Dr. Daniel Gaylinn, PhD, MA

Dr. Daniel Gaylinn, PhD, MA

Psychologist
CA
4.82
“Dan is a great therapist. He listens and provides insight while also letting me come to my own conclusions rather than simply telling me what to do. I look forward to our sessions each week and highly recommend him to my friends and family.”
Celina R.April 12, 2024
Patients often return
More patients return than other providers in the area
Highly recommended
92% of patients gave this doctor 5 stars
Excellent wait time
99% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients on Zocdoc

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Scheduling details

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What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.82

Average wait time

4.92

Bedside manner

4.82
“Dan is a great therapist. He listens and provides insight while also letting me come to my own conclusions rather than simply telling me what to do. I look forward to our sessions each week and highly recommend him to my friends and family.”
Celina R.April 12, 2024Video visit
“Dan is fantastic, very calm and empathetic, active listener, and attentive. He keeps track of our conversations over time and within the appointment, helps keep things grounded, directed, and productive. I have experienced many therapists, he is the best therapist I’ve had in over a decade. ”
Tim S.November 5, 2023Video visit

About Dr. Daniel Gaylinn

Focus areas

Burnout
Transpersonal Therapy
Life Transition
Therapy

Clientele seen

Adults (25-64)
Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Humanistic
Existential
Hypnotherapy
Gestalt
Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Identity

Gender

Male

Sexuality

Straight

Faith

Nonreligious

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Daniel Gaylinn

You've achieved real success — and from the outside, it shows. But inside, something can feel divided: pulled in too many directions, second-guessing decisions that should be clear, sensing you've built an impressive life without quite knowing who's living it. You may have already done good work — therapy, books, workshops — and still find yourself wondering what will actually fulfill you. I'm a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience, and I work closely with founders, executives, creatives, and accomplished professionals at moments of transition — when an old definition of success has run its course and a truer sense of direction is trying to emerge. My work is depth-oriented: less about managing symptoms or optimizing performance, and more about helping the many parts of you come into the same room, so you can lead your life from a steady, integrated center. If that resonates, I'd welcome a conversation. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, in person or by secure video, for individuals and couples — a low-pressure way to see whether we're a good fit.

What should a new client know about working with you?

My approach is integrative and grounded in the existential, humanistic, and transpersonal traditions. In practice, that means I draw on parts work (understanding and working with the different "voices" or sides of yourself), somatic awareness (including the body, not just the intellect), and psychosynthesis — alongside practical cognitive and motivational tools when they're useful. Over years of practice I've developed this into a structured but flexible method I call PSYCHE-8: a way of working with all the parts of a person and helping them lead from a steady, observing center. A few things to expect. This is collaborative, not prescriptive: in our first session we'll explore what brings you in, and decide together what approach fits you. Some of the work is reflective and meaning-oriented; some is more immediate and embodied. And it's aimed at something deeper than quick relief — many clients come to me precisely because they've already done the surface-level work. The goal isn't to optimize or to paper over what's hard, but to help you feel less divided and more fully yourself. I also work with clients seeking integration of psychedelic or other non-ordinary experiences, helping make meaning of them and turn them into lasting change. Whatever brings you in, my aim is a space that's warm, direct, and genuinely yours.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

People usually come to me at a crossroads — navigating a life transition, existential questions, burnout, or a subtle anxiety beneath their high performance. Our first session is mostly orientation: what's bringing you in now, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping for. There's no rigid intake script — it's a real conversation, and by the end we'll have a shared sense of how to proceed. From there, a typical session tends to move between two modes. Sometimes we're reflective — mapping the different parts of you that are in tension (the driver, the doubter, the perfectionist, the one longing for something more) and finding the steady center from which they can be led. Other times the work is more immediate and embodied — working with what's alive in the moment rather than only talking about it. Which mode we're in depends on you, and on the day. What you can expect over time is less a sudden lifting of symptoms than a gradual shift: feeling less fragmented, clearer about what you actually want, and more able to act from a grounded center instead of being pulled in every direction. It isn't a quick fix — it's a deeper, lasting integration. I see individuals and couples, in person or by secure video, and I'm currently accepting new clients. The easiest first step is a free 15-minute consultation.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
+30 more in-network plans

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It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $250 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $250 for 60 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

More information on payments and coverage

I am in-network with a number of insurance providers, but I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients and help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions, we're happy to work with you to keep therapy affordable.

Popular visit reasons

Adjustment Disorder
Anxiety
Cognitive Therapy
Depression
Existential Anxiety
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Therapy
Adjustment Disorder
Anxiety
Cognitive Therapy
Depression

Education and background

Practice names

Education and training

  • Sofia University, PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • Sofia University, Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology
  • Oberlin College (Bachelor’s)

Professional memberships

  • American Psychological Association
  • Association for Transpersonal Psychology
  • California Psychological Association
  • San Francisco Psychological Association

Awards and publications

  • Gaylinn, D.L. (2005). "Reflections On Transpersonal Media: An Emerging Movement." Journal of Transpersonal Psychology (37) 1.

NPI number

1396977302

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.82
Wait time
4.92
Bedside manner
4.82
Trust Banner Shield
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
242 reviews
Most relevant
He was divisive and deceptive. He also stated incorrect quotes and when corrected he lashed out. Very unprofessional.
Video visit
Dr. Gaylinn has helped me overcome many stressful issues in my life. Without him I would be very different place.
Verified patient
Dr. Gaylinn is amazing at what he does. He makes you feel comfortable right away and is incredibly helpful.
Friendly, easy to talk to. Listens and provides great feedback. I do not feel judged in anyway.
Video visit
Great listener. Highly experienced and personal and wide breadth of knowledge.
Video visit
I would recommend him, I feel comfortable when I was talking to him.
Verified patientVideo visit
Dan is a great therapist. He listens and provides insight while also letting me come to my own conclusions rather than simply telling me what to do. I look forward to our sessions each week and highly recommend him to my friends and family.
Verified patientVideo visit
Dan is fantastic, very calm and empathetic, active listener, and attentive. He keeps track of our conversations over time and within the appointment, helps keep things grounded, directed, and productive. I have experienced many therapists, he is the best therapist I’ve had in over a decade.
Verified patientVideo visit
Excellent
Verified patientVideo visit
I was unsure prior to apt of what to expect regarding my set appointment but was quite pleased to find that he’s very knowledgeable and is capable of educating you on behavioral management regarding patterns and behaviors I have. He is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a therapist and i rarely find what I’m looking for in other therapists I’ve seen. They just don’t have the drive and knowledge some folks but this one has it.
Verified patientVideo visit
Daniel is fantastic, great sessions and very attentive. Provider had recall from details of previous sessions and how they applied. Daniel speaks from a place of empathy and is very calm and reassuring. They ask tangible questions and gives great feedback and ideas to consider. I plan to continue to see Daniel as my provider. Thank you for great sessions!
Verified patientVideo visit
Spouted his gender essentialist opinions during one of our first meetings, saying "men are more wired for analytical thinking, and women are wired for emotional intelligence" when I discussed some frustrations with my job. Clearly not up to date with current clinical psychology research, and seems personally invested in maintaining the historical myth of female mental inadequacy.
Video visit
Intelligent and comforting.
Video visit
Very personable and understood prior work done in therapy to create relationship. Will certainly follow up and have future sessions
Verified patientVideo visit
Excellent overall!
Video visit
Great doctor!
Verified patientVideo visit
The best of the best. Have seen 5 others and Dan is the best. Have recommended Dan to many people. My work with Dan has easily resulted in the single largest quality of life improvement of my adult life.
Verified patientVideo visit
Very Nice and helpful !
Video visit
Very good experience highly recommended
Video visit
Dr. Gaylinn has an excellent conversational tone that makes discussing complex issues efficient and revealing. I find our discussions to be fruitful and and have gained new insights into my own self.
Verified patientVideo visit
He looked a bit bored half the time when he was listening, and the therapy session wasn't remotely helpful at all. He also indicated that he is not in the network of my insurance (when my insurance is listed in his profile and I verified this info before booking an appointment), so I had to pay out of pocket the full session when I should be paying the standard copay amount. It didn't seem like he really tried to resolve the billing/claim issue.
Dan has a bedside manner that is kind and helps me to embrace trusting the process - I am grateful for his wit, warmth and wonderful presence in holding the space!
I’m just starting therapy and Dr. Gaylinn really made me comfortable. He listens and gives me the space and tools needed to help me process everything and all the noise that is going on around me.
I look forward to seeing Dan every week. He's an excellent listener, provides insightful annecdotes and tools to better yourself, and digs deeper when necessary. Highly recommended.
Verified patient
Dr. Gaylinn has been instrumental in helping my husband and I communicate more clearly and get through rough times together. Because of the skills I learned in his office, I truly feel more confident in my ability to handle and work through times of emotional stress. I feel blessed to have him in our lives.
Verified patient
Dan is great. I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts (challenging to find in a therapist). Understandable, non judgemental, but also is always pushing me to grow. Highly recommended
Verified patient
It was good, sometimes the talk in hyptotheticals/high level motives is difficult to connect to the current day to day. Appears receptive and genuine to my experience. Still too early for a proper rating.
I’m very appreciative of the time I spend with Dan. He’s thoughtful and challenges me to think. He’s able to sympathize with issues that I have difficulties dealing with, even if they feel foreign to him. Dan has been of great help in teaching me to speak up and to advocate for my needs and wants.
Dan is a great therapist. And I've had experience with several others before him. He's got a great bedside manner. He provides a supportive environment - a safe place - to share anything, and does a fantastic job of working through issues. Highly recommend!
Dan is very inciteful. He helps me narrow in on that one thing that is at the core of my dilemma. He is compassionate and understanding and never judges you. He always listens with a capacity to hear what you are saying with your words and your body, as in language, helping me relax and calm my self down and really get to the center of my feelings.
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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Daniel Gaylinn?

Generally, Dr. Daniel Gaylinn has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Gaylinn's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Daniel Gaylinn accepting new patients?

Dr. Daniel Gaylinn generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Gaylinn's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Daniel Gaylinn accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Gaylinn is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Dr. Daniel Gaylinn online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Gaylinn using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Dr. Daniel Gaylinn work with?

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Daniel Gaylinn?

Dr. Daniel Gaylinn frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Daniel Gaylinn on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Daniel Gaylinn speak?

Dr. Daniel Gaylinn speaks English.

How do patients rate Dr. Daniel Gaylinn in reviews?

242 patients have reviewed Dr. Daniel Gaylinn. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.82/5. They have a 4.82/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.92/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

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