Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
![Photo of Charlotte Tilson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7319b5-db28-4537-b2a7-95ccc6db2d55/3/320x400.jpeg)
Charlotte Tilson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Let's talk about how you can protect, build and maintain your well-being (or your child's). I serve women, teens and kids with a focus on the promotion of emotional well-being and psychological health. I love seeing my clients use therapy to enhance their quality of life, reduce stress and become skillful guardians of their mental health. By tending to your psychological health you contribute to the well-being of the world.
Let's talk about how you can protect, build and maintain your well-being (or your child's). I serve women, teens and kids with a focus on the promotion of emotional well-being and psychological health. I love seeing my clients use therapy to enhance their quality of life, reduce stress and become skillful guardians of their mental health. By tending to your psychological health you contribute to the well-being of the world.
![Photo of Ana Dolatabadi, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a709c808-2eca-4f93-8a46-7d60fac458b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Dolatabadi
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
I'm Dr. Ana D. your supporter towards personal growth, resilience, and wellbeing. I serve as the Clinical Director at the EAP at UC, San Francisco, and also maintain a fulfilling private practice. My mission is to foster a authentic and empathetic environment where individuals can explore and grow in various aspects of their lives. My approach is straightforward and compassionate, centered around your personal evolution. I provide a space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings, knowing they will be met with respect and non-judgment.
I'm Dr. Ana D. your supporter towards personal growth, resilience, and wellbeing. I serve as the Clinical Director at the EAP at UC, San Francisco, and also maintain a fulfilling private practice. My mission is to foster a authentic and empathetic environment where individuals can explore and grow in various aspects of their lives. My approach is straightforward and compassionate, centered around your personal evolution. I provide a space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings, knowing they will be met with respect and non-judgment.
![Photo of Carole Carrillo, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba88aeb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carole Carrillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Suffering is a uniquely individual experience. You may be feeling a profound sense of loneliness, unable to relate to others or finding difficulty fitting in. Perhaps depression and anxiety are preventing you from feeling fully engaged in important relationships or your relationships unravel. You may find it difficult to be kind or patient with yourself. I work with adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with relationship/intimacy issues, depression/anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma and loss.
My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Suffering is a uniquely individual experience. You may be feeling a profound sense of loneliness, unable to relate to others or finding difficulty fitting in. Perhaps depression and anxiety are preventing you from feeling fully engaged in important relationships or your relationships unravel. You may find it difficult to be kind or patient with yourself. I work with adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with relationship/intimacy issues, depression/anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma and loss.
![Photo of Caleb Birkhoff, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f991f10b-59b1-4dcf-a415-b1412e914b66/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caleb Birkhoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
You have friction in your relationship. You need help enhancing your connection and communication skills so you can set healthier and stronger boundaries. Maybe you're looking to get ahead of future problems before they start. It can be difficult making a change in your life, even one you want. Couples therapy is an opportunity to work on your relationship to feel closer, to build something that will last. It's also a place to understand why it just doesn't feel like it's working anymore. Come have a space to strengthen boundaries, healthy communication, and re-establish a partnership. Come try couples counseling.
You have friction in your relationship. You need help enhancing your connection and communication skills so you can set healthier and stronger boundaries. Maybe you're looking to get ahead of future problems before they start. It can be difficult making a change in your life, even one you want. Couples therapy is an opportunity to work on your relationship to feel closer, to build something that will last. It's also a place to understand why it just doesn't feel like it's working anymore. Come have a space to strengthen boundaries, healthy communication, and re-establish a partnership. Come try couples counseling.
![Photo of Shana Millstein, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bd5b6e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shana Millstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Not accepting new clients
I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. People come to therapy for many different reasons. Some seek symptom relief, while others want to find ways to cope more effectively, improve their relationships, or make better choices in their lives. Whether your concerns reflect relatively discrete, time-limited issues or more long-standing difficulties, psychotherapy offers an opportunity to address them in a safe, respectful and thoughtful environment.
I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. People come to therapy for many different reasons. Some seek symptom relief, while others want to find ways to cope more effectively, improve their relationships, or make better choices in their lives. Whether your concerns reflect relatively discrete, time-limited issues or more long-standing difficulties, psychotherapy offers an opportunity to address them in a safe, respectful and thoughtful environment.
![Photo of Helen Star, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46245ecd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Star
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
![Photo of Brooke Ferragamo, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cddc1ff2-7c56-410b-80d5-4514f9974f89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Ferragamo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Not accepting new clients
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
![Photo of Nicole Lako, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474959d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Lako
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you a parent of young children who feels the stress, anxiety and depression related to parenting? Do you need support alleviating these conditions, improving communication and parenting skills and connecting more with loved ones? I help moms and dads of young children strengthen their connection with their children, their partner and themselves.
Are you a parent of young children who feels the stress, anxiety and depression related to parenting? Do you need support alleviating these conditions, improving communication and parenting skills and connecting more with loved ones? I help moms and dads of young children strengthen their connection with their children, their partner and themselves.
![Photo of Whitney Lynch, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88d3f477-b98e-4f3e-a4cc-508bf8b56668/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
![Photo of David A Thomson - David A Thomson, LCSW, LCSW, BCD, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bace49a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
David A Thomson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CAS
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
![Photo of Isobel Heath, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d1591c5-8c09-4602-9f3d-13dea9a09560/2/320x400.jpeg)
Isobel Heath
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Therapy improves relationships. The individuals I work with are often tired of repeating the same patterns again and again, whether it's dating abuse, codependency, or chronic relationship conflict, anxiety, avoidance or indecision. They're ready to get to the root causes and finally make real change. Of course, all relationships start with and reflect your relationship to yourself. If you're dealing with a harsh inner critic, imposter syndrome or low self-worth, this internal relationship deserves your careful attention first.
Therapy improves relationships. The individuals I work with are often tired of repeating the same patterns again and again, whether it's dating abuse, codependency, or chronic relationship conflict, anxiety, avoidance or indecision. They're ready to get to the root causes and finally make real change. Of course, all relationships start with and reflect your relationship to yourself. If you're dealing with a harsh inner critic, imposter syndrome or low self-worth, this internal relationship deserves your careful attention first.
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![Photo of Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d1afc52-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
![Photo of Robert Waska, LPCC, MFT, PhD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adbcf57c-07a8-412f-ad4e-6f3cd257ab7f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robert Waska
Counselor, LPCC, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Resolving Relationship Problems: In therapy, we will work together to help find solutions to sudden relational crisis points as well as ongoing and chronic relational issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections. Psychotherapy also helps solve communication breakdowns in current relationships.
Resolving Relationship Problems: In therapy, we will work together to help find solutions to sudden relational crisis points as well as ongoing and chronic relational issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections. Psychotherapy also helps solve communication breakdowns in current relationships.
![Photo of Caitlin Wicks, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08093ac9-9363-4cf8-b5f1-01ea37934e4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin Wicks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
![Photo of Melanie R. Cleary, MS, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a092bdd8-b85e-41d7-b00a-e027545eb30c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie R. Cleary
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
![Photo of Ilysa Goldblatt, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48494738-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is it time to hit the refresh button on your life? I understand and I'm here to help. As a California board-certified clinical psychologist, I have over twenty years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples. My modern and approachable style combines extensive training in psychodynamic and relational theories, Cognitive-behavioral treatment, mindfulness, and strengths-based treatment, with a passion for helping clients gain insight into their struggles and obstacles, to live more authentically.
Is it time to hit the refresh button on your life? I understand and I'm here to help. As a California board-certified clinical psychologist, I have over twenty years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples. My modern and approachable style combines extensive training in psychodynamic and relational theories, Cognitive-behavioral treatment, mindfulness, and strengths-based treatment, with a passion for helping clients gain insight into their struggles and obstacles, to live more authentically.
![Photo of Kelly Nguyen, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d998a3b5-f307-44cb-b589-3fdfeb47d747/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Relationships are challenging no matter what. They are especially difficult if you've had minimal guidance in learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict or asking for what you need. This lack of exposure to healthy ways of relating can show up in friendships, in a romantic relationship or at work through behaviors such as avoidance, accommodation or other ineffective actions. The result is disconnection and dissatisfaction. It is important to understand how you show up in relationship in order to make a healthy change. I am here to help you with this process.
Relationships are challenging no matter what. They are especially difficult if you've had minimal guidance in learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict or asking for what you need. This lack of exposure to healthy ways of relating can show up in friendships, in a romantic relationship or at work through behaviors such as avoidance, accommodation or other ineffective actions. The result is disconnection and dissatisfaction. It is important to understand how you show up in relationship in order to make a healthy change. I am here to help you with this process.
![Photo of Roxana Alexis Ortiz, MFT, PCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/408ebd22-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roxana Alexis Ortiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Seeking therapy can often be a scary and confusing decision to make. If you are experiencing difficulties in life that seem overwhelming or you feel stuck in a rut, I can be the person that will join you on the path to figuring out what step to take next. My approach to therapy is integrative and I work collaboratively with my clients to create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual in order to promote growth.
Seeking therapy can often be a scary and confusing decision to make. If you are experiencing difficulties in life that seem overwhelming or you feel stuck in a rut, I can be the person that will join you on the path to figuring out what step to take next. My approach to therapy is integrative and I work collaboratively with my clients to create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual in order to promote growth.
![Photo of Joseph Campi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467347ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Campi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
![Photo of Lara Curry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51f5f730-d5d4-4406-8542-f1e4d18c3ae3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
See more therapy options for Presidio Heights, San Francisco
Nearby Searches for Presidio Heights, San Francisco
- Cole Valley
- Cow Hollow
- Fillmore
- Haight-Ashbury
- Hayes Valley
- Inner Richmond
- Japantown
- Laurel Heights
- Marina
- Pacific Heights
- Presidio
- Western Addition
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$210
Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
90% | Relationship Issues |
88% | Depression |
80% | Self Esteem |
70% | Grief |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
52% | Other |
42% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA see their clients
72% | In Person and Online | |
28% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
83% | Female | |
17% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.