Therapists in Oakland, CA
You might want to work with me if you have a hard time identifying your own needs, frequently over-give, easily absorb other people's emotions and energies, make yourself small, and struggle to assert yourself. Our work together can help you feel more grounded, whole, and in alignment with yourself, with better boundaries, more self-confidence, and healthier, more secure relationships. And as a queer, South Asian therapist, I have a nuanced understanding of identity and the impact of systems on our lived realities.
You might want to work with me if you have a hard time identifying your own needs, frequently over-give, easily absorb other people's emotions and energies, make yourself small, and struggle to assert yourself. Our work together can help you feel more grounded, whole, and in alignment with yourself, with better boundaries, more self-confidence, and healthier, more secure relationships. And as a queer, South Asian therapist, I have a nuanced understanding of identity and the impact of systems on our lived realities.
I have been a licensed clinical psychologist in California since 2010. Using an authentic and direct approach, I treat a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal and family challenges, and trauma. I work collaboratively with clients to develop collaborative therapy goals, track progress, build ongoing coping skills, and deepen emotional insight. In sessions, my approach is client-centered, warm, and culturally-sensitive.
I have been a licensed clinical psychologist in California since 2010. Using an authentic and direct approach, I treat a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal and family challenges, and trauma. I work collaboratively with clients to develop collaborative therapy goals, track progress, build ongoing coping skills, and deepen emotional insight. In sessions, my approach is client-centered, warm, and culturally-sensitive.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
Life is challenging. We all benefit from receiving support as we navigate transitions, relationships, and the constancy of change. I have 20 years' experience supporting people who span a diverse range of ages and cultural backgrounds. My approach integrates body and sensory awareness with relaxation practices. I offer information about how neurobiological processes impact functioning and experience. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and dynamic as we observe and shift unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Some people choose to make art as part of most meetings; others prefer to mostly talk.
Life is challenging. We all benefit from receiving support as we navigate transitions, relationships, and the constancy of change. I have 20 years' experience supporting people who span a diverse range of ages and cultural backgrounds. My approach integrates body and sensory awareness with relaxation practices. I offer information about how neurobiological processes impact functioning and experience. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and dynamic as we observe and shift unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Some people choose to make art as part of most meetings; others prefer to mostly talk.
Hi, I’m Lynnell Morris Sow, LCSW.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and the lasting impact of domestic violence. My approach is grounded in empathy and connection, and I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR, to meet each client’s unique needs. In our first sessions together, you can expect a warm, supportive space—free of judgment—where you can feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.
Hi, I’m Lynnell Morris Sow, LCSW.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and the lasting impact of domestic violence. My approach is grounded in empathy and connection, and I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR, to meet each client’s unique needs. In our first sessions together, you can expect a warm, supportive space—free of judgment—where you can feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.
You’ve had difficult things happen in your life. Sometimes you feel like it’s your fault that you feel this bad and that you should just be able to get over it. Or you worry you are making a big deal out of nothing. You’re tired of feeling so bad. And you think that it might never get better. You want to feel less overwhelmed. And you want to make sense of your life.
You’ve had difficult things happen in your life. Sometimes you feel like it’s your fault that you feel this bad and that you should just be able to get over it. Or you worry you are making a big deal out of nothing. You’re tired of feeling so bad. And you think that it might never get better. You want to feel less overwhelmed. And you want to make sense of your life.
Are you a caring and thoughtful person? I imagine you seek support in being more caring and thoughtful towards yourself. Many of my clients value making the world a better place, but find it can leave them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from themselves. Even if you understand your relational patterns intellectually, you may still feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, people-pleasing, or dysregulation of fight-flight-freeze.
I work with a lot of teachers, therapists, caregivers, activists, healers, parents, and neurodivergent adults and teens, who struggle to voice needs, set boundaries, and feel self-confident.
Are you a caring and thoughtful person? I imagine you seek support in being more caring and thoughtful towards yourself. Many of my clients value making the world a better place, but find it can leave them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from themselves. Even if you understand your relational patterns intellectually, you may still feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, people-pleasing, or dysregulation of fight-flight-freeze.
I work with a lot of teachers, therapists, caregivers, activists, healers, parents, and neurodivergent adults and teens, who struggle to voice needs, set boundaries, and feel self-confident.
I work with older adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or are overly self-critical. Many of my clients identify as highly sensitive, struggle with inner wounds that developed in childhood, or feel caught in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism often shaped by cultural, relational, and gender-based pressures. I’m especially passionate about supporting women who feel disconnected from themselves after years of prioritizing others, questioning their worth, or feeling “not enough” despite doing everything right.
I work with older adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or are overly self-critical. Many of my clients identify as highly sensitive, struggle with inner wounds that developed in childhood, or feel caught in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism often shaped by cultural, relational, and gender-based pressures. I’m especially passionate about supporting women who feel disconnected from themselves after years of prioritizing others, questioning their worth, or feeling “not enough” despite doing everything right.
I enjoy working with individuals (age 14+) and relational units (couples, polycules, etc). I guide each session with a social justice and trauma-informed lens to support your mental, emotional, and social development. This includes supporting you in managing practical life challenges such as education, employment, and interpersonal communication, as well as more complex obstacles like imposter syndrome, financial values, and intimate relationship dynamics/composition. If you are interested in beginning your journey toward becoming more a confident, introspective, emotionally balanced individual, I will be here every step of the way.
I enjoy working with individuals (age 14+) and relational units (couples, polycules, etc). I guide each session with a social justice and trauma-informed lens to support your mental, emotional, and social development. This includes supporting you in managing practical life challenges such as education, employment, and interpersonal communication, as well as more complex obstacles like imposter syndrome, financial values, and intimate relationship dynamics/composition. If you are interested in beginning your journey toward becoming more a confident, introspective, emotionally balanced individual, I will be here every step of the way.
Let’s be honest — life can be a lot sometimes. Whether you’re overwhelmed, over it, or just trying to figure out what’s next, you don’t have to do it alone. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women’s issues, and perinatal mental health. Whether you’re adjusting to a new role, juggling motherhood, or just trying to figure out who you are right now, this is a space where you can land, breathe, and be yourself. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and sometimes a little lighthearted because let’s face it — life’s too real to be serious all the time.
Let’s be honest — life can be a lot sometimes. Whether you’re overwhelmed, over it, or just trying to figure out what’s next, you don’t have to do it alone. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women’s issues, and perinatal mental health. Whether you’re adjusting to a new role, juggling motherhood, or just trying to figure out who you are right now, this is a space where you can land, breathe, and be yourself. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and sometimes a little lighthearted because let’s face it — life’s too real to be serious all the time.
Thank you for considering me. I am a Psychologist in Oakland, California specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I treat anxiety and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.
I also offer couple's therapy integrating CBT and John Gottman's couples therapy approaches to help couples grow closer, communicate better, and reduce and resolve conflict.
I treat my patients with warmth, encouragement, and respect. I teach my patients how to understand and work with their experiences like a clinician.
I would be pleased to meet you.
Thank you for considering me. I am a Psychologist in Oakland, California specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I treat anxiety and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.
I also offer couple's therapy integrating CBT and John Gottman's couples therapy approaches to help couples grow closer, communicate better, and reduce and resolve conflict.
I treat my patients with warmth, encouragement, and respect. I teach my patients how to understand and work with their experiences like a clinician.
I would be pleased to meet you.
Lately there's a gap between the life you've created and how you feel inside it. Outwardly, you might be functioning fine while quietly struggling. You might be hitting a wall you can't think your way through or in a relationship or career that's not working. Previous therapy felt directionless, too shallow, or like the therapist didn't quite get you. You want someone who understands you and can help you get to the root of the issue, not just focus on symptoms.
Lately there's a gap between the life you've created and how you feel inside it. Outwardly, you might be functioning fine while quietly struggling. You might be hitting a wall you can't think your way through or in a relationship or career that's not working. Previous therapy felt directionless, too shallow, or like the therapist didn't quite get you. You want someone who understands you and can help you get to the root of the issue, not just focus on symptoms.
Feeling deeply understood, feeling supported, and feeling relief are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to manage alone. Together, we can explore difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand and make changes in important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, ease emotional pain, reduce work stress, get support with life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.
Feeling deeply understood, feeling supported, and feeling relief are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to manage alone. Together, we can explore difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand and make changes in important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, ease emotional pain, reduce work stress, get support with life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.
Hello! I am currently offering trauma informed and EMDR therapy. I work primarily with high functioning deep feelers and thinkers who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD and are ready to get to the root of it all and feel better. Whether you are challenged by intimacy issues, feeling unfulfilled at work or school, or are just tired of being controlled by emotions like anger or grief, emotions can be hard to manage. Lasting change happens within the context of a safe relationship, and regardless of your attachment style or history, I can help you create the changes you want to see in your life.
Hello! I am currently offering trauma informed and EMDR therapy. I work primarily with high functioning deep feelers and thinkers who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD and are ready to get to the root of it all and feel better. Whether you are challenged by intimacy issues, feeling unfulfilled at work or school, or are just tired of being controlled by emotions like anger or grief, emotions can be hard to manage. Lasting change happens within the context of a safe relationship, and regardless of your attachment style or history, I can help you create the changes you want to see in your life.
The single most consistent predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I prioritize creating a trusting relationship. My approach is collaborative, relational, and interactive. I balance listening deeply with gently challenging clients to make meaningful change. I am not a therapist who sits back silently. I also do not presume that any given technique or my own experience hold all the answers in our journey together. Rather, I draw on evidence-based, relational practices, more than a decade of clinical practice, and your lived experience, cultural and personal practices, beliefs, and values.
The single most consistent predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I prioritize creating a trusting relationship. My approach is collaborative, relational, and interactive. I balance listening deeply with gently challenging clients to make meaningful change. I am not a therapist who sits back silently. I also do not presume that any given technique or my own experience hold all the answers in our journey together. Rather, I draw on evidence-based, relational practices, more than a decade of clinical practice, and your lived experience, cultural and personal practices, beliefs, and values.
Are you feeling confused, and overwhelmed by certain dynamics that exist in your life? Are you looking for a place to process complicated emotions and relationships? Are you trying to learn and unlearn ways to show up for yourself and others? Do you need support in feeling more connected to yourself and your values? I provide a down to earth and compassionate space for all of that and whatever else your parts may need. We can explore what your wounds, desires, and what embodying your values truly looks like. I'm here to help guide you in feeling more connected to yourself, and able to heal in a way that feels authentic to you.
Are you feeling confused, and overwhelmed by certain dynamics that exist in your life? Are you looking for a place to process complicated emotions and relationships? Are you trying to learn and unlearn ways to show up for yourself and others? Do you need support in feeling more connected to yourself and your values? I provide a down to earth and compassionate space for all of that and whatever else your parts may need. We can explore what your wounds, desires, and what embodying your values truly looks like. I'm here to help guide you in feeling more connected to yourself, and able to heal in a way that feels authentic to you.
I work with adolescents, adults, families, couples, and non-traditional relationship structures who are navigating identity, life transitions, intergenerational patterns, spiritual disconnection, grief, or the desire to reconnect with a deeper sense of self. Many of my clients hold cultural, ancestral, or communal stories that shape their experiences, and they’re looking for a therapist who can see beyond the individual and make space for the larger systems that impact their lives.
I work with adolescents, adults, families, couples, and non-traditional relationship structures who are navigating identity, life transitions, intergenerational patterns, spiritual disconnection, grief, or the desire to reconnect with a deeper sense of self. Many of my clients hold cultural, ancestral, or communal stories that shape their experiences, and they’re looking for a therapist who can see beyond the individual and make space for the larger systems that impact their lives.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
My clients are often navigating life transitions, questions of identity and belonging, caregiving, grief, relationship challenges, or a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. Together, we create space to better understand patterns, reconnect with what matters most, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful. I especially enjoy working with queer, BIPOC, Japanese American, and bicultural adults, and I offer therapy in both English and Japanese.
My clients are often navigating life transitions, questions of identity and belonging, caregiving, grief, relationship challenges, or a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. Together, we create space to better understand patterns, reconnect with what matters most, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful. I especially enjoy working with queer, BIPOC, Japanese American, and bicultural adults, and I offer therapy in both English and Japanese.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Oakland, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$196
Therapists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 92% | Social Anxiety |
| 92% | Health Anxiety |
| 92% | Driving Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 75% | Relationship Anxiety |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 77% | Aetna |
| 58% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 50% | 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.