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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.
I have two graduate degrees in the field (Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology and Professional Counseling) and am a licensed behavioral health clinician in both Texas & California. My experience includes working with individuals and groups with a wide range of mental health, substance use, and basic counseling issues. I believe we all need help at points of our life and, if we are willing to ask for it, the support and guidance can be invaluable.
I AM EMDR TRAINED AND ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS 9-4, 6-8 MON - THU. CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
Justen Vernon is a dedicated Individual and Family Therapist with a diverse background in various therapeutic settings. Justen has had the privilege of providing therapy to MediCal clients, contributing to outreach programs for underserved populations, and collaborating on partnerships for mental health game development.
I provide psychotherapy to a diverse adult population experiencing generalized anxiety, panic symptoms, depression, stress, life transitions and adjustment difficulties, relationship concerns, and family challenges. I also have experience treating clients with perinatal mental health concerns, including postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and birth trauma.
As a bilingual therapist fluent in English and Japanese, I provide psychotherapy in both languages, offering culturally responsive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years experience. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with focus on Children and Families, a Master's Degree in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, and a PhD in Social Work (all but dissertation) with focus on trauma, sexual abuse and assault, and domestic violence. I was the Director of a private, non-profit Foster Care and Adoption Agency, I worked in a women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked in a Level 4 men's prison, and I worked as a Supervisor for mental health therapists serving school systems. I have always had a private practice as well. I have worked in teletherapy for approximately 8 years.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a background in nursing and mental health care. I focus on medication management with a supportive, real-life approach. I work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD.
I believe you should feel heard, understood, and involved in your care. My goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where we can work together to find what truly helps you feel better and function at your best. I also incorporate brief therapeutic support alongside medication when it’s needed.
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.
My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.
Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
As an Asian American growing up overseas, I bring cultural considerations and my multicultural experiences into the therapy process.
I'm invested in helping you find value and joy in your life!
For over the past decade in this field, I have assisted clients at all stages of life. I prefer to show up with humility, humor, and genuine humanity.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years experience working within the public health sector, I successfully treated individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, and psychosis. My approach is grounded in The Strengths Based Treatment Model as I believe the best way to heal is by drawing upon the inherent strengths we already possess. My years of management experience has also prepared me to address work/life balance, job-related stress and burnout.
Jamila Banks is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 16 years of experience working in the mental health field. She graduated from the University of Southern California(USC), with a BA in Political Science and Psychology and received her master's in psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, from the University of LaVerne, in 2011. Jamila initially began working in the mental health field in an Addiction & Treatment crisis center in 2010, working with adults battling various addictions and mental health disorders. From there, she has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, mental health hospitals, and inpatient/outpatient centers, providing therapy in both individual and group services. Concurrently in 2010, as a case manager for a California regional center, she worked closely with both children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities such as Autism and mental health disorders such as Anxiety. She has experience working with a multidisciplinary team of parents, teachers, social workers, and other practitioners in developing a collaborative plan of care. Jamila is a wife, and mother of 4, and lives her life in service through multiple vehicles of community advocacy, impact, and philanthropy. Outside of her community work, Jamila enjoys traveling, learning, making memories, exercising (gym, yoga, hiking) reading, meditating, crystal healing work, trying out new foods, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Carl Hess is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist offering in-person sessions in the city of Ventura. Carl works with individuals, families, and couples, helping to improve relationships and to discover the path to more rich and meaningful lives. Carl employs knowledge of a wide range of treatment modalities to create individualized treatment plans with practical solutions for life's challenges.
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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