How to Find An Anxiety Therapist in San Francisco

Living in San Francisco has many amazing advantages (natural beauty, museums, great weather) and some disadvantages (housing prices anyone?) but life can still have its challenges—especially during this time of unprecedented change.  When those challenges comes up—whether it is job loss, feeling unable to cope, or simply feeling down-- finding support from a professional can seem daunting. San Francisco has tons of therapists but finding one that you feel comfortable opening up to can be tough. 

I’d like to help you find a therapist in San Francisco with these tips.

When you already feel like life is hard, finding a therapist can be one more thing that you struggle to do.  So here is what I would recommend to a friend, colleague, or client about finding a new therapist .

1)    Decide on a budget for therapy. 

Therapy can make a huge difference in your quality of life and even change your life goals but it is an expense.  Unfortunately, few therapists in SF will accept insurance due to how little insurance networks pay therapists. You may be able to find low-cost clinics or clinicians that are in the process of being licensed (who are less expensive) but it is best to expect to pay out-of-pocket for a good therapist.  Some insurances offer out-of-network benefits, which may offset the cost of therapy.  Check with your insurance company to find out what benefits are offered. 

2)    Ask trusted family and friends for referrals.

Since finding a therapist that works for you is a personal decision, it makes sense to ask people who know you well or who are in therapy and are having a good experience with therapy.  Use your network to help find some good candidates.

3)    Research different therapists online.

It’s important to read up on a therapist and find out how they might approach therapy.  Do they have experience working with the kinds of problems you face?  Are there any gender, cultural, or identity factors that you want to consider when choosing a therapist?  This person should be someone you feel can understand your life experience and help guide you.

4)    Schedule a few initial phone calls with therapists in San Francisco who appeal to you.

Most therapists offer a free 15 minute consultation to help figure out if there is a good fit.  It can be helpful to shop around for therapists to find out who you feel most comfortable with.

 Free 15 minute therapy consultation in San Francisco

 Hopefully these tips help you to find an anxiety therapist you like in San Francisco.  If you are still feeling stuck, please contact me at (415) 212-8780 or lisa@lisamanca.com.  I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety therapy, you can read more about how I can help here.