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There are currently 39 Psychologists in San Francisco available for booking on Zocdoc. Filter by insurance, language, or appointment time to find your best match.
Yes. 27 Psychologists in San Francisco are accepting new patients right now. Many offer appointments within the next few days.
Among psychologists in San Francisco:
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Psychologist in San Francisco, book an appointment, and see the Psychologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Psychologists in San Francisco who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a San Francisco Psychologist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Psychologists in San Francisco and book appointments instantly. You can search for San Francisco Psychologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for San Francisco Psychologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Psychologists in San Francisco who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for San Francisco Psychologists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Psychologists in San Francisco who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Psychologists in San Francisco on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Psychologists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Psychologists in San Francisco who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Psychologist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Psychologists in San Francisco. Many Psychologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
There is no one or 'right' reason for consulting a psychologist. You may be dealing with a familial conflict, workplace stress, or trauma from the past. But, regardless of the source of the worry, a licensed psychologist can help you work through troubling emotions and thoughts.
Psychologists are trained professionals with years of training and professional degrees. A licensed practitioner delivers most psychotherapy in one-on-one sessions or groups (group therapy). While the exact mode of treatment may vary, your appointment with a clinical psychologist will usually involve the following:
Depending on the diagnosis, psychotherapy may involve different kinds of interventions. For instance, a person with anxiety may get treated through exposure therapy. It involves gradually exposing the feared object or situation in a supportive environment. The patient then slowly learns to tolerate stress, and their anxiety subsides. Alternatively, a psychologist may teach the patient relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, or other coping strategies for handling tense situations.
One form of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the thought processes and habits that lead from internal or external triggers to anxiety and other problematic responses. For instance, the clinical psychologist may focus on correcting maladaptive thought patterns such as catastrophizing. Catastrophizing is when an ordinary event is interpreted excessively negatively, leading to irrational fear.
However, as the name implies, CBT also focuses on maladaptive behavioral patterns. For example, a patient with a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder may take significant steps to hide their physical or emotional reactions or avoid social contact —both of which may prove counterproductive. Over time, the patient learns to overcome these problematic mental and physical habits, leading a more fulfilling life.
There is no one form of CBT. Many psychologists modify and adapt their style to the demands and needs of their patients. Therefore, you must pay attention when selecting your psychologist. Read on to learn some things you must consider when searching for a high-quality licensed psychologist.
Psychologists and counselors receive training in various areas, including psychology, counseling, and human development. While there are some similarities in the training they receive, there are also some critical differences.
Psychologists typically receive training in research methods and statistics, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. On the other hand, counselors usually receive training in areas such as human development, counseling theories and techniques, and assessment.
While psychologists and counselors must complete graduate-level training programs to practice, the type of program they end in can vary. For example, some psychologists may earn a Ph.D. in Psychology, while others may gain a PsyD. Counselors may earn a master's degree in counselor education and supervision or a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Psychologists can focus on various areas of psychology. These are called subspecialties. Here are some of the subspecialties in psychology:
Psychologists and counselors share many similarities. Both work with individuals to help them understand themselves and make positive life changes. They use similar techniques, such as talk therapy, to achieve these goals.
However, although psychologists and counselors provide mental health services, the two have some key differences.
Psychologists have a more extensive education than counselors, with most holding a doctorate in psychology. They also tend to conduct research and work in academic settings. On the other hand, counselors typically have a master's degree and work in clinical settings such as hospitals, schools, and private practices.
In terms of the actual practice of mental health, psychologists and counselors both diagnose and treat mental disorders. However, psychologists tend to focus more on the diagnosis, while counselors focus more on treatment. In addition, counselors often take a more holistic approach to their client's care, considering factors such as family relationships and life circumstances that may contribute to mental health issues.
Psychotherapy consists of deeply researched scientific approaches that help people to talk about and work through their mental and emotional problems. Psychologists use different kinds of psychotherapy to help their patients live healthier, happier, and better lives. Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy teaches patients new skills to fix their troubles and face future challenges.
Many seek psychotherapy to cope with anxious, depressive, and angry feelings. Others use it to help them navigate overwhelming life changes, such as divorce, a loved one's death, starting a new job, etc. Some even use this form of treatment after they have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders, that endangers their mental well-being. Even though sharing everything you think and feel in front of a stranger can be scary, the results can be positive and groundbreaking when done with the right psychologist near you.
Booking your first appointment with a psychologist is a massive step in maintaining your well-being. What should you do in the days leading up to your first session? Below are three preparation tips to help you get started and walk into the mental health professional's office with confidence:
Professional help has its own merits. But practicing good mental habits or daily hygiene is good, too. It may range from practicing meditation or mindfulness to paying attention to your body and mind. It may be helpful in the future. Experts recommend reducing screen time and taking regular breaks from electronic devices. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and practicing meditation may also be helpful. Another effective habit would be making sure you get enough good quality sleep.
The pandemic has brought social distancing and lockdowns in its wake. As a result, many people feel lonely or cut off from others. Maintaining social connections may be one of the most constructive ways to maintain good mental health. It could take the shape of online events with your community organizations, such as events at the local church, a live music concert, or even a public lecture.
Below are a few things you can do to improve your mental health, depending on your diagnosis.
Depression is a severe disorder that affects your daily functioning. Trained professionals can diagnose depression based on specific symptoms over some time—usually every day (or most of the days) for two consecutive weeks. Depression is not one type; you may have bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or postpartum disorder (called 'baby blues'). Similarly, there are unique forms of depression for various groups—such as depression in women, teen depression, or seasonal affective disorder.
But regardless of your specific diagnosis, you take the following steps alongside treatment:
Mental health resources
You can also browse through these educational resources:
You may also look at two government agencies whose mandates relate to mental health. HRSA is a federal agency that promotes health equity by improving healthcare for vulnerable people—economically, medically, or geographically. SAMHSA is an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that seeks to mitigate the substance impact of abuse and mental illness on Americans.
Here are some tips to help maintain and improve your mental health:
Choosing a good psychologist is crucial. This is due to the high costs of sessions and the wide range of psychotherapies and specializations.
Since 2009, Zocdoc has constantly worked to improve the healthcare experience, and mental health is no exception. Here, you can find the top-ranking psychologists in San Francisco. You can browse hundreds of verified customer reviews on Zocdoc and find a professional matching your needs. For instance, you can search for psychologists who specialize in dealing with marriage and family conflicts, cognitive behavioral therapy, or treating disorders such as anxiety, substance use, and depression.
More importantly, our directory will provide summary profiles for every psychologist nearby, often including their experience, main clinical interests, and professional training and achievements. Besides, we all realize that psychotherapy can be a significant time commitment. You can use Zocdoc to find a provider with suitable availability who is based at a convenient and accessible location. You could also browse psychologists' profiles and review other details, such as preferred insurance plans or fees.
If you do not have a health plan, you can mention you will pay for yourself in the search bar. Zocdoc will match you with psychologists near you accepting patients without insurance coverage. Do you have any more related queries? Our patient help center page will likely have suitable answers—please feel free to go through it.
No financial or administrative burden should deprive you of the care and treatment you deserve. At Zocdoc.com, you can find top-rated psychologists in your area who match your budget and schedule.
All bookings are simple, secure, and completely free.
A report by SAMHSA (Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration) looked at mental health and substance use trends in the region surrounding San Francisco — specifically, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area.
According to the report, the San Francisco region reports higher-than-average rates of substance use:
National Institute of Mental Health [1]
National Institute of Mental Health [2]
National Institute of Mental Health [3]
Health Resources & Services Administration
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
American Psychological Association
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.