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.
Joy Nussen
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the States of California and Oregon with over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of settings, working with differing populations and ages. I have helped others who are looking to start or maintain their healing journey or are experiencing obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, addictions and trauma (including multi-generational trauma). My clinical focus is on individual adult men and women from various ethnic backgrounds. It has become abundantly clear to me (especially since working within a global Telehealth format) that regardless of where we come from or our individual life story, we all share the common needs for purpose, meaning, and value in our lives. Those who have worked with me on BetterHelp know that I pay close attention to words, love metaphors, and use humor when it is appropriate to do so. My style is warm and actively engaging and my approach pulls from various sources including solution-focused, dialectical behavior, narrative, and experiential therapies. I can't believe it has been over 6 years since I joined BH. I have developed a model "in honor" of this milestone. I hope it brings clarity to you as to how I may approach your situation. I look forward to meeting you: Joy’s CHIPS Model© … Chipping away at human problems Cognitive Distortions - checking in on narratives Communication - listening vs hearing, stonewalling, ghosting Comparisons - soul killer Compassion - Kindness towards Self? Others? Regret & Resentments Context - environment, culture, religion, health Control - can/can’t (anxiety/panic, codependency, addictions), fear of losing Healthy Distractions - Skills & Tools Honesty - transparency Humility - gratitude? narcissism? I - Am I making it all about me? codependency? narcissism? I - Interpretations & Assumptions, Emotional Maturity Patience Paying Attention - and Mindfulness Petrified - including fear of feeling better Physical - health, including its cause for MH issues Projection - onto others & forecasting Proof - of assumptions Purpose Self-Awareness Self-Sabotage Substances Support System Gratitud porque el corazón aprendió Gratitude because the heart learned Que agradecer es vivir mejor That being thankful is living better
Dr. Woodruff Johnson
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey. I bring expertise in helping clients work through challenging experiences, including social anxiety, grief, attachment issues, and stress related to caregiving, midlife changes, and personal identity. My approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, with a particular focus on supporting individuals facing multicultural challenges, discrimination, and systemic pressures. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate, collaborative healing. I work closely with clients to develop meaningful coping strategies, rebuild self-esteem, and create pathways toward personal growth and emotional resilience. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, relationship dynamics, or processing difficult life experiences, I'm dedicated to providing supportive, affirming guidance. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and am committed to creating a safe, understanding space where you can explore your challenges and strengths with genuine respect and care.
Dr. James Decker
I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Giovanni Bass
I am a Licensed Clinical Social-Worker with experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and borderline personality. I also provide marital counseling and family consultation. I provide treatment plans that address problems associated with impulse control, anger management, communication, self-awareness, self-esteem, perspective, and negative thought patterns. I have over 5 years of experience and I have treated individuals in various parts of the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. I provide spiritually integrated psychotherapy where the focus is on gaining knowledge of self and developing a relationship with a higher power. I have military experience and I am honored to have had the opportunity to treat many veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from various forms of trauma and adjustment disorders. My approach and treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, rational emotive therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of each soul I interact with. I will support you and help you discover the strength, from within yourself, to fulfill your purpose and to live the life you want to live. Take that first step, and I will take the rest with you!
Dr. Sharon Myers
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Claudia Smith
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.
Adriene Faust
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, 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. 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.
Samantha Nelums
I have over 6 years of clinical experience as an LCSW and over 14 years of experience as a social work practitioner in working with individuals that have a variety of needs. I use an eclectic approach by integrating different evidence-based intervention techniques to tailor treatment to the individual. I specialize in working with adults on family issues, relationship stressors, sexuality and coming out; and self-esteem/self-trust. I provide feedback and I am directive, therefore I try not to 'just listen and validate' I also like to be engaged in what you are saying.
Carly Makie-Bennett
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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.
Joseph Tillman
As a licensed therapist with extensive experience serving diverse communities in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenging life experiences, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and grief. I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to therapy, particularly focusing on men's mental health, self-love, and healing from attachment wounds. My work is deeply rooted in understanding individual journeys of isolation, purpose, and personal transformation. Drawing from four decades of clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, respect, and collaborative healing. I am committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique background and lived experience. My goal is to support you in building resilience, understanding yourself more deeply, and creating positive change in your life.
Susan Richey
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in in California with over 10 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adult child issues, their own mature adult challenges, and retirement. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life as an older adult and to take the steps needed for still more changes in our lives. If you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Brad Benedict
I was there, too. There was a time when I was extremely lost in life. But therapy changed the direction of my life forever. Because I went through it, I will get you through it, too. Whether you’re coming to me for personal growth, relationship struggles, or healing from trauma, we can work together to get you past the problem. It’s not that we need to share the same experiences. But I do need to know what it’s like to go from feeling stuck to coming out the other side a better version. I continuously work on myself to be the best mentor for you. As a result, therapy with me will be the one place where you never have to worry about what I’m thinking and feeling. We don’t have that type of freedom out there in the real world. I live in Southern California and work extensively with individuals and couples. My clients come to me facing issues related to complex trauma, PTSD, relationship/marital problems, anxiety, depression, and career/life transitions, or overall dissatisfaction. Also, my background in entertainment makes me qualified to work with those in Film, TV, & Music and help clients minimize the pressures that exist with these professions.
Monica Guerrero
As a clinical licensed therapist in New York, New Jersey, and California, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem issues with culturally sensitive and personalized care. I specialize in addressing diverse concerns including communication difficulties, and life transitions. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal purpose, and developing meaningful coping strategies. Drawing from extensive professional training, I offer bilingual therapy services in both English and Spanish. My commitment is to create a supportive, affirming space where individuals can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and cultivate inner strength. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inherent resilience and potential for growth.
Catherine Haralson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in California, and have lived here more than anyplace else in my life. I have worked in mental health field over 20 years, (then I stopped counting!) I work with adults over 18 years of age up to what ever age you have achieved. I try not to pay attention to that "older person nonsense!" How would you be if you didn't know the day you were born? I work with clients with trauma, such as with veterans, or those with past child abuse, or those who have been in traumatic car accidents, and so on; grief and loss, depression, OCD, anxiety, couples' issues-(one of you, or the both of ya) PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), bipolar disorder, and SMI (seriously mentally ill). Among other things, just write it down and send it to me, and we'll see what we can do. I specialize in CBT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Therapy, CPT-Cognitive Processing Therapy; Couples' work; Reflective Listening; Prolonged Exposure Therapy; DBT; Mindfulness; Motivational Interviewing, and Relaxation skills. My best strength is my compassion for helping you achieve your goals, and get where you want to in your life. I find therapy to be an interactive and collaborative effort--we are in this together.
Find a Therapist Near You in San Francisco , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in San Francisco.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.