Find a counselors in San Francisco, CA

Find counselors in San Francisco, CA

Find counselors in San Francisco, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best counselors in your area.
Zip code

Find counselors in San Francisco, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best counselors in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 counselors in San Francisco, CA

Clients agree: these therapists are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Angel's Touch SF

Angel's Touch SF

5.0Exceptional(12)
25 hires on Thervo
14+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Barbara D. says, "Very professional, worked on my various problem areas, which brought me relief. I would highly recommend her. She's very kind, and concerned about ones comfort." Read more
Kulwarn Healer

Kulwarn Healer

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Thervo
5+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Sharaf M. says, "He has been wonderful hes brought my dad back to base line he was paralyzed due to stroke, he has recovered physically and mentally we see much improvement he is a great healer wonderful sense of humor and love to his patients works like medicine...... thanks from mohamed and his family." Read more
Bliss Healing And Bodywork

Bliss Healing And Bodywork

New on Thervo
Offers online services
16+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
I am a healer--yoga instructor, life coach, bodyworker, cbd oils and salve sales. I have studied Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as well. I have passion to help provide ways for people to heal from trauma and physical pain. I have been able to adapt my technique to serve clients of all body types and injuries. I have worked with Professional athletes, pregnant women, elderly and extremely injured, burned and amputee clients. My healing hands will touch you to help ease the emotional or physical pain that you maybe caring on your body. Massage has worked miracles for me and I would like to share the healing gift with you. training in Acupress...

Your counseling questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.

How much does counseling cost?

Counseling costs $100 to $250 per session if not covered by insurance, depending on your location, type of counseling, and the counselor's specialty. Prices are on the high end of the range in major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco. The average cost of counseling with insurance is $20 to $60 per session for the copay.

Online counseling costs $50 to $110 per week through websites that offer a membership plan. Plans on the lower end of the price range are typically limited to support via text or email messaging only, while plans at the higher end of the range include scheduled video sessions with a licensed counselor or therapist.

Marriage counseling costs $120 to $250 per session for in-person therapy or $90 to $230 per session for online therapy.

Can you use an HSA or FSA for counseling?

You can only use your HSA or FSA for counseling if you have a billable diagnosis—such as depression or bipolar disorder—and the therapy is deemed medically necessary. You can't use your HSA or FSA for marriage or family counseling, grief counseling, or therapy for stress management.

What are the types of counselors?

Counselors have a master's degree in psychology and are trained and licensed to practice psychotherapy. A counselor may be licensed or certified in a specific area:

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
  • Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC)
  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Registered Child Therapist RPT)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

What does a counselor do?

A counselor can help you navigate challenging life situations, understand your emotions, strengthen your self-esteem, and improve your communication and coping skills. They provide support through difficult times and guide you in making the necessary changes in thinking and behavior to improve your mental and emotional health.

Counselors can help you with a variety of problems:

  • Depression and mood changes
  • Marriage and relationship problems
  • Grief or loss
  • Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
  • Self-esteem and body image concerns
  • Eating disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anger management
  • Addiction
  • Gender or sexual identity concerns

Can counselors prescribe medication?

Counselors are licensed psychologists but not medical doctors, and in most parts of the U.S. they are not allowed to prescribe medication. Only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow counselors to prescribe medication, and counselors in these states must complete additional psychopharmacology training and certification.

In the rest of the U.S., only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, but they typically do not provide talk therapy or counseling services.

Can counselors diagnose ADHD, autism, or other mental health conditions?

A licensed counselor can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Indiana and Maine. However, the counselor must refer clients to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Consult a counselor near you if you have concerns about ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions.

How can I choose the best counselor near me?

When searching for a counselor, it's important to choose one who makes you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Follow these tips to find the best counselor for you:

  • If you have a specific concern—such as depression, stress, or relationship issues—look for counselors who specialize in that area.
  • Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
  • Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.
  • Confirm the counselor accepts your insurance or offers a sliding-scale rate.
  • Ask about telemedicine and virtual visit options.
  • Schedule an initial consultation to make sure you're happy with the counselor's communication style and empathy.

What questions should I ask counselors?

Ask these questions to help you choose a counselor who will help you achieve the best results:

  • How long have you been practicing, and what are your certifications?
  • What areas of counseling do you specialize in?
  • What is your philosophy as a counselor?
  • What therapeutic approaches do you typically use?
  • What does a typical session look like?
  • Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
  • Do you give homework or reading assignments?
  • Do you offer virtual / telemedicine appointments?
  • Do you accept my insurance? Do you bill the insurance company directly?
  • Do you offer sliding-scale rates for clients without insurance?

Reviews for San Francisco counselors

Recent success stories from people in the San Francisco area.
Beatriz A.
Angel did a fabulous job of pinpointing my problem areas. After my session, I felt so relaxed. I'm looking forward to my next appointment with Angel and so happy that I found her. Now I can make massage a part of my self care routine.
Angel's Touch SF
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