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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco residents struggling with substance use, alcohol, or behavioral addiction can find compassionate providers specializing in recovery strategies including harm reduction, relapse prevention, and 12-step facilitation. Headway offers flexible scheduling with free consultations available.
Dr. Cristina LaFarre
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Virtual & in-person • 1.5 mi away • San Francisco, CA
I have found a calling that allows me to bring my full self – head, heart, and soul – to my work.
I found this calling after a fulfilling career in social services. In addition to working as a teacher, program manager, policy advocate, and peer counselor, I have also married, raised a family, coached youth sports, and pursued mindful self-care, creativity, and personal growth.
I earned my Bachelor’s in English from Harvard and my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute.
Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.
Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.
I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment
I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.
My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.
Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.
My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.
I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.
Most of my clients describe me as nonjudgmental and deeply empathic. I create a warm welcoming space for you to become you. Sometimes that's all some people need to heal.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use located within 20 miles of San Francisco, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 100%Stress management
- 100%Anxiety
- 100%Depression
- 96%Relationship issues

- 96%Aetna
- 54%Providence Health Plan
- 50%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 50%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 38%Curative

- 100%English
- 8%French
- 8%Russian
- 8%Spanish
- 4%Hebrew

- 92%In-person or online
- 8%In-person only

- 69%Woman
- 27%Man
- 4%Non-binary

- 62%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 19%Clinical Psychologist
- 12%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Licensed Clinical Social Worker

- 100%Individual therapy
- 35%Couples therapy
- 31%Child or adolescent therapy
- 31%Family therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in San Francisco
Finding addiction therapists in San Francisco starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, substance use concerns, and behavioral patterns related to gambling, sex, or internet use. Many therapists list approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or coordination with medication-assisted treatment when a prescriber is part of your care team. As you compare therapists, look for training and listed specialties that match what you want to work on.
San Francisco has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Mission, SoMa, the Richmond, and the Castro, which can make it harder to narrow your options. Consider whether an office location fits your commute, whether virtual appointments work better with your schedule, and whether the therapist is accepting new patients. Recovery can move in different directions over time, so it can help to read bios for signs of a nonjudgmental approach, experience with harm reduction frameworks, and a communication style that feels clear to you.
Therapy in San Francisco can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for addiction therapists who match your location, preferences, schedule, and insurance plan. You can review therapist bios, see estimated costs after entering your insurance details, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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