Find a Therapist for Anxiety in San Francisco

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

You’re in the right place to find anxiety support in San Francisco. Explore trusted therapists, programs, and resources to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and build coping skills. Get local, evidence-based help for anxiety and related mental health needs, matched to your preferences.

  • OSun Yoo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    OSun Yoo

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    OSun Yoo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Anxiety, Sleep Concerns, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.

    I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and together, we can work on reconnecting with that 'you' at your best. I am a therapist at Octave, a beha

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  • Karyn Galindo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Karyn Galindo

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    Karyn Galindo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 3 years. They treat Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Life Transitions.

    Clinically, I see myself as a facilitator taking my cue from you and your personal growth. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creat

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  • Hailey Perez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Hailey Perez

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    Hailey Perez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in undefined, undefined. They treat Anxiety, Trauma, Burnout.

    We will build insight and tend to your strengths in order to stimulate the growth of self. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creat

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  • Fariba Mansouri, Psychologist

    Fariba Mansouri

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Fariba Mansouri is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 9 years. They treat Anxiety, Depression, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    In a non-judgmental and compassionate space, we can start a conversation about what matters in life. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health prac

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  • Shayda Ewalt, Psychotherapist

    Shayda Ewalt

    Psychotherapist, Certified Trauma Professional, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    Shayda Ewalt is a Psychotherapist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Anxiety, Depression, Childhood Abuse.

    Trauma-informed therapist specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing for complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, or depression.

    View profile
  • Aviance Rhome-Boroff, Psychologist

    Aviance Rhome-Boroff

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Aviance Rhome-Boroff is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Anxiety, Physical Stress, Depression.

    I integrate the social, cultural and spiritual context of each individual so that each person is validated in their unique experience. I'm a therapist wi

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Why Local Care Matters for Anxiety

Finding anxiety therapy in San Francisco can make care more accessible, consistent, and tailored to your daily reality. Local therapists understand stressors like crowded commutes, fast-paced workplaces, and housing pressures, which can trigger worry or panic. MiResource’s directory lets you quickly filter by insurance , availability, and therapy type so you can schedule nearby sessions that fit your life.

When searching for anxiety care, consider approaches like CBT or exposure-based therapies that address panic attacks, avoidance, and rumination—ideally with a clinician who knows the context of living in San Francisco. MiResource helps you refine by evening or weekend openings, telehealth options, and cultural or language preferences to find a strong personal fit. Local matches often improve follow-through and outcomes, and MiResource makes it simple to connect with the right provider in San Francisco.

Local Options and Community Programs

Managing anxiety is easier with nearby support you can access quickly. San Francisco offers crisis lines, public behavioral health services, peer-led groups, and clinics with low-cost or insurance-based care. Local programs can help with therapy, medication management, skills groups, and practical resources. Many services are available 24/7 or offer same-week appointments.
 

  1. Crisis Support
  1. Public Programs

  1. Nonprofits & Support Groups

  1. Universities & Health Systems

  1. Community Clinics (FQHCs / Sliding-Scale)

The Advantages of Seeing a San Francisco-Based Therapist

Working with a San Francisco-based therapist for anxiety means you’re meeting someone fluent in the city’s rhythms—from the packed Embarcadero during commute hours to the quieter stretches of Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach that can support grounding practices. Local clinicians understand neighborhood nuances: the fast pace of SoMa and FiDi, the nightlife buzz in the Mission, the foggy calm of the Outer Sunset and Richmond, and the community feel in Noe Valley, the Castro, and Bernal Heights. They can also connect you to city programs and resources like Mental Health SF, SF Behavioral Health Services, NAMI San Francisco groups, and support at the SF LGBT Center or community clinics in Chinatown and the Tenderloin.

In-person care is highly accessible here: reach sessions via Muni Metro lines like N Judah or J Church, BART stops at Powell, Montgomery, and Civic Center, or Caltrain at 4th & King—often a shorter, lower-stress trip than crossing the Bay. Therapists can advise on timing around game days near Oracle Park, parking options in Pacific Heights or North Beach, and even suggest walking-friendly appointments near landmarks like Crissy Field, the Ferry Building, or Dolores Park. Being local also makes it easier to plug into peer groups at neighborhood libraries, park meetups, and wellness workshops, building a supportive network that complements therapy and fits the way San Franciscans live.

Holistic Approach to Mental Health in San Francisco

Holistic care means tending to your mind, body, and environment together—pairing therapy with practices that calm the nervous system and support daily routines. In San Francisco, that can look like pairing counseling with classes at San Francisco Zen Center (Hayes Valley), integrative care at the UCSF Osher Center (Inner Sunset), or gentle movement at Yoga Garden SF (NoPa) or Haum (Mission/Lower Haight). Recharging in green spaces like Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Crissy Field, or Lands End can ease anxiety, too, especially when combined with mindful walking or breathing. MiResource helps you match with providers who value this whole-person approach.

Across neighborhoods—from the Mission and SOMA to Richmond and the Marina—locals weave in community wellness: tai chi in Portsmouth Square, quiet time at the de Young or Asian Art Museum, or a Ferry Plaza Farmers Market stroll to reset the senses. Many wellness clinics and mindfulness centers offer workshops that complement therapy, while parks like Dolores and Bernal Heights provide accessible nature breaks. MiResource connects you to therapists, integrative clinics, and nearby classes or groups that fit your lifestyle and culture, so your San Francisco care plan goes beyond the office and into your daily life.

What Anxiety Means

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease that can show up in your body and thoughts, sometimes even when there’s no clear danger. It can make everyday tasks in San Francisco—like work, school, commuting, or social plans—feel overwhelming, but support is available and you’re not alone.

About the Experience of Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can feel like constant worry, nervousness, or a racing mind. You might notice signs like trouble sleeping, tightness in your chest, restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. These feelings can make everyday routines—like commuting, working, studying, or meeting friends in San Francisco—feel overwhelming or exhausting. You’re not alone, and support is available to help you feel calmer and more in control.

How Therapy Makes a Difference

Evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ) and exposure therapy are proven to reduce worry, panic , and avoidance by reshaping unhelpful thoughts and gradually facing fears. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) builds psychological flexibility and values-based action, while mindfulness-based approaches lower physiological arousal and improve emotional regulation. With Anxiety therapy in San Francisco, you can expect a collaborative plan with clear goals, skills you can practice between sessions, and measurable progress. Many clients report better sleep, stronger relationships, and renewed confidence as anxiety symptoms steadily recede.

Inside the Therapy Process

In San Francisco, your first session for anxiety typically focuses on sharing your story, clarifying goals, and discussing what’s worked or not, all at a pace that feels comfortable. Together, you and your therapist create a personalized plan that may include evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Ongoing sessions build skills for managing worry, reducing avoidance, and improving daily functioning, with regular check-ins to adjust the plan as your needs evolve. Collaboration is central—your feedback guides the process, and many clinicians offer flexible, culturally responsive care and telehealth to meet you where you are.

Answers to Your Questions About Anxiety

1. How do I know when it’s time to seek help for Anxiety?

If worry feels constant or you’re on edge most days—with racing thoughts, a tight chest, trouble sleeping, or sudden panic—it may be time to reach out. When anxiety makes it hard to focus at work or school, enjoy time with friends, or you start avoiding certain places or Muni rides around San Francisco, support can help. Notice if you’re relying on caffeine, alcohol, or late-night scrolling to cope, or if fear feels bigger than the situation. Therapy can offer tools to feel steadier and reclaim your days; asking for help is a strong, hopeful first step, and care is available here in San Francisco.

2. What if I don’t feel comfortable with my first Anxiety therapist in San Francisco?

It’s completely normal if your first Anxiety therapist in San Francisco doesn’t feel like the right fit—many people try a few before finding someone who clicks. The therapeutic relationship matters because feeling safe and understood helps you open up and make progress. Don’t feel guilty about switching; you’re advocating for your well-being. MiResource makes it easy to compare therapists, read profiles, and find someone who better matches your needs.

3. How do I explain my Anxiety to friends or family?

It’s your choice whether to share about your anxiety, and you can decide how much to say and when—choose a calm time and a setting in San Francisco that feels safe to you. You might use simple “I” statements, like “I’m dealing with anxiety and it can feel like overwhelm; I’d appreciate your understanding.” Set clear boundaries up front—try phrases like “I’m not looking for advice right now, just listening,” or “I’m comfortable sharing this, but not details.” You can ask for specific support (checking in, flexible plans) and let them know you may pause the conversation if it becomes uncomfortable.

4. Who can diagnose Anxiety in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and sometimes primary care doctors can diagnose anxiety. The process usually includes discussing your symptoms, using screening tools, and ruling out other causes to create the right care plan. MiResource lists only qualified, licensed providers in San Francisco who can make accurate diagnoses and guide you to appropriate treatment.

5. What causes Anxiety?

Anxiety has many causes that can overlap, including biological factors (like brain chemistry and genetics), psychological factors (such as stress patterns or past experiences), and social or environmental influences. It looks different for each person, and living in a busy place like San Francisco—with its fast pace, cost of living, and constant change—can add to stress for some. Feeling anxious is not a personal failing, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re concerned, it’s okay to reach out for support and talk with a professional or trusted local resource.

6. What are the biggest misconceptions about Anxiety?

Many people think anxiety is “just a phase” or a personality quirk, but it’s a real, treatable health condition that affects how the brain and body handle stress. It’s also not a sign of weakness—seeking help takes strength and can significantly improve daily life. Another myth is that you can simply “snap out of it”; effective support often involves therapy, skills, and sometimes medication. If anxiety is getting in your way, it’s okay to reach out—San Francisco has compassionate professionals and resources ready to help without judgment.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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