Top Counseling and Mental Health Support for Abuse Survivors in San Francisco

Introduction

Recovering from abuse—whether domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or emotional/psychological harm—often requires specialized mental health and counseling support. San Francisco offers a range of trauma-informed, accessible, and culturally competent resources for survivors. This guide highlights key organizations, clinics, and support systems available in 2025.

What to Look for in Trauma-Informed Support

When selecting a therapist or program, prioritize:

• Trauma-informed approaches (understanding PTSD, complex trauma, dissociation)

• Confidentiality & safety protocols (discreet communication, safe intake, secure records)

• Sliding scale, low-cost, or no-cost services

• Cultural and language competence (multilingual, queer-affirming, immigrant-sensitive)

• Connection to advocacy, legal, shelter, and social services (holistic care)

🏥 Key Counseling & Mental Health Organizations in San Francisco

1. UCSF Trauma Recovery Center

• Provides mental health care, advocacy, and case management for adult survivors of interpersonal violence and trauma. (Division of Trauma Recovery Services)

• Combines outreach, evidence-based therapy, and support services in one model. (Division of Trauma Recovery Services)

2. Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center (CIIS)

• Offers sliding-scale psychotherapy in San Francisco — individual, couples, and group therapy. (CIIS)

• Their fee structure is income-based to ensure affordability. (CIIS)

3. La Casa de las Madres

• Provides drop-in counseling, crisis support, and walk-in access for survivors of domestic violence. (lacasa.org)

• 24/7 hotline available. (lacasa.org)

4. W.O.M.A.N., Inc.

• A longstanding community-based agency offering peer counseling, support groups, individual therapy, and referrals for survivors. (womaninc.org)

• Services in English and Spanish, with culturally responsive programming. (womaninc.org)

5. Bay Area Community Counseling (BACC)

• Provides affordable, culturally competent therapy for individuals, couples, families, and children. (Bay Area Community Counseling)

6. Center for Community Counseling & Wellness (USFCA)

• Offers no-fee therapy services for adults who live or work in San Francisco. (University of San Francisco)

• Short-term outpatient counseling, both in person and via telehealth. (University of San Francisco)

7. Open Path Collective (San Francisco chapter)

• Enables access to affordable therapy sessions (e.g. $40–$70 per session). (Open Path Collective)

• Member therapists offer in-office and teletherapy at reduced rates. (Open Path Collective)

🔗 Support Groups & Peer Spaces

• MHASF Support Groups — monthly groups on depression, stress & wellness in San Francisco. (mentalhealthsf.org)

• Trauma & PTSD Support Groups (Psychology Today listings) — group modalities for survivors in SF. (Psychology Today)

• W.O.M.A.N., Inc. support groups — ongoing peer groups for survivors. (womaninc.org)

🛠 Safety & Crisis Resources (San Francisco)

• Mental Health SF – Behavioral Health Access
   • 24/7 access line: 888-246-3333 (San Francisco Government)
   • Drop-in location: 1380 Howard St, 1st Floor (San Francisco Government)

• SF Suicide Prevention Hotline – 24/7: 415-781-0500 (San Francisco Government)

• Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at SFGH – available 24/7 (San Francisco Government)

• Westside Crisis / Dore Urgent Care – for non-emergency urgent mental health support (San Francisco Government)

• Women’s Shelter / DV Shelter Info:
   • Asian Women’s Shelter (DV shelter in SF) (San Francisco Government)
   • Safe & Sound (DV hotline & community counseling) via Domestic Shelters listing (DomesticShelters.org)

💬 Tips for Choosing the Right Support