Therapists in Oakland, CA
I work with individuals experiencing a wide-range of issues, including depression, complex trauma, mania, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and psychosis. My therapeutic approach is to serve as an active collaborator as you face the challenges of the present while making sense of the past. I tend to be a good fit for therapy skeptics and those who are willing to work but have struggled to feel understood by other providers.
I work with individuals experiencing a wide-range of issues, including depression, complex trauma, mania, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and psychosis. My therapeutic approach is to serve as an active collaborator as you face the challenges of the present while making sense of the past. I tend to be a good fit for therapy skeptics and those who are willing to work but have struggled to feel understood by other providers.
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.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth in California and Vermont. I value asking questions from a place of real curiosity and making sure our work is truly helpful for you. I hold the radical belief that problems are problems and people are not problems. My values in action look like approaching therapy with humor and creativity, incorporating written and artistic practices, and inviting others in to witness your journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth in California and Vermont. I value asking questions from a place of real curiosity and making sure our work is truly helpful for you. I hold the radical belief that problems are problems and people are not problems. My values in action look like approaching therapy with humor and creativity, incorporating written and artistic practices, and inviting others in to witness your journey.
With over 25 years as a licensed therapist, I am a skilled and compassionate guide in helping people feel better, function better, and have more fulfilling relationships. I am able to understand people from multiple perspectives, how their family system has shaped them, how their attachment style impacts them, how their connections with others cause them joy and pain. I am very present in sessions and have an interactive style, giving direct feedback. You won't find me just listening and nodding, I am there to understand you and collaborate on a plan with you for meeting your goals.
With over 25 years as a licensed therapist, I am a skilled and compassionate guide in helping people feel better, function better, and have more fulfilling relationships. I am able to understand people from multiple perspectives, how their family system has shaped them, how their attachment style impacts them, how their connections with others cause them joy and pain. I am very present in sessions and have an interactive style, giving direct feedback. You won't find me just listening and nodding, I am there to understand you and collaborate on a plan with you for meeting your goals.
The body often holds what the mind cannot resolve. Stress, trauma, and blocked emotions can become stored in the body, creating patterns of tension, anxiety, or disconnection that talking alone can’t always reach. My work helps you access the body’s innate intelligence to release these blocks and restore balance. I guide high-achieving people who feel chronically stressed or unfulfilled—despite their success—to reconnect with their inner wisdom and create genuine, lasting change. I work with women who are highly self-aware, deeply feeling, and ready for meaningful transformation.
The body often holds what the mind cannot resolve. Stress, trauma, and blocked emotions can become stored in the body, creating patterns of tension, anxiety, or disconnection that talking alone can’t always reach. My work helps you access the body’s innate intelligence to release these blocks and restore balance. I guide high-achieving people who feel chronically stressed or unfulfilled—despite their success—to reconnect with their inner wisdom and create genuine, lasting change. I work with women who are highly self-aware, deeply feeling, and ready for meaningful transformation.
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
10 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
—- Feel Better. —- Taking care of yourself, problem-solving and thoughtful pacing can help. My strong suit is navigating transitions: health, family, academic/professional-life, partnership and parenthood. Interested in supervision or practice-building for mental health clinicians? See my website for more info.
—- Feel Better. —- Taking care of yourself, problem-solving and thoughtful pacing can help. My strong suit is navigating transitions: health, family, academic/professional-life, partnership and parenthood. Interested in supervision or practice-building for mental health clinicians? See my website for more info.
I offer therapy services to help you understand challenges you are facing, learn ways to actualize your full potential, and overcome barriers that get in the way of living a content and fulfilling life. I work with individual clients and couples who are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, trauma, inner criticism, and challenges at work or in relationships. As an interactive, solution focused therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am here for you. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all framework, I collaborate with you to tailor therapy to fit your needs.
I offer therapy services to help you understand challenges you are facing, learn ways to actualize your full potential, and overcome barriers that get in the way of living a content and fulfilling life. I work with individual clients and couples who are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, trauma, inner criticism, and challenges at work or in relationships. As an interactive, solution focused therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am here for you. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all framework, I collaborate with you to tailor therapy to fit your needs.
Counseling can help you through challenging times and be life changing. I have dedicated myself to helping people with serious life challenges by providing therapy and education to empower my clients to make sense of their feelings, re-frame their life narratives, and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in depression, anxiety, life transitions, couple's counseling, grief/loss, health issues, family conflicts, immigration/cultural/racial issues, and death & dying. Originally from Romania, I grew up in Germany, and have lived in the Bay Area for 30 years.
Counseling can help you through challenging times and be life changing. I have dedicated myself to helping people with serious life challenges by providing therapy and education to empower my clients to make sense of their feelings, re-frame their life narratives, and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in depression, anxiety, life transitions, couple's counseling, grief/loss, health issues, family conflicts, immigration/cultural/racial issues, and death & dying. Originally from Romania, I grew up in Germany, and have lived in the Bay Area for 30 years.
There is a bravery in the therapeutic process. A willingness to be open to better understanding of yourself, others and the world around us. A desire to navigate towards the ultimate destination of social-emotional wellness. For each individual, couple, family and system there is a path we have the ability to impact. I aim to be a catalyst along this sometimes simple and often complex journey. My goal is to support, challenge and empower. We will build our therapeutic relationship through thoughtful inquiry and meaningful dialogue that allows us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you and/or your loved ones.
There is a bravery in the therapeutic process. A willingness to be open to better understanding of yourself, others and the world around us. A desire to navigate towards the ultimate destination of social-emotional wellness. For each individual, couple, family and system there is a path we have the ability to impact. I aim to be a catalyst along this sometimes simple and often complex journey. My goal is to support, challenge and empower. We will build our therapeutic relationship through thoughtful inquiry and meaningful dialogue that allows us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you and/or your loved ones.
As the founder of Let It Bloom Mental Health, my goal is to foster healing and growth through comprehensive mental health care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Located in Las Vegas, I serve a diverse clientele, with a special focus on BIPOC communities, women, and children. As a bilingual, trauma-informed psychotherapist and certified yoga instructor, I integrate a holistic approach to address both mental and physical well-being. This involves conducting a thorough lifestyle analysis to better understand and meet your specific circumstances and challenges.
As the founder of Let It Bloom Mental Health, my goal is to foster healing and growth through comprehensive mental health care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Located in Las Vegas, I serve a diverse clientele, with a special focus on BIPOC communities, women, and children. As a bilingual, trauma-informed psychotherapist and certified yoga instructor, I integrate a holistic approach to address both mental and physical well-being. This involves conducting a thorough lifestyle analysis to better understand and meet your specific circumstances and challenges.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
I treat eating disorders across the spectrum, including ARFID and binge eating disorder, using DBT, emotion-focused interventions, and EMDR when appropriate to address underlying trauma, distress intolerance, and entrenched avoidance patterns. My work focuses on reducing symptom-driven coping (restriction, avoidance, bingeing) while building sustainable skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and recovery-oriented eating.
I treat eating disorders across the spectrum, including ARFID and binge eating disorder, using DBT, emotion-focused interventions, and EMDR when appropriate to address underlying trauma, distress intolerance, and entrenched avoidance patterns. My work focuses on reducing symptom-driven coping (restriction, avoidance, bingeing) while building sustainable skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and recovery-oriented eating.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 25 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I teach and supervise at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 25 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I teach and supervise at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming! Are you going through a loss or life transition?Are you a parent trying to support your child/teen as they face their own challenges? Are you trying to make sense of life experiences and how they have impacted you? Are you wanting to figure out what it is you need to feel more fulfilled and create change? Sometimes we need a safe space that empowers and encourages us to explore what works and doesn’t work as we navigate daily life. Friends and family aren’t always able to provide this- but finding someone we feel comfortable opening up to can also seem overwhelming.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming! Are you going through a loss or life transition?Are you a parent trying to support your child/teen as they face their own challenges? Are you trying to make sense of life experiences and how they have impacted you? Are you wanting to figure out what it is you need to feel more fulfilled and create change? Sometimes we need a safe space that empowers and encourages us to explore what works and doesn’t work as we navigate daily life. Friends and family aren’t always able to provide this- but finding someone we feel comfortable opening up to can also seem overwhelming.
Are you experiencing overwhelm, gender identity questions, or patterns that just don’t feel good? I’m passionate about working with people who long for a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. Returning to our bodies and embracing our whole selves are radical acts in the face of oppressive systems.
I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, nonmonogamous, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined.
Are you experiencing overwhelm, gender identity questions, or patterns that just don’t feel good? I’m passionate about working with people who long for a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. Returning to our bodies and embracing our whole selves are radical acts in the face of oppressive systems.
I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, nonmonogamous, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined.
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to DBT.
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to DBT.
My style in therapy is strength-based with a non-judgmental approach, focusing on improving mental health issues and enhancing the quality of life. I will do my best to provide you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in developing skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
My style in therapy is strength-based with a non-judgmental approach, focusing on improving mental health issues and enhancing the quality of life. I will do my best to provide you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in developing skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating life transitions and relationship challenges who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. They often come in seeking support with stress, anxiety, communication issues, self-esteem, or patterns that keep showing up in their relationships or daily life. Many are looking for a space where they can better understand themselves and create meaningful change without feeling judged.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating life transitions and relationship challenges who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. They often come in seeking support with stress, anxiety, communication issues, self-esteem, or patterns that keep showing up in their relationships or daily life. Many are looking for a space where they can better understand themselves and create meaningful change without feeling judged.
As a therapist, I primarily work with young adults, the LGBTQ+ community, and people struggling with effects of childhood trauma. I also focus on issues such as identity exploration, coming out, and developing healthy relationship dynamics.
As a therapist, I primarily work with young adults, the LGBTQ+ community, and people struggling with effects of childhood trauma. I also focus on issues such as identity exploration, coming out, and developing healthy relationship dynamics.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Oakland, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$195
Therapists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
| 91% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 72% | Self Esteem |
| 67% | Grief |
| 61% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 76% | Aetna |
| 58% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 49% | Anthem |
How Therapists in Oakland, CA see their clients
| 56% | In Person and Online | |
| 44% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 75% | Female | |
| 20% | Male | |
| 5% | 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.


