What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.64
Average wait time
4.81
Bedside manner
4.81
“Rachel's use of compassion-focused techniques really stands out—they create a space where you feel understood rather than judged. What impressed me most is how they blend different approaches seamlessly, tailoring each session to what actually works in the moment. On top of that, their scheduling flexibility made it easy to stay consistent with therapy. It’s clear their ultimate goal is helping people build a better quality of life, not just get through sessions.”
RHLess than 3 months ago
“One of the most intuitive therapists I’ve worked with. I felt Rachel really understood my attachment stuff on a deep level. ”
NPLess than 6 months ago
About Rachel Budnick
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Somatic Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Young Adult Issues
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Groups
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Art Therapy
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Attachment-based
Dialectical (DBT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Rachel Budnick
When you find yourself in need of support. Where your quality of life does not feel as it should - this is who I work with. Man, woman, child, adolescent, couple - we all suffer, thrive and have unique drives. In my opinion, the more important question is if you feel comfortable. Your trust, your faith, are pivotal to growth.
Many of the clients are children, adolescents and adults who cannot identify ‘what’ is going on - but feel something can change. This is my role: to identify the feelings, support connections between the mind and body, and begin the journey to help discover the best version of yourself.
My clients come in balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, trauma - from their past and present - power differential demands, all the while, navigating anxiety, self-doubt and the general feelings life just does not feel as it once did. Working with me in therapy means having a safe space. Unlike other providers, I do not leave a client wondering, unsure or curious about ‘what that really meant.’ Therapy is about agency, safety. These tenets I consider foundational.
Additionally, I wanted to share that I am an interactive and integrative provider. At all times, in every instance, it is you, the client, who determines how much or how little you may or may not want to support coordinating with other providers.
If my clients are in need of extra support, I can provide rapid referrals for psychiatrists, nutritionists, executive functioning support, neuropsychological evaluations, even access to specialized exercise services.
The provider is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Their current employer is Unfold Psychology.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach is attuned, grounded, and clinically thoughtful. For those curious about modalities, I draw from relational, psychoanalytic, and mind-body therapies. Depending on your needs, I use concepts from Formative Psychology, trauma-release work, CBT, play and narrative therapies, and exposure-based techniques. Each of us takes a different physical “shape” in response to our history, emotions, and present stress. Blending traditional psychotherapy with mind-body work can be an effective way to interrupt old, habituated patterns, quiet the internal chatter, and navigate life with more acceptance, clarity, and a stronger sense of who you are and who you want to become.
I work with individuals navigating:
• Boundary struggles in relationships, leadership, work, and recovery
• Anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and mood fluctuations
• Attention, impulsivity, OCD-related patterns, bipolar presentations
• Career strain, burnout, and major role transitions
• Identity and sexuality questions
• Trauma and post-traumatic symptoms
• Family dynamics and communication challenges
• Body image concerns, eating distress, and self-criticism
• Performance-driven lifestyles and difficulty slowing down
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The first three sessions are about getting to know you, to see if we are the right fit for therapy. Upon the third session, I will facilitate a conversation with you and see what's working and what's not. From there we will create a treatment plan for you, and get into the work.
If you want to experience satisfaction, and an integrative understanding of yourself, please reach out. The risk of reaching out might be worth it.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Ongoing session: $170-225 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Office locations
Rachel Budnick, AMFT, MA also offers online video visits for patients
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Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- California Institute of Integral Studies, Master's in Counseling
NPI number
1407523061
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.64
Wait time
4.81
Bedside manner
4.81
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
22 reviews
Most relevant
One of the most intuitive therapists I’ve worked with. I felt Rachel really understood my attachment stuff on a deep level.
Less than 6 months agoNP
Highly recommend and fit me in her schedule right away!
Less than 1 year agoMF
Rachel's use of compassion-focused techniques really stands out—they create a space where you feel understood rather than judged. What impressed me most is how they blend different approaches seamlessly, tailoring each session to what actually works in the moment. On top of that, their scheduling flexibility made it easy to stay consistent with therapy. It’s clear their ultimate goal is helping people build a better quality of life, not just get through sessions.
Less than 3 months agoRH
Honestly I didn’t even want to start therapy, I’m too busy and travel a lot for work. But Rachel just got it right away. She didn’t make me feel weird about not knowing what to say. She’s direct, points out patterns I totally miss, and actually works with my schedule when I’m out of town. I don’t have to pretend I’ve got it all handled. It’s been way more helpful than I expected.
Less than 6 months agoCS
This clinician was great. She's to the point, and helped me face some fears I've been avoiding talking about for a long time. In just a few months I feel I can handle my work and relationships better, and am finally dating again. I felt she really understood my social anxiety. Thank you Rachel!
More than 1 year agoSW
I’ve worked with other therapists, but Rachel’s approach was the first one that really worked for me. I’d always tried to address my anxiety from a cognitive perspective, and Rachel’s somatic psychology approach changed both my understanding of my symptoms and my ability to manage them. Highly recommend!
More than 1 year agoEK
Rachel is not like any therapist I’ve had before and she really does Somatic therapy (unlike other providers who I’ve been to). She showed me how to find manageability in my mood swings. This has shifted my self concept, and built my strength from the inside out. Thank you Rachel, I will always be grateful!
More than 1 year agoEH
Rachel Budnick was my first-ever therapist and will always be the best! When I first met her she was very welcoming and understanding during and outside sessions. In the year we worked together I can truthfully say that she has helped me more than anyone, I truly appreciate her as a therapist and a person, and I highly recommend her
More than 1 year agoES
Rachel was great. Meeting with her was an important part of my week. She is very patient and understanding and not judgmental.
More than 1 year agoBN
When I first decided to go to therapy, i was so glad that I choose Rachel. She has helped me to find ways to manage my anxiety and
set boundries in my relationships. I also appreciate her somatic approach, which has give me practical ways to increase my self-confidence.
More than 1 year agoJH
Rachel is fantastic at what she does. She always made me feel heard, seen and supported, and gave me great tools to deal with ongoing anxiety. I am very grateful.
More than 1 year agoKN
Rachel is fantastic at what she does. She always made me feel heard, seen and supported, and gave me great tools to deal with ongoing anxiety. I am very grateful.
More than 1 year agoKN
Rachel is an exceptionally brilliant clinician, who creates a warm and inviting space where clients can truly be themselves. Her holistic approach fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness leading to meaningful growth. I highly recommend Rachel to anyone looking for positive change and unwavering support on their therapy journey.
More than 1 year agoJC
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
February 25, 2026Lisa B.Verified patient
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
January 16, 2026David Y.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoMB
Less than 1 year agoTF
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
September 4, 2024Tatiana B.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoJV
How soon can I make an appointment with Rachel Budnick?
Generally, Rachel Budnick has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Rachel Budnick's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Rachel Budnick accepting new patients?
Rachel Budnick generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Rachel Budnick's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Rachel Budnick accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Rachel Budnick is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Rachel Budnick online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Rachel Budnick using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Rachel Budnick work with?
Rachel Budnick works with Unfold Psychology.
Where is Rachel Budnick's office located?
Rachel Budnick has 5 office locations, including in Oakland, San Francisco, Corte Madera, and San Jose, view full addresses on Rachel Budnick's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Rachel Budnick?
Rachel Budnick frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Rachel Budnick on their profile.
What languages does Rachel Budnick speak?
Rachel Budnick speaks English.
How do patients rate Rachel Budnick in reviews?
22 patients have reviewed Rachel Budnick. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.64/5. They have a 4.81/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.81/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.