extensive experience treating PTSD and trauma.
Consider the therapeutic relationship
The relationship between a client and therapist is perhaps the most crucial aspect of therapy! Look for a non-judgmental therapist who respects your personal autonomy as a client and creates a comfortable and safe environment. A good therapist will work collaboratively with you to achieve your therapy goals and be open to hearing your questions, feedback and concerns.
Think about your therapist's characteristics
Do you have preferences around the gender, cultural background, age or lived experience of your therapist? You may want one with knowledge and experience with the identities/communities that you are a part of (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, bilingual, etc.).
Get feedback from others
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals. You can read reviews online to get an idea of what other clients have experienced with the therapist.
Consider their approach
Therapists have different therapy "styles," and it's important to find one that feels in line with your needs, personality and preferences. Some therapists may be more active and directive, while others may take a more passive approach.
Consider their experience
Look for therapists who have experience working with clients who have similar concerns as you. This can be especially important if you have a complicated or traumatic past.
Inquire about availability
Consider the therapist's availability when scheduling your appointment or initial consultation. Some therapists may have a waiting list, while others may be able to offer immediate help.
Schedule a free consultation
Most therapists offer a free initial consultation so you can see if they might be right for you and your needs before you begin therapy. This is an important first step, and a good time to share your reasons for seeking therapy, learn about their treatment approach, and get answers to any questions you may have.
What if you want to change your therapist?
Sometimes after the first appointment - or even after a while in treatment - you may decide that your counselor isn't a good fit. This is your mental health care and you are free to stop therapy or change therapists at any time!
Finding the right therapist in San Francisco can take some effort, but it's worth it. With the right counselor, you can build a strong therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively to achieve your mental health goals!
Where to find the best therapist for you
When looking for a therapist in San Francisco (or online), there are some great resources and strategies available to help you connect with the perfect therapist for your needs. Here are a few avenues you can explore:
Ask for personal referrals
Reach out to friends, family or colleagues to see if they have any recommendations for licensed therapists in the San Francisco area. They might have had positive experiences with psychotherapists who, for example, specialize in working with adults, relationships, marriage, life, and transitions, or specific issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Personal referrals from people whose opinions you trust can be a helpful way to find a counselor!
Check out therapist directories
Look for those that provide lists of licensed therapists providing therapy in San Francisco, CA (or online!). These directories often allow you to search by location, specialty, gender, language, insurance coverage and so on. Read through the bios of therapists to get a feel for them, their approach and experience.
Contact your insurance provider
If you have insurance, ask them to give you a list of licensed therapists in San Francisco or online that are covered under your plan and who are accepting new clients. Also, find out about your out-of-network benefits if you find a psychotherapist you want to see, but who isn't contracted with your insurance (your deductible, if any, may apply here).
Reach out to local mental health and non-profit organizations
There are several organizations in San Francisco that have databases of licensed therapists and can provide recommendations based on your needs. They might also offer additional resources and support that may be useful to you.
Take your time, be patient with the process, and trust your instincts when choosing a therapist. Don't be afraid to reach out to multiple psychotherapists and schedule initial consultations or appointments to see if you feel comfortable and connected with them. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and the perfect therapist can make all the difference!
I help people feel more calm, confident, and creative with online therapy in San Francisco (and throughout California).
Hi! My name is Elisa Martínez, LMFT. I'm a licensed therapist and provide online, individual therapy for adults living in San Francisco - and anywhere in California, for that matter. I know just how important it is to find the perfect therapist!
I work with anxious achievers, overwhelmed overthinkers and burned-out professionals who want to live with calm, clarity and a renewed motivation for their work and their life. I specialize exclusively in helping my clients break free of the vicious cycle of anxiety, burnout and trauma - and to stay free!
As a licensed online therapist in California, I've dedicated my professional career to providing effective, compassionate support and healing to clients who struggle with anxiety, burnout and traumatic stress, using proven, cutting-edge therapy modalities to facilitate true, lasting healing. You deserve individualized therapy that's as unique as you are, so I don't use one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approaches. Therapy with me is non-judgmental and meets you exactly where you're at, safely guiding you with expertise, warmth and a clear focus on your goals.
Curious? Schedule a free consultation and let's talk about the possibilities that are waiting for you!
Currently accepting new clients residing in San Francisco, CA and throughout California.
