Therapists for Teens and Adolescents in Oakland, CA
Finding someone easy to talk to can be difficult. My hope is to be that person for you. I believe your personal story matters, as does the broader social and systemic context around you. Together, we can explore both. I take a solution-oriented approach to therapy, balancing insight and root causes with a focus on your current goals and well-being. I enjoy helping clients move toward freedom from habits and thoughts that no longer serve them. You deserve to feel hopeful and empowered, and I’d love to walk alongside you.
Finding someone easy to talk to can be difficult. My hope is to be that person for you. I believe your personal story matters, as does the broader social and systemic context around you. Together, we can explore both. I take a solution-oriented approach to therapy, balancing insight and root causes with a focus on your current goals and well-being. I enjoy helping clients move toward freedom from habits and thoughts that no longer serve them. You deserve to feel hopeful and empowered, and I’d love to walk alongside you.
I work with adults and teens who want deeper, more nourishing relationships; to grow their confidence and feel content in themselves; who long to loosen the grip of stuck patterns; who need support in navigating transitions, grief, loss, or identity development; and those who want to heal from the negative effects of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
I am an attuned collaborator and value building affirming relationships. I bring curiosity and warmth; ask new, deep questions, listening to what you’re saying and what you may not yet be able to. You are the expert on your own life and my goal is to support you to better show up for yourself. I will make space for pain, levity, and everything in between.
I work with adults and teens who want deeper, more nourishing relationships; to grow their confidence and feel content in themselves; who long to loosen the grip of stuck patterns; who need support in navigating transitions, grief, loss, or identity development; and those who want to heal from the negative effects of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
I am an attuned collaborator and value building affirming relationships. I bring curiosity and warmth; ask new, deep questions, listening to what you’re saying and what you may not yet be able to. You are the expert on your own life and my goal is to support you to better show up for yourself. I will make space for pain, levity, and everything in between.
On our therapy journey together, I will guide you in exploring the difficult questions present in your life. How do I quiet my constant inner critic? How can I feel less overwhelmed? How do I accept the parts of myself that cause me pain? Sitting with your questions, we'll investigate where they come from, what stories they perpetuate, and build tools that help you access relief from emotional pain and find clarity about your core wounds. Sometimes we will explore challenging histories with gentle care, while other times we might compassionately identify unhelpful patterns that may be causing you distress.
On our therapy journey together, I will guide you in exploring the difficult questions present in your life. How do I quiet my constant inner critic? How can I feel less overwhelmed? How do I accept the parts of myself that cause me pain? Sitting with your questions, we'll investigate where they come from, what stories they perpetuate, and build tools that help you access relief from emotional pain and find clarity about your core wounds. Sometimes we will explore challenging histories with gentle care, while other times we might compassionately identify unhelpful patterns that may be causing you distress.
Through Mayamotion Healing, we prioritize support for folx who have been historically marginalized. This includes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as queer and gender non-conforming folx under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, with special attention to Spanish-speaking communities.
Through Mayamotion Healing, we prioritize support for folx who have been historically marginalized. This includes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as queer and gender non-conforming folx under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, with special attention to Spanish-speaking communities.
I work with teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families.
My experience practicing in various mental health settings and private practice has allowed me to treat a spectrum of mental health issues, including trauma and depression, attachment, identity development, anxiety, parenting skills, co-parenting dynamics, and familial conflict. My therapeutic work is influenced by a relational psychodynamic lens.
I work with teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families.
My experience practicing in various mental health settings and private practice has allowed me to treat a spectrum of mental health issues, including trauma and depression, attachment, identity development, anxiety, parenting skills, co-parenting dynamics, and familial conflict. My therapeutic work is influenced by a relational psychodynamic lens.
Imagine living from your best self, able to calmly assess challenges, remain open and compassionate, and create connections, love, and abundance, all as a part of a meaningful, purpose-driven life. That is the doorway I can open for you, first by clearing traumas and negative beliefs holding you back, then by exploring your core purpose in this life, and finally, get ready world! I have been an EMDR master therapist for over two decades, helping clients reclaim their lives with cutting edge brain re-training but the deeper work occurs in my role as a transformational coach. BE your change! Text me: 831-888-6201.
Imagine living from your best self, able to calmly assess challenges, remain open and compassionate, and create connections, love, and abundance, all as a part of a meaningful, purpose-driven life. That is the doorway I can open for you, first by clearing traumas and negative beliefs holding you back, then by exploring your core purpose in this life, and finally, get ready world! I have been an EMDR master therapist for over two decades, helping clients reclaim their lives with cutting edge brain re-training but the deeper work occurs in my role as a transformational coach. BE your change! Text me: 831-888-6201.
Porscha Nichole Castillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Helping women overcome anxiety, stress, and self-doubt to regain confidence and control. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified EMDR therapist, I support individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, IPV, trauma, assault, chemical dependency, co-occurring conditions, maternal/postpartum issues, infertility, and grief. Now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at in the comfort of your own home.
Helping women overcome anxiety, stress, and self-doubt to regain confidence and control. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified EMDR therapist, I support individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, IPV, trauma, assault, chemical dependency, co-occurring conditions, maternal/postpartum issues, infertility, and grief. Now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at in the comfort of your own home.
I work with teens to adults, individuals, couples, and families.
My background as a former educator, an executive in a large national nonprofit, and a wife and mother of twin sons, I have learned the importance of all our relationships, whether work or family, that influence our day-to-day living from teens to aging adults.
I work with teens to adults, individuals, couples, and families.
My background as a former educator, an executive in a large national nonprofit, and a wife and mother of twin sons, I have learned the importance of all our relationships, whether work or family, that influence our day-to-day living from teens to aging adults.
I work with adults and teenagers who are looking to manage symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
I specialize in working with unresolved childhood relational trauma. During our sessions, we will explore unresolved feelings and uncover the root causes that prevent you from achieving inner peace, self-love, and your desired life. Our work will lead to positive and long-lasting changes, allowing you to develop healthy patterns and habits.
I work with adults and teenagers who are looking to manage symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
I specialize in working with unresolved childhood relational trauma. During our sessions, we will explore unresolved feelings and uncover the root causes that prevent you from achieving inner peace, self-love, and your desired life. Our work will lead to positive and long-lasting changes, allowing you to develop healthy patterns and habits.
I work with adolescents, families, and individuals.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
I work with adolescents, families, and individuals.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience providing services to adolescents and adults.
I believe that the foundations of good therapy rest in non-judgmental acceptance and that this is an essential part of a positive working therapeutic relationship. In our work I collaborate with you to fully understand what brought you in and how I can be helpful. My aim is to help you live a more fulfilling, peaceful, and satisfying life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience providing services to adolescents and adults.
I believe that the foundations of good therapy rest in non-judgmental acceptance and that this is an essential part of a positive working therapeutic relationship. In our work I collaborate with you to fully understand what brought you in and how I can be helpful. My aim is to help you live a more fulfilling, peaceful, and satisfying life.
I am currently taking on new insurance clients in California. My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
I am currently taking on new insurance clients in California. My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions.
I utilize CBT, psychodynamic theory, EMDR, and narrative therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, and helplessness. My goal is to help you process childhood and recent trauma and reframe unhelpful patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Therefore, you can feel regulated and reclaim your life.
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions.
I utilize CBT, psychodynamic theory, EMDR, and narrative therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, and helplessness. My goal is to help you process childhood and recent trauma and reframe unhelpful patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Therefore, you can feel regulated and reclaim your life.
Not currently taking new clients. Hello. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you.
Not currently taking new clients. Hello. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you.
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. At every age and developmental stage of life, people need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my clients with include anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety, difficult family dynamics and social skills. I also work with parents offering guidance and support.
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. At every age and developmental stage of life, people need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my clients with include anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety, difficult family dynamics and social skills. I also work with parents offering guidance and support.
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking relief through an integrative, relational, and somatic approach. Drawing on somatic techniques such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, I support my clients in connecting to the felt sense of their bodies as a source of information. I believe that a gentle inquiry into the body’s felt sense allows us to safely integrate the past into the present and clarify what’s true for us in any given moment.
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking relief through an integrative, relational, and somatic approach. Drawing on somatic techniques such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, I support my clients in connecting to the felt sense of their bodies as a source of information. I believe that a gentle inquiry into the body’s felt sense allows us to safely integrate the past into the present and clarify what’s true for us in any given moment.
My therapy framework is inspired by Black feminist sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler who inspired my belief that healing helps us imagine and build worlds beyond the forces that dominate, dehumanize, and disconnect. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal, and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches that gently uncover without judgment deeply embedded coping strategies that were once necessary for survival.
My therapy framework is inspired by Black feminist sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler who inspired my belief that healing helps us imagine and build worlds beyond the forces that dominate, dehumanize, and disconnect. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal, and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches that gently uncover without judgment deeply embedded coping strategies that were once necessary for survival.
In my practice, I see adults, children, and teens.
As a second-generation Asian American, I have an understanding and experience in providing therapy to those raised by immigrant parents. I am here to offer you help in processing any painful feelings and experiences such as guilt, shame, obligation, and/or sense of distance from your family that many feel growing up in two (or more) cultures.
In my practice, I see adults, children, and teens.
As a second-generation Asian American, I have an understanding and experience in providing therapy to those raised by immigrant parents. I am here to offer you help in processing any painful feelings and experiences such as guilt, shame, obligation, and/or sense of distance from your family that many feel growing up in two (or more) cultures.
With over 20 years as a CA-licensed psychologist & 40-plus in the field, I enjoy working with individuals with a variety of concerns. I have seen children as young as 3 and seniors in their 80s. Some issues I have experience with: parenting, friendship and partner relationships, difficulties with self-regulation, general and social anxiety, depression, search for meaning, transitions re: culture, career, stage of life. The goals: improved family functioning, more fluidity, greater engagement and curiosity re: self and others, better boundaries, improved coping, increased energy. Let's see if we are a good fit to work together.
With over 20 years as a CA-licensed psychologist & 40-plus in the field, I enjoy working with individuals with a variety of concerns. I have seen children as young as 3 and seniors in their 80s. Some issues I have experience with: parenting, friendship and partner relationships, difficulties with self-regulation, general and social anxiety, depression, search for meaning, transitions re: culture, career, stage of life. The goals: improved family functioning, more fluidity, greater engagement and curiosity re: self and others, better boundaries, improved coping, increased energy. Let's see if we are a good fit to work together.
I am a trauma centered, queer therapist incorporating the body, family systems and collective liberation. I center the relational experience and hope for therapy to be a place of support to encounter all parts of yourself. I view therapy as a place to feel and be felt, one that can hold unknown territory. Our bodies know what they need even if for a multitude of reasons there is a not knowing. I orient the therapeutic container to hold the process of disentangling from the myriad systems influencing how we relate to ourselves and others.
I am a trauma centered, queer therapist incorporating the body, family systems and collective liberation. I center the relational experience and hope for therapy to be a place of support to encounter all parts of yourself. I view therapy as a place to feel and be felt, one that can hold unknown territory. Our bodies know what they need even if for a multitude of reasons there is a not knowing. I orient the therapeutic container to hold the process of disentangling from the myriad systems influencing how we relate to ourselves and others.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Teens Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
FAQ - Teenage and Adolescent Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.