My Background


I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over fourteen years of experience working in mental health.

Specialized Post-Licensure Training
I am currently undertaking formal, post-licensure training in modern psychoanalysis. This specialized training is the most selective, rigorous and comprehensive clinical education that mental health clinicians can undertake. It greatly deepens a clinician’s understanding of people including their emotions, thinking, behavior and relationship patterns.  I have found that my training in psychoanalysis has improved the quality of all of my work. Whether you choose to see me for psychotherapy, couples counseling, or psychoanalysis, you’ll receive the benefit of my training.

Medications
I have dual training as a psychotherapist and as a clinical pharmacist specializing in psychiatry.   While my work with people focuses on psychological growth through psychotherapy, I have extensive training and clinical experience related to the use of psychiatric medications.  I am comfortable working with people who are taking medications for mental health-related problems and I am quite knowledgeable when it comes to helping people sort through the pros and cons of taking medication, pursuing psychotherapy, or both.  I also enjoy helping people develop greater emotional stability so that they can discontinue their medications.

Please note that I am not a psychiatrist and I do not prescribe medication.  If you begin psychotherapy with me and we determine that you should also take medication, I can help you obtain the medication through your general practice physician or by referring you to one of my psychiatrist colleagues.

Education
  • Psychoanalytic Training, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis (SFCP)
  • M.A., Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
  • Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Credentials
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #40511)
  • Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (Registered Pharmacist License #43623)
Affiliations
  • San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis (SFCP)
  • Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP)
  • American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Member of the Mental Health Professional Group
  • Open Path: the Fertility and Adoption Resource of Northern California (Open Path)
  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
  • Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Pharmacy
  • College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP)




Renee Spencer, LMFT

Marriage Counselor in San Francisco