Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Erin Miller-Brennan, Counselor in 94114, CA
Erin Miller-Brennan
Counselor, CMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
An issue can be defined as an important topic or problem for discussion as well as a place to come, go or flow out from. Whatever your issue, need or goal may be I am able to hold space for you to think through, process and make meaning out of your life & your experiences without judgement. There is no issue too great or too small to work through in therapy and it takes great courage to make this first step of connecting with a therapist to begin your Self exploration. I am here to support you through your journey & with the additional support of my service dog, Bromley!
An issue can be defined as an important topic or problem for discussion as well as a place to come, go or flow out from. Whatever your issue, need or goal may be I am able to hold space for you to think through, process and make meaning out of your life & your experiences without judgement. There is no issue too great or too small to work through in therapy and it takes great courage to make this first step of connecting with a therapist to begin your Self exploration. I am here to support you through your journey & with the additional support of my service dog, Bromley!
(628) 232-8825 View (628) 232-8825
Photo of Caroline Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94114, CA
Caroline Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
View
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Julie K Peters, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in 94114, CA
Julie K Peters
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
(510) 380-5706 View (510) 380-5706
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
(415) 849-7242 View (415) 849-7242
Photo of Jamie R. Wyatt, Counselor in 94114, CA
Jamie R. Wyatt
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Do you yearn for a happier, more fulfilled life? Are you struggling with loss, life transition, trauma, depression or anxiety, or a life that feels unsatisfying? I understand how difficult it can be to start the journey of therapy. If you are willing to take this brave step, I am here to listen deeply to your story with non-judgement and compassion, join you in moments of laughter and tears, and journey with you through the scary places. Together we can uncover what gets you stuck, and take the steps necessary to transform your pain into restorative healing.
Do you yearn for a happier, more fulfilled life? Are you struggling with loss, life transition, trauma, depression or anxiety, or a life that feels unsatisfying? I understand how difficult it can be to start the journey of therapy. If you are willing to take this brave step, I am here to listen deeply to your story with non-judgement and compassion, join you in moments of laughter and tears, and journey with you through the scary places. Together we can uncover what gets you stuck, and take the steps necessary to transform your pain into restorative healing.
(434) 204-8178 View (434) 204-8178
Photo of Mark L Oliver, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Mark L Oliver
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I believe that coming to therapy is about making a home in ourselves: a home where we feel at ease, where all the different parts of us are okay and we don't feel that something is wrong with who we are. When life gets hard we can feel isolated and cutoff - from the people around us, and also from ourselves. When we most need to feel compassion towards ourselves it can be hardest to find. My work is to help you find that compassion for yourself and to support you in strengthening your capacity to meet whatever life brings with courage and confidence.
I believe that coming to therapy is about making a home in ourselves: a home where we feel at ease, where all the different parts of us are okay and we don't feel that something is wrong with who we are. When life gets hard we can feel isolated and cutoff - from the people around us, and also from ourselves. When we most need to feel compassion towards ourselves it can be hardest to find. My work is to help you find that compassion for yourself and to support you in strengthening your capacity to meet whatever life brings with courage and confidence.
(628) 227-5810 View (628) 227-5810
Photo of Linda Dolan, Psychologist in 94114, CA
Linda Dolan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
(415) 202-6923 View (415) 202-6923
Photo of Stephanie L. Denton, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Stephanie L. Denton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #122562
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer a space to explore your inner landscape where we can process experiences such as past trauma, issues in the workplace, desire to alleviate depression and anxiety.
You are the sky, everything else is the weather - Pema Chodron Through attuned listening, warmth, and at times humor, I welcome your intuition, imagination, spirituality, and creativity into the healing process. I believe there is innate medicine and wisdom within you, which when cultivated, will help you on your life’s journey.
I offer a space to explore your inner landscape where we can process experiences such as past trauma, issues in the workplace, desire to alleviate depression and anxiety.
You are the sky, everything else is the weather - Pema Chodron Through attuned listening, warmth, and at times humor, I welcome your intuition, imagination, spirituality, and creativity into the healing process. I believe there is innate medicine and wisdom within you, which when cultivated, will help you on your life’s journey.
(415) 843-2375 View (415) 843-2375
Photo of Christina Marie Balistreri, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
(415) 855-7947 View (415) 855-7947
Photo of Jan S. Cehn, LCSW,BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94114, CA
Jan S. Cehn, LCSW,BCD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also use EMDR to successfully treat performance anxiety, behavioral and substance addictions, protracted grief & many other issues.
I am an experienced therapist who has been working with teens, individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. I see therapy as a partnership: you enter this process with your particular issues and uniqueness and together, through building trust, being curious and using specialized techniques, you progress. My approach is based on my client's personal history and their needs and, in general, I am quite interactive. I provide short-term as well as long-term treatment.
I also use EMDR to successfully treat performance anxiety, behavioral and substance addictions, protracted grief & many other issues.
I am an experienced therapist who has been working with teens, individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. I see therapy as a partnership: you enter this process with your particular issues and uniqueness and together, through building trust, being curious and using specialized techniques, you progress. My approach is based on my client's personal history and their needs and, in general, I am quite interactive. I provide short-term as well as long-term treatment.
(415) 889-8965 View (415) 889-8965
Photo of Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr., Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD-c, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
(209) 502-2363 View (209) 502-2363
Photo of Peggy Handler, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Peggy Handler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Do you long for a deeper sense of peace, wholeness and connection to life? Do repetitive patterns prevent you from having a fulfilling life and satisfying relationships? Any issue or symptom, such as addiction, depression or anxiety, or an underlying sense of disconnection, fear or doubt, is a message from your unconscious that something inside Is out of alignment. We will collaboratively explore your experiences and their meaning to help you connect to yourself and life in a fuller and more satisfying way.
Do you long for a deeper sense of peace, wholeness and connection to life? Do repetitive patterns prevent you from having a fulfilling life and satisfying relationships? Any issue or symptom, such as addiction, depression or anxiety, or an underlying sense of disconnection, fear or doubt, is a message from your unconscious that something inside Is out of alignment. We will collaboratively explore your experiences and their meaning to help you connect to yourself and life in a fuller and more satisfying way.
(415) 630-5753 View (415) 630-5753
Photo of Elaina Barulic, MFT, Therapist & Jungian Candidate, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Elaina Barulic, MFT, Therapist & Jungian Candidate
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I work with anxiety, depression, life changes, loss, early trauma, spiritual concerns, and bodily/somatic symptoms of emotional distress.
I offer therapy as a reliable space where you can slow down, really meet your inner world and learn to relate to what you discover there. Your symptoms have a story to tell. They can cause suffering when you don’t understand their language, or what they're asking you to find out about yourself. When given the attention they ask for, your emotions can reconnect you to your instincts and guide you in useful directions. Jungian therapy works to help you face inward towards your imagination, where you can begin to recover and revive what feels dormant, lost, unworthy, or just undiscovered.
I work with anxiety, depression, life changes, loss, early trauma, spiritual concerns, and bodily/somatic symptoms of emotional distress.
I offer therapy as a reliable space where you can slow down, really meet your inner world and learn to relate to what you discover there. Your symptoms have a story to tell. They can cause suffering when you don’t understand their language, or what they're asking you to find out about yourself. When given the attention they ask for, your emotions can reconnect you to your instincts and guide you in useful directions. Jungian therapy works to help you face inward towards your imagination, where you can begin to recover and revive what feels dormant, lost, unworthy, or just undiscovered.
(628) 241-1097 View (628) 241-1097
Photo of Erik Karff, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Erik Karff
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
There are many factors that can lead a person to therapy. Perhaps you’re experiencing a persistent feeling of fear, loneliness, or anxiety, but can’t quite put your finger on where it’s coming from. You may have experienced a recent change or loss of a loved one, relationship, or job that is profoundly impacting you. Or, it could be that the voice of your inner critic is so loud that they/she/he is all you hear.
There are many factors that can lead a person to therapy. Perhaps you’re experiencing a persistent feeling of fear, loneliness, or anxiety, but can’t quite put your finger on where it’s coming from. You may have experienced a recent change or loss of a loved one, relationship, or job that is profoundly impacting you. Or, it could be that the voice of your inner critic is so loud that they/she/he is all you hear.
(415) 527-3839 View (415) 527-3839
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94114, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
View
Photo of Lily Springsteen, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94114, CA
Lily Springsteen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I’m a child psychotherapist that works with parents, children, and adolescents. You might be here because you have questions about your child’s behavior, wish for a more satisfying parent-child relationship, or are overwhelmed from the stresses of parenthood. Perhaps painful memories from your own childhood are impacting your parenting and family. Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions in the adult life, and it naturally brings up shifts in our external and internal lives. It’s my honor to support individuals, couples, families, and children through this period and beyond.
I’m a child psychotherapist that works with parents, children, and adolescents. You might be here because you have questions about your child’s behavior, wish for a more satisfying parent-child relationship, or are overwhelmed from the stresses of parenthood. Perhaps painful memories from your own childhood are impacting your parenting and family. Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions in the adult life, and it naturally brings up shifts in our external and internal lives. It’s my honor to support individuals, couples, families, and children through this period and beyond.
View
Photo of Cara Devries, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Cara Devries
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
All of us need support at different times in our lives. And when that time comes, it takes lots of courage to reach out, so welcome. I am a body centered psychotherapist, bringing in tools of trauma re-negotiation and resolution that I gratefully learned through my training in Somatic Experiencing. Together we will discover, through the wisdom of the body, your innate resiliency and capacity. Through my training and experience in Systemic Constellation work we will explore the dynamics of the family in ways that foster a healthy completion your family of origin. I look forward to talking with you.
All of us need support at different times in our lives. And when that time comes, it takes lots of courage to reach out, so welcome. I am a body centered psychotherapist, bringing in tools of trauma re-negotiation and resolution that I gratefully learned through my training in Somatic Experiencing. Together we will discover, through the wisdom of the body, your innate resiliency and capacity. Through my training and experience in Systemic Constellation work we will explore the dynamics of the family in ways that foster a healthy completion your family of origin. I look forward to talking with you.
(415) 855-7597 View (415) 855-7597
Photo of Christine Corrigan, Psychologist in 94114, CA
Christine Corrigan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
(415) 494-7027 View (415) 494-7027
Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.