Break free from anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort

Picture flourishing in your relationships, family life, and personal endeavors, free from the weight of emotional or interpersonal challenges a life where conflict, tension, and relational strain no longer dictate your interactions.

About Us

Golden Gate Counseling Services

is a thriving group practice founded by psychotherapists Amy Rice, PhD, PMH-C and Caleb Birkhoff, LMFT. The two met in 2016 while working in an outpatient substance abuse clinic where they witnessed the adverse impact of inadequate therapeutic support. Combining their extensive professional backgrounds in diverse mental health settings, including residential substance abuse facilities, community clinics, hospitals, childbirth education centers, academic institutions, and private practice settings, they set out to provide effective, accessible, and individualized mental health care.

Our Services

Comprehensive, individualized in-person and virtual care in San Francisco and across California

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a great way to get some one-on-one support when you're dealing with life's ups and downs. It gives you a private space to talk about what's on your mind and helps you understand yourself better. You can work on figuring out how to handle stress, build your confidence, and

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy offers a safe space for you and your partner(s) to work through issues and strengthen your relationship. It's a place where you can both feel heard and understood, whether you're facing communication problems, trust issues, or just trying to reconnect. Therapy helps you

Pregnancy, Conception & Postpartum Support

Therapy during pregnancy, conception, and the postpartum period offers invaluable support through a time of significant change and emotion. It's a space to talk openly about your hopes, fears, and the many adjustments you're experiencing. Whether you're dealing with anxiety about pregnancy,

Gender-Affirming Letters

Obtaining gender affirming letters can be a crucial step in your journey towards living authentically. At our practice, we understand how important it is to access the care you need with dignity and respect. Our therapists provide compassionate support and work with you to write

Therapy for Trauma

If you're carrying the weight of past trauma, therapy offers a supportive and compassionate space to heal and reclaim your life. You will explore the ongoing impact of your experiences and get ready to start addressing the symptoms that show up in

Therapy for Substance Abuse

Do you wonder if your relationship to drugs and alcohol is a problem? Have you been told that you overdo it, or that you should quit. or maybe just talk to someone about it?

Face life head-on

Explore how stress, relationship issues, and life transitions can serve as avenues for growth and learning. Develop the confidence and resilience needed to face life’s obstacles head-on. Therapy has proven its effectiveness, so harness its benefits to navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and insight

Move towards postpartum healing

Envision starting each morning with a sense of wholeness and resilience as you take on the day, shifting away from dread or overwhelm for what’s to come. Move away from feelings of isolation and shame as you build resilience and confidence in your relationship with your child and yourself.

Best Psychology and
Mental Health Counseling

Trust Us To Be There to Help All and Make Things Well Again

1,134+

Happy Clients

12+

Years Of Experience

25+

Psychologists

2,125+

Sucessful Cases

How We Can Help

How our therapists can help you

How it works

Life can be hectic, and finding the time for self-care can feel like a challenge. That's where teletherapy comes in. With teletherapy, you can avoid the hassle of commuting to appointments, looking for parking, and fitting them into your busy schedule. Research has shown that teletherapy offers comparable outcomes to traditional in-person therapy, making it a convenient and effective option for individuals with busy lives. By eliminating travel time and allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own space (home, work, or travel), teletherapy makes prioritizing and attending to your mental health easier than ever before.

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their location or circumstances. Teletherapy breaks down barriers to access by offering therapy sessions that are just a click away. Whether you live in a rural area, have mobility challenges, or simply prefer the convenience of virtual appointments, teletherapy ensures that support is readily available when you need it most. Research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that teletherapy improves access to mental health services for individuals in underserved communities, helping to bridge the gap in care (Hilty et al., 2013). With teletherapy, help is always within reach.

A question we get a lot, "Does teletherapy really work?" The answer is a resounding yes. Numerous studies have shown that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Research published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that teletherapy interventions led to significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression, with outcomes comparable to traditional face-to-face therapy (Spurgeon et al., 2016). By harnessing evidence-based approaches and fostering strong therapeutic alliances, teletherapy empowers you to achieve meaningful and lasting change from the comfort of your own home.

Your comfort and privacy are paramount to us. Teletherapy allows you to participate in therapy from a space where you feel safe and secure, you get to decide where that is. Research indicates that clients often feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in a familiar environment, leading to increased disclosure and therapeutic progress. With teletherapy, you have the freedom to explore your thoughts and feelings in a setting that feels most comfortable to you, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

Meet the Team

dr

Dr. Amy Rice

Specialty Areas

Caleb Birkhoff, LMFT

Specialty Areas
Reina+Peterson,AMFT

Reina Peterson, LMFT

Specialty Areas
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Ali Turetzky, AMFT

Specialty Areas
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Walker Hansen, AMFT

Specialty Areas
Alex Designation

When I started seeing Caleb about 4-5 years ago, I was lost, isolated, and angry. Without my sessions with Caleb, I truly believe I would still be stuck in a cycle of negative and unhealthy thoughts. Through our conversations and work, I can confidently say that I now have a healthy, confident belief in my place in this world. My relationships with my loved ones and friends have grown and blossomed. My own understanding of my feelings has helped me better communicate with and express myself to others. All in all, I am a consistently happier person today than I ever have been before.

Alex Designation

When I started seeing Caleb about 4-5 years ago, I was lost, isolated, and angry. Without my sessions with Caleb, I truly believe I would still be stuck in a cycle of negative and unhealthy thoughts. Through our conversations and work, I can confidently say that I now have a healthy, confident belief in my place in this world. My relationships with my loved ones and friends have grown and blossomed. My own understanding of my feelings has helped me better communicate with and express myself to others. All in all, I am a consistently happier person today than I ever have been before.

What our clients are saying

You have already taken the hardest first step towards healing by having the courage to reach out for help. We're honored that you're here.

Together, we can explore your challenges, uncover your strengths, and work towards lasting relief and transformation. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone-we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us

We are here for you.

Interested in working together, or just have a quinition for us? Send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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