Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a addiction can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 9 therapists in California available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Addiction

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling therapists at Thriveworks in San Francisco, CA can help people manage their urges to use the substance or engage in the activity they’re addicted to. In addition, it can help people manage the challenges that stem from their addiction, from relationship issues to problems at work, as well as those whose addiction may stem from issues like trauma.

How does addiction counseling work?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks in San Francisco, CA works by helping one understand the underlying causes of their addiction, teaching them coping strategies, and recognizing their specific triggers. Long-term or ongoing addiction counseling can also help to prevent relapse.

Is addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does addiction counseling last?

The length of addiction counseling depends on the individual’s needs, the extent and severity of their addiction, and the problems that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in addiction counseling in the first weeks to months.

Need more help deciding?

Therapy for Addiction in San Francisco, CA

Addiction can manifest in a variety of ways. Sometimes, addiction shows itself as a compulsive behavior—gambling, sex, Internet, video games, shopping, pornography, and more. Sometimes, addiction shows itself as abusing a substance—alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana, cocaine, and more. However addiction is manifested on the surface of an individual’s life, the same phenomenon is happening below the surface: addiction is changing the way the brain functions. Addiction is a disease that can take people’s health, finances, relationships, and even their life. It is also a disease that has effective treatments. Skilled therapists understand what the addiction is and how to rewire a brain that has been addled with addiction.

The skilled therapists at Thriveworks San Francisco have helped many clients find the care and support and treatment they needed to heal from an addiction. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out to us today. Treatment is available.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Signs of Addiction

Addiction rewires the way that the brain functions so that impulses are strengthened and self-control mechanisms are bypassed. Mental health professionals sometimes characterize the changes as the three C’s of addiction: control, cravings, and consequences. Addiction takes over control through the use of cravings that must be satisfied, despite the negative consequences the behavior brings. What does that look like in real life? Here are a few symptoms of addiction:

  • Failed Attempts to Quit: Most people who have an addiction do not want to be doing what they are doing. They often try to quit the substance abuse or stop the compulsive behavior, but they usually attempt to fight the addiction in the wrong way so these attempts often fail.
  • Escalation: Addiction is a progressive disease. It does not stay static, but it escalates. The amount of substance used will increase. The time spend in a compulsive activity will increase. The addiction is never satisfied—it always demands more. It always escalates.
  • Moodiness: Irritability, annoyance, and anger are often lurking just belong the surface in an addict’s life. They may rage when they cannot get a fix. They may explode when confronted with what the addiction is doing. They may have poor emotional coping skills and are left with few options for handling life’s stress. Whatever the case may be, moodiness and addiction often go hand-in-hand.
  • Captivated Thoughts: As addiction escalates, it reorients an individual’s life so that the addiction is the center. Even when not actively participating in the addiction, the disease captures people’s thoughts. A video game addict may daydream about their strategy when they are not playing. An alcoholic may spend hours planning out their next drink. The addiction consumes people’s energy.
  • Deceit: An addiction can rarely survive without lying. Addicts may lie to obtain their drug. They may lie to hide their addiction. They may lie to minimize the pain the addiction is causing. They may lie to avoid responsibility or consequences. Often, lying is one of the more painful consequences of addiction.

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks San Francisco for Addiction Counseling

If you recognized any of the signs of symptoms in your own life, it may be time to reach out for help. Like other serious illnesses, addiction often requires the supervision of a mental health professional for treatment. Addiction is not cured by being a stronger person—you already are a strong person. Addiction is cured by re-programming the brain. That often requires support groups, therapy, and/or medication. It is a difficult undertaking, but it is worth the effort.

No one has to fight an addiction alone—the professionals at Thriveworks San Francisco are here to help. We have appointments for addiction available. When you call to schedule an appointment, know that you may be meeting with your counselor the same week. We accept many forms of insurance. We also offer weekend and evening sessions. Call today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our San Francisco therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

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Self-pay costs at San Francisco
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Read more My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Joe Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Francisco is located in the same building as Sport Healing & Massage Arts, Tylovastein Hana Hyde Street Community Service, Tenderloin Outpatient Clinic, Olay Spa, California Center for Sleep, and many other businesses. We are located at the intersection of Sutter Street and Hyde Street. Across the street is Ace’s sports bar and Dignity Health Medical Group. Colombini Bistro and Crostini & Java are also next door to our office.

Phone number

(628) 266-4525

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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