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 lives 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.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and certified perinatal mental health therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience.
My practice centers on women during the reproductive years and beyond, including fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, involuntary childlessness, LGBTQ+ family-building, and pregnancy and postpartum after loss. I also work with women across the lifespan managing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, health issues, and relationship challenges.
What guides my work
My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in attachment theory. I draw from my advanced training in evidence-based models, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while making space to explore how your early experiences, relationships, and inner narratives shape your present. I recognize that every story is layered and uniquely shaped by personal history, cultural expectations, relational patterns, and the systems we move through.
Clients often describe me as compassionate and grounded, with a steady presence that supports while gently encouraging forward momentum. Through my own journey, I’ve gained insight into the vulnerability and strength therapy requires. I respect the pace and process that’s right for you.
Alongside my professional training, I have firsthand experience with how hard it can be when the path to parenthood doesn’t unfold as expected. Even when family doesn’t follow the plan, life can still be meaningful and rich. After detours and heartache, it’s possible to rediscover connection and joy.
If you’d like to learn more about my training and credentials, you’ll find the details below. But most importantly, what I want you to know is that you don’t have to do this alone.
Licensure, Certification & Awards
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW23935)
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
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Certified IPT Trainer & Supervisor
International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy
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Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
Postpartum Support International
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Excellence in Teaching Award
UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators
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Top Ten Faculty Educator
UCSF Psychiatry Residency Training Program
Professional Experience
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Director
Women’s Mental Health Program, San Francisco Veterans Affairs (SFVA) Medical Center
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National Trainer & Subject Matter Expert
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Training Program, Veterans Health Administration
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Psychotherapist
IPT Program, Veterans Health Administration
Women’s Mental Health & PTSD Clinical Programs, SFVA Medical Center
UCSF Infant-Parent Psychotherapy Program
UCSF Citywide, SF General Hospital & Trauma Center
Women’s Wellness Psychiatry
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PTSD Research Therapist
Prolonged Exposure therapist for Veterans Health Administration Study CSP 591: Comparative Effectiveness Research in Veterans with PTSD, a randomized clinical trial comparing Prolonged Exposure & Cognitive Processing Therapy
Education & Academic Affiliations
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Associate Clinical Professor
University of California, San Francisco
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Social Work Master's Degree
San Francisco State University
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Bachelor's Degree
University of Virginia
Selected Publications
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Zwelling, L., Roney, S., Morguelan, A. (2004). Availability of Services for Families of LGBT Youth. San Francisco State University: Family Acceptance Project.
