How Do I Find a Therapist in San Francisco?

 As a Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, I hear all types of feedback about being able to find the mental health support we all have learned to prioritize. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the country also means that accessing medical services can be a costly adventure. My best advice is to keep in mind a balance of your needs, finding the right specialist, and of course to choose the person that makes you most comfortable.

Additionally, for most of us in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are comfortable with technology but also the tech-start-up mentality. It is easy to see the online platforms and see the ease that they promise with helping finding a therapist "instantly" as most advertise. I am a small practice owner, so of course I will recommend a small practice, but there are legitimate quality differences to consider.

Choosing a large platform means that you do not pick your therapist. Instead, an algorithm "matches" you to a provider. This "match" is most often based on the calendar availability of the therapists that they have contracted with, rather than the personality, the specialization, and the desire you have to work with this therapist.

Many of my clients in San Francisco (and surrounding areas) come to me after battling the platform system in mental health, and realize that their insurance can be accepted at the exact same rate in my solo practice. Choosing a huge platform does not mean quality, does not mean efficiency, and definitely does not mean that the costs are different for your insurance plan.

Also,  don't run from therapists who do not accept insurance. Many therapists in San Francisco are "out-of-network" providers. Most insurance plans (particularly a PPO plan) allow you to be reimbursed for therapy and other medical services by out-of-network providers. So, if your perfect therapist does not accept insurance, that does not mean that you can't be reimbursed for costs. Most PPO plans include around a 60% reimbursement. This is a generalization, but as you choose your provider don't shy away from these costs. 

Your mental health is a defining feature in your life, but don't allow barriers to care to define how you find your perfect San Francisco therapist.

You can always reach out to me in San Francisco and anywhere in California by email at SaraFischerLCSW@Gmail.com or 415-870-6494.