Mental health · San Diego
Mental health care in San Diego, for the whole person
Therapy with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, paired with the body-based care that helps you feel steadier: Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Acupuncture and labs when they help. Our care works alongside, never in place of, care from a mental health professional you already see.
We do not have a psychiatrist on staff and do not prescribe psychiatric medication. Every plan is built around you.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork and Acupuncture
- Progress tracked with GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PROMIS
- HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds accepted
- Care
- Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Acupuncture, Meditative Therapy
- Led by
- A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Progress
- Tracked with GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PROMIS
- Note
- No psychiatric medication prescribed
- Where
- 2555 State St, San Diego
New patients
Start with one visit
We listen to what is happening and what would help most. Choose the first appointment alone, or add a full consultation.
Medical first appointment
First appointment
- Your first medical appointment
- What is happening, what you need, and a first plan
- HSA, FSA and LSA welcome
Medical appointment + consultation
First appointment + consultation
- Your first medical appointment
- A full consultation, a $300 value, included
- Time to ask questions and plan your care
New patients. Through November 26, 2026. Labs and prescriptions are priced separately. HSA, FSA and LSA welcome. We are direct pay and do not bill insurance; superbills are available on request.
After your first visit
Book visits as you need them with medical credits, or save with a monthly plan. See monthly plans
Not sure where to start?
Talk it through on a free discovery call first. Book a discovery call
Why people come to us
Support for the mind, and the body that carries it
You do not need a diagnosis to start. These are the reasons people most often come to see us.
Relationships and couples
Couples counseling and support for the relationships that matter.
Psychotherapy →How care works
Talk, track and treat the whole picture
A first visit
Your first appointment, with a full consultation if you like. First Psychotherapy sessions are 2 hours so we can listen properly.
A baseline
We measure where you are with GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PROMIS, and recommend labs when they could help.
A plan that fits
Talk therapy combined with Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Acupuncture or Meditative Therapy, chosen for you.
Re-checks
We re-measure every 90 days, so you can see what is changing.

Mind and body
Therapy, and the body that holds the stress
Anxiety, low mood and trauma show up in sleep, digestion, hormones and the nervous system. Our team looks at all of it, so talk therapy is supported by body-based care.
- Psychotherapy with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Hypnotherapy and Breathwork to regulate the nervous system
- Acupuncture for sleep, tension and calm
- Labs when thyroid, hormones or nutrients may be playing a part
Care that works together
Services that work together
Your plan uses only what fits you. These are the services most often combined for mental health.
Medical credit
Psychotherapy
Individual therapy, Trauma Therapy, CBT, couples counseling and grief work with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Psychotherapy →Medical credit
Hypnotherapy
Deep relaxation that can ease worry and support rest and sleep.
Hypnotherapy →Medical credit
Acupuncture
Fine needles and gentle bodywork from a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture →Non-medical
Meditative Therapy
Guided meditation and Tai Chi for stillness and focus.
Meditative Therapy →Non-medical
Coaching
Life Coaching, Somatic Coaching and Spiritual Direction for direction and meaning.
Coaching →Your care team
The people beside you
Your care team works together under one roof, overseen by our Medical Director.

MA, LMFT, CH
Sheava Rahimi
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Hypnotherapist.
Read bio →
DACM
Dr. Kolin Durrant
Integrative Care Director, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Clinical Herbalist.
Read bio →

Founder and CEO
Cristin D. Smith
Founder and CEO, Spiritual Director, Breathwork Facilitator.
Read bio →Book online
Book your first appointment
New patients, use the offer cards above. Already have a medical credit? Pick a service and a time below. To book a session for a family member, or to ask about home visits, call our Concierge at (619) 933-2340.
New to Saffron & Sage? Start with your first appointment for $250, normally $300.
Book nowLocation
Mental health care near Little Italy, San Diego
Saffron & Sage is in Mission Hills, just north of Little Italy, a short drive from Downtown, Bankers Hill, Point Loma and North Park. The entrance is on West Maple Street.
Hours: Monday and Thursday 8am to 2pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8am to 8pm.
Questions
Mental health care FAQs
Is this therapy?
Yes. Psychotherapy is a core part of our mental health care, provided by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We pair it with Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Acupuncture and Meditative Therapy when they fit.
Can I keep my current therapist or psychiatrist?
Yes. Our care works alongside, never in place of, care from a mental health professional you already see, and we coordinate with your providers with your permission.
Do you prescribe psychiatric medication?
No. We do not have a psychiatrist on staff and do not prescribe psychiatric medication. If you need a medication evaluation, we will help you find the right provider.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma Therapy is a form of Psychotherapy that helps you work through the effects of trauma at a pace that feels safe to you. It is booked as a medical Psychotherapy service.
How is Breathwork different from therapy?
Breathwork uses guided breathing to help regulate your nervous system. It is not a substitute for therapy, and many people use both.
How do you measure progress?
We use GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PROMIS questionnaires at the start and re-check every 90 days, so you can see what is changing.
What does a first visit cost?
New patients can start with a first appointment for $250 (normally $300), or $300 with a full consultation. A discovery call is free. First Psychotherapy sessions are 2 hours.
Do you take insurance, and can I use HSA or FSA funds?
We are a direct-pay practice and do not bill insurance. Superbills are available on request, and we accept HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds. Your plan administrator decides which services are eligible, so please check with your plan.
What if I am in crisis?
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. We are not an emergency service.
Where are you located?
2555 State Street, Suite 101, San Diego, with the entrance on West Maple Street, just north of Little Italy.
Ready when you are
Start with one conversation
Tell us what is going on. We will suggest a first step, or tell you honestly if something else should come first.
The content on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Saffron & Sage does not replace care from a mental health professional. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Results vary from person to person. We accept HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds. Your plan administrator decides which services are eligible, so please check with your plan. All medical services are provided by Kasawa Medical APC dba Saffron & Sage MD.





