Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Mental Health Therapy in San Francisco
Since 1982, The Marina Counseling Center (MCC) has been a trusted resource offering psychotherapy to thousands in the Bay Area. We provide sliding scale fees to ensure accessibility and nurture emerging therapists through our integrative training program. Our team reflects the vibrant diversity of the Bay Area, bringing expertise shaped by diverse cultures, identities, and clinical approaches. All therapists are Masters-level associates under the supervision of board-certified Marriage and Family Therapists, ensuring high-quality care.We specialize in inclusive, culturally responsive support for adults, adolescents, couples, and families, addressing issues like trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, and systemic oppression. Our mission combines client-centered care with training future professionals to deliver equitable mental health support.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Adolescent Counseling
Sliding Scale Therapy
Virtual Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Gender Identity Support
Mental Health Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in inclusive psychotherapy and therapist training.
- Our team represents diverse cultural, gender, and identity backgrounds.
- We offer sliding scale fees for accessible mental health care.
- We provide flexible scheduling for virtual and in-person sessions.
- We champion equity and inclusion in all therapeutic practices.
Services
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions provide a safe space for adults to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth. Therapists tailor approaches to each client's needs, using evidence-based methods like psychodynamic and somatic techniques. Sessions focus on building self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healthier coping strategies.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connections. We address issues like infidelity, intimacy challenges, and life transitions using relational and attachment-based frameworks. Therapists create collaborative environments to foster mutual understanding and long-term relationship health.
Adolescent Counseling
Specialized therapy for teens navigating identity, anxiety, family dynamics, and life transitions. Our clinicians use age-appropriate techniques to build self-esteem, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. Sessions prioritize teen autonomy while involving families when beneficial for holistic support.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Affirming therapy services for LGBTQ+ individuals exploring gender identity, sexual orientation, and systemic challenges. Clinicians provide culturally competent care addressing minority stress, discrimination, and self-acceptance. Sessions focus on empowerment, resilience, and celebrating authentic identities through inclusive therapeutic practices.
Sliding Scale Therapy
Our sliding scale fee structure ensures mental health services remain accessible to all income levels. Fees are determined by individual financial circumstances, removing economic barriers to quality care. This program reflects our commitment to equitable mental health support for underserved communities.
People
Stephanie Del Chiaro
Executive Director
A bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience, Stephanie centers BIPOC and LGBTQ+ perspectives in her work. She specializes in cultural humility, clinical supervision, and community empowerment through therapy.
Laurie Dievendorf
Director of Programming
With a master's in Counseling/Psychology, Laurie offers holistic therapy focusing on emotional health, identity, and spirituality. She has taught empowerment workshops at Bay Area universities and specializes in creating safe spaces for self-expression.
Joshua Greene
Director of Training
A licensed therapist with expertise in relational patterns and somatic work, Joshua trains emerging clinicians while maintaining a private practice. He emphasizes safety in relationships and leads clinical trainings grounded in 10+ years of therapeutic experience.
Cody Freas
Payroll Coordinator & Bookkeeper
With 20+ years in accounting, Cody manages financial operations for MCC. Though not a clinician, he supports the team's mission by ensuring efficient administrative systems while balancing work-life priorities in San Antonio, Texas.
Karen Chan
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Specializing in anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma, Karen offers culturally responsive care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients. A first-generation Asian immigrant, she integrates depth psychology and liberation frameworks in her therapeutic approach.
Questions
What types of therapy does The Marina Counseling Center offer?
We provide individual, couples, family, and adolescent therapy addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. All services are available in-person in San Francisco or virtually across California.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
Yes, our sliding scale fee structure adjusts costs based on income to ensure accessible mental health care for all clients regardless of financial circumstances.
Are your therapists licensed?
All therapists are Masters-level associates under supervision of board-certified Marriage and Family Therapists. Many hold or are pursuing LMFT licenses through our training program.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Book a free 30-minute consultation through our online calendar to connect with an intake therapist who will match you with the right counselor for your needs.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly but provide superbill receipts for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Our sliding scale fees help make therapy affordable without insurance requirements.
What makes your center inclusive?
Our team reflects diverse identities and experiences, with specialized training in LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and multicultural counseling. We actively challenge systemic biases through culturally responsive therapeutic practices.
Reviews (6)
Dietmar Brinkmann
Mar 09, 2017
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The Marina Counseling Center is a great resource for anyone in San Francisco who is looking for engaging and thoughtful therapy. I am currently providing supervision for two pre-licensed therapists at the center. I am impressed with the depth and passion they bring to their work.
Brittany B.
Jun 07, 2016
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I've been seeing Emily (Blackman) for several months now, and couldn't be anymore pleased with what Marina counseling center has done for me! Since day one I was knowingly sure of myself that I needed help in finding myself and regaining that personal growth with self love and independence. Emily has not only broaden my perspective on myself but also has keyed into many areas that I never thought was really effecting my life. She's incredibly professional, kind, and very compassionate in her work that I would recommend her or many of the other counselors there. I never in my life
Ella S.
Mar 19, 2016
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I can't say enough about MCC, it has been a life saver for me and Stephanie Hanger is the reason. I've seen several therapists throughout my life and none have come close to truly understanding me nor helping me work through issues more than Stephanie. I didn't believe it was possible to actually work through past trauma, my experience in talking to therapists has been essentially just getting things off my chest without much insight.
Stephanie ensured my comfort with her and let me decide if I felt the need to switch therapists, as that was an initial concern of mine. Luckily
Stephanie ensured my comfort with her and let me decide if I felt the need to switch therapists, as that was an initial concern of mine. Luckily
Jane S.
Aug 18, 2015
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If you're an intern looking for a solid, clinically deep, personally transformative, and professional place to prepare you for a private practice and want the support of a community atmosphere, then the Marina Counseling Center is the place for you. I was an intern there from 1998 to 2001, and I know that my time there really facilitated my development as a therapist. I can highly recommend this internship for you. If you are looking for affordable, compssionate, eclectic -- depending on your needs - and insightful therapy, then the Marina Counseling Center is what you're looking for
S. V.
May 07, 2015
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Scott Silverstein is the most amazing therapist I've ever worked with (and I've been to quite a few!) His empathy, insight and professionalism are unparalleled. I particularly recommend him if you're interested in couple's counseling. He is as good as it gets, if not better. I am constantly in awe of his ability to draw out feelings and themes in a non accusatory, sensitive manner. He's helped me and my boyfriend through so many tough times. Every time we leave the office, we comment on how lucky we are to have found him!
Adam B.
Mar 08, 2015
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The Marina Counseling is one of the best, oldest, and most treasured low-cost therapy clinics in San Francisco. I did my internship there and loved it. Great training, great support, and a powerful sense of community. Thanks to the Marina I was able to seamlessly transition into my own private practice once I was licensed. Many years later, several of my clients from the Marina continue to work with me for long term psychotherapy.
