Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pathwork Therapy specialize in?
At Pathwork Therapy, we specialize in supporting people impacted by substance use—whether you’re questioning your relationship with substances, in recovery, or a loved one (spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or friend) trying to navigate the challenges that come with it.
We also provide skilled therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. Our approach combines evidence-based strategies for immediate relief with deeper psychodynamic work that helps create lasting change.
Do you only work with people struggling with substance use?
No. While our expertise in substance use and recovery is a cornerstone of our practice, we also work with individuals and couples facing a wide range of challenges, including:
Relationship struggles and communication issues
Anxiety, depression, and life transitions
Trauma and unresolved childhood experiences
Identity exploration, self-esteem, and meaning in life
Many clients come to us because they want more than symptom management—they want depth therapy and a safe place to explore who they are and how they relate to others.
How does substance use impact families and relationships?
Substance use doesn’t happen in isolation—it affects loved ones in profound ways. Spouses, partners, children, and friends often carry stress, confusion, and feelings of helplessness.
We offer therapy not just for individuals, but also for couples and families, because healing is most effective when everyone has support. This is an underserved area of care, and we’re passionate about providing a space where families and loved ones can heal alongside the person in recovery.
Who are the therapists at Pathwork Therapy?
Pathwork Therapy was co-founded by Nick Zwerdling, LMFT and Ben Black, LCSW, both of whom are in recovery themselves. This lived experience adds to their professional expertise, allowing them to meet clients with authenticity, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it means to do the hard work of change.
Together, Nick and Ben bring decades of experience in:
Depth-oriented psychodynamic therapy
Evidence-based approaches for acute challenges
Substance use recovery and relapse prevention
Supporting families, couples, and individuals through complex transitions
Where is Pathwork Therapy located?
We are based in San Francisco, California, and provide therapy to clients across the Bay Area. For those outside San Francisco, we also offer secure online sessions throughout California.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. Many of our clients choose telehealth sessions for flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re in San Francisco or elsewhere in California, you can access therapy from home in a private, secure way.
How much does therapy cost at Pathwork Therapy?
Our standard fee is $200 per session. We also hold a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need. We are an out-of-network provider and can provide superbills for clients seeking reimbursement from their insurance.
What kind of therapy do you provide?
Our approach blends practical tools with depth work. This means:
Evidence-based strategies (like CBT and mindfulness) to help with immediate issues such as cravings, anxiety, or conflict.
Psychodynamic and relational therapy for deeper exploration of patterns, emotions, and relationships.
This combination helps clients not only feel better in the short term, but also build long-term resilience and self-understanding.
I’m not sure if therapy is right for me. Can we talk first?
Absolutely. We offer a free 15-minute consultation call so you can ask questions, share what you’re going through, and see if we feel like the right fit. Therapy is a personal investment, and it’s important you feel comfortable with your therapist.
How do I get started?
You can email us directly to schedule a consultation. From there, we’ll match you with the therapist who best fits your needs.