Depression Therapist in San Francisco

Common signs and symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you experience these symptoms for an extended period, therapy could help provide relief.

It’s normal to question whether your depression is “bad enough” - depression tends to make us question ourselves and hesitate in asking for help. If your symptoms of depression are impacting your daily functioning, relationships, or overall quality of life, it's important to speak to someone. A therapist can assess the severity of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. There’s no shame in seeking support for your mental health, regardless of the perceived severity of your depression.

Depression therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore the underlying causes of your depression, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience. Therapy can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, improve self-care practices, and cultivate a more balanced, positive outlook on life.

I start my work with all clients on a weekly basis, and we’ll meet for 50 minutes at a time. The weekly frequency ensures that we’re building a strong relationship and making steady progress. As you start to feel better, you may choose to reduce sessions to bi-weekly or monthly.

During your initial therapy session I’ll typically ask about your symptoms, history, and goals for treatment. This conversation helps me understand your unique needs and develop a personalized approach to your care. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns, and I’ll collaborate with you to make sure we’re going in the right direction.

Please check my FAQ page for up-to-date fee information. I do not currently accept insurance, but I can provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Some clients also choose to use their HSA or FSA funds to cover the cost of therapy. If finances are a concern, I have a limited number of sliding scale slots available and a lower rate may be possible.

The length of depression therapy varies depending on the severity of your symptoms, your personal goals, and your progress in treatment. Some individuals may experience significant improvement within a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

I strongly recommend that all clients make lifestyle changes along with working through depression in therapy. These include engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and cultivating supportive social connections. We’ll work together to figure out a plan that makes sense for you, and decide on strategies for approaching these changes so they feel attainable.

Therapy can help you develop the skills and strategies needed to prevent future episodes of depression. Through therapy, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your unique triggers and warning signs, allowing you to recognize and address potential relapses early on. You'll also learn effective coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and self-care practices that can help you maintain long-term mental health and resilience. I’ll work with you to create a personalized relapse prevention plan, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to sustain your progress and well-being.

If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to seek immediate professional help. Contact your therapist, a local crisis center, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and guidance. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always help available. If you develop thoughts of self-harm or suicide while I’m working with you, we’ll talk about developing a safety plan to ensure you receive the care and support you need.