About Leila Zwelling
LCSW, PMH-C
Hi! I’m Leila (pronounced “Lee-la”)—
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a journalist, drawn to the power of people’s stories. Over time, I realized I wanted to do more than listen—I wanted to help people heal, grow, and reshape their journeys amid struggle and uncertainty. This led me to the work I do now: supporting women through some of the most intimate and often unspoken challenges of their lives.
As a licensed psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and certified perinatal mental health therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience, my practice focuses on supporting women’s mental health during the reproductive years and beyond, including navigating fertility struggles and loss, single and childless not by choice, LGBTQ+ family-building, and pregnancy and postpartum after loss. I also support women across the lifespan managing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, health issues, and relationship challenges.
Clients often describe me as compassionate and grounded, with a steady presence that supports gentle forward movement. I understand how painful it can be when the path to parenthood doesn’t unfold as expected—and that even after detours and heartache, connection and joy are possible.
My approach
My work is trauma-informed and rooted in attachment theory. I draw on advanced training in therapies guided by research and practice—including Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)—while exploring how your past experiences, relationships, and inner narratives shape your present.
My practice is inclusive of all identities, relationship structures, and paths to or away from parenthood, with an understanding that every story is shaped by personal history, culture, relationships, and the systems we navigate. It’s a space to be honest about what hurts, without pressure to “stay positive.” Together, we explore your experiences and work toward reconnecting with your sense of self, meaning, and purpose.
Licensure, Certification & Awards
-
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW23935)
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
-
Certified IPT Trainer & Supervisor
International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy
-
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
Postpartum Support International
-
Top Ten Faculty Educator
UCSF Psychiatry Residency Training Program
-
Excellence in Teaching Award
UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators
Professional Experience
-
Director
Women’s Mental Health Program, San Francisco Veterans Affairs (SFVA) Medical Center
-
National Trainer & Subject Matter Expert
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Training Program, Veterans Health Administration
-
Psychotherapist
IPT Program, Veterans Health Administration
Women’s Mental Health & PTSD Programs, SFVA Medical Center
UCSF Infant-Parent Psychotherapy Program
UCSF Citywide, SF General Hospital & Trauma Center
Women’s Wellness Psychiatry
-
PTSD Research Therapist
Prolonged Exposure therapist for Veterans Health Administration Study CSP 591: Comparative Effectiveness Research in Veterans with PTSD
Education & Academic Affiliations
-
Associate Clinical Professor
University of California, San Francisco
-
Social Work Master's Degree
San Francisco State University
-
Bachelor's Degree
University of Virginia
Selected Publications
-
Croswell, K., Zwelling, L., Clougherty, K., Hinrichsen, G. (2018). VHA Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT-D) Interactive Training. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
-
Tong, H., Zwelling, L., Doughan, J. (2017). Interpersonal Psychotherapy in Practice: Working with Depressed Adults in L.E. Beutler, A.J. Consoli & B. Bongar (Eds), Comprehensive Textbook of Psychotherapy (2nd Ed.), Oxford University Press.
-
Delany-Brumsey, A., Campbell, K., Ratner, J., Baughn, D., Zwelling, L., Hasser, C. (2013). Utilization of Integrated Behavioral Health Services at the San Francisco VA Medical Center Women's Clinic. Poster for VA Psychology Leadership Conference, San Antonio, TX.
-
Zwelling, L., Roney, S., Morguelan, A. (2004). Availability of Services for Families of LGBT Youth. San Francisco State University: Family Acceptance Project.