

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 believe the best work happens when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself—no pressure, no judgment, and no need to have everything figured out before you start. We’ll work together to explore what’s bringing you in, what matters most to you, and what you’d like to change or better understand.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Each person is different, so our work will be tailored to your needs, your goals, and your pace. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, going through a transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable and authentic.
What I Bring to Our Work
If you’re looking for someone who is easy to talk to, genuinely supportive, and invested in your growth, I’d be glad to work with you and see if we’re a good fit.
I am a full-time professor of psychology and a licensed therapist for over 10 years. I have a doctorate and two master's degrees so you see psychology is my passion!
I'm Matt Darst, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained at the University of Southern California, with advanced training in military and veteran clinical social work. I work with adults who are motivated to change but feel stuck — navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, OCD, grief, or the kind of cumulative pressure that quietly builds until something gives.
My clients tend to be high-functioning people who look fine from the outside but are carrying more than they let on. That includes professionals managing stress and burnout, veterans and first responders, and anyone who's ready to do honest, purposeful work — regardless of background or title.
I bring a direct, warm style grounded in kind accountability. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you move.
Sometimes the hardest part is not what happened. It is finding someone you can finally say it to. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I work with people across all stages of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors. I specialize in supporting people navigating trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges that come with new and expecting parenthood. Wherever you are in your story, you do not have to carry it alone.
I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.
Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.
Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.
Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.


Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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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