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