Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Patricia B. Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
Not accepting new clients
Developing a trusting relationship is the most important element in successful psychotherapy. We will create a unique relationship that encourages your expression of inner feelings and learning to know what is true for you. I appreciate depth work, and although weekly sessions are beneficial, up to three sessions per week deepens the process.
I frequently work with the following issues: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, disabilities and chronic illness, self-esteem and LGBTQ issues.
Developing a trusting relationship is the most important element in successful psychotherapy. We will create a unique relationship that encourages your expression of inner feelings and learning to know what is true for you. I appreciate depth work, and although weekly sessions are beneficial, up to three sessions per week deepens the process.
I frequently work with the following issues: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, disabilities and chronic illness, self-esteem and LGBTQ issues.
Vanessa C. Morrison, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
I work with individuals who want to overcome persistent behaviors, thoughts and emotions that inhibit their ability to live a life they love so that they have meaningful relationships, deeply fulfilling work and self-confidence. My approach is based on the belief that in order to benefit from therapy the therapeutic relationship must be grounded in direct communication, collaboration and compassion. You need someone to be real who will both challenge and care for you. My patients often reflect they are relieved to finally work with someone who engages in conversation and shares responsibility for the progress of each session.
I work with individuals who want to overcome persistent behaviors, thoughts and emotions that inhibit their ability to live a life they love so that they have meaningful relationships, deeply fulfilling work and self-confidence. My approach is based on the belief that in order to benefit from therapy the therapeutic relationship must be grounded in direct communication, collaboration and compassion. You need someone to be real who will both challenge and care for you. My patients often reflect they are relieved to finally work with someone who engages in conversation and shares responsibility for the progress of each session.
Takako J Ainsworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I specialize in working with individuals with a focus on Jungian Depth Psychotherapy. Patients in my practice often feel a sense of being lost, stuck feeling empty, and confused and are looking for something to unlock the keys to their difficulties. These can be challenging times with today’s fast pace, with a daily influx of information and rapid changes in technology that make it difficult for us to find the truth and our best interest sometimes. The difficulties may manifest in depression, anxiety, or other somatic symptoms.
I specialize in working with individuals with a focus on Jungian Depth Psychotherapy. Patients in my practice often feel a sense of being lost, stuck feeling empty, and confused and are looking for something to unlock the keys to their difficulties. These can be challenging times with today’s fast pace, with a daily influx of information and rapid changes in technology that make it difficult for us to find the truth and our best interest sometimes. The difficulties may manifest in depression, anxiety, or other somatic symptoms.
Monika Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I would like to welcome you to my private practice Abundant Life Therapy Center. I see a person’s choice to engage in the process of therapy as the beginning of a new journey. The journey may be motivated by an exercise in self- discovery, acquiring new skills, or working though past life events. Should you decide to peruse therapy I want to walk beside you on this journey. I have 10 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy working with families and individuals in the age demographics from youth to seniors. I use a variety of treatment modalities but I pride myself working with the client to develop an individualized trea
I would like to welcome you to my private practice Abundant Life Therapy Center. I see a person’s choice to engage in the process of therapy as the beginning of a new journey. The journey may be motivated by an exercise in self- discovery, acquiring new skills, or working though past life events. Should you decide to peruse therapy I want to walk beside you on this journey. I have 10 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy working with families and individuals in the age demographics from youth to seniors. I use a variety of treatment modalities but I pride myself working with the client to develop an individualized trea
Stephanie McCarty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
I have worked in health and human services in different parts of California for the past 25 years. I have specifically worked with people who need support around housing and food insecurity, opioid use or dependency, as well as child welfare and grief or loss. I have a good understanding of social services and mental health resources in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially Contra Costa County. I have been providing virtual therapy since January 2021.
I have worked in health and human services in different parts of California for the past 25 years. I have specifically worked with people who need support around housing and food insecurity, opioid use or dependency, as well as child welfare and grief or loss. I have a good understanding of social services and mental health resources in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially Contra Costa County. I have been providing virtual therapy since January 2021.
Amy Rands
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I'm so glad you're here! You may consider individual therapy with me if you are an adult or teen looking for support with navigating pregnancy or parenthood, grief & loss, life transitions, depression & anxiety, or just want to move through the world with greater ease. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is foundational for our work together. Creating a safe, secure and trusting alliance will allow us to do the deep work that leads to effective and lasting transformation. My work with clients is heavily influenced by Somatic-based therapy, Relational therapy, and Mindful-based therapy.
I'm so glad you're here! You may consider individual therapy with me if you are an adult or teen looking for support with navigating pregnancy or parenthood, grief & loss, life transitions, depression & anxiety, or just want to move through the world with greater ease. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is foundational for our work together. Creating a safe, secure and trusting alliance will allow us to do the deep work that leads to effective and lasting transformation. My work with clients is heavily influenced by Somatic-based therapy, Relational therapy, and Mindful-based therapy.
Dr. Penelope Asay
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709
It may have taken you a long time to get here, or maybe just a few sleepless nights. The fact you're here today means something is different from yesterday. You may be ready for something different in your life. A good fit with a therapist is key in supporting and helping you figure out what and how to make the change(s) you want. I'm genuine, collaborative, and transparent. Fundamentally, we all struggle with making the most of our lives and relationships, with meaning, purpose, connection, and belonging. Therapy brings our expertise together to help identify and create what will make your life more satisfying and fulfilling.
It may have taken you a long time to get here, or maybe just a few sleepless nights. The fact you're here today means something is different from yesterday. You may be ready for something different in your life. A good fit with a therapist is key in supporting and helping you figure out what and how to make the change(s) you want. I'm genuine, collaborative, and transparent. Fundamentally, we all struggle with making the most of our lives and relationships, with meaning, purpose, connection, and belonging. Therapy brings our expertise together to help identify and create what will make your life more satisfying and fulfilling.
Steve Kanofsky
Psychologist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I work best with clients who are looking for a safe and caring therapy relationship in order to pursue goals that have previously seemed too difficult to achieve alone. These goals typically range from wanting to experience life more fully, including a fuller range of emotions, to having more rewarding relationships and more fulfilling work lives. I have been practicing psychotherapy for 33 years, have been teaching it for almost as long, and feel comfortable assisting with a very wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, parenting challenges and other relationship and family conflicts.
I work best with clients who are looking for a safe and caring therapy relationship in order to pursue goals that have previously seemed too difficult to achieve alone. These goals typically range from wanting to experience life more fully, including a fuller range of emotions, to having more rewarding relationships and more fulfilling work lives. I have been practicing psychotherapy for 33 years, have been teaching it for almost as long, and feel comfortable assisting with a very wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, parenting challenges and other relationship and family conflicts.
Natalya Kuzmicheva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703 (Online Only)
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
Sara Ghalaini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
What does your path to success look like? In our work together, we will address your self-doubt, anxiety and stress when facing barriers to success by strategizing a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle and creating a system of accountability for continuous success. We will navigate marginalization + microaggressions due to race, gender, sexual orientation and more through trauma-informed, culturally-aware individual and group therapy so you can set and achieve goals that are meaningful for you.
What does your path to success look like? In our work together, we will address your self-doubt, anxiety and stress when facing barriers to success by strategizing a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle and creating a system of accountability for continuous success. We will navigate marginalization + microaggressions due to race, gender, sexual orientation and more through trauma-informed, culturally-aware individual and group therapy so you can set and achieve goals that are meaningful for you.
Claire Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I love to come alongside women in their various seasons of life and work with them through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, eating disorder, past trauma, and women's issues. I also enjoy the lively dynamic of working with couples! It's been over 15 years since I started counseling and it's been a privilege seeing people work though difficulties.
I love to come alongside women in their various seasons of life and work with them through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, eating disorder, past trauma, and women's issues. I also enjoy the lively dynamic of working with couples! It's been over 15 years since I started counseling and it's been a privilege seeing people work though difficulties.
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Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707
In my practice, I work with individuals, couples or families on a variety of topics, including work and school stress, couple's, and physical health issues. I also work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and with those in the LGBTQ community. I completed my MFT (Master's in family therapy) degree in 2013, and later completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I work with children (ages 8 and above), adults, couples, and families.
In my practice, I work with individuals, couples or families on a variety of topics, including work and school stress, couple's, and physical health issues. I also work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and with those in the LGBTQ community. I completed my MFT (Master's in family therapy) degree in 2013, and later completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I work with children (ages 8 and above), adults, couples, and families.
Alison Papion
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CRMP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
I hold a belief that every individual I come across holds within him/herself the power to heal. My role is to help those individuals access their power when they feel they have none. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and anxiety disorders and I am passionate about bringing a sense of hope and empowerment to the individuals I serve. My hope is that individuals will learn to embrace their power, learn to be at ease in their own skin and find loving and fulfilling connection to others; bringing them closer to their personal healing and, ultimately, to the life they dream of living.
I hold a belief that every individual I come across holds within him/herself the power to heal. My role is to help those individuals access their power when they feel they have none. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and anxiety disorders and I am passionate about bringing a sense of hope and empowerment to the individuals I serve. My hope is that individuals will learn to embrace their power, learn to be at ease in their own skin and find loving and fulfilling connection to others; bringing them closer to their personal healing and, ultimately, to the life they dream of living.
Bay Area Couples Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, Emotion, Focused, Couples
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
IN THE TIME OF COVID, WE ALL HAVE TO UP OUR CONNECTION GAME. Face it, you love your partner, they drive you crazy. And now that we’re around each other 24/7 and some of us with kids crawling all over us, we are not getting our needs met and we are hurting each in ways we are not proud of. Before it was an option to just let our old patterns kind of work. Not now! You are not alone! The whole world is experiencing this. What is essential now is for couples to upgrade. You won't have an 8 hour break (at work) to recover from what your partner just did. We need to actively practice COUPLES SKILLS THAT WORK. It's not optional now!
IN THE TIME OF COVID, WE ALL HAVE TO UP OUR CONNECTION GAME. Face it, you love your partner, they drive you crazy. And now that we’re around each other 24/7 and some of us with kids crawling all over us, we are not getting our needs met and we are hurting each in ways we are not proud of. Before it was an option to just let our old patterns kind of work. Not now! You are not alone! The whole world is experiencing this. What is essential now is for couples to upgrade. You won't have an 8 hour break (at work) to recover from what your partner just did. We need to actively practice COUPLES SKILLS THAT WORK. It's not optional now!
Scott Gordon
Registered Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94703
My approach as a relational and somatic therapist is to create a collaborative space to explore your relationship with yourself, others, and the world. We will unearth unconscious beliefs and patterns to help you live a more connected and fulfilling life. Our work together will, hopefully, help you relieve suffering, foster growth, and develop insight in all dimensions of your life.
My approach as a relational and somatic therapist is to create a collaborative space to explore your relationship with yourself, others, and the world. We will unearth unconscious beliefs and patterns to help you live a more connected and fulfilling life. Our work together will, hopefully, help you relieve suffering, foster growth, and develop insight in all dimensions of your life.
Sharon Stafanson
Psychologist, PsyD, RYT 200
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I utilize an integrated approach that considers body, mind, emotions, and spirit. This approach involves embarking on a journey with you in which I bring my entire presence to hold you with deep care, non-judgment, and a playful sense of humor. As you share your experiences with me, I will wholeheartedly attune to you with both my inner knowing and acquired knowledge and skills. I draw from decades of study of diverse therapeutic modalities, eastern wisdom traditions, nature, and personal life experience. I honor your unique strengths and capabilities and recognize that we are all at various points in the process of evolving.
I utilize an integrated approach that considers body, mind, emotions, and spirit. This approach involves embarking on a journey with you in which I bring my entire presence to hold you with deep care, non-judgment, and a playful sense of humor. As you share your experiences with me, I will wholeheartedly attune to you with both my inner knowing and acquired knowledge and skills. I draw from decades of study of diverse therapeutic modalities, eastern wisdom traditions, nature, and personal life experience. I honor your unique strengths and capabilities and recognize that we are all at various points in the process of evolving.
Ellie Lotan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I believe that the soul has an innate drive toward healing. We each have the capacity to heal ourselves if we can slow down enough to notice what is asking for our attention. I approach therapy as a weekly collaborative ritual in which clients can become more skilled at listening and giving voice to their inner knowing. Weaving together tools from expressive arts, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed relational psychotherapy, I offer an integrated, whole-person approach in which we work as a team to uncover your intuitive guidance and learn how to tap in to the wisdom of your higher self.
I believe that the soul has an innate drive toward healing. We each have the capacity to heal ourselves if we can slow down enough to notice what is asking for our attention. I approach therapy as a weekly collaborative ritual in which clients can become more skilled at listening and giving voice to their inner knowing. Weaving together tools from expressive arts, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed relational psychotherapy, I offer an integrated, whole-person approach in which we work as a team to uncover your intuitive guidance and learn how to tap in to the wisdom of your higher self.
Natasha Kumar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94709
Do you feel trapped in a daily struggle with food and your appearance? Have you made countless attempts to break free only to find yourself back in the same battle? Maybe it is difficult to imagine yourself being free when your self-worth is so closely tied to your body size, or when your relationship with food feels so out of control and when society and social media dictates the way we should look. Living this way is exhausting and draining. You do not want to feel this exhausted anymore. You want to love yourself and your body.
Do you feel trapped in a daily struggle with food and your appearance? Have you made countless attempts to break free only to find yourself back in the same battle? Maybe it is difficult to imagine yourself being free when your self-worth is so closely tied to your body size, or when your relationship with food feels so out of control and when society and social media dictates the way we should look. Living this way is exhausting and draining. You do not want to feel this exhausted anymore. You want to love yourself and your body.
Norma Lee Myers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94703
Not accepting new clients
There are usually two types of reasons people come into therapy. One is that find themselves making the same mistakes over and over again and they want to do something different, but are just not sure how. The other is that they have been carrying around a deep pain in their life that they want to resolve. Often these things are connected. This is why I work with you on two levels. I help you change the current unwanted behavior, while also helping you resolve issues from your past that may be effecting your reactions.
There are usually two types of reasons people come into therapy. One is that find themselves making the same mistakes over and over again and they want to do something different, but are just not sure how. The other is that they have been carrying around a deep pain in their life that they want to resolve. Often these things are connected. This is why I work with you on two levels. I help you change the current unwanted behavior, while also helping you resolve issues from your past that may be effecting your reactions.
Sharon Testa-Harker, M.F.T.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
As my client you can expect a sensitive, interactive, and direct therapist with a sense of humor. Together, we will discuss those behaviors and experiences that cause you pain; developing coping alternatives, easing your stress and anxiety. My life experience, education and work history leads me to have unique perspective to help you. My early career working in Montessori Education taught me the value of self-direction and respect for people of all ages. As a program coordinator in a battered women's shelter I learned about the effects of violence, loss, chemical dependency and powerlessness.
As my client you can expect a sensitive, interactive, and direct therapist with a sense of humor. Together, we will discuss those behaviors and experiences that cause you pain; developing coping alternatives, easing your stress and anxiety. My life experience, education and work history leads me to have unique perspective to help you. My early career working in Montessori Education taught me the value of self-direction and respect for people of all ages. As a program coordinator in a battered women's shelter I learned about the effects of violence, loss, chemical dependency and powerlessness.
See more therapy options for Berkeley
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Berkeley, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$190
Therapists in Berkeley, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
85% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Grief |
66% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
50% | Aetna |
39% | Cigna and Evernorth |
38% | Other |
How Therapists in Berkeley, CA see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
76% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Berkeley?
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.