Therapists in Oakland, CA
Grace Anna Eidman
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, #15438
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Life can feel crazy, we can feel crazy ourselves, but you don't have to navigate it alone. I have particular experience with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, and religious trauma. After all, I've been there myself. Everyone's journey is different, yet I know from experience how hard, disorienting, and difficult it can be. Still, I believe life can be different when we work together instead of carrying our burdens and pain alone. That's why I'm an online therapist practicing through the auspices of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, a nonprofit organization providing affordable counseling.
Life can feel crazy, we can feel crazy ourselves, but you don't have to navigate it alone. I have particular experience with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, and religious trauma. After all, I've been there myself. Everyone's journey is different, yet I know from experience how hard, disorienting, and difficult it can be. Still, I believe life can be different when we work together instead of carrying our burdens and pain alone. That's why I'm an online therapist practicing through the auspices of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, a nonprofit organization providing affordable counseling.
Jasmin Canfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC-CA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Emotions suck, but if we continue to avoid them we will likely remain stuck in what may feel something like swimming in quicksand. Many of my clients come to me when they are tired of the cycle of feeling overwhelmed, depressed, hopeless, hurt, or filled with shame, and guilt. I want to assist you in utilizing the tools to make emotions more manageable. Through unconditional positive regard, self-compassion, and humor you will regain the life that you deserve.
Emotions suck, but if we continue to avoid them we will likely remain stuck in what may feel something like swimming in quicksand. Many of my clients come to me when they are tired of the cycle of feeling overwhelmed, depressed, hopeless, hurt, or filled with shame, and guilt. I want to assist you in utilizing the tools to make emotions more manageable. Through unconditional positive regard, self-compassion, and humor you will regain the life that you deserve.
My clients sometimes think of themselves as outsiders, and in our sessions they find validation, safety, and hope. We collaborate on issues like finding community, discovering your voice, and freeing your internal advocate. Everyone can use extra support from time to time, and that's what I'm here for. Let’s be curious about your challenges and search together for solutions that come from the context of your life.
My clients sometimes think of themselves as outsiders, and in our sessions they find validation, safety, and hope. We collaborate on issues like finding community, discovering your voice, and freeing your internal advocate. Everyone can use extra support from time to time, and that's what I'm here for. Let’s be curious about your challenges and search together for solutions that come from the context of your life.
Clients who typically feel drawn to work with me tend to prefer a more action-oriented and present-focused approach to therapy. While developing self-understanding in therapy can be very powerful by itself, I like to try to empower my clients to use their insight to create concrete change in their lives. I also like working with clients who are interested in setting goals, willing to experiment with new behaviors and thinking patterns, and motivated to do homework between sessions. My specialty areas include anxiety, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, low self-esteem, disordered eating, stress, and work-life balance.
Clients who typically feel drawn to work with me tend to prefer a more action-oriented and present-focused approach to therapy. While developing self-understanding in therapy can be very powerful by itself, I like to try to empower my clients to use their insight to create concrete change in their lives. I also like working with clients who are interested in setting goals, willing to experiment with new behaviors and thinking patterns, and motivated to do homework between sessions. My specialty areas include anxiety, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, low self-esteem, disordered eating, stress, and work-life balance.
Milka Lara-Rincon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Therapy is a safe space that can bring about self-discovery and healing. I take an inclusive approach in my work, where I understand how intersections of culture, sexuality, gender, spirituality, family, environment, and relationships shape our identity and how we experience the world. In therapy, you have a space to let your guard down and explore how various factors at play affect your mental health. You will learn the skills necessary to embrace the full range of your thoughts and emotions, and also incorporate changes that align with your values.
Therapy is a safe space that can bring about self-discovery and healing. I take an inclusive approach in my work, where I understand how intersections of culture, sexuality, gender, spirituality, family, environment, and relationships shape our identity and how we experience the world. In therapy, you have a space to let your guard down and explore how various factors at play affect your mental health. You will learn the skills necessary to embrace the full range of your thoughts and emotions, and also incorporate changes that align with your values.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Sage Leitson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
We all have the capacity to feel a full array of emotions, which serve to both protect us and connect us to others. However, often due to socialization, family of origin, or individual temperament, we learn that some emotions are dangerous to feel and express. Through individual therapy, the therapist is the "trusted other" who can help both acknowledge and witness the emotions that may have been long hidden. When these emotions are uncovered, we can more easily discover our true want and needs.
We all have the capacity to feel a full array of emotions, which serve to both protect us and connect us to others. However, often due to socialization, family of origin, or individual temperament, we learn that some emotions are dangerous to feel and express. Through individual therapy, the therapist is the "trusted other" who can help both acknowledge and witness the emotions that may have been long hidden. When these emotions are uncovered, we can more easily discover our true want and needs.
Susan VanAllen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
My areas of proficiency are in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and panic. I am EMDR certified, RLT certified (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy), and have extensive success applying the use of cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as in supporting clients to learn extensive resourcing skills in concert with polyvagal theory for calming a client’s stressed nervous system.
My areas of proficiency are in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and panic. I am EMDR certified, RLT certified (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy), and have extensive success applying the use of cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as in supporting clients to learn extensive resourcing skills in concert with polyvagal theory for calming a client’s stressed nervous system.
Ryan Buchholz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94603 (Online Only)
Clients I work with tend to have experienced developmental trauma that interferes with their relationships to themselves, partners and family members; have taken on shame, blame, guilt or distorted thinking/gaslighting from their family systems often throughout generations; and therefore likely experience issues around trust, intimacy, vulnerability and self love. I am committed to helping my clients to gain more peace and safety within their personal bodies, their homes, their relations and their family systems so they can experience more choice, empowerment and joy in their lives.
Clients I work with tend to have experienced developmental trauma that interferes with their relationships to themselves, partners and family members; have taken on shame, blame, guilt or distorted thinking/gaslighting from their family systems often throughout generations; and therefore likely experience issues around trust, intimacy, vulnerability and self love. I am committed to helping my clients to gain more peace and safety within their personal bodies, their homes, their relations and their family systems so they can experience more choice, empowerment and joy in their lives.
Gabriela Luciana Ruiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
Life transitions can be overwhelming experiences and even though it takes some time to adjust to changes in our lives, it is good to reach out to professionals that can help you. My focus is on ADHD organizational skills and issues related to technology use. We try to cope with the world’s challenges based on the values and strengths we built during childhood and it is important to name the emotions that can be overwhelming. I focus on teaching children and adolescents coping skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
Life transitions can be overwhelming experiences and even though it takes some time to adjust to changes in our lives, it is good to reach out to professionals that can help you. My focus is on ADHD organizational skills and issues related to technology use. We try to cope with the world’s challenges based on the values and strengths we built during childhood and it is important to name the emotions that can be overwhelming. I focus on teaching children and adolescents coping skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
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Life is change...but some changes leave wounds that no one can see. I work with men..regular guys, who may never have thought that they would ever need to speak to "a professional'. I know how hard it is to talk about the things that are bothering you. I know what it is to be alone and hurting. There is no magic in what I do. You don't even have to talk about your feelings, if you don't want to.. I stop the bleeding, I clean the wounds, and I help the healing start.
Life is change...but some changes leave wounds that no one can see. I work with men..regular guys, who may never have thought that they would ever need to speak to "a professional'. I know how hard it is to talk about the things that are bothering you. I know what it is to be alone and hurting. There is no magic in what I do. You don't even have to talk about your feelings, if you don't want to.. I stop the bleeding, I clean the wounds, and I help the healing start.
My love of psychotherapy is rooted in deep belief of the transformative potential of individuals to heal, grow, and realize their most healthy and happy selves, and in turn to have greater capacity and freedom to change our communities and society. As a nurse practitioner I aim to work with you towards that goal. In much the same way that we are shaped by our early relationships, environment, and experiences, healing too happens in relationship. In an attuned therapeutic relationship, we are able to have different experiences and develop a greater sense of authenticity and connection to ourselves and the world around us.
My love of psychotherapy is rooted in deep belief of the transformative potential of individuals to heal, grow, and realize their most healthy and happy selves, and in turn to have greater capacity and freedom to change our communities and society. As a nurse practitioner I aim to work with you towards that goal. In much the same way that we are shaped by our early relationships, environment, and experiences, healing too happens in relationship. In an attuned therapeutic relationship, we are able to have different experiences and develop a greater sense of authenticity and connection to ourselves and the world around us.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
Rebecca Reynolds
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I have had the privilege of walking through the healing process with adults, senior adults, the LGBTQ+ community, and women's issues. During my experience in a community mental health clinic, and in private practice I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Focused - CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I will hold your vulnerability and pain with compassion and authenticity while the process of finding new or renewed hope, healing, strength, wholeness, and vitality for life begins to unfold.
I have had the privilege of walking through the healing process with adults, senior adults, the LGBTQ+ community, and women's issues. During my experience in a community mental health clinic, and in private practice I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Focused - CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I will hold your vulnerability and pain with compassion and authenticity while the process of finding new or renewed hope, healing, strength, wholeness, and vitality for life begins to unfold.
I provide a down-to-earth approach to self-exploration and personal development, recognizing the universality of both human suffering and human potential. I take a non-pathological approach to therapy, coming from a core orientation that each person is inherently valuable and has an innate capacity for wisdom and wholeness. My approach is dynamic and relational, being informed by a lifetime of psychological and spiritual inquiry.
I provide a down-to-earth approach to self-exploration and personal development, recognizing the universality of both human suffering and human potential. I take a non-pathological approach to therapy, coming from a core orientation that each person is inherently valuable and has an innate capacity for wisdom and wholeness. My approach is dynamic and relational, being informed by a lifetime of psychological and spiritual inquiry.
Sarah Aldamigh
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
My therapeutic style is warm, nurturing, thoughtful, intuitive, and direct. I practice through a non-pathologizing lens, honoring the unique strategies and strengths that supported you to get to where you are today. I will attune to your nervous system, and together we will set a pace that feels safe for you. I am an especially good fit for those who would like to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, immigration, sexuality, shame, relationships, non-monogamy, and processing early childhood traumas.
My therapeutic style is warm, nurturing, thoughtful, intuitive, and direct. I practice through a non-pathologizing lens, honoring the unique strategies and strengths that supported you to get to where you are today. I will attune to your nervous system, and together we will set a pace that feels safe for you. I am an especially good fit for those who would like to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, immigration, sexuality, shame, relationships, non-monogamy, and processing early childhood traumas.
Natalie Lorraine Ortega
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619 (Online Only)
As a politicized somatic practitioner, I offer politicized somatics, an embodied path towards healing and transformation from individual and collective trauma. Politicized somatics allows you to align your values with your actions through increasing somatic awareness. This allows you to perceive your moods, sensations and emotions in order to get more present with what is and to make choiceful decisions about what follows. This, in itself, is a practice. Practice is an antidote that supports embodiment, healing and transformation.
As a politicized somatic practitioner, I offer politicized somatics, an embodied path towards healing and transformation from individual and collective trauma. Politicized somatics allows you to align your values with your actions through increasing somatic awareness. This allows you to perceive your moods, sensations and emotions in order to get more present with what is and to make choiceful decisions about what follows. This, in itself, is a practice. Practice is an antidote that supports embodiment, healing and transformation.
Chad McCain
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
For over 11 years I have been developing a specialization working with adults to repair phase-of-life injuries, traumas, and persistent interpersonal and occupational troubles. I bring an open mind rooted in existential philosophy; I incorporate narrative methods to assist my clients in re-narrating experiences into useful, meaningful and life transformative stories to diminish feelings of depression and anxiety.
For over 11 years I have been developing a specialization working with adults to repair phase-of-life injuries, traumas, and persistent interpersonal and occupational troubles. I bring an open mind rooted in existential philosophy; I incorporate narrative methods to assist my clients in re-narrating experiences into useful, meaningful and life transformative stories to diminish feelings of depression and anxiety.
As of September 2024, I am accepting new in-person clients at my downtown Oakland office and new teletherapy clients as well. I love working with those new to therapy, but also find great satisfaction working with clients who have done conventional talk therapy for years without big gains, often having covered the same ground over and over with no clear benefit. Beyond anxiety and depression, the most common issues clients see me for are anxiety, depression, substance use, and PTSD, but I also treat ADHD and OCD. I use a lot of EMDR, but also other modalities, to help clients shift feelings, self-beliefs, and attitudes.
As of September 2024, I am accepting new in-person clients at my downtown Oakland office and new teletherapy clients as well. I love working with those new to therapy, but also find great satisfaction working with clients who have done conventional talk therapy for years without big gains, often having covered the same ground over and over with no clear benefit. Beyond anxiety and depression, the most common issues clients see me for are anxiety, depression, substance use, and PTSD, but I also treat ADHD and OCD. I use a lot of EMDR, but also other modalities, to help clients shift feelings, self-beliefs, and attitudes.
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 |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Grief |
67% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
63% | Aetna |
51% | Cigna and Evernorth |
43% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Oakland, CA see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | 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.