Marina Counseling Center

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. You will find therapists who are highly trained and well-​supported to provide effective, professional, and satisfying therapy. Give them a call.

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!

I had earlier left a review for a specific therapist but also wanted to call out this whole center for providing service to the community, from which I benefited greatly. They have clean comfortable surroundings, a convenient location (Fillmore and Lombard) and friendly, seemingly very well trained therapists working there. It is a great sliding scale counseling center in SF.

I have been a Counseling intern, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Counselor in The City for over 20 years. I got my start as an intern at The Marina Counseling Center (2000 – 2004). Looking back at my career I can see that I owe a deep debt of gratitude to MCC for the quality of the clinical and professional training and practical counseling experience I received during my time there. If you are an intern and are looking for a looking for a high quality place to learn and grow as a clinician and as a professional while you are accruing BBS hours, MCC may be the place for you.
If you are looking for a place to receive affordable, safe and effective psychotherapy or couples counseling in SF, give MCC a call. I regularly refer clients who are unable to afford my fee to the interns at MCC because I know that they will be treated well and will receive the help they need in a VERY good way.
I happily recommend MCC without reservation.

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.

I have known The Marina counseling center for over twelve years through doing an internship there and more recently through supervising a few of their interns. They offer a great training programm and they are very selective about the interns they are willing to hire. I highly recommend the center as a place where one can have the opportunity to recieve high quality in depth psychotherapy experience for a very affordable price.

I felt compelled to write a review for Laurie Javier because in working with her, I have found her to be authentically caring, warm and with a heart of gold. Her penetrating intuition enables her to zero in on core issues that I have previously been unaware of. She is very patient and I find her understanding tone and soothing voice very calming and reassuring. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how my issues have come to be and how they’ve evolved over my lifetime. She seems to have a toolbox of different psychoanalytic methodologies that enable her to tailor her therapy to my needs. Laurie’s pragmatic suggestions have allowed me to create a new plan of action that is enabling me to change and feel optimistic. I’m rarely this enthusiastic, but I can’t recommend Laurie enough!

This negative review is not for the Marina Counseling Center as a whole, but for the unqualified therapist I was unfortunate enough to see, Laurie Javier.
I think the Marina Counseling Center is a GREAT place to get low-​cost therapy. They host an array of qualified interns and flexible pricing based on your economic situation. The people who answer the phone are really polite and kind, and I never had any issues getting a hold of anyone or making an appointment. Overall, I give this CENTER five stars.
I am writing this review because I was absolutely disgusted by my experience with Laurie Javier. I am guessing she is somewhat new to the center based on her lack of professionalism and experience. During our first session, she hardly listened to a word I said and cut me off several times as I was talking. She wasted almost half of my 50-​minute session (I timed it, she actually spoke for 15 minutes without my input) by giving me a lecture that wasn’t really relevant to my situation. Then she made me pull a TAROT CARD and insisted that, according to her bullshit handbook, I was the character on the card. «You picked THAT CARD,» she said delightedly, as if there were some previously unseen forces in the universe that were causing me to feel the way I did — not, you know, some psychological explanation.
Overall, I thought Laurie Javier was full of shit. I gave her three sessions to be nice, but the more she cut me off and tried to prematurely diagnose me, the less willing I was to come back to her. She’s exhausting to talk to because she has a fundamental unwillingness to LISTEN to a single word her patients have to say. She’s overly excited to label you and put you in a box according to her preconceived notions of human behavior, rather than really LISTENING and RESPECTING you like a normal therapist would.
Of course, every therapist has their own personal style — but Laurie Javier is in a hurry to judge you, so don’t come here if you are looking for a patient and understanding listener. Quite honestly, I don’t think this woman should be a therapist. She missed her calling as a motivational speaker or someone who makes a living listening to the sound of her own voice.
I’ll probably try the Marina Counseling Center again — I’ll just be sure to steer clear of Laurie Javier. She left a pretty bad taste in my mouth.

I’m a fan of going to therapy to check-​in and see whats goin on during big life changes. I was undergoing a ton of changes in July (moving to SF, change of jobs, friends, etc…). I called MCC due to their sliding scale and was matched with a therapist and I came in for my first session thinking «ok maybe 6 – 8 sessions and I’ll feel okay». Well I connected really well with my therapist, they’re my favorite therapist to date (i’ve had 4 previously through my teenage-​college years).
It’s always important to realize: therapy is healthy, it doesn’t have to be crisis-​oriented (and if it is, that’s okay too), it’s okay to try out different therapists to find one that suits you best.
This place is totally out of my way and kind of a hassle to get to/​from (I work in the peninsula and live further south in the city) but it’s always worth it to take that hour for myself and have a safe place to let it all out.
MCC does a great job of setting up comfortable rooms.

i have had a great experience with Marina Counseling Center. i orginally found MCC because i needed to talk to some one, but i couldn’t afford most therapists in the city. the MCC was very quick to get me in to meet with a therapist. i lucked out and the first person i met with was exactly who i needed. I see Meredith Exelrod, who is a wonderful therapist. i feel like i have grown so much in the time since i first began seeing her. she is professional, but not cold or distant. it feels very easy and comfortable to confide and converse.
i also think that the sliding scale provides a very important service. people should be able to get help when they need it, but sadly most therapy costs an arm and a leg or just isn’t very good. i am thankful that the MCC is there to make it possible for people in need to get quality help.

I did not have a good experience with Abby PerLee for couples counseling. I felt that she did not hold my ex-​partner accountable for his actions/​choices in our relationship. I noticed that Abby has issues with women. Everything I did was scrutinized but my ex got away with so much. Much of my ex’s behavior towards me was abusive, but Abby did not recognize this. The counselor we saw after Abby immediately recognized this abusive behavior.
To be fair, the counselor that we saw after Abby made stated that he had some very deep psychological issues, was a compulsive liar, and an expert manipulator. This was a difficult situation and as an intern she was not prepared to handle this. I feel that Abby should have said that she was not equipped to handle a complicated case like ours at that particular moment in her career. However, she didn’t and in the end it just wasted a great deal of time and money.

I went to the MCC a few years back during a difficult time. I was unemployed, drinking a lot of cheap crappy beer, and had a hard time dealing with the insufferable fools in my life. I was, in short, mildly depressed.
I called MCC and was matched up with a counselor. Now, keep in mind, these people aren’t professionals. They are students trying to accumulate hours in order to qualify for their therapist license.
At the time i was unemployed so the sliding scale fee was $ 35. Not too bad and it was low enough that I never considered the cost a drawback.
I was really lucky in who they matched me up with. The woman was whip-​smart and really helped me get a new perspective on some of the issues in my life. I looked forward to my visits with her very much. Much to my dismay, she moved out of the area a few months later.
I was reassigned to another counselor. I have to admit, there were some big shoes to fill. But this new person was, pardon me for saying so, a dingbat. She wasn’t very intelligent (I’m sorry, I have to respect the person who is «counseling» me) and just sat there like a lump on a log without giving any valuable insight or advice.
I gave this person two chances and then let them know it wasn’t working out.
Recently, I had been thinking about MCC again to help me deal with some issues on my mind. I called and was assigned a counselor. This time, as I was working, albeit not a giant salary or anything, the fee was $ 55.
Wouldn’t you know, I was matched up with another therapist who really didn’t say much and didn’t seem that insightful. I didn’t bother going a second time. I could tell she wasn’t going to be of any help.
Some lesser points: The place isn’t exactly rundown but it’s not very nice either. A little long in the tooth I’d say. The parking is also quite a challenge around this area.
All said, save your $ 50 or more and just have some drinks at your local dive bar. Your bartender will probably be more insightful than the newbies pretending to be psychologists at MCC.

I am giving this place one star only because the person who conducted my intake was very caring and genuine. However, after intake I didn’t hear from the center. I called once and left a message and still after 2+ weeks, I’ve yet to hear from them. I feel this is extremely unprofessional and unethical. I should have at least received a call if they did not have a compatible counselor.

I found the Marina Counseling Center on Unilocal.I’ve never gone to therapy before. I’ve always tried to write down my thoughts and is pretty insightful, but I realize I can’t help myself.
They matched me with Lily, and I’ve been with her for almost a year now. She’s great and the location is very laid-​back. There’s no receptionist staring at you.
I love their sliding scale price since I’m unemployed.

When I initially went to the Marina, they matched me with a therapist who was so perfect for me. Unfortunately, she had to leave to continue her training someplace else. The therapist she selected for me did not work out, but I still really appreciate the experience I had there. My husband was also able to find a therapist he really likes there. I have recommended it to other friends as well.
I think calling in and getting set up with someone they pick for you works really well somehow. They ask insightful questions about your problem, and find someone who has those areas of experience. This is much easier than trying to find a therapist through other means, which I’m finding is very very difficult.
Finally, the sliding scale is wonderful. They don’t generally work out if you are trying to use your insurance coverage, but who has good mental health coverage anyway? If you go with the sliding scale, you will know that you can afford it with your budget.
If you are thinking about seeing a therapist, call them!

If I could give Marina Counseling Center 6 stars, I would. Plainly said, MCC and my therapist saved my life. I was in desperate need of help, received it and more.
I feel as if their care is realistic and holistic. There is also something about where the offices are located. The area: it was just great to be able to drive to the other side of town, literally, to escape and vent. It was also convenient and helpful to walk around the area or drive to the marina or beach to release after an intense session. The offices: it seems that the building was once an apartment building and it automatically lends a feel of being at someone’s home. My therapist made an extra effort to allow the natural light in and to light a scented, calming, candle during our sessions.
Their care is realistic because they offer a sliding scale. Really, not all of us have benefits– even then, some companies place a limit on how many sessions you’re allowed if you’re not formally diagnosed. In addition, sometimes all we’re trying to do is get by and aren’t able to pay a lot of money for therapy when we’re making okay money and yet juggling the reality of living on your own in the Bay Area. Also, I felt as if my therapist was able to accommodate me when things came up, with enough notice, or if my school schedule changed.
Their care is holistic because my therapist exposed me to different ways, not just talking to each other, of expressing and coping with my life. I made a picture collage of my life and the people in it. I also did a sand tray with her and we documented it with a polaroid picture. Lastly, she helped me see that many «themes» and «things» were repeatedly popping up everywhere in my life in some shape or form, and that I could change that; that I was the only one who could initiate that change.
There was just something about the way she approached my «issues.» She was a fabulous listener. She NEVER told me what to do or what I should do. She asked thought-​provoking questions; sometimes I’d mull over a question for days at a time. She NEVER made me feel bad about myself or as if my «issues» were petty. She taught me how to get to the root of the problem, how to navigate through life and through the people I bumped into along the way, how to «ride» through my emotions and to allow myself to just feel.
She basically helped me build a toolbox, if you will, of tools and strategies to use when things or people come up. I went to MCC for 2 years and I’m in a much better place because of it.

The Marina Counseling Center is a non profit organization that’s operated by newly graduated psychology students filling their necessary time quotient in the field. I was skeptical at first about the quality considering they’re all pretty green. However, I really liked the woman I spoke with and felt that even on my first visit she had helpful advise to give.
One of the great things about this place is that they charge on a sliding scale. Their prices are based on your annual salary and it ends up being a lot less expensive than if had you gone somewhere else. I complained for years that I couldn’t afford counseling and used that as my reason for not pursuing it. Now I have absolutely no excuse.
God it feels good to talk to somebody about all my «issues» without being judged. Not that there’s a lot to judge… uh oh, did I just air out all my dirty laundry? I’m not psycho… no, really.

I had given therapy a bad wrap from my experience in the teenage angst years.
The self proclaimed meditating self-​help book junky that I was for many years has recentlyI found the perfect therapist and I realized the importance of therapy.
First of all they did great intake over the phone to match me with a recent graduate. The match was perfect, I love my therapist.
Think out loud. Notice emotions.
Get to the root of issues. Move past them.
Apply it to life.
Ahhh it feels good.
And the price can’t be beat for the quality in my opinion.

Everybody has issues.
Everybody.
Normal. Well adjusted.
You couldn’t come up with a clear definition for both of those words if you tried. Because they don’t really exist.
Everybody stresses.
Everybody doubts themselves at one point.
But moreso, everybody needs to talk.
Needs someone to talk to.
Needs someone to listen.
Needs someone to care.
You’d think those three necessities would be easy to find, huh?
That’s what friends are for?
Uh…not quite. Read People Skills by Robert Bolton. Even the closest of friends, probably only listen to a percentage of what you say. And not cause they’re heartless souls, but because they’re human, and are often ATTEMPTING to focus on you, while stressing about their own lives: parking tickets, men/​women, work and Brangelina.
They’ve got their own things going on.
Their own issues.
How could they ever give you their all?
Paying someone to listen to your problems, may seem strange. But everyone deserves to have someone listen, really listen to them.
P. S. If you’re concerned about money, they operate on a sliding scale.

Well, I’ve been talking to a therapist (in one sense or another) my whole life… my dad’s a psychologist.
So, i’m biased — I think therapy is a wonderful thing, be it a necessity or purely an indulgence.
But, who knew I would go to the Marina to feel my most comfortable??? These are good people. I would send any friend or foe here. They’re mainly interns, charging sliding scale prices, but incredibly qualified. Most importantly, they aren’t stuffy or pretentious. If you don’t care for the therapist they match you up with, there is no obligation to stay with them.
If you want someone to talk to (and I’m not around) go to MCC. Talk about life, the ups, the down, etc. Who DOESN’T like to talk about themselves anyway?