Dr. Payal Mapara
Clinical Psychologist
California Telehealth & In Person
Helping you tap into your strengths and live a meaningful life.
Providing health psychology and general mental health care- grounded in evidence, shaped by your culture, and focused on real, sustainable change.
Background
I’m a first-generation South Asian licensed clinical psychologist based in San Francisco, California, with over a decade of experience providing evidence-based care.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, and chronic health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, cardiovascular disease requiring behavior change, diabetes management), as well as health and wellness concerns (e.g., nutrition, exercise, substance use, aging). I also support clients navigating stress, burnout, and effective communication at work and at home.
Approach
My work is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, and relational approaches.
My style is collaborative and compassionate. I work from the perspective that both mental and physical health are shaped by our lived experiences and within a cultural context. I believe that meaningful change is possible and that, even in the midst of stress, it’s possible to reconnect with your inner strengths and joy. I'm committed to destigmatizing mental health treatment across all ages, genders, and ethnicities. I value trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship and prioritize creating a safe, inclusive space for the people I work with.
Qualifications
As a staff psychologist at the San Francisco VA and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF Medical School, I’ve had the privilege of training doctoral-level psychologists, nurse practitioners, and medical residents in evidence-based care and assessment.
Education & Training
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. Psychology
B.A. Economics
Teachers College, Columbia University
M.A. Psychology and Education
Yeshiva University (APA Accredited)
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
Concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Geropsychology
Manhattan VA Hospital
Clinical Psychology Internship (APA Accredited)
San Francisco VA Hospital
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Primary Care & Health Psychology (APA Accredited)
Services
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic pain
Chronic illness
Stress
Addiction
Anger management
Burnout
Compassion fatigue
Life transitions
Mindfulness
Multicultural concerns
Work stress
Substance use
Perfectionism
Social anxiety
Women’s issues
Caregiver Issues
Communication Issues
Coping Skills
LGBTQIA+
Military/Veteran’s issues
Racial identity