Many gifted adults in San Francisco face unique challenges that can make everyday life and relationships more complicated.
It can be hard to find mental health professionals who understand their experiences and needs.
Finding a therapist who specializes in working with gifted adults in San Francisco can help individuals feel understood, supported, and better equipped to manage their strengths and challenges.
This article explores the options available for gifted adults seeking therapy in this area.
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1) Dr. Hilary Beech, PhD MBA – specializes in psychotherapy for gifted adults and creatives
Dr. Hilary Beech is a licensed psychologist in San Francisco.
She has a background in business and engineering, along with her clinical training.
She works with gifted adults, professionals, and creative individuals.
Dr. Beech offers support for identity, career, and relationships.
Her practice is known for addressing the unique challenges faced by gifted people in their personal and professional lives.
Learn more at her private practice website and Psychology Today profile.
2) Lynne Azpeitia – gifted adult therapist & coach based in Santa Monica with phone & video sessions
Lynne Azpeitia is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Monica, California.
She offers coaching and psychotherapy for gifted and creative adults.
Sessions are available by phone and video, making them accessible from anywhere, including the San Francisco area.
Lynne is known for supporting individuals dealing with challenges related to giftedness and creativity.
Learn more at her practice development site and on Psychology Today.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Cal Domingue, MFT – over 20 years working with gifted individuals in San Francisco Noe Valley
Cal Domingue, MFT, is a therapist based in San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood.
He has over 20 years of experience working with gifted children, teens, and adults.
Cal is known for his specialized training to support gifted people and their unique needs.
His office is close to several public transit options, making it accessible for many local residents.
Learn more about his practice on the Cal Therapy website and Polyfriendly.org.
4) Sharon Barnes – licensed therapist focusing on gifted adults and youth in Santa Monica
Sharon Barnes is a licensed clinical social worker who works mainly with gifted adults, teens, and children.
She helps clients manage the unique challenges that can come with being creative, sensitive, and intense.
Sharon supports her clients in building healthy coping skills and developing self-awareness.
She is based in Santa Monica and has extensive experience with this specific group.
Learn more about Sharon Barnes on her Therapist For Sensitive And Gifted website and High Ability.
5) Marina Counseling Center – offers affordable psychotherapy for adults including gifted clients
Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit counseling agency in San Francisco.
They provide affordable psychotherapy to adults, including those who are gifted.
Therapists at Marina Counseling Center are trained to address many life challenges.
The center offers both in-person and virtual sessions.
It is known for a welcoming and supportive environment.
More information is available at Marina Counseling Center and Marina Counseling Center on OpenCounseling.
6) Chi Huang, PhD – clinical psychologist with neuropsychological assessments for gifted adults
Chi Huang, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
She specializes in neuropsychological assessments for adults who are gifted or have learning differences.
Dr. Huang helps individuals understand their strengths, challenges, and unique learning profiles.
She also offers evidence-based recommendations for resources and support.
Learn more about Dr. Huang from her Education Neuropsychology Associates website and Parents Helping Parents profile.
7) SAGE Center for Gifted – clinical therapy for gifted children and their families in California
The SAGE Center for Gifted offers clinical therapy focused on the needs of gifted children and their families.
Their team works closely with parents to address social, emotional, and academic challenges faced by gifted youth.
With experienced professionals, SAGE Center provides personalized care plans tailored for each family.
They are a resource for parents seeking guidance for their gifted child’s development.
Learn more at the SAGE Center for Gifted and ParentClick Santa Barbara.
8) Sarah Kwan, PhD – recognized gifted therapist in San Francisco with a focus on mental health
Sarah Kwan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in San Francisco.
She works with adults, including those who are gifted or highly intelligent.
Dr. Kwan addresses issues like anxiety, identity, life transitions, and attachment.
She runs Kwan Psychology and offers psychotherapy sessions to individuals.
Learn more about her services at Kwan Psychology and Psychology Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gifted adults in San Francisco have access to therapists with experience in areas like emotional intensity, twice-exceptionality, and asynchronous development.
Clinics and professionals offer individualized support for unique psychological and social needs.
What are the specialized counseling services available for gifted adults?
Specialized counseling for gifted adults includes psychotherapy focused on creativity, self-esteem, social skills, and identity.
Some therapists, such as Dr. Hilary Beech and Cal Domingue, provide services designed for professionals, creatives, and those dealing with intense emotions.
Affordable options are available at centers like the Marina Counseling Center.
How can a therapist help with the emotional challenges of being a gifted adult?
Therapists can help gifted adults handle feelings of isolation, sensitivity, and frustration that often come with high ability.
They teach coping skills for managing stress, intense emotions, and expectations.
Therapy also provides a place to discuss experiences that are not often understood by others.
What is twice-exceptionality, and where can I find a therapist who specializes in this area?
Twice-exceptionality refers to people who are both gifted and have a learning or developmental difference, such as ADHD or autism.
Therapists in the Bay Area, like those at TheraThrive, specialize in counseling for both giftedness and additional challenges.
Are there specific psychological issues that gifted adults face?
Gifted adults often deal with perfectionism, anxiety, existential worries, and a sense of not fitting in.
They may also feel a strong need for meaning and struggle with boredom or underachievement.
Specialized therapists understand these issues and address them in therapy sessions.
How does asynchronous development affect gifted adults and which therapeutic approaches address this?
Asynchronous development means that a person’s emotional, social, and intellectual growth may not develop at the same pace.
Gifted adults can feel out of sync with their peers.
Therapists use approaches such as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help improve self-acceptance and manage these differences.
What should I look for when choosing a therapist to address the unique needs of a profoundly gifted adult?
Look for therapists with direct experience working with gifted adults and knowledge of giftedness-related challenges.
Experience with asynchronous development, twice-exceptionality, and creative or professional concerns is important.
Professionals such as Dr. Hilary Beech or Cal Domingue are examples of therapists who offer these specialized services in San Francisco.
