1. San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy (SFBACCT)
Credentials: Dr. Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP (Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology); Dr. Joan Davidson, PhD; Dr. Daniela Owen, PhD; Dr. Monique Thompson, PsyD. Partners with extensive training and experience in evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: Generalized anxiety, worry and rumination, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, hoarding disorder, depression, ADHD. Parenting support including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and self-compassion based approaches. Research-based modalities customized to individual needs.
Populations Served: Adults, adolescents, children, and families. Parents of anxious children and children with ADHD.
Background: The Center has been committed to providing empirically supported and compassionate care to the Bay Area community for nearly 30 years. Partners provide high-quality professional training for clinicians, trainees, and organizations in addition to clinical services.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at San Francisco office. Telehealth available throughout California.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Contact: https://sfbacct.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice through website to schedule consultation with one of the clinicians.
2. Pacific CBT (NSAC San Francisco)
Credentials: John R. Montopoli, LMFT, LPCC, clinic representative to National Social Anxiety Center. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2003.
Specialization: Social anxiety disorder, shy bladder (paruresis), panic attacks, phobias, generalized anxiety, worry, OCD, depression, life transition issues, and work stress.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with emphasis on teaching skills to help clients identify factors maintaining their concerns and develop coping strategies. Goal of helping clients become their own therapist.
Populations Served: Teens and adults with anxiety disorders, depression, relationship challenges, adolescent issues, bipolar disorder, and life transitions.
Background: John Montopoli began working with clients in 1996 and received his license in 2003. He opened his own practice one year later and has dedicated his career to helping clients overcome barriers to achieving their goals. NSAC San Francisco affiliate located in the Healing Arts Building.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at San Francisco office. Telehealth available throughout California.
Location: 1801 Bush Street, Suite 205, San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact: (415) 689-4131 | [email protected] | https://www.pacificcognitivebehavioraltherapy.com
Initial Consultation: Free consultation available. Schedule through website.
3. Good Therapy SF
Credentials: Dr. Tom McDonagh, PsyD, and team of licensed therapists including psychologists (PsyD, PhD) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT). Over 50 years of collective experience among team.
Specialization: Anxiety (social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, health anxiety), stress, burnout, OCD, depression, worry, and rumination.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and holistic approaches. Evidence-based techniques for reducing anxiety symptoms and improving well-being.
Populations Served: Adults throughout the Bay Area, California, and select states. Individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout.
Background: Group practice located in downtown San Francisco (Financial District). Staff consistently learning and evolving to incorporate latest science and techniques. Encourage clients to examine all aspects of life including diet, exercise, and relationships.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at downtown San Francisco office. Telehealth available.
Location: Downtown San Francisco (Financial District), CA
Contact: https://goodtherapysf.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule initial consultation.
4. Pacific Anxiety Group
Credentials: Doctoral-level psychologists with Stanford training. Team of licensed psychologists trained in state-of-the-art, evidence-based approaches.
Specialization: Anxiety, stress, burnout, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, perfectionism, and life transitions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based therapies.
Populations Served: Adults, children, teens, families, and couples throughout California.
Background: Psychologist-founded practice established in 2011 with vision of building a therapy practice grounded in clinical excellence, personal connection, and community. Grown into one of the Bay Area’s vibrant psychology practices. Clinicians stay current with emerging research and contribute through training, teaching, consulting, and publishing.
Insurance Accepted: In-network with Aetna. Contact practice for other insurance information.
Session Format: In-person therapy at Bay Area offices (Menlo Park, Los Altos, San Francisco, Belmont). Secure video therapy throughout California.
Location: San Francisco office in Presidio Heights neighborhood. Additional offices in Menlo Park, Los Altos, and Belmont.
Contact: https://www.pacificanxietygroup.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss treatment needs.
5. Two Chairs
Credentials: Team of licensed therapists practicing evidence-based individual mental health care. Therapists matched to clients based on expertise in treating specific conditions.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and various mental health concerns.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Evidence-based approaches tailored to client needs.
Populations Served: Adults of all identities through supportive, unbiased, non-judgmental spaces. Always accepting new clients.
Background: San Francisco-based practice with proprietary matching approach ensuring 98% of clients agree their therapist is a good fit. Care Coordination team helps clients navigate insurance and benefits. Tools provided to track and reflect on progress.
Insurance Accepted: Care Coordination team assists with insurance and benefits navigation.
Session Format: In-person and virtual therapy options available. Designed for client preference and convenience.
Location: San Francisco, CA (multiple locations)
Contact: (415) 202-5159 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm PT, Monday through Friday) | https://www.twochairs.com/san-francisco-therapy
Initial Consultation: Book appointment through website or speak with Care Coordination team by phone.
Mental Health Industry in California
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in San Francisco range from $200 to $350 per session, reflecting the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) typically charge $175 to $275 per session. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $250 to $400 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $300 to $500 for sessions including medication management. San Francisco therapy costs are among the highest in the nation. Many practices offer sliding scale fees.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in California, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, with at least 1,500 hours completed after doctoral degree (postdoctoral). Two examinations are required: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). The California Board of Psychology administers licensure. License renewal requires 36 hours of continuing professional development every two years.
Telehealth Regulations
California permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. California is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms and obtain informed consent for telehealth services.
Mental Health Parity Laws
California has strong mental health parity laws requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditions. The Mental Health Parity Act and federal MHPAEA apply. California law specifically requires coverage for severe mental illnesses.
Professional Organizations
The California Psychological Association (CPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The San Francisco Psychological Association serves local practitioners. The Bay Area Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies provides specialized CBT training and networking.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
San Francisco has a substantial mental health workforce with multiple psychology programs at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF, and other institutions. Despite high provider density, wait times for new patients typically range from two to six weeks due to high demand. Specialized anxiety and OCD treatment may have longer wait times.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In San Francisco, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders (particularly related to tech industry stress and burnout), depression, OCD, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and concerns specific to LGBTQ+ community members. The city’s high cost of living and competitive work environment contribute to stress-related mental health concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
California Department of Health Care Services oversees community mental health programs. San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services provides crisis services, community mental health treatment, and substance use services. SF Suicide Prevention offers 24/7 crisis support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes CBT particularly effective for tech industry burnout in San Francisco?
CBT addresses the cognitive patterns common in tech workers, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and catastrophic thinking about career outcomes. San Francisco practices like Good Therapy SF specifically target burnout using evidence-based techniques to challenge distorted thoughts about productivity and self-worth while teaching practical stress management skills.
How does the SFBACCT differ from general therapy practices?
The San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy specializes exclusively in evidence-based treatments with nearly 30 years of experience. Their partners hold advanced certifications (including ABPP board certification) and provide professional training to other clinicians, indicating depth of expertise beyond general practice.
What is PSYPACT and how does it benefit California residents?
PSYPACT is the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact that allows psychologists with E.Passport credentials to provide telepsychology services across member states. For California residents who travel frequently or relocate temporarily, this means continuity of care with their San Francisco-based psychologist without interruption.
Are there specialized social anxiety treatment options in San Francisco?
Yes, Pacific CBT (NSAC San Francisco) is the National Social Anxiety Center affiliate for San Francisco, offering specialized CBT treatment for social anxiety disorder. John Montopoli, LMFT, LPCC has dedicated his career to anxiety disorders and offers individual therapy, group therapy, and social skills coaching specifically for social anxiety.
How do San Francisco therapy costs compare to other major cities?
San Francisco therapy costs ($200-350 per session for individual therapy) are among the highest nationally, comparable to New York City and higher than most other U.S. metropolitan areas. This reflects the Bay Area’s high cost of living and operating costs for practices. Many providers offer sliding scale fees, and some practices like Two Chairs help navigate insurance to offset costs.