First Responders Therapists in Hayward, CA

Tim Holtzman
Counselor, LPCC, MS
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
As first responders and emergency workers, you’re trained to stay sharp.
Therapy should make life easier: less edge, more patience, faster decompression. We’ll keep it practical, with clear goals and week-to-week tracking. We’ll use EMDR if trauma symptoms are present—an evidence-based treatment for reducing hyperarousal and shutdown. I worked for eight years as a crisis counselor, and I’m familiar with emergency work culture.
As first responders and emergency workers, you’re trained to stay sharp.
Therapy should make life easier: less edge, more patience, faster decompression. We’ll keep it practical, with clear goals and week-to-week tracking. We’ll use EMDR if trauma symptoms are present—an evidence-based treatment for reducing hyperarousal and shutdown. I worked for eight years as a crisis counselor, and I’m familiar with emergency work culture.
(510) 851-8367 View (510) 851-8367
Hazel Zetino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in helping adults navigate life's transitions, whether entering adulthood or healing after grief, loss, relationship challenges, or family stress. I also empower women to build self-esteem, set healthy boundaries, and communicate with confidence. I work with youth and families to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and support parents as their teens transition into young adulthood. My approach is warm, direct, and strength-based, creating a safe space for honest conversations that lead to healing, growth, and lasting change.
I specialize in helping adults navigate life's transitions, whether entering adulthood or healing after grief, loss, relationship challenges, or family stress. I also empower women to build self-esteem, set healthy boundaries, and communicate with confidence. I work with youth and families to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and support parents as their teens transition into young adulthood. My approach is warm, direct, and strength-based, creating a safe space for honest conversations that lead to healing, growth, and lasting change.
(341) 888-6396 View (341) 888-6396
Brian Phanichkarn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hayward, CA 94545
I'm a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches like CBT and mindfulness, with a warm, collaborative style that empowers clients to reconnect with their values and goals. Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking growth, I provide a safe space to explore and heal.
I'm a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches like CBT and mindfulness, with a warm, collaborative style that empowers clients to reconnect with their values and goals. Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking growth, I provide a safe space to explore and heal.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Jo Jo Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Online Only
Welcome to Leeway Counseling Collective! Are you searching for an Asian American therapist who truly understands your experiences? Therapy isn’t about “fixing yourself”—it’s about accepting and reclaiming your story on your own terms. Leeway means flexibility and resilience—the ability to adjust your course in life while staying true to yourself. Whether you’re a young professional navigating high expectations, a first responder carrying heavy experiences, or someone feeling stuck between cultures, I provide compassionate, culturally responsive, trauma-informed care tailored to your journey.
Welcome to Leeway Counseling Collective! Are you searching for an Asian American therapist who truly understands your experiences? Therapy isn’t about “fixing yourself”—it’s about accepting and reclaiming your story on your own terms. Leeway means flexibility and resilience—the ability to adjust your course in life while staying true to yourself. Whether you’re a young professional navigating high expectations, a first responder carrying heavy experiences, or someone feeling stuck between cultures, I provide compassionate, culturally responsive, trauma-informed care tailored to your journey.
(619) 853-3122 View (619) 853-3122
Vanessa Shea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Many of the people I work with are caregivers in some form—parents, helping professionals, partners, or those others rely on. You may be the steady one for everyone else, yet privately feel anxious, depleted, or stretched thin. Over time, giving at the expense of yourself can lead to burnout, resentment, or disconnection. Therapy can be a space where you don’t have to hold it all. My work is trauma-informed and insight-oriented, grounded in a holistic understanding of mental health.
Many of the people I work with are caregivers in some form—parents, helping professionals, partners, or those others rely on. You may be the steady one for everyone else, yet privately feel anxious, depleted, or stretched thin. Over time, giving at the expense of yourself can lead to burnout, resentment, or disconnection. Therapy can be a space where you don’t have to hold it all. My work is trauma-informed and insight-oriented, grounded in a holistic understanding of mental health.
(818) 308-1914 View (818) 308-1914
Scott Hapak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Serves Area
You're caught in a loop of anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt, struggling to find peace in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Relationships feel strained, or you feel disconnected from your purpose. Maybe you're trying to navigate trauma, faith, or difficult transitions, & the road ahead seems unclear. If this is true for you, know that you’re not alone. My approach is holistic & heart-centered. Together, we’ll explore the patterns & beliefs keeping you stuck, gently untangling the complexity of your experience to uncover a simpler truth: that you already hold the strength & wisdom you need to live an authentic & balanced life.
You're caught in a loop of anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt, struggling to find peace in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Relationships feel strained, or you feel disconnected from your purpose. Maybe you're trying to navigate trauma, faith, or difficult transitions, & the road ahead seems unclear. If this is true for you, know that you’re not alone. My approach is holistic & heart-centered. Together, we’ll explore the patterns & beliefs keeping you stuck, gently untangling the complexity of your experience to uncover a simpler truth: that you already hold the strength & wisdom you need to live an authentic & balanced life.
(530) 734-2609 View (530) 734-2609
Colleen P Arnold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I have been in private practice since 1996, and although I've worked with many different populations, I specialize in young adults between 18-29, and woman struggling with depression or anxiety who are undergoing a life transition, such as graduating high school, college or heading into motherhood. I also lead workshops and provide personal coaching for mothers who need more self-care. My work is primarily strength-based and informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trauma-informed interventions. I focus on working with strengths, values and interests to help you create a life worth living.
I have been in private practice since 1996, and although I've worked with many different populations, I specialize in young adults between 18-29, and woman struggling with depression or anxiety who are undergoing a life transition, such as graduating high school, college or heading into motherhood. I also lead workshops and provide personal coaching for mothers who need more self-care. My work is primarily strength-based and informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trauma-informed interventions. I focus on working with strengths, values and interests to help you create a life worth living.
(415) 968-9719 View (415) 968-9719

More Therapists Nearby

Carrie Likeness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
This includes first responders and professionals in healthcare, mental health, education, public safety, and the justice system.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety and life transitions with a particular focus on operational, workplace and academic stress. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 14 years in Human Resources supporting SF Bay Area technology companies and a law school, giving me firsthand insight into workplace dynamics, leadership challenges, and academic pressures.
This includes first responders and professionals in healthcare, mental health, education, public safety, and the justice system.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety and life transitions with a particular focus on operational, workplace and academic stress. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 14 years in Human Resources supporting SF Bay Area technology companies and a law school, giving me firsthand insight into workplace dynamics, leadership challenges, and academic pressures.
(831) 230-2118 View (831) 230-2118
Megan Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I help individuals, couples, and/or families grow toward healing and health through integrative therapy. Throughout the lifespan many things can happen to interfere with our relational health- addiction, body image, trauma, depression, just to name a few- and I have experience guiding my clients through them all. Together we will work towards you, your relationships, or your family system becoming its most empowered and functional.
I help individuals, couples, and/or families grow toward healing and health through integrative therapy. Throughout the lifespan many things can happen to interfere with our relational health- addiction, body image, trauma, depression, just to name a few- and I have experience guiding my clients through them all. Together we will work towards you, your relationships, or your family system becoming its most empowered and functional.
(657) 332-0141 View (657) 332-0141
Nicholas Ward
Psychologist, PsyD
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
I help individuals, families, and first responders navigate stress, trauma, and relationship challenges using CBT, DBT, and narrative approaches.
As an Army veteran and former law enforcement officer, I understand the pressure, trauma, and unspoken expectations that come with service. Many clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. I offer therapy for stress, trauma, and relationship challenges, as well as thorough Autism and ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical. If you’re seeking clarity, growth, and support from someone who truly understands your world, I invite you to reach out.
I help individuals, families, and first responders navigate stress, trauma, and relationship challenges using CBT, DBT, and narrative approaches.
As an Army veteran and former law enforcement officer, I understand the pressure, trauma, and unspoken expectations that come with service. Many clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. I offer therapy for stress, trauma, and relationship challenges, as well as thorough Autism and ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical. If you’re seeking clarity, growth, and support from someone who truly understands your world, I invite you to reach out.
(925) 892-3709 View (925) 892-3709
Krystle Madrid
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
(747) 200-8995 View (747) 200-8995
Jonathan Oakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Welcome to my profile. I hope it will help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. My name is Jon. I have 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Holistic Studies in 2002 and have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dishwasher, forklift driver, small business manager, and completed an internship with the United Nations. I have lived and worked overseas and across the United States, collaborating with people from many different backgrounds.
Welcome to my profile. I hope it will help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. My name is Jon. I have 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Holistic Studies in 2002 and have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dishwasher, forklift driver, small business manager, and completed an internship with the United Nations. I have lived and worked overseas and across the United States, collaborating with people from many different backgrounds.
(628) 262-8133 View (628) 262-8133
Lachaune Myles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I help men and women who are exhausted from life. They're tired of breaking during crises, burned out from carrying heavy loads, and hitting the absolute limits of tolerance and capacity for frustration. Whether you are a first responder, a parent, or just grinding through the day-to-day, being stuck is exhausting.
I help men and women who are exhausted from life. They're tired of breaking during crises, burned out from carrying heavy loads, and hitting the absolute limits of tolerance and capacity for frustration. Whether you are a first responder, a parent, or just grinding through the day-to-day, being stuck is exhausting.
(916) 866-8628 View (916) 866-8628
Jessica Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I work with high-achieving adults who are used to holding it all together—but internally feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients are medical professionals or individuals living with chronic health conditions who are navigating stress, burnout, and the emotional weight of responsibility. If you’re used to being the strong one for everyone else, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on your own needs. You may notice anxiety, irritability, disconnection, or a sense that you’re running on empty. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, fix, or push through.
I work with high-achieving adults who are used to holding it all together—but internally feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients are medical professionals or individuals living with chronic health conditions who are navigating stress, burnout, and the emotional weight of responsibility. If you’re used to being the strong one for everyone else, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on your own needs. You may notice anxiety, irritability, disconnection, or a sense that you’re running on empty. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, fix, or push through.
(650) 675-2513 View (650) 675-2513
Infertility and First Responders Therapy
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
4 Endorsed
Online Only
First Responders & Families: Telehealth therapy across California.
Hi, I'm Caitlin. I get it. You've done the waiting rooms, the shots, the hope and the crash. Or you're a first responder who knows exactly what it feels like to smile through the fear while holding everything together alone. You don't need someone who has read about this. You need someone who gets it from the inside. I work with women, couples, and first responder families across all of California via telehealth — and I don't just mean video chat. I mean real, deep, body-based therapy that meets you exactly where you are, no commute required. You're not broken. You're exhausted. Let's talk.
First Responders & Families: Telehealth therapy across California.
Hi, I'm Caitlin. I get it. You've done the waiting rooms, the shots, the hope and the crash. Or you're a first responder who knows exactly what it feels like to smile through the fear while holding everything together alone. You don't need someone who has read about this. You need someone who gets it from the inside. I work with women, couples, and first responder families across all of California via telehealth — and I don't just mean video chat. I mean real, deep, body-based therapy that meets you exactly where you are, no commute required. You're not broken. You're exhausted. Let's talk.
(925) 290-6941 View (925) 290-6941
Anne Bisek
Psychologist, PsyD
Fremont, CA 94538
I specialize in work with first responders; 911 communications, prehospital care, EMS, police, fire, FAA, and the military.
Where there is breath, there is hope. If you are emotionally exhausted, isolated, depressed and trying to find "the old you" following a traumatic event, there is hope. Together we can find your resilience, strength, and enhance your ability to cope with life's difficulties. We can meet weekly for 50 minutes to change what you want to change.
I specialize in work with first responders; 911 communications, prehospital care, EMS, police, fire, FAA, and the military.
Where there is breath, there is hope. If you are emotionally exhausted, isolated, depressed and trying to find "the old you" following a traumatic event, there is hope. Together we can find your resilience, strength, and enhance your ability to cope with life's difficulties. We can meet weekly for 50 minutes to change what you want to change.
(510) 797-4911 View (510) 797-4911
Shoma Rao
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Moving? Breaking up? A new job? Transitions are complex and sometimes a minefield to navigate emotionally. It can be hard to understand when everything else seems to align but something in your heart feels off. Perhaps you are in a midst of a change you never imagined would happen to you like a divorce or termination from a well loved job. Don't get stuck there! Let us work together to create space for the kind of life you have been dreaming about.
Moving? Breaking up? A new job? Transitions are complex and sometimes a minefield to navigate emotionally. It can be hard to understand when everything else seems to align but something in your heart feels off. Perhaps you are in a midst of a change you never imagined would happen to you like a divorce or termination from a well loved job. Don't get stuck there! Let us work together to create space for the kind of life you have been dreaming about.
(619) 486-5408 View (619) 486-5408
Alexa Grossman | EMDR and KAP Therapist (CA/IN/OH)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAC, ERPSCC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a trauma-informed therapist and military veteran, I help veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and other high-responsibility professionals overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma.
You look like you have it all together, but inside you’re battling anxiety, self-criticism, and the fear of not being enough. The pressure to perform perfectly in your work, relationships, and life is exhausting. You lie awake replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and wondering why you can’t just “get over it.” Even when things seem fine from the outside, there’s a constant hum of worry, self-doubt, or the weight of past trauma that keeps you feeling stuck, disconnected, and running on empty. I offer in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and online therapy across California, Indiana, and Ohio.
As a trauma-informed therapist and military veteran, I help veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and other high-responsibility professionals overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma.
You look like you have it all together, but inside you’re battling anxiety, self-criticism, and the fear of not being enough. The pressure to perform perfectly in your work, relationships, and life is exhausting. You lie awake replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and wondering why you can’t just “get over it.” Even when things seem fine from the outside, there’s a constant hum of worry, self-doubt, or the weight of past trauma that keeps you feeling stuck, disconnected, and running on empty. I offer in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and online therapy across California, Indiana, and Ohio.
(619) 413-0446 View (619) 413-0446
Evelyn Sahagun
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
The modalities I commonly practice include CBT, solution focused therapy, exposure therapy, and principals of psychodynamic. I work from a client centered approach and believe a strong therapeutic alliance is key to making changes. Unconditional positive regard and humor is my secret weapon in helping you reach your full potential. My sincere hope is that you leave our sessions feeling seen, validated, and empowered to take steps towards reaching your full potential. I am also fluent in Spanish.
The modalities I commonly practice include CBT, solution focused therapy, exposure therapy, and principals of psychodynamic. I work from a client centered approach and believe a strong therapeutic alliance is key to making changes. Unconditional positive regard and humor is my secret weapon in helping you reach your full potential. My sincere hope is that you leave our sessions feeling seen, validated, and empowered to take steps towards reaching your full potential. I am also fluent in Spanish.
(925) 267-6353 View (925) 267-6353
Angela J Clark
Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCC
Online Only
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution. With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution. With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
(619) 404-2543 View (619) 404-2543

See more therapy options for Hayward

First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.

How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.

What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.

Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.