Dr. Richard Heafey, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist at Unfold Psychology

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Dr. Richard Heafey

Founder & CEO · Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Psy.D. · MFT · M.A. · License #30807

Therapy

Psychological Assessments

Forensic & Court

Child Custody Evaluations

Parent Coordination

Or text our care team:

"The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to, and the life they deserve to experience."

- Dr. Richard Heafey, Founder

ABOUT

A heartfelt commitment to nurturing self-worth.

Guided by this belief, Dr. Heafey is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s social and personal challenges. He views therapy not just as a profession, but as a heartfelt commitment to nurturing his patients’ self-worth, quality of life, and hope for the future. By blending seasoned clinical expertise with a gentle, meticulous attention to every detail of the therapeutic experience, he creates a warm, welcoming space where patients feel entirely safe, seen, and valued. He takes the time to listen deeply to their specific needs and get to know who they really are before deciding on the best therapeutic path forward.

With a rich background in health psychology, Dr. Heafey brings expert-level insight to every session. He earned his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, holds dual Master’s Degrees in Counseling Psychology and Forensic Psychology from Holy Names University, and is skilled in a range of modalities — including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, Developmental Theory, and Logotherapy.

Fully comfortable with both short- and long-term treatment plans, his exceptional care earned Unfold Psychology the title of “Fresh and Best Health Care Providers in the Bay Area” by San Francisco magazine in 2021. His clinical excellence is backed by a diverse consulting background for organizations such as the St. Anthony Foundation, Google, and various biotech and government entities, as well as serving as the lead health psychology contributor to Stanford Medicine’s prestigious My Heart Counts research tool developed with Apple.

Yet what truly defines Dr. Heafey’s practice is a dedication to his patients that extends far beyond the therapy room. He is a passionate, fearless advocate who refuses to compromise on healing, working tirelessly behind the scenes to welcome input from collateral sources, coordinate with school districts, or bridge connections across a patient’s entire healthcare team. Above all, Dr. Heafey builds a deep, enduring bond of trust. He ensures that his patients always feel his steady presence through an active, enlightening journey that is uplifted by genuine human connection, heart, and frequent moments of shared joy and fun.

WHAT THEY DO

Focus Areas

Dr. Heafey works with individuals and families across a wide range of clinical and forensic needs. Click any service to learn more about the process.

Individual, Family & Couples Therapy

Evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and life transitions.

Psychological Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations across ADHD, learning differences, autism, personality, and cognitive functioning — written in plain language for schools, courts, and clinical teams.

Forensic & Court Services

Expert Witness testimony, court-ordered evaluations, and psychological evaluations that meet the evidentiary standards of family, civil, and criminal courts.

Child Custody Evaluations

Court-appointed custody evaluations conducted with neutrality and care. Listed on the Custody Evaluator panels for Alameda County and San Francisco Unified Family Court.

HOW THEY WORK

Approach

Dr. Heafey draws from a range of evidence-based approaches, tailored to each patient's needs.

01Cognitive Behavioral TherapyTo identify and change the negative thought patterns that shape how you feel and act.
02Motivational InterviewingTo draw out your own motivation for change, at your own pace and on your own terms.
03Interpersonal TherapyTo ease depression and distress by strengthening your key relationships and roles.
04Developmental TheoryUnderstanding where you are in life's arc, and meeting you there with the right support.
05LogotherapyMeaning-centered work that helps you reconnect with purpose, even through hardship.
06Health PsychologyBringing clinical insight to the link between mind and body, stress and wellbeing.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Training, licensure & affiliations.

Education

Psy.D., Clinical PsychologyCalifornia Institute of Integral Studies
M.A., Counseling PsychologyHoly Names University
M.A., Forensic PsychologyHoly Names University
Specialized BackgroundHealth Psychology · Lead contributor to Stanford Medicine's My Heart Counts research tool (developed with Apple)

Licensure, Memberships & Court Listings

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, CaliforniaLic. #30807
American Psychological AssociationActive Member (APA)
California Association of Marriage & Family TherapistsActive Member (CAMFT)
Bay Area Psychological AssociationMember (BAPA)
California Psychological AssociationMember (CPA)
Parent CoordinatorSuperior Court of San Francisco
Child Custody EvaluatorSuperior Court of California, County of Alameda · San Francisco Unified Family Court

WHERE THEY SEE CLIENTS

Locations served.

San Francisco
2860 Laguna St., Ste. 101
San Francisco, CA 94123
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Oakland
1955 Mountain Blvd., Ste. 101
Oakland, CA 94611
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Corte Madera
100 Tamal Vista Blvd., Ste. 107
Corte Madera, CA 94925
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San Jose
1120 McKendrie St.
San Jose, CA 95126
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Telehealth available. Dr. Heafey also offers confidential telehealth sessions to anyone located in California. In-home visits can also be arranged.
Therapy dogs Sammy and Tucker resting on the sofa at Unfold Psychology

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Meet Sammy & Wolfie.

Dr. Heafey's therapy dogs — Sammy and Wolfie — sometimes accompany him at Unfold. If you're interested in incorporating them into your sessions, mention it during your free consult and we'll let you know when they're expected in the office.

MORE OF THE TEAM

Still looking for the right fit?

Our care team can help match you with the right clinician. You can also explore these team members directly:

Talia Prince, M.S., executive function coach at Unfold Psychology

Talia Prince

M.S. Educational Administration · 17+ Years in Education

Provides executive function coaching and educational support, using an individualized approach that centers on each client's unique cognitive profile and developmental needs.

Rachel Schwinghammer, M.S. Special Education, academic specialist at Unfold Psychology

Rachel Schwinghammer

M.S. Special Education (MSpEd)

Supports students ages 6-12 who are looking to find their spark again in the classroom.

Dustyn Salomon, AMFT and APCC, couples therapist at Unfold Psychology

Dustyn Salomon

AMFT · APCC · License #140707 & 14341

Focuses on communication and relational patterns within couples and partner dynamics, helping clients understand their unconscious roles in closeness and misunderstandings.

Ready to take the next step?

Book a free 15-minute consultation. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out the right path forward.

Or Text Us at (650) 993-9321

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