Dr. Abby Caplin
Integrative Medicine
San Francisco, CA
42 years experience female
Locations
Abby Caplin, MD, MA
San Francisco, CA
About
Bio
I'm here to support you if you are living with chronic illness, whether or not you have been given a firm diagnosis. Except for introductory sessions, the usual time I spend with patients is an hour. I help you explore what you are dealing with, what matters to you, and what stressors might be negatively influencing your health. I can help you overcome hurdles that may be blocking you from getting what you need, what may be impeding your healing.
A mind-body method that I frequently use with my patients is called Voice Dialogue. This is an experiential method used during a session when a patient tells me they are feeling conflicted about someone or something. I invite the different parts ("selves") to speak to me as if they were separate entities with their own viewpoints. When opposite "selves" get to air their feelings in a non-judgmental and appreciative forum, patients experience a reduction in stress and greater clarity about the issue at hand.
I'm looking forward to meeting you, and helping you get started on the road to better health!
I have been helping patients with Mind-Body medicine since 2002. I have over thirty years of training and experience. I have worked with people with many illnesses, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, arthritis, migraine headaches, hypertension, infertility, heart disease, diabetes, and other potentially disabling autoimmune-related conditions. My training includes a degree in Integral Counseling Psychology, and former training in pediatrics with a sub-specialty in Allergy-Immunology.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Integrative Medicine
Licenses
United States: California
Doctor Q&A
366 Answers
978 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Either: It depends on your history. If you think you might be, then you should check with a home pregnancy test. If your symptoms persist, you should see your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See dermatologist: Based on the questions you have been asking, it sounds like you need to see a dermatologist to evaluate what is going on and to get some relief. I hop... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
It's good for you!: I use relaxation in my office to help decrease the influence of chronic stress. Chronic stress triggers ongoing release of stress hormones that perpet... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not rare, common!: Autoimmune illness happens when a person's immune system mistakenly targets her/his own cells, tissues, organs. Because of this, at least eighty, and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
It depends: For nausea--ginger tea with some honey.
Stomach pain can have many different causes. There is no blanket treatment, home remedy or not, for stomach p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not to worry: It would probably be a good investment of your time to see a psychotherapist who is trained in dealing with sexual matters. Usually our bodies are per... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not sure: I've had a patient who was helped by her acupuncturist with fatigue, but others have not been helped. The only way is to give it a try, assuming it is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Depends: The changes may be related to your diet, what you are ingesting. It's reasonable to talk this over with your doctor to make sure nothing unusual is g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
It can but...: It's important to rule out other causes of digestive problems first. Stress often makes symptoms worse, and learning ways to handle stress can signifi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Under your eyes?: Often dark circles under the eyes are a sign of allergy. If you are also having itchy watery eyes or nose, or shortness of breath/cough/wheeze, you ne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Slow flow better: It's probably better for the lining of your delicate nasal passages to use gravity, and allow the water to simply flow over the membranes to remove th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
So difficult: I'm so sorry you are dealing with the embarrassment and pain of having too much gas. The best is to do what you can to get the disease under control w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Community: Find community groups that sponsor retreats and conferences. For example: http://www.healingjourneys.org/events-news. Or http://www.commonweal.org/p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yes: Women comprise approximately 75% of those who have autoimmune disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Gastrointestinal: It sounds like you may have picked up a gastrointestinal virus, or you may have eaten something that was spoiled. I hope it passes soon, but if you ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See dermatologist: You should have a dermatologist evaluate the black dots on your nose, so you can get the appropriate treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Absolutely!: This is a painful situation, and you need to live your life in the best way possible. I strongly encourage you to find a psychotherapist who can help... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See doctor: You need to insist that your mother call her doctor right away! she should not be having pain when she eats.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Go to ER: If you have severe pain in the back of your neck and vomiting, you should go to the er for evaluation and treatment. This is concerning, and you want ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not sure: It depends on what you would be taking, and how you would be using the products. You can most likely buy the different vitamin formulations and energy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Maybe: It's probably time for a check up with your doctor. Depending on your history, exam and blood work, and any other tests that are indicated, you may ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Healthy diet: Eat fresh real food, not food from packages or mixes. Organic food, free of pesticides, is ideal. Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables. If you e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Costochondritis?: It sounds like it might be costochondritis, which is not serious, but if the pain persists, you should have your doctor check it out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Try acupuncture: A combination of acupuncture and massage can be really helpful!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Bladder infection?: It's possible you may have a bladder infection, especially if you've been sexually active. You should call/see your regular or gyn doctor tomorrow so ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See doctor: It sounds like you've been dealing with nose bleeds for awhile. You need to see your doctor for a full examination and blood work to make sure everyth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yes. : Take care of the stress. See a counselor for guidance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See doctor: You probably need a different antibiotic. So sorry you are suffering! hopefully you are a non smoker.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Get a second opinion: You need to see a primary care doctor with a regular medical practice. You have been suffering for 3 weeks, and it's time to find someone who can foll... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Need check up: It sound like you are really dealing with a lot. If you haven't yet seen your doctor, you should go and get a general check up, exam, blood work. A nu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Guided visualization: I agree with the previous answers but would also suggest seeing a hypnotherapist or someone who can lead you through some guided imagery around taking... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Dry skin: You should perhaps have a dermatologist take a look. Sometimes psoriasis can be the problem. Topical corticosteroids can bring you relief.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not sure: I don't completely understand your description of the problem, but it sounds like you may have an infection in your sinuses. You need to see a doctor ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yellow eyes: If the whites of your eyes are looking yellow to you, it can be a sign of a problem with your liver. Please see a doctor for evaluation!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Allergy?: Sounds like you may be reacting to the pollen counts in your area. Are your eyes itchy and watery, too? If so you could try an over the counter antihi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Good question: Medical education is mostly geared towards fixing illness through medication and medical procedures. But much illness can be prevented through a chang... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See doctor: It could be several different things---bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma (or a combination), depending on your history. You need to be seen and given appr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
The no sugar diet: Stop drinking all those sugar calories in sodas, juices and alcohol. Don't eat any foods with high fructose corn syrup. Eat lots of whole fresh fruit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yes: Emotions triggered by stress that are not expressed (and even if they are!) can show up as anxiety, stomach pain and headaches, to name a few symptoms... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Great question!: I'm sure everyone has an opinion here. No scientific studies. :) i think it is to remember that everyone you meet is carrying some sort of burden, an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Massage: I've got the same problem! too much computer time? Playing guitar? :)
make sure your computer is at eye level. A great device is the theracane (ter... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yes: Ballet keeps you limber, able to stretch and strengthen muscles. It can also provide a great aerobic work out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
See doctor!: It really sounds like you need to be examined by a doctor or at a hospital, by who can take a good history, exam, tests and see what is going on. Bein... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Healers: Ideally should all be holistic. That is they should be able to know you as a full person, not see and treat you as an object. You know are with a good... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
A sign: You should not be worried, but you do need to respond to what your body is trying to communicate. See your doctor for a full medical evaluation first,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Yes: Even off sertraline, active cd can definitely affect sex drive. Your body is experiencing active inflammation and using all of its resources to try to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Psychotherapy: A good psychotherapist can be invaluable. Also, a psychotherapeutic technique called voice dialogue is incredibly useful for this issue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Books on Coping: There are many books on coping with chronic illness. I hope you have already found them! rather than simply coping, i also like to find books that giv... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
It depends: On what is causing your stress. Preventing it or removing it when possible is the best. Many people are helpful by mindfulness training, meditation, g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A member asked:

Dr. Abby Caplinanswered
Integrative Medicine 42 years experience
Not sure: But if you are on a diet that is making you sick, then it's not the right diet for you. It doesn't matter if it is "right" for someone else. If you wa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
8
Recommendations
822
Thank you notes
Aug 31, 2013
Dr. Caplin brings to the table a new set of approach to the conventional medicine . It is my sincere hope the future of medicine is what Dr. Caplin and her colleagues are advocating . I learned a lot ...Read More
Mar 17, 2013
Dr Caplin's responses to patient questions on Healthtap show compassion, knowledge, common sense and above all else, demonstrate that she views a person as a whole, not just a symptom. I recommend Dr...Read More
Nov 4, 2012
Dr. Caplin practices medicine with her mind, heart, and soul. Her HealthTap responses are both knowledgeable and compassionate, and I'm very glad she's here!
HealthTap member
This saved my life. Thank You! Thank you! I thought it might be diabetes or something nasty! Good to know it might just be this. I must admit I had eaten >4hrs prior.
HealthTap member
This saved my life. Thank You! Thank you! It feels horrible not being able to swallow and when I do I get indegention I went to a pharmacy who said paryngitis
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I eat a half bag of salad with beets, tomatoes', low fat dressing, a veggie burger for dinner and Still hungry.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Texas Tech University School of Medicine, TX
Graduated 1981MD
Medical/Graduate school
California Institute of Integral Studies, Masters, Counseling Psychology
Graduated 2002MD
Residency
UTHSC, Houston, TX, 1984
Awards
Top Doctor, Third Place, San Francisco, CA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Third Place, San Francisco, CA - Winter
2013
Thought Leader, Second Place, San Francisco, CA - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American Association of Integrative Medicine
Institute for the Study of Health and Illness
CCFA Community Medical Advisory Committee, Northern California
Publications
"Reclaiming the Meaning of Addiction Medicine" presentation, California Society of Addiction Medicine, Oct. 2013
CCFA workshops: "Living Well with IBD," "Writing for Your Health," "Positive Ways to Live with IBD."
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less