Preparing for your first therapy session
Simple ways to reduce anxiety, clarify your goals, and make the most of your first appointment.
Compassionate therapy in San Francisco
Support for anxiety, addiction, and relationship challenges.
Bay Area Psychotherapy offers warm, evidence-based care for adults, couples, and families. Together, we'll create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported.
- 20+ years supporting adults, couples, and families
- Inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally aware practice
- Telehealth and in-person sessions available
- English and Spanish-speaking clients welcome
Herberth S. Rivera, MS, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
English & Spanish Speaking
Your first step
Unsure if therapy is right for you? In a brief, no-pressure consultation, we'll talk about your concerns and what you're hoping to change—no commitment.
Free 15-minute phone or video consultation.
Request Your ConsultAbout Herberth
Professional and personal
Herberth S. Rivera, MS, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over two decades of experience helping adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, addiction, relationship conflict, and major life transitions.
Therapeutic approach
Herberth blends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relational, and family-systems approaches to tailor treatment to each person's needs. Sessions are collaborative, grounded in respect, and focused on creating lasting change.
Values & background
Trained at Dominican University of California, Herberth has served in community mental health, private practice, and leadership roles. He is committed to culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and offers therapy in both English and Spanish.
Services & Specialties
Therapy is tailored to your story, using practical tools grounded in research. Common ways people work with Herberth include:
Individual Therapy
For adults facing anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, or major life transitions. Sessions focus on understanding patterns, building coping skills, and reconnecting with what matters most.
Individual Therapy
For adults facing anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, or major life transitions. Sessions focus on understanding patterns, building coping skills, and reconnecting with what matters most.
Couples & Relationship Therapy
For couples navigating conflict, communication breakdown, infidelity, or feeling distant. Work together to rebuild trust and create a more connected partnership.
Couples & Relationship Therapy
For couples navigating conflict, communication breakdown, infidelity, or feeling distant. Work together to rebuild trust and create a more connected partnership.
Family Therapy
For families dealing with life changes, intergenerational tension, or parenting stress. Sessions help clarify roles, strengthen boundaries, and support healthier communication.
Family Therapy
For families dealing with life changes, intergenerational tension, or parenting stress. Sessions help clarify roles, strengthen boundaries, and support healthier communication.
Addiction & Recovery Support
Support for individuals and loved ones impacted by substance use. Explore triggers, build relapse-prevention strategies, and reconnect with a sense of purpose.
Addiction & Recovery Support
Support for individuals and loved ones impacted by substance use. Explore triggers, build relapse-prevention strategies, and reconnect with a sense of purpose.
Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Learn practical tools to manage racing thoughts, low mood, and chronic stress, while also addressing the deeper issues beneath the symptoms.
Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Learn practical tools to manage racing thoughts, low mood, and chronic stress, while also addressing the deeper issues beneath the symptoms.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ clients and families to explore identity, relationships, and mental health in an affirming, nonjudgmental environment.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ clients and families to explore identity, relationships, and mental health in an affirming, nonjudgmental environment.
How Therapy Works
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable. Here's what you can expect when you reach out.
- 1. Free 15-minute consultation. Share what's bringing you in and ask any questions you have about working together.
- 2. First session. Explore your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Together, you'll outline a plan that feels realistic and supportive.
- 3. Ongoing work. Sessions may focus on skill-building, insight, and practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Telehealth & in-person sessions
Sessions are available via secure video or in person in San Francisco (94109 & 94123). You'll receive clear details and directions once your appointment is scheduled.
Fees & insurance
Standard 50-minute sessions are $200. A limited number of sliding-scale spots may be available based on need. Please reach out to ask about current insurance and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Some clients use out-of-network benefits. You'll receive a detailed receipt (superbill) you can submit to your insurer if applicable.
Do you take insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Some clients use out-of-network benefits. You'll receive a detailed receipt (superbill) you can submit to your insurer if applicable.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes. Secure video sessions are available for clients located in California. Many people find telehealth more flexible and accessible.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes. Secure video sessions are available for clients located in California. Many people find telehealth more flexible and accessible.
What issues do you work with?
Common concerns include anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship conflict, family stress, and major life changes. If you're unsure whether your situation is a fit, you're welcome to ask during a consultation.
What issues do you work with?
Common concerns include anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship conflict, family stress, and major life changes. If you're unsure whether your situation is a fit, you're welcome to ask during a consultation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are typically charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be made for emergencies.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are typically charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be made for emergencies.
Resources & Insights
Articles and tools to support you between sessions.
Preparing for your first therapy session
Simple ways to reduce anxiety, clarify your goals, and make the most of your first appointment.
Coping with anxiety during life changes
Tools for managing uncertainty when you're changing jobs, moving, or navigating a major transition.
Coping with anxiety during life changes
Tools for managing uncertainty when you're changing jobs, moving, or navigating a major transition.
Communication tools for couples
A few concrete practices that can help you feel more heard and less stuck in repeating arguments.
Communication tools for couples
A few concrete practices that can help you feel more heard and less stuck in repeating arguments.
Contact & Scheduling
Share a few details about what you're looking for, and we'll follow up with next steps and available times.
Contact details
Phone: (415) 741-2141
Email: info@bayareapsychotherapy.com
Office locations:
San Francisco, CA 94109 & 94123
A map or embedded directions can be added here so clients can easily find the office.