Photo of Kate Benham-Suk, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Kate Benham-Suk
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I treat adults with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, relationship stress, identity issues, trauma, grief, and major life transitions.
I am a Columbia and UCSF trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oakland. I believe psychotherapy helps individuals attain greater self-understanding, feel more fully alive, and develop stronger relationships. I utilize a variety of modalities, but with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we will explore your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. Medication is also a tool that can be helpful, and I prescribe it where indicated, in collaboration with the goals and preferences of my patients.
I treat adults with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, relationship stress, identity issues, trauma, grief, and major life transitions.
I am a Columbia and UCSF trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oakland. I believe psychotherapy helps individuals attain greater self-understanding, feel more fully alive, and develop stronger relationships. I utilize a variety of modalities, but with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we will explore your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. Medication is also a tool that can be helpful, and I prescribe it where indicated, in collaboration with the goals and preferences of my patients.
(510) 272-7374 View (510) 272-7374
Photo of Dr. Emily R Watters, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Emily R Watters
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for 14+ years. I primarily treat trauma-related issues, depression, anxiety and ADHD. My approach is psychodynamically-oriented and practical. I understand the importance of creating safety in a relationship and carefully tailor my approach to what will best meet your needs and best allow you to heal and grow. I love to help people through major life transitions and those who are struggling in school or in their careers.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for 14+ years. I primarily treat trauma-related issues, depression, anxiety and ADHD. My approach is psychodynamically-oriented and practical. I understand the importance of creating safety in a relationship and carefully tailor my approach to what will best meet your needs and best allow you to heal and grow. I love to help people through major life transitions and those who are struggling in school or in their careers.
(510) 662-0971 View (510) 662-0971
Photo of Thomas A. Gonda, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Thomas A. Gonda
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I work with a wide range of issues and provide services for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma and substance abuse.
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs.. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: San Diego and Oakland. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California..
I work with a wide range of issues and provide services for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma and substance abuse.
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs.. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: San Diego and Oakland. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California..
(760) 274-8049 View (760) 274-8049
Photo of Gol Ara, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Gol Ara
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
She specializes in treating complex patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
She specializes in treating complex patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
(628) 313-4197 View (628) 313-4197
Photo of Ike Uzowulu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
(858) 221-9527 View (858) 221-9527
Photo of Thomas A. Gonda Jr, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Thomas A. Gonda Jr
Psychiatrist, MD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I work with a wide range of issues providing services that span from therapy for depression to substance abuse, couples and much more.
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Reno and Las Vegas. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California and Nevada.
I work with a wide range of issues providing services that span from therapy for depression to substance abuse, couples and much more.
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Reno and Las Vegas. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California and Nevada.
(510) 221-6740 View (510) 221-6740
Photo of Kimberly Dow, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Kimberly Dow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I specialize in treating patients with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
I embrace a collaborative approach with my patients. I want to provide knowledge and experience so as to empower my patients to make informed decisions about their available treatment options. My style is grounded in the mind-body connection by blending mindfulness, behaviors, and holistic interventions with medications.
I specialize in treating patients with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
I embrace a collaborative approach with my patients. I want to provide knowledge and experience so as to empower my patients to make informed decisions about their available treatment options. My style is grounded in the mind-body connection by blending mindfulness, behaviors, and holistic interventions with medications.
(650) 640-1708 View (650) 640-1708
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(341) 999-4148 View (341) 999-4148
Photo of Mariam Fazil, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94621
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
(341) 999-5529 View (341) 999-5529
Photo of Empower Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Empower Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Welcome! At Empower, we are a dedicated group of psychiatrists providing patient-centered, personalized, culturally-informed, and evidence-based virtual mental health care for adults in California. We are currently accepting new patients. We are committed to helping you gain control over your mental health and well-being. We want to get to know you as a person and partner with you to empower and support you in your path to wellbeing.
Welcome! At Empower, we are a dedicated group of psychiatrists providing patient-centered, personalized, culturally-informed, and evidence-based virtual mental health care for adults in California. We are currently accepting new patients. We are committed to helping you gain control over your mental health and well-being. We want to get to know you as a person and partner with you to empower and support you in your path to wellbeing.
(415) 980-4025 View (415) 980-4025
Photo of Marcus J (Bo) Houston, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Marcus J (Bo) Houston
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in the East Bay. I am trained to address all of the major psychiatric diagnoses and specialize in both psychotherapy and medication management. My approach recognizes the practical necessity of diagnostic categories, but I also value and rely on the uniqueness of one's subjective experience to help guide the treatment process. It can be helpful for some people to hear that they may benefit from psychiatric or psychotherapeutic help even when a diagnosis may be unclear or unnecessary.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in the East Bay. I am trained to address all of the major psychiatric diagnoses and specialize in both psychotherapy and medication management. My approach recognizes the practical necessity of diagnostic categories, but I also value and rely on the uniqueness of one's subjective experience to help guide the treatment process. It can be helpful for some people to hear that they may benefit from psychiatric or psychotherapeutic help even when a diagnosis may be unclear or unnecessary.
(510) 808-6278 View (510) 808-6278
Photo of Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(415) 484-1642 View (415) 484-1642
Photo of Brittany Lute, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(714) 735-0827 View (714) 735-0827
Photo of Catvy Nguyen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Catvy Nguyen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
(341) 895-5174 View (341) 895-5174
Photo of Sarah Udor, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Oakland, CA
Sarah Udor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind.
Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind.
(415) 236-5604 View (415) 236-5604
Photo of Joshua Flatow, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
(424) 396-2687 View (424) 396-2687
Photo of Heather Muhr, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Heather Muhr
Psychiatrist, DO, MPH
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Welcome. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist.
Welcome. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist.
(510) 683-5409 View (510) 683-5409
Photo of Sara K Sheriff, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Sara K Sheriff
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatrist with a focus on in-depth psychotherapy. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with both psychotherapy and medication. I am particularly interested in working with those seeking a greater sense of well being, satisfaction in relationships, and understanding of self. I offer treatment for adults including individual psychotherapy, psychiatric consultation and medication management. Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation typically lasting one to three sessions. During this time, we will attempt to understand and refine the nature of existing difficulties and discuss treatment options.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with a focus on in-depth psychotherapy. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with both psychotherapy and medication. I am particularly interested in working with those seeking a greater sense of well being, satisfaction in relationships, and understanding of self. I offer treatment for adults including individual psychotherapy, psychiatric consultation and medication management. Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation typically lasting one to three sessions. During this time, we will attempt to understand and refine the nature of existing difficulties and discuss treatment options.
(510) 953-4802 View (510) 953-4802
Photo of Ravi Chandra, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Ravi Chandra
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
(415) 763-5921 View (415) 763-5921
Photo of Ardis C Martin, Psychiatrist in Oakland, CA
Ardis C Martin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I'm a Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist devoted to providing comprehensive and integrative care to develop optimal mental health for children, adolescents, their families, and adults. My goal in treatment is to help people identify the areas where they are struggling and create a personalized plan that can help them get back to enjoying their lives.
I'm a Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist devoted to providing comprehensive and integrative care to develop optimal mental health for children, adolescents, their families, and adults. My goal in treatment is to help people identify the areas where they are struggling and create a personalized plan that can help them get back to enjoying their lives.
(925) 492-7033 View (925) 492-7033
Depression Psychiatrists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.