Dementia Therapists in Oakland, CA
I provide neuropsychological evaluations (testing) to adults with cognitive concerns, such as difficulty with memory, attention, multitasking, "slowing down," or changes in language or personality.
Neuropsychological evaluations most often help guide the course of treatments. With the patient's consent, I provide documentation and consultation with their regular doctors - such as neurologists, primary care and mental health providers - to discuss potential medication changes, talk therapies, surgical options, self-care strategies, and more.
I provide neuropsychological evaluations (testing) to adults with cognitive concerns, such as difficulty with memory, attention, multitasking, "slowing down," or changes in language or personality.
Neuropsychological evaluations most often help guide the course of treatments. With the patient's consent, I provide documentation and consultation with their regular doctors - such as neurologists, primary care and mental health providers - to discuss potential medication changes, talk therapies, surgical options, self-care strategies, and more.
cancer, stroke, ALS, Parkinsons, dementia, MS, MD, heart or lung disease, injury) as well as with loved ones.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
cancer, stroke, ALS, Parkinsons, dementia, MS, MD, heart or lung disease, injury) as well as with loved ones.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
I am experienced in couples therapy and enjoy work with older adults.
Are you struggling with how childhood experiences, losses or trauma continues to influence your life? Are you discouraged at repeating difficult situations or find it hard to get out from under depression or anxiety? I'm glad to see how we can put our minds together to understand your dilemmas and see things differently. Change is possible no matter what your age or your life circumstances when you feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who you are and where you've been.
I am experienced in couples therapy and enjoy work with older adults.
Are you struggling with how childhood experiences, losses or trauma continues to influence your life? Are you discouraged at repeating difficult situations or find it hard to get out from under depression or anxiety? I'm glad to see how we can put our minds together to understand your dilemmas and see things differently. Change is possible no matter what your age or your life circumstances when you feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who you are and where you've been.
My background includes in-depth work with both an aging population (subspecialty in serving clients and families coming to terms with dementia) and elementary- and high-school age children and their families.
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
My background includes in-depth work with both an aging population (subspecialty in serving clients and families coming to terms with dementia) and elementary- and high-school age children and their families.
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/Bereavement/Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.
Unexpressed emotional pain finds its way to and lodges in the mind, the body, and the soul. To untangle your emotional pain, we will work to explore the ways its held and how it informs your relationship to yourself and others.
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/Bereavement/Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.
Unexpressed emotional pain finds its way to and lodges in the mind, the body, and the soul. To untangle your emotional pain, we will work to explore the ways its held and how it informs your relationship to yourself and others.
Young, middle aged, & older adults
2.
I offer client centered, compassionate, integrative and holistic therapy. I incorporate mind, body, emotions, spirit and honoring community and cultural contexts to help you engage in authentic and deep work. I offer free consults that can support you in figuring out what you are looking for, who or what might serve you best; whether me or someone else.
Young, middle aged, & older adults
2.
I offer client centered, compassionate, integrative and holistic therapy. I incorporate mind, body, emotions, spirit and honoring community and cultural contexts to help you engage in authentic and deep work. I offer free consults that can support you in figuring out what you are looking for, who or what might serve you best; whether me or someone else.
Monica Z. Nowakowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
With compassion and humor I provide a safe place for adults to get help with personal situations such as relationship/work stress, break-ups, retirement, chronic/ life-threatening illness and disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, care-giving of people of all ages, and "coming out".
I help people deal more effectively and safely with the challenging or overwhelming personal or professional situations. I have extensive experience working health professionals. With guidance, clients find that they can identify patterns that are not useful anymore, re-gain hope, and learn more useful ways to manage emotions/behavior and relate to others.
With compassion and humor I provide a safe place for adults to get help with personal situations such as relationship/work stress, break-ups, retirement, chronic/ life-threatening illness and disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, care-giving of people of all ages, and "coming out".
I help people deal more effectively and safely with the challenging or overwhelming personal or professional situations. I have extensive experience working health professionals. With guidance, clients find that they can identify patterns that are not useful anymore, re-gain hope, and learn more useful ways to manage emotions/behavior and relate to others.
I have experience working with folks across the lifespan in regards to relational issues, polyamory/open relationships, work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum, & caregiving for elders, especially those with dementia.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here and appreciate that it can take a lot to start the process of finding support. I believe we all have the capacity to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, and moments of joy in our lives. Let's explore the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, increase self understanding, and develop coping skills for the challenges you face. Life can be hard and we don’t always get to choose our circumstances but we can try to find ways to get through the best we can. I use a holistic approach with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, and compassionate care.
I have experience working with folks across the lifespan in regards to relational issues, polyamory/open relationships, work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum, & caregiving for elders, especially those with dementia.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here and appreciate that it can take a lot to start the process of finding support. I believe we all have the capacity to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, and moments of joy in our lives. Let's explore the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, increase self understanding, and develop coping skills for the challenges you face. Life can be hard and we don’t always get to choose our circumstances but we can try to find ways to get through the best we can. I use a holistic approach with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, and compassionate care.
I have experience working in schools, hospitals, outpatient/ inpatient, residential crisis programs, and fieldwork with many different cultures, seeing adults, children, and families struggling with, mental illness, grief and loss, serious medical/ psychiatric issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and a variety of other issues.
I formally studied looking through the lens of the theoretical model of Object Relations, and I also like to incorporate a Humanistic/ Existential approach with all my clients. My belief is to work together in finding what supports you best.
I have experience working in schools, hospitals, outpatient/ inpatient, residential crisis programs, and fieldwork with many different cultures, seeing adults, children, and families struggling with, mental illness, grief and loss, serious medical/ psychiatric issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and a variety of other issues.
I formally studied looking through the lens of the theoretical model of Object Relations, and I also like to incorporate a Humanistic/ Existential approach with all my clients. My belief is to work together in finding what supports you best.
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
Psychological Evaluations for Court - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Meet Our Dementia Therapists
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
We all sometimes face challenges in life that we just can't resolve on our own. It might be a transition in your life that has brought unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage or divorce. raising a family, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own aging and mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship. Or it might be more of an internal struggle giving rise to anxiety, depression, or struggles with self-defeating behaviors. A fresh perspective can make all the difference. I work with both couples and individuals, providing expertise gained from 40 years' experience.
We all sometimes face challenges in life that we just can't resolve on our own. It might be a transition in your life that has brought unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage or divorce. raising a family, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own aging and mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship. Or it might be more of an internal struggle giving rise to anxiety, depression, or struggles with self-defeating behaviors. A fresh perspective can make all the difference. I work with both couples and individuals, providing expertise gained from 40 years' experience.
EMDR Psychotherapy and Geriatric Mental Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you bothered by an upsetting event (s) that you cannot get out of your mind? Do you know something is holding you back, perhaps from your past, but you can't seem to shake it? Have you tried traditional talk therapy, but your past still has a grip on you? Exciting breakthroughs have been advanced in our understanding of how our brains mange memories. The latest research shows that non-traditional therapies like EMDR, can more quickly & deeply help us heal and recover from traumatic events and live more satisfying lives.
Are you bothered by an upsetting event (s) that you cannot get out of your mind? Do you know something is holding you back, perhaps from your past, but you can't seem to shake it? Have you tried traditional talk therapy, but your past still has a grip on you? Exciting breakthroughs have been advanced in our understanding of how our brains mange memories. The latest research shows that non-traditional therapies like EMDR, can more quickly & deeply help us heal and recover from traumatic events and live more satisfying lives.
At one time or another, day-to-day life can just feel too difficult. The perspective, support, and skills you can gain from working with a therapist can be an enormous help. I enjoy working with a wide range of adults struggling with life transitions, parenting, relationships, work challenges, or grief and loss. I am particularly interested in the personal issues brought up by the special needs, illnesses, or other challenges, of people you care about. I use psychodynamic as well as practical and supportive approaches, depending on the needs of my clients.
At one time or another, day-to-day life can just feel too difficult. The perspective, support, and skills you can gain from working with a therapist can be an enormous help. I enjoy working with a wide range of adults struggling with life transitions, parenting, relationships, work challenges, or grief and loss. I am particularly interested in the personal issues brought up by the special needs, illnesses, or other challenges, of people you care about. I use psychodynamic as well as practical and supportive approaches, depending on the needs of my clients.
I initially became a social worker to help the elderly population. Through graduate school, I have found a love for both medical social work as well as working in behavioral and mental health.
I initially became a social worker to help the elderly population. Through graduate school, I have found a love for both medical social work as well as working in behavioral and mental health.
Laura Prince-McGee
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I strive to create a space where people feel less alone in their pain and fear—where empathy becomes both a source of comfort and a catalyst for strength. Stepping into our truth and becoming who we are meant to be isn’t always easy. I truly believe we’re not meant to navigate this emotional work alone. With the right support, change becomes possible and can take root in a lasting, meaningful way. As self-awareness deepens relationships often transform—becoming more authentic and connected.
I offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I strive to create a space where people feel less alone in their pain and fear—where empathy becomes both a source of comfort and a catalyst for strength. Stepping into our truth and becoming who we are meant to be isn’t always easy. I truly believe we’re not meant to navigate this emotional work alone. With the right support, change becomes possible and can take root in a lasting, meaningful way. As self-awareness deepens relationships often transform—becoming more authentic and connected.
Ruben Garibaldo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Waitlist for new clients
I am a culturally conscious therapist with particular sensibility towards those who seek to address and recognize their strengths and fundamental worth. I enjoy working with people and families of diverse backgrounds and across all life stages, from school age children to elder adults.I am bilingual in English and Spanish and practice psychotherapy in both languages. My work emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reflective space where individuals, families and caregivers can receive emotional support and insight while remaining strengths focused. Empathy and compassion are essential to any transformative work. I employ
I am a culturally conscious therapist with particular sensibility towards those who seek to address and recognize their strengths and fundamental worth. I enjoy working with people and families of diverse backgrounds and across all life stages, from school age children to elder adults.I am bilingual in English and Spanish and practice psychotherapy in both languages. My work emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reflective space where individuals, families and caregivers can receive emotional support and insight while remaining strengths focused. Empathy and compassion are essential to any transformative work. I employ
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Alzheimer's Therapists Searches for Oakland
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Dementia Therapists
Can dementia patients benefit from counseling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counseling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counselors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counselors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.
How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?
To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.
What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioral and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.
When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?
It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.