City directory

Licensed acupuncturists in San Francisco, CA

Verified, California-board-licensed practitioners across San Francisco — from the Mission to the Richmond. Compare credentials, specialties, and approach, then book directly with the practitioner.

Founding cohort now listing. San Francisco listings go live as practitioners complete verification. If you're a licensed L.Ac. in SF, claim your listing — free for founding members.

Practitioners

The directory shows practitioners in or near San Francisco. Each card links to a full profile with credentials, specialties, languages, typical pricing, and contact options.

A

Practitioner profile — verification in progress

Mission District · L.Ac. · Accepting new patients
Chronic pain Sports recovery Stress
Coming soon →
B

Practitioner profile — verification in progress

Hayes Valley · L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. · Accepting new patients
Fertility Women's health IVF support
Coming soon →
C

Practitioner profile — verification in progress

Inner Sunset · L.Ac. · Accepting new patients
Migraines Anxiety Sleep
Coming soon →

Browse by concern in San Francisco

Jump to practitioners who specialize in what brought you here.

Back & neck pain Migraines & headaches Anxiety & stress Fertility support Sleep & insomnia Sports & recovery Women's health Digestive issues

Browse by neighborhood

San Francisco is compact but varied. Most practitioners serve patients from neighborhoods well beyond their address — use this as a starting point.

What to look for in a San Francisco acupuncturist

San Francisco has a dense, diverse community of licensed acupuncturists — everything from sports-focused clinics near SoMa gyms, to fertility specialists in Hayes Valley, to community-acupuncture collectives that keep prices accessible. A few practical filters when you're narrowing down:

  • Scope match. Most L.Ac.s in California cover broad general practice, but many focus — fertility, pain, oncology support, sports. Look at their specialties before booking.
  • Training lineage. Common SF-area schools include ACCHS (Oakland), AIMC (Berkeley), and Five Branches (Santa Cruz). Different schools lean classical TCM, Japanese meridian therapy, or integrative — preferences vary.
  • Logistics. SF traffic and parking matter. Confirm office hours, parking, and proximity to MUNI/BART if you'll be going frequently (many conditions respond best to a series of sessions, not one-offs).
  • Insurance fit. Many SF practitioners are in-network with Blue Shield, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare for specific conditions. Ask them to verify benefits before your first visit.

Typical pricing in San Francisco

Private-practice first visits in San Francisco typically run $150–$250 (60–90 min), follow-ups $100–$180 (45–60 min). Community-acupuncture clinics offer $30–$60 sliding-scale sessions. Many practitioners offer discounted packages for a course of 6–10 sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see an acupuncturist in San Francisco?

No. Licensed acupuncturists in California are primary care providers within their scope — you can book directly without a physician referral. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage; check with your insurer before booking.

How many sessions will I need?

Depends on the condition. Acute issues (a recent injury or tension headache) often respond in 1–4 sessions. Chronic conditions (persistent pain, fertility support, anxiety) typically involve a course of 6–12 sessions, sometimes tapering over months. Your practitioner will discuss expectations at your first visit.

Is acupuncture safe?

In the hands of a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture has an excellent safety record. Mild soreness or small bruising at needle sites is the most common side effect. Discuss any bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or pacemakers with your practitioner before your first session.

What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Both use similar thin needles but come from different training traditions. Acupuncture, as practiced by licensed acupuncturists, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and requires 3,000+ hours of training plus state licensure in California. Dry needling is typically practiced by physical therapists trained in a shorter course focused on trigger points. In California, scope rules differ — make sure the provider you choose is properly credentialed for what they're offering.

Where is the nearest community-acupuncture clinic?

San Francisco has several sliding-scale community-acupuncture options. We'll surface these in the main directory as practitioners join — in the meantime, the People's Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) maintains a directory of affiliated community clinics.