Self-Harming Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Lyle Smith, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lyle Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
You wake up in the morning and immediately want to go back to sleep. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted by everyday microaggressions and outright bigotry. You want acceptance and understanding, but it just seems like nothing will ever change. You feel isolated, anxious, and afraid for the future. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that you are not alone. Help is available. I specialize in working with clients across the LGBTQAI+ spectrum on issues such as being true to oneself, managing anger, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and neurodiversity.
You wake up in the morning and immediately want to go back to sleep. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted by everyday microaggressions and outright bigotry. You want acceptance and understanding, but it just seems like nothing will ever change. You feel isolated, anxious, and afraid for the future. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that you are not alone. Help is available. I specialize in working with clients across the LGBTQAI+ spectrum on issues such as being true to oneself, managing anger, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and neurodiversity.
(415) 853-9264 View (415) 853-9264
Photo of Karen Kyle Mcmahan - The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, MA, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
We have selected a talented team of therapists who have specialized training in the newest modalities and cutting edge treatments.
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center provide as integrative approach to treatment offering Western talk therapy and Eastern complimentary recommendations including meditation, yoga, and qigong.
We have selected a talented team of therapists who have specialized training in the newest modalities and cutting edge treatments.
At The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center, we offer couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship counseling. We are an organization of professional mental health clinicians with a top priority in providing progressive and cutting edge treatment for trauma, mood, and relationship issues. Our therapists have been chosen for their expertise in helping mood, trauma, and relationship issues. Therapists who practice at The San Francisco Marriage and Couples Center provide as integrative approach to treatment offering Western talk therapy and Eastern complimentary recommendations including meditation, yoga, and qigong.
(415) 689-9680 View (415) 689-9680
Photo of Keith Sutton - Bay Area Center for Adolescents, Psychologist
Bay Area Center for Adolescents
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Defiance, Problems with Family, Cutting, Eating Disorders, Sexual Identity Issues, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Anger.
We at the Bay Area Center for Adolescents understand that adolescence can be a difficult time for preteens, teens, young adults, and parents. On the one hand, adolescents are learning to manage life on their own and wanting more independence, but on the other hand, they may not be prepared for the responsibilities of life or realizing the consequences of their actions. We work with adolescents and their families to navigate this difficult time while helping adolescents to become independent, but still maintain the relationship with family. The Bay Area Center for Adolescents is a group of providers who all know how to connect with adolescents and their families and provide effective therapy.
Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Defiance, Problems with Family, Cutting, Eating Disorders, Sexual Identity Issues, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Anger.
We at the Bay Area Center for Adolescents understand that adolescence can be a difficult time for preteens, teens, young adults, and parents. On the one hand, adolescents are learning to manage life on their own and wanting more independence, but on the other hand, they may not be prepared for the responsibilities of life or realizing the consequences of their actions. We work with adolescents and their families to navigate this difficult time while helping adolescents to become independent, but still maintain the relationship with family. The Bay Area Center for Adolescents is a group of providers who all know how to connect with adolescents and their families and provide effective therapy.
(415) 594-4958 View (415) 594-4958
Photo of Natalie Yates, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a psychotherapist providing services for individuals, teens, and young adults who often come to me with experiences of sadness, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, low self-esteem, and/or self-harming behaviors. Others seek support in navigating relationship challenges, including their relationship with themselves or substances, traumatic experiences, or a longing to understand themselves more fully. The human experience can be painful, taking various forms that impact how we navigate the world, relate to others, and relate to ourselves. Together, we embark on a journey to understand your pain and discover pathways through it.
I am a psychotherapist providing services for individuals, teens, and young adults who often come to me with experiences of sadness, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, low self-esteem, and/or self-harming behaviors. Others seek support in navigating relationship challenges, including their relationship with themselves or substances, traumatic experiences, or a longing to understand themselves more fully. The human experience can be painful, taking various forms that impact how we navigate the world, relate to others, and relate to ourselves. Together, we embark on a journey to understand your pain and discover pathways through it.
(415) 862-3643 View (415) 862-3643
Photo of Lynsie Seely @ The Connective, PhDc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lynsie Seely @ The Connective
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhDc, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
It is my hope for you that you are thriving in your life--free of anxiety, depression, and other ailments, leaving you open to fully enjoy your life. If this isn't the case and you happen to be feeling stuck, worn-down, stressed, anxious, or depressed, if you're in a challenging transition, struggling with a relationship, or wanting to embody your life more fully--Welcome! I am dedicated to helping guide and support you in achieving your goals. I work using a collaborative, body-centered, approach and will empathically support you on your journey toward greater well-being.
It is my hope for you that you are thriving in your life--free of anxiety, depression, and other ailments, leaving you open to fully enjoy your life. If this isn't the case and you happen to be feeling stuck, worn-down, stressed, anxious, or depressed, if you're in a challenging transition, struggling with a relationship, or wanting to embody your life more fully--Welcome! I am dedicated to helping guide and support you in achieving your goals. I work using a collaborative, body-centered, approach and will empathically support you on your journey toward greater well-being.
(415) 534-6049 View (415) 534-6049
Photo of Randy Weled, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Randy Weled
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
The work I do is cutting edge.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
The work I do is cutting edge.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
(415) 967-7209 View (415) 967-7209
Photo of Izzy Nance - Izzy Nance, MFT, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Izzy Nance, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
I also see adolescents, providing support and psychoeducation to end self-harming or risky behaviors, building a strong alliance.
I love seeing folks at a turning point in their lives, who want to heal painful beliefs or repeating relational patterns, to find direction and self-love. With modalities of Gestalt awareness, Jungian imaginal discovery, Existential inquiry, psychoeducation and caring exploration, we dive into what wants to be seen. I see clients recover from dysfunctional family systems, addiction, and codependency. We heal past wounds and build self-support for increased choicefulness. I reference 12-step models, having over 20 years experience with them. I respect recovering individuals who often have readiness to do deep therapeutic work.
I also see adolescents, providing support and psychoeducation to end self-harming or risky behaviors, building a strong alliance.
I love seeing folks at a turning point in their lives, who want to heal painful beliefs or repeating relational patterns, to find direction and self-love. With modalities of Gestalt awareness, Jungian imaginal discovery, Existential inquiry, psychoeducation and caring exploration, we dive into what wants to be seen. I see clients recover from dysfunctional family systems, addiction, and codependency. We heal past wounds and build self-support for increased choicefulness. I reference 12-step models, having over 20 years experience with them. I respect recovering individuals who often have readiness to do deep therapeutic work.
(510) 650-1874 View (510) 650-1874
Photo of Jean Wolfe Powers Psychotherapist, MA, LMFT, CMC, ACC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jean Wolfe Powers Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMC, ACC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
My extensive work with trauma, grief, and loss has earned worldwide attention spanning across four decades. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and International Certified Life Coach, I work with individuals, families, and groups to transform mental and emotional challenges into experiences of thriving health and well-being. My early career defining work began in the 80’s alongside John Bradshaw and focused on addiction, recovery, and codependency. Together with a team of cutting-edge psychotherapists, I developed groundbreaking techniques for understanding trauma: when it starts, how it affects the brain, and how to heal.
My extensive work with trauma, grief, and loss has earned worldwide attention spanning across four decades. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and International Certified Life Coach, I work with individuals, families, and groups to transform mental and emotional challenges into experiences of thriving health and well-being. My early career defining work began in the 80’s alongside John Bradshaw and focused on addiction, recovery, and codependency. Together with a team of cutting-edge psychotherapists, I developed groundbreaking techniques for understanding trauma: when it starts, how it affects the brain, and how to heal.
(805) 283-6695 View (805) 283-6695
Photo of Veronica Oros-Navarro, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Veronica Oros-Navarro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94134
My name is Veronica Oros-Navarro, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with twelve years of experience working with adults, the elderly, adolescents, children, and their families. I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist in English/Spanish, located in Oxnard, California, and working with clients via telehealth. I specialized in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Behavioral Issues, and Self-harming behaviors, using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
My name is Veronica Oros-Navarro, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with twelve years of experience working with adults, the elderly, adolescents, children, and their families. I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist in English/Spanish, located in Oxnard, California, and working with clients via telehealth. I specialized in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Behavioral Issues, and Self-harming behaviors, using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
(661) 760-7891 View (661) 760-7891
Photo of Wen Fan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wen Fan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
I have spent the last 10 years of my professional career honing cutting-edge techniques that are designed to help people master their anxiety.
Do you feel like you can’t live your life to the fullest because of the “What ifs”? Is your anxiety holding you back from taking the actions needed to advance your career and/or relationship? Worse yet, do you feel like you should somehow just get over it because everyone else seems to be doing just that? I know those feelings well, but I won’t sit here and pretend that I know exactly how YOU are feeling. So, let’s work together to start decoding the complexity of your emotions to not just simply control it, but learn to accept it as an intricate part of yourself.
I have spent the last 10 years of my professional career honing cutting-edge techniques that are designed to help people master their anxiety.
Do you feel like you can’t live your life to the fullest because of the “What ifs”? Is your anxiety holding you back from taking the actions needed to advance your career and/or relationship? Worse yet, do you feel like you should somehow just get over it because everyone else seems to be doing just that? I know those feelings well, but I won’t sit here and pretend that I know exactly how YOU are feeling. So, let’s work together to start decoding the complexity of your emotions to not just simply control it, but learn to accept it as an intricate part of yourself.
(408) 539-6631 View (408) 539-6631
Photo of Kaitlyn Courtney Maddox, MA, AMFT
Kaitlyn Courtney Maddox
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94129  (Online Only)
I am an associate marriage family therapist. I have approximately three years of experience working with foster children and families, and at-risk youth. I have provided therapy for teenagers and survivors of domestic violence. These opportunities have given me a desire to continue serving children, teens, families, and all ages and groups of people at all stages of life. I have worked with individuals exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide ideation, and self-harming behaviors. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment while building a secure therapeutic alliance with my clients.
I am an associate marriage family therapist. I have approximately three years of experience working with foster children and families, and at-risk youth. I have provided therapy for teenagers and survivors of domestic violence. These opportunities have given me a desire to continue serving children, teens, families, and all ages and groups of people at all stages of life. I have worked with individuals exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide ideation, and self-harming behaviors. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment while building a secure therapeutic alliance with my clients.
(530) 507-7703 View (530) 507-7703
Photo of Jennifer Holt, PhD, LPCC, MDiv, Counselor
Jennifer Holt
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, MDiv
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
As a master therapist, my clients are very diverse and cross all cultural backgrounds. They are dealing with trauma, depression/anxiety, old damaging beliefs and dysfunctional behavior. I help them reclaim their lives with cutting edge brain re-training, more effective at creating permanent healing than talk therapy. By rewriting the brain's negative programs, we create emotional well-being, peace, joy and self-acceptance. I also work with mood disorders, relationship issues, addictions, sexual issues. I have a very high success rate and rapid results. Text me for more info: 831-888-6201.
As a master therapist, my clients are very diverse and cross all cultural backgrounds. They are dealing with trauma, depression/anxiety, old damaging beliefs and dysfunctional behavior. I help them reclaim their lives with cutting edge brain re-training, more effective at creating permanent healing than talk therapy. By rewriting the brain's negative programs, we create emotional well-being, peace, joy and self-acceptance. I also work with mood disorders, relationship issues, addictions, sexual issues. I have a very high success rate and rapid results. Text me for more info: 831-888-6201.
(831) 240-4758 View (831) 240-4758
Photo of Manali Deolalkar, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Manali Deolalkar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Are you someone who is looking to get a deeper understanding into your thoughts, emotions and overall mental health well-being? I have a few years of experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self harm, relationship/dating issues, life transitions and sex-related issues. I work with BIPOC adults, South Asian immigrants, couples, college students, immigrants, tech workers, LGBTQ+ folks, other therapists, and first timers in therapy. I take into account your life experiences, cultural background and your goals, to be able to tailor therapy that meets your need.
Are you someone who is looking to get a deeper understanding into your thoughts, emotions and overall mental health well-being? I have a few years of experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self harm, relationship/dating issues, life transitions and sex-related issues. I work with BIPOC adults, South Asian immigrants, couples, college students, immigrants, tech workers, LGBTQ+ folks, other therapists, and first timers in therapy. I take into account your life experiences, cultural background and your goals, to be able to tailor therapy that meets your need.
(628) 216-7639 View (628) 216-7639
Photo of Johnny Morataya, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Johnny Morataya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is to create a secure and comfortable space for anyone to address their mental health needs and concerns; I am not here to judge but to understand and help. My goal is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work towards the goals that you set. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality to aid in processing thoughts and feelings with regard to certain stressors and identify helpful coping skills.
My approach to therapy is to create a secure and comfortable space for anyone to address their mental health needs and concerns; I am not here to judge but to understand and help. My goal is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work towards the goals that you set. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality to aid in processing thoughts and feelings with regard to certain stressors and identify helpful coping skills.
(510) 804-2497 View (510) 804-2497
Photo of Stephanie Lay, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Lay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
(650) 481-9439 View (650) 481-9439
Photo of Jacquelyn Tribulato Williams - Inspiration Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Inspiration Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
In far too many situations individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia have internalized messages that there is no hope, that they are simply victims of their mental illness, and unable to reach their life goals. My practice, Inspiration Psychological Services' primary purpose is to provide individuals who struggle with mental illness with the neccessary coping skills that they need to manage symptoms, cope with everyday life challenges, and improve the quality of their lives. I strongly believe in providing a supportive atmosphere that consists of understanding individual experiences, addressing needs, instilling hope, building on strengths, and recognizing potential.
In far too many situations individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia have internalized messages that there is no hope, that they are simply victims of their mental illness, and unable to reach their life goals. My practice, Inspiration Psychological Services' primary purpose is to provide individuals who struggle with mental illness with the neccessary coping skills that they need to manage symptoms, cope with everyday life challenges, and improve the quality of their lives. I strongly believe in providing a supportive atmosphere that consists of understanding individual experiences, addressing needs, instilling hope, building on strengths, and recognizing potential.
(281) 940-2212 View (281) 940-2212
Photo of Cathryn Lamb - Embark Behavioral Health
Embark Behavioral Health
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual IOP, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), wilderness therapy, short-term residential treatment programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual IOP, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), wilderness therapy, short-term residential treatment programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
(458) 241-5990 View (458) 241-5990
Photo of Diana Nguyen Borsack, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diana Nguyen Borsack
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
We all want the best for our children: to help them grow and teach them the necessary skills to succeed in life. When we communicate with open ears and conscious hearts, this allows for healthy relationships to build. Effective therapy utilized this approach of open communication in order to foster the growth and development of youth. I strive to help every child feel that they have control over their lives, and offer the necessary skills to be happy, healthy, and to make their own positive decisions.
We all want the best for our children: to help them grow and teach them the necessary skills to succeed in life. When we communicate with open ears and conscious hearts, this allows for healthy relationships to build. Effective therapy utilized this approach of open communication in order to foster the growth and development of youth. I strive to help every child feel that they have control over their lives, and offer the necessary skills to be happy, healthy, and to make their own positive decisions.
(714) 701-6370 View (714) 701-6370
Photo of Penn Barbosa, PhD, Psychologist
Penn Barbosa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
The goal of therapy is for you be happy in your love and work. At the heart of it, therapy is about increasing your capacity to alleviate your suffering; feel more connected with yourself and others; expand and enrich yourself; recognize what you want; and recognize the internal and external forces that keep you from getting what you want. These are powerful antidotes to anxiety and depression.
The goal of therapy is for you be happy in your love and work. At the heart of it, therapy is about increasing your capacity to alleviate your suffering; feel more connected with yourself and others; expand and enrich yourself; recognize what you want; and recognize the internal and external forces that keep you from getting what you want. These are powerful antidotes to anxiety and depression.
(415) 992-6047 View (415) 992-6047
Photo of Alecia Singer, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alecia Singer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
(415) 660-9464 View (415) 660-9464

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.