These people are dangerous, and I have not come to that conclusion lightly. What they've done is so serious that I will post a part 2 and possibly a part 3 under new accounts that I'll create specifically for this purpose in order to finish the review. I started seeing a counselor in 2016 after having gone through multiple versions of every life change one could have...loss of both parents within a short amount of time, multiple moves, a break-up with a long-time boyfriend, job losses, etc. It was a cascade of crap, and I found myself thrust into a midlife crisis I didn't want. Part 1 - Therapist 1 - Feel free to request the therapist's name I was attempting to heal from that when my therapist's girlfriend became her boyfriend. He started taking testosterone, which didn't bode well for me. I'm non-binary transmasculine and WAS a singer as is/was my therapist. I never wanted to take testosterone. It was even stated in my initial letters for top surgery that I did not and was not going to take it. However, my therapist kept pushing it every couple of sessions, saying that it really improved her boyfriend's mood, that it would improve mine, and that it might even lift the depression from which I was suffering altogether. Eventually, I succumbed to the pressure and aside from not wanting the changes associated with it, I lost my singing voice. It was destroyed. And no, I can't just sing lower. I had to leave behind all the groups in which I participated, the solos, karaoke. I lost my main and most important coping mechanism and went from a source of joy to one of frustration and pain. You don't have to like trans people, believe in it, etc., but regardless of those beliefs, no therapist should have been suggesting hormones in general, especially one I explicitly said I didn't want and was concerned would ruin my voice. She also wasn't connecting with me in the sense that when I couldn't get through to her regarding how or who I was as a person, I'd send short clips of characters from shows that I felt represented me. But she wasn't receptive, wasn't getting it. I'm neurodiverse, and it has been suggested to me by several people who have worked with people on the spectrum that I get checked. When I brought it up to the therapist, she said I couldn't possibly be on the spectrum because I displayed empathy on several occasions. Neurodiversity covers a wide range of things, but anyone on the spectrum or who experienced difficulty getting diagnosed knows how utterly ridiculous and maddening it is to have someone say it's not possible because you display empathy. Also, since I could make her laugh with my traumatic stories, my trauma was brushed off and in most cases, completely discounted. After pseudo-confronting her about it, she said that I PROBABLY suffered some trauma but she didn't have the DSM in front of her. After all my stories and two years of meeting, she needed that book to determine whether or not I was suffering from the effects of trauma or even had it at all? REALLY? The tipping point was when an incident occurred with Dr. Choi (see my review) at the Center. She knew he and I didn't get along to the point where I asked her to attend or drop in during my meetings with him in the hopes that he would behave. After the actions detailed in my review, I felt that my therapist should have stood up for me in some way regarding him and his behavior towards me. But she wouldn't. She said that she didn't want to make a fuss because it wouldn't do anything, etc. because it was his last week...well wouldn't do anything except show that she cared and didn't think I should have been treated that way. I mean I seriously gave this a chance to the extent that I was still on the fence when I met who was to become my new therapist. I was at the Center late one night. She was there, and we ended up talking for a while. She initially started as a researcher who would occasionally provide resources for me. But I expressed an interest in her becoming my therapist. My original therapist initially made it sound as if it was going to be very difficult to switch but then said it was as simple as a name change on a form. So now I have a new therapist. But though I wasn't aware at the time, this was just the beginning. More to come...MUCH more and none of it is good. The sad part is that once finished, despite everything, I will still have afforded a level of care and protection that wasn't but should have been afforded to me. If someone knows how to file a formal complaint against the Center due to grossly mishandled situations and a grossly mishandled dismissal that shouldn't have occurred and was done with a profound lack of care and consideration, please message me as I've been left with no other options. I've tried numerous times with numerous people to be amicable, reasonable, logical, etc., but nothing has worked. Any help/information/guidance would be appreciated. read more

I love TRC! I've been a member for five (?) years now. TRC has allowed me to see a therapist even when I was unemployed and/or underemployed. They have amazing sliding scale rates for members as well as themed groups that you can join as part of your membership. I'm always trying to get my friends to go to therapy (sorry!) and TRC is at the top of the list. read more

The Relational Center has been a HUGE help to me over the past 5+ years. I've been through 4 therapists there, as they "graduate" and move on, but I've been very lucky to get great people each time a new person has been assigned to me. They have support groups for various issues for both men and women and mixed groups. They have a psychiatrist available for people who actually NEED medication (I was going there for 3 years before I started seeing him as well). I think they started having yoga classes as a resource as well, but I don't go to those, so I haven't been paying attention to that. All of the therapists there are in training, they're getting the required hours to get their certification, which is why I've had to change who I've seen. They charge monthly, rather than per session, on a sliding scale, so if you're broke, like me, they will charge less. I've had a really great experience here, but with any therapy, you get out of it what you put into it. You HAVE to open up to whomever you're seeing, which requires a certain amount of trust. You have to be able to trust the person, and you have to tell them the truth, which means you have to tell yourself the truth (which may in fact be the more difficult thing). I wish you luck! read more

I only have positive things to say about the Relational Center! I was recommended by a friend who said this place would help me, I've been coming for the last 2 years. Since the moment I started coming, my life has changed in a positive way. My therapist genuinely cares about me. We've became close through out this time. It's not like paying a therapist they "have" to "care".... this center receives donations monthly. My advice is, if your therapist didn't work, try to find someone who makes you feel comfortable. Don't give up! :) read more

A really wonderful, professional and well organized center. Both counselors I worked with were outstanding. Highly recommended.

I wanted to follow a group therapy but it has been impossible to know the schedule. The one posted on line has been two month old, we are already on the 5th and no one is able to give me the current calendar, no one is able to send it via email, despite two phone requests , and one walk in. When i walked in , despite it was at open hours, the center was locked, no receptionist, no follow up. This place is cheap but you will actually save money by avoiding it. read more

This place has changed my life!! What they stand for and what they offer is the best deal in town for growth, wellness and developing new friendships. Everyone works so hard to make sure that everyone who walks through the door is served. It is worth noting that the Relational Center is a non-profit center that relies on donations to keep the lights on. If you get wait-listed for one-on-one counseling don't be discouraged, counselors will either suggest other resources or recommend other activities at The Relational Center. read more

I have to agree to Walter D. Sure, it may be a training center for trainees (students still working on their MA) and interns (those who have completed their MA), but their lack of organization and care just isn't there. Having said that, that seems to be the issue with a lot of the non-profits out there. The community counseling centers typically, in my experience, have not been idyllic for the client. They have a lot of green, wet behind the ears people who have done other types of jobs, but therapy is another animal. Working with people, expressing genuine compassion and care is a gift and a talent that I don't see with people who work at a lot of the community counseling centers, including this Relational Center. I have to tell you, the way they advertise themselves on their website is a vast contrast to the reality I experienced here. Starting with the rude or unknowledgeable receptionists who answer the call as if they're working at a pizza joint, to the rude and uncaring supervisor (one in particular, Kalina Klamann), this place is poorly run and poorly managed. However, Mark Fairfield was better, but not by much. He's another supervisor there, and he was appropriate in his statements, in the beginning. After speaking with me on the phone, he sounded professional and it appeared as though he wanted to match me up with the right counselor. He sounded intelligent and acted as if he knew what he was doing and was very competent. He told me the Relational Center could absolutely find someone to meet my needs; I wasn't asking for the moon. But, he said he had to pass the baton to Kalina Klamann who was, at the time, doing the assignments (matching clients to counselors). After speaking to Kalina for 10 min. on the phone, it was clear she did NOT like her job. She was clearly unhappy about herself and/or position. Immediately, I could hear that in her voice when I talked to her. Her attitude was very negative, tempered with something very personal against me. What's worse is that she took it upon herself to determine that I was not suitable for the organization as a client. She came to this conclusion only after one 10 min. conversation over the phone with me!!! How is this ethical? When Mark, who was HER supervisor, said I was a good candidate. Don't know if it's because she has some language barriers (she didn't sound American). But, my parents are immigrants, too, so there's no hate about that. I just don't think she is qualified to turn away people who need and want counseling when she hasn't even met the prospective client in person. I don't have substance abuse issues, and my issues weren't that big. So, what gives?? It appears that her priorities are not straight. When I called to speak with Mark again, he said he couldn't help me; he had to leave it up to Kalina. In short, I don't see anything fair or ethical about this place. If they're receiving grant money to serve clients, how is this ethical???? In this type of field, ethical compassionate communication is critical. That was not evident here whatsoever. I would love to know who sits on the board, and who runs their conscience. read more

It is difficult to describe what The Relational Center has brought into my life. The counseling, the AMAZING groups, and the absurdly kind people that work at the center are just the tip of the iceberg. This is a SAFE PLACE for all those in need to find a supportive community, I have to agree with the other reviews. This place has changed my life, and I will always continue to go to TRC. I hate to see cruel reviews from years ago, and also we need to understand that the relational center is NOT FOR PROFIT, they are doing their very best with their expertise while getting paid minimally. They are true angels! read more

I would have to agree with the other 1 star ratings. I guess it goes to say, "You get what you pay for". If counseling and therapy is what you are looking for, i highly suggest finding someone that comes recommended to you and making sure that there are ample amount of reviews for you to trust whom you will be spilling your guts too. This is probably NOT the place. read more

I've being a TRC member for several years. I love this community. There's so many great groups, meditations and yoga. If you are around Sunday, June 4th they'll be having a SORO festival and it'll be a great way to connect and learn more about their programs.:) read more

5-Stars are not enough. I drive down from SF 6 hours just to go to their LA trainings because not only do I learn vital things for my life, relationships and business, but I live a better life. I am deeply grateful for the reminders that we are human and built to love and need each other. The more I am around the therapists, trainers and students the more I absorb the teachings and way of being. This is what "community" is supposed to be!!! I am happier, more alive, more awake and more loving after a training-- like i imagine what life is supposed to be like when i get out of my head with my chronic worries, fears and connect again with people. The relational approach gives support for those who professionally or naturally find themselves supporting others. I have used the approach to help me a be a more effective leader in my community and as business owner. read more

This place has changed my life! Great people that actually care about you and your wellbeing.

This place has changed my life. I've learned so much about myself and how to manage my stress and anxiety. They offer such a wide variety of classes and groups! It's based on a sliding scale so I only had to pay $50/month and got individual counseling per week and unlimited classes! This included meditation, yoga, art, women's group, support group and so much more. Dan is unbelievably helpful and will answer all your questions. They even offer free legal advise from a lawyer who comes in and have a psychiatrist on staff. They are so friendly and I made so many friends from coming here. I was able to help out in the community through their free civic engagement group and felt like I was really making a difference in a world where I have felt stigmatized. HIGHLY recommend this place! read more

Amazing support groups, therapy and social justice organizing. Meditation, yoga and acupuncture offered. Lots of LGBTQ support, particularly for transgender and GNC folx. Highly recommend. Also sliding scale, which is so helpful. read more

Surprised by the bad reviews. I felt the process was seamless, the staff caring, and the environment healing.