Therapists in North Oakland, Oakland, CA

Dr. Theresa Tan
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Waitlist for new clients
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.

Barbara Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PysD, MFT
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Not accepting new clients
"Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live," (Goethe) Yet, trusting yourself depends on knowing yourself - what to do and how to live follows. Frustration, disappointment, anxiety and depression are signals that there is more to know about yourself. Our work will unravel the assumptions and patterns that undermine your capacity to create the love and work life that you desire. For over 30 years I have helped individuals and couples negotiate pivotal life transitions: leaving home, developing a career, finding a mate, parenting, the empty nest and aging.
"Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live," (Goethe) Yet, trusting yourself depends on knowing yourself - what to do and how to live follows. Frustration, disappointment, anxiety and depression are signals that there is more to know about yourself. Our work will unravel the assumptions and patterns that undermine your capacity to create the love and work life that you desire. For over 30 years I have helped individuals and couples negotiate pivotal life transitions: leaving home, developing a career, finding a mate, parenting, the empty nest and aging.

Ben Fletcher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609
I hope you find a good therapist who fits what you are looking for. I am somatically oriented which means I work from the perspective of the body. We will practice getting more in touch with how you form your own experience and how to self influence in a more robust way. We will also practice grounding your sense of well being in yourself rather than outside yourself in the unreliable world.
As a former collegiate athletic coach I am practiced at communicating this work in a simple and easy to understand way. Please reach out to me if you are interested in building a strong foundation from which to grow.
I hope you find a good therapist who fits what you are looking for. I am somatically oriented which means I work from the perspective of the body. We will practice getting more in touch with how you form your own experience and how to self influence in a more robust way. We will also practice grounding your sense of well being in yourself rather than outside yourself in the unreliable world.
As a former collegiate athletic coach I am practiced at communicating this work in a simple and easy to understand way. Please reach out to me if you are interested in building a strong foundation from which to grow.

Natalie R Cargill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Has something in your life become too much to bear? If you’re feeling lonely, alienated, confused about your relationships, hurt, angry, or feeling unheard; if you’re finding the stress of parenting overwhelming, or feeling defeated by cycles of conflict, I'd like to help you. I work with individuals, couples and families wounded by their family systems, who have experienced trauma or abuse, have struggled with a narcissistic parent or partner, or have been negatively impacted by relationships with their in-laws. I passionately believe that with the right help, you can move from suffering and uncertainty to clarity and empowerment.
Has something in your life become too much to bear? If you’re feeling lonely, alienated, confused about your relationships, hurt, angry, or feeling unheard; if you’re finding the stress of parenting overwhelming, or feeling defeated by cycles of conflict, I'd like to help you. I work with individuals, couples and families wounded by their family systems, who have experienced trauma or abuse, have struggled with a narcissistic parent or partner, or have been negatively impacted by relationships with their in-laws. I passionately believe that with the right help, you can move from suffering and uncertainty to clarity and empowerment.

Lynn Tracy
Psychologist
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Not accepting new clients
Are you looking to transform your life? Are you tired of being caught in self-destructive patterns? Are you hoping for real change? If so, I am interested in collaborating with you to create the life you want. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your therapeutic goals quickly and fully. In my practice, I see people accomplish profound change on a daily basis. My style is straightforward coupled with compassion. In individual or couples therapy, I work diligently to help you overcome barriers to contentment in intimacy, relationships, work and family life.
Are you looking to transform your life? Are you tired of being caught in self-destructive patterns? Are you hoping for real change? If so, I am interested in collaborating with you to create the life you want. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your therapeutic goals quickly and fully. In my practice, I see people accomplish profound change on a daily basis. My style is straightforward coupled with compassion. In individual or couples therapy, I work diligently to help you overcome barriers to contentment in intimacy, relationships, work and family life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to be everything to everyone? Perhaps you are exhausted by all the effort it takes to "push through" and life feels like you’re just going through the motions? If this is you- Sawubona (sow:'bɔh:nah)- I see you. You are strong, intelligent, hard working and resourceful but you may also be struggling with feeling tired, disconnected, and burnt out. If you are searching for new ways to cope- I can help.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to be everything to everyone? Perhaps you are exhausted by all the effort it takes to "push through" and life feels like you’re just going through the motions? If this is you- Sawubona (sow:'bɔh:nah)- I see you. You are strong, intelligent, hard working and resourceful but you may also be struggling with feeling tired, disconnected, and burnt out. If you are searching for new ways to cope- I can help.

Clients who typically feel drawn to work with me tend to prefer a more action-oriented and present-focused approach to therapy. While developing self-understanding in therapy can be very powerful by itself, I like to try to empower my clients to use their insight to create concrete change in their lives. I also like working with clients who are interested in setting goals, willing to experiment with new behaviors and thinking patterns, and motivated to do homework between sessions. My specialty areas include anxiety, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, low self-esteem, disordered eating, stress, and work-life balance.
Clients who typically feel drawn to work with me tend to prefer a more action-oriented and present-focused approach to therapy. While developing self-understanding in therapy can be very powerful by itself, I like to try to empower my clients to use their insight to create concrete change in their lives. I also like working with clients who are interested in setting goals, willing to experiment with new behaviors and thinking patterns, and motivated to do homework between sessions. My specialty areas include anxiety, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, low self-esteem, disordered eating, stress, and work-life balance.

Andy Sussman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.

When you've survived difficult circumstances - learning trust your body's messages can feel like tuning into static between radio channels. Uncomfortable, noisy, nothing's there. Somatic therapy offers the opportunity to practically help you to slow down, bring awareness and compassion to your inner space to listen for the messages that your body is always communicating. This supports changing default patterns, cultivating inner safety, and making decisions from a clear place. We are capable of being our truest selves when we're embodied!
When you've survived difficult circumstances - learning trust your body's messages can feel like tuning into static between radio channels. Uncomfortable, noisy, nothing's there. Somatic therapy offers the opportunity to practically help you to slow down, bring awareness and compassion to your inner space to listen for the messages that your body is always communicating. This supports changing default patterns, cultivating inner safety, and making decisions from a clear place. We are capable of being our truest selves when we're embodied!

Struggling to find a therapist who gets it?! I have a passion for working with Creatives, Queers, Misfits, and those deemed “Too Much” or “Overly Sensitive”. Feeling stuck, lost, teary, distant, numb, cranky, sad, or stressed?! Self-discovery and change is possible when one has the opportunity to feel connected with their therapist and both commit to the process. I am committed to a safe space, free of judgement, and familiar with all the ways the experience of difference can take a toll in one’s life. Providing Telehealth state-wide in California and Maine.
Struggling to find a therapist who gets it?! I have a passion for working with Creatives, Queers, Misfits, and those deemed “Too Much” or “Overly Sensitive”. Feeling stuck, lost, teary, distant, numb, cranky, sad, or stressed?! Self-discovery and change is possible when one has the opportunity to feel connected with their therapist and both commit to the process. I am committed to a safe space, free of judgement, and familiar with all the ways the experience of difference can take a toll in one’s life. Providing Telehealth state-wide in California and Maine.

The decision to begin therapy can be daunting, especially if you are already feeling vulnerable and uncertain about what to expect from a therapist. Whether you have specific symptoms that you want to address or a vague sense of something not feeling right, therapy can help. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of US and international experience. I’ve worked with individuals and couples across the lifespan who come from every region of the world. I have successfully treated a broad range of difficulties, and my work is grounded in effective treatment methods.
The decision to begin therapy can be daunting, especially if you are already feeling vulnerable and uncertain about what to expect from a therapist. Whether you have specific symptoms that you want to address or a vague sense of something not feeling right, therapy can help. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of US and international experience. I’ve worked with individuals and couples across the lifespan who come from every region of the world. I have successfully treated a broad range of difficulties, and my work is grounded in effective treatment methods.
Meet Our Therapists

Sanford H Pearlman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611
My work is to help individuals, couples, and families with any issues that may be causing distress. I'm open to working with anyone or any couple or family that is interested in a deeper exploration of who they are and how they are in the world. I work with people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and anything that may be causing difficulties in your relationships and in your life. I will take many different approaches in sessions based on your needs in the moment. My goal is your independence, self-sufficiency and self-acceptance.
My work is to help individuals, couples, and families with any issues that may be causing distress. I'm open to working with anyone or any couple or family that is interested in a deeper exploration of who they are and how they are in the world. I work with people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and anything that may be causing difficulties in your relationships and in your life. I will take many different approaches in sessions based on your needs in the moment. My goal is your independence, self-sufficiency and self-acceptance.

LaToya Braxton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, EdS
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94610
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.

Lana Theimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
What if we begin with the assumption that you were born to be happy, loved, prosperous and at peace? Sounds good... but then why do I hurt? Why do I struggle? Why are the inevitable changes so hard to accept? Therapy can often serve to identify the barriers to happiness and emotional well-being. Simply identifying beliefs and practices at the center of any emotional turmoil can empower you to begin living a life that you deserve. I work with individuals and couples to get to the core of their issues so that they can start leading happier lives today!
What if we begin with the assumption that you were born to be happy, loved, prosperous and at peace? Sounds good... but then why do I hurt? Why do I struggle? Why are the inevitable changes so hard to accept? Therapy can often serve to identify the barriers to happiness and emotional well-being. Simply identifying beliefs and practices at the center of any emotional turmoil can empower you to begin living a life that you deserve. I work with individuals and couples to get to the core of their issues so that they can start leading happier lives today!

Katrina Brashares
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.

Megan Ellis Van Vlack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Not accepting new clients
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of or you may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. What you do know is that it's getting to be more difficult to stay motivated and enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and instead help you find ways to thrive.
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of or you may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. What you do know is that it's getting to be more difficult to stay motivated and enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and instead help you find ways to thrive.

Noelle Clason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.

Brenda Bloomfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94618
Anxiety, sadness, anger, regret are natural and human, but when one is stuck thinking and feeling these ways, something is wrong. If you are stuck, repeating the same kinds of experiences, or if there has been an unmanageable disruption in your life, I have been in practice helping people in similar situations for more than 30 years. Through talking and thinking together to deeply understand your experience, we discover and create new ways for you to think and act in the world. Your sense of self and of life expand, opening up space in which to move, breathe and grow.
Anxiety, sadness, anger, regret are natural and human, but when one is stuck thinking and feeling these ways, something is wrong. If you are stuck, repeating the same kinds of experiences, or if there has been an unmanageable disruption in your life, I have been in practice helping people in similar situations for more than 30 years. Through talking and thinking together to deeply understand your experience, we discover and create new ways for you to think and act in the world. Your sense of self and of life expand, opening up space in which to move, breathe and grow.

Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself and experience a greater sense of wholeness and balance? We can work together to find answers to these questions. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of understanding and guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 40 years of experience helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.
Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself and experience a greater sense of wholeness and balance? We can work together to find answers to these questions. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of understanding and guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 40 years of experience helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.

Rebecca Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Oakland, Oakland, CA 94610
Have you ever experienced a moment where you knew life wasn’t headed in the direction you wanted? A moment where you felt lost, lonely, or unsure where to even start? All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies, however, due to overwhelming and difficult life experiences this does not always feel achievable. I specialize in working with people experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. Through skill building, educational components, and relational work, we focus on de-escalating symptoms to ultimately provide you with the tools you need.
Have you ever experienced a moment where you knew life wasn’t headed in the direction you wanted? A moment where you felt lost, lonely, or unsure where to even start? All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies, however, due to overwhelming and difficult life experiences this does not always feel achievable. I specialize in working with people experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. Through skill building, educational components, and relational work, we focus on de-escalating symptoms to ultimately provide you with the tools you need.
See more therapy options for North Oakland, Oakland
Nearby Searches for North Oakland, Oakland
- Bushrod
- Fairview Park
- Gaskill
- Mountain View Cemetery
- Piedmont Ave
- Piedmont Avenue
- Rockridge
- Shafter
- Temescal
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in North Oakland, Oakland, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in North Oakland, Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
87% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Self Esteem |
73% | Grief |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
53% | Aetna |
39% | Other |
35% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in North Oakland, Oakland, CA see their clients
72% | In Person and Online | |
28% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in North Oakland, 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.