Therapists in Oakland, CA
Shirin Shoai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, L3 IFS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
If you often find yourself feeling out of place or struggling inside—even though other people think you have it all together—I can help. I work with individual adults who are familiar with psychotherapy and want deeper, root-level healing for symptoms related to anxiety and relational trauma. This can include concerns around relationships, life transitions, overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns, boundaries, and self-criticism. My style is active, spacious, and focused on supporting you in slowing down, tuning into yourself, and feeling the healing wisdom that thrives within you.
If you often find yourself feeling out of place or struggling inside—even though other people think you have it all together—I can help. I work with individual adults who are familiar with psychotherapy and want deeper, root-level healing for symptoms related to anxiety and relational trauma. This can include concerns around relationships, life transitions, overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns, boundaries, and self-criticism. My style is active, spacious, and focused on supporting you in slowing down, tuning into yourself, and feeling the healing wisdom that thrives within you.
Dr. Scott D Huckaby
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
You're stuck. You know things aren't working out the way you want, but you don't know exactly what's wrong. You keep trying harder using the tools you have, taking advice you get from friends, and inspirational messages from social media, but something isn't quite adding up. It's not your fault. There is nothing wrong with you. But maybe there is a problem with how you are approaching these challenges. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress based issues that have you feeling like you are barely treading water. You want to feel better, function better, and be better. You can, and I can help.
You're stuck. You know things aren't working out the way you want, but you don't know exactly what's wrong. You keep trying harder using the tools you have, taking advice you get from friends, and inspirational messages from social media, but something isn't quite adding up. It's not your fault. There is nothing wrong with you. But maybe there is a problem with how you are approaching these challenges. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress based issues that have you feeling like you are barely treading water. You want to feel better, function better, and be better. You can, and I can help.
David Trexler Gatta
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
You are always becoming the person that you are. My approach to depth psychotherapy starts from this premise. Who a person is and how they come to understand themselves is an on-going life-long process. There are times in life when that process is disrupted and as a consequence, we suffer—struggling to locate ourselves and find our way forward. That suffering is best alleviated through collaborative understanding and insight building. In this way, my approach is a holistic one—as I see each individual as a sum of their total life experiences rather than a collection of symptoms.
You are always becoming the person that you are. My approach to depth psychotherapy starts from this premise. Who a person is and how they come to understand themselves is an on-going life-long process. There are times in life when that process is disrupted and as a consequence, we suffer—struggling to locate ourselves and find our way forward. That suffering is best alleviated through collaborative understanding and insight building. In this way, my approach is a holistic one—as I see each individual as a sum of their total life experiences rather than a collection of symptoms.
Ann Gordon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Not accepting new clients
At one time or another, day-to-day life can just feel too difficult. The perspective, support, and skills you can gain from working with a therapist can be an enormous help. I enjoy working with a wide range of adults struggling with life transitions, parenting, relationships, work challenges, or grief and loss. I am particularly interested in the personal issues brought up by the special needs, illnesses, or other challenges, of people you care about. I use psychodynamic as well as practical and supportive approaches, depending on the needs of my clients.
At one time or another, day-to-day life can just feel too difficult. The perspective, support, and skills you can gain from working with a therapist can be an enormous help. I enjoy working with a wide range of adults struggling with life transitions, parenting, relationships, work challenges, or grief and loss. I am particularly interested in the personal issues brought up by the special needs, illnesses, or other challenges, of people you care about. I use psychodynamic as well as practical and supportive approaches, depending on the needs of my clients.
Michaela Coates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94621 (Online Only)
We all have our own stories that are filled with our experiences, strengths, and challenges, and we move at our own pace and time. We have many layers that, while exciting to uncover, can also trigger fear and worry. Self-discovery can be an empowering journey, one of understanding and acceptance, self-love, and fulfillment. You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer support, care, guidance, and courage along the way. I believe in collaboration, and will work with you to address the issues presented in therapy and develop treatment goals. Together we will make the space to create the life you want.
We all have our own stories that are filled with our experiences, strengths, and challenges, and we move at our own pace and time. We have many layers that, while exciting to uncover, can also trigger fear and worry. Self-discovery can be an empowering journey, one of understanding and acceptance, self-love, and fulfillment. You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer support, care, guidance, and courage along the way. I believe in collaboration, and will work with you to address the issues presented in therapy and develop treatment goals. Together we will make the space to create the life you want.
Vincenza Jamie Baldino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
My work is guided by the tenet, Life is Relationship. If we can trust our stories to a therapist, that therapeutic relationship can transform us. Self-acceptance, and calm return. I listen compassionately to others to understand what is inhibiting their motivation and self-confidence. I consider lifestyle practices, relationships, use of substances; healthy and unhealthy habits, and one's sense of belonging. My clients and I together identify what helps them change. Some practices and tools I use to guide my work are: talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and stress management practices derived from Yogic philosophy and practices.
My work is guided by the tenet, Life is Relationship. If we can trust our stories to a therapist, that therapeutic relationship can transform us. Self-acceptance, and calm return. I listen compassionately to others to understand what is inhibiting their motivation and self-confidence. I consider lifestyle practices, relationships, use of substances; healthy and unhealthy habits, and one's sense of belonging. My clients and I together identify what helps them change. Some practices and tools I use to guide my work are: talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and stress management practices derived from Yogic philosophy and practices.
Mira Levi Elwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a LCSW with over a decade of social work experience in clinic, school, non-profit and community settings. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and their families, members of the LGBTQI2S+ communities, and with working artists. I have an understanding and dedication to working within a social justice framework, and strive to maintain a practice that is affirming of all identities, experiences and orientations. I believe that any strong therapeutic relationship is built on collaboration, honesty, and the belief that change is possible.
I am a LCSW with over a decade of social work experience in clinic, school, non-profit and community settings. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and their families, members of the LGBTQI2S+ communities, and with working artists. I have an understanding and dedication to working within a social justice framework, and strive to maintain a practice that is affirming of all identities, experiences and orientations. I believe that any strong therapeutic relationship is built on collaboration, honesty, and the belief that change is possible.
Emily Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Starting therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you are in crisis and feeling overwhelmed. Or you have long meant to get help with an issue, but it feels hard to know where to start. I am skilled at helping people find the part of themselves that most urgently needs to be attended to.
Starting therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you are in crisis and feeling overwhelmed. Or you have long meant to get help with an issue, but it feels hard to know where to start. I am skilled at helping people find the part of themselves that most urgently needs to be attended to.
Robin Furner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Not accepting new clients
I am a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and I currently focus on working with individual adult clients. I have significant experience helping clients with relationship and attachment issues, vocational and family stress, trauma and/or abuse history, depression and substance abuse. I also have experience working with artists, musicians, writers and others who experience mental health challenges that impact their creative work. I really enjoy the process of helping people move past the obstacles and challenges that can hinder their ability to pursue their personal hopes and dreams.
I am a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and I currently focus on working with individual adult clients. I have significant experience helping clients with relationship and attachment issues, vocational and family stress, trauma and/or abuse history, depression and substance abuse. I also have experience working with artists, musicians, writers and others who experience mental health challenges that impact their creative work. I really enjoy the process of helping people move past the obstacles and challenges that can hinder their ability to pursue their personal hopes and dreams.
Chantal Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Alex Rossman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
I have been a therapist for over 25 years. I work with individual, however, I specialize with couples and families. Issues are a part of life, however, they don’t have to run our life. Being proactive rather than reactive is an important aspect in empowering ourselves to look at things that feel so scary. Our fears can magnify the reality of a situation to where we feel like we are about to climb Mt. Everest rather than going up a hill.
I have been a therapist for over 25 years. I work with individual, however, I specialize with couples and families. Issues are a part of life, however, they don’t have to run our life. Being proactive rather than reactive is an important aspect in empowering ourselves to look at things that feel so scary. Our fears can magnify the reality of a situation to where we feel like we are about to climb Mt. Everest rather than going up a hill.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Reaching out for help is hard. The stress of life can be overwhelming and sometimes worries, sadness, and feelings of burnout can get the best of us. We can feel stuck when efforts to improve relationships or change old habits have stalled. Whatever brings you here, we are glad you found us and, most importantly, we can help! We know that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor for change and growth. . We meet you where you are with unconditional positive regard, with the firm belief that everyone needs to feel connected, safe, and heard.
Reaching out for help is hard. The stress of life can be overwhelming and sometimes worries, sadness, and feelings of burnout can get the best of us. We can feel stuck when efforts to improve relationships or change old habits have stalled. Whatever brings you here, we are glad you found us and, most importantly, we can help! We know that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor for change and growth. . We meet you where you are with unconditional positive regard, with the firm belief that everyone needs to feel connected, safe, and heard.
Almaz Nigusse-Bland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions. You feel disconnected from those around you and maybe from yourself. Maybe you shut out the world. Maybe you don't feel like yourself. Maybe you are not sleeping well. Maybe it is challenging to create boundaries. Past negative experiences may be contributing to your current concerns. You want to find a way to manage these feelings. Your goal is to have an awareness of yourself and triggers. With the right tools and interventions customized to your needs, healing is possible.
You are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions. You feel disconnected from those around you and maybe from yourself. Maybe you shut out the world. Maybe you don't feel like yourself. Maybe you are not sleeping well. Maybe it is challenging to create boundaries. Past negative experiences may be contributing to your current concerns. You want to find a way to manage these feelings. Your goal is to have an awareness of yourself and triggers. With the right tools and interventions customized to your needs, healing is possible.
Dr. Sasha Guillory
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hi parents! Is your kid a little quirky, unconventional, shy, or sensitive? I have a warm and authentic approach to therapy that often appeals to young people who struggle to open up. If you are looking to support your child's mental health, functioning, and future growth I would love to help.
Hi parents! Is your kid a little quirky, unconventional, shy, or sensitive? I have a warm and authentic approach to therapy that often appeals to young people who struggle to open up. If you are looking to support your child's mental health, functioning, and future growth I would love to help.
Gregory LH Gayle
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
We all want to be understood, accepted and loved; this can only happen through honest communication. Making the decision to seek help for you or your family can be part of that communication. I provide a safe space to explore, discuss and process important issues that affect the lives of you and your family members. I have an eclectic approach to providing psychotherapy. As one size does not fit all, therapy cannot be approached in the same way for everyone. It must be tailored to the specific needs, issues and problems that each person uniquely presents.
We all want to be understood, accepted and loved; this can only happen through honest communication. Making the decision to seek help for you or your family can be part of that communication. I provide a safe space to explore, discuss and process important issues that affect the lives of you and your family members. I have an eclectic approach to providing psychotherapy. As one size does not fit all, therapy cannot be approached in the same way for everyone. It must be tailored to the specific needs, issues and problems that each person uniquely presents.
Catherine Chan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94619 (Online Only)
Sometimes you know how you feel, and other times you don't. Sometimes others understand you, but a lot of times you feel misunderstood. Maybe you struggle to understand yourself and what's going on inside of you. I would be honored to partner with you to help you find words to narrate your experience, guide you towards a deeper understanding of your situation and yourself, and help you find healing and change through a safe and caring therapeutic relationship.
Sometimes you know how you feel, and other times you don't. Sometimes others understand you, but a lot of times you feel misunderstood. Maybe you struggle to understand yourself and what's going on inside of you. I would be honored to partner with you to help you find words to narrate your experience, guide you towards a deeper understanding of your situation and yourself, and help you find healing and change through a safe and caring therapeutic relationship.
Larisa Blum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, JD, CMT-SE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I am a somatic therapist who focuses on relational, attachment and childhood trauma issues. I work with individuals and couples to address relationship ambivalence, anxiety, major life transition, depression, stuckness, poor communication and conflict, among other issues. I help with building awareness of one's thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to develop greater insight and uncover new choices.
I am a somatic therapist who focuses on relational, attachment and childhood trauma issues. I work with individuals and couples to address relationship ambivalence, anxiety, major life transition, depression, stuckness, poor communication and conflict, among other issues. I help with building awareness of one's thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to develop greater insight and uncover new choices.
Freedom from Social Anxiety Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Currenlty not accepting new clients. Anxiety is a normal part of life and serves an important function of keeping us safe. When your body is anxious in response to a real threat then it is healthy anxiety. It becomes problematic when you find your anxiety is taking away your choices in life. When your body is creating more anxiety than the situation calls for. For instance, you want to meet new people but your afraid to “put yourself out there”. You may struggle to make a phone call or leave your house because interactions with people are overwhelming.
Currenlty not accepting new clients. Anxiety is a normal part of life and serves an important function of keeping us safe. When your body is anxious in response to a real threat then it is healthy anxiety. It becomes problematic when you find your anxiety is taking away your choices in life. When your body is creating more anxiety than the situation calls for. For instance, you want to meet new people but your afraid to “put yourself out there”. You may struggle to make a phone call or leave your house because interactions with people are overwhelming.
Jesse Hewit
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
The pace and complexity of life these days is making it harder and harder to connect to how we are really feeling, and to understand why we are feeling that way. It feels like, too often, we are urged to ignore or push away key parts of ourselves in order to be or do what seems to be required of us. In response to this, the therapy I provide is an opportunity to slow down, to get clear about what we each need in order to feel okay (or to even just remember the ways that we actually already are okay, in the midst of it all), and to move into steadier and healthier versions of ourselves.
The pace and complexity of life these days is making it harder and harder to connect to how we are really feeling, and to understand why we are feeling that way. It feels like, too often, we are urged to ignore or push away key parts of ourselves in order to be or do what seems to be required of us. In response to this, the therapy I provide is an opportunity to slow down, to get clear about what we each need in order to feel okay (or to even just remember the ways that we actually already are okay, in the midst of it all), and to move into steadier and healthier versions of ourselves.
Andrés Salerno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and the low points can feel really overwhelming. It's in those moments that we most need support, but that's also when we're most prone to isolating and bottling up. Relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, and workplace stress can all be urgent matters, yet we often hesitate admitting we need help.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and the low points can feel really overwhelming. It's in those moments that we most need support, but that's also when we're most prone to isolating and bottling up. Relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, and workplace stress can all be urgent matters, yet we often hesitate admitting we need help.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Oakland, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$185
Therapists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Grief |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
59% | Aetna |
48% | Cigna and Evernorth |
44% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Oakland, CA see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Oakland?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.