Substance Use Therapists in Oakland, CA

I specialize in working with individuals presenting with anxiety, depression, substance use and mood disorders.
I have a strong belief that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and take every effort to ensure that you feel heard each step of the way. Together, we will create a treatment plan that will assist you in meeting your goals and ultimately living your best life!
I specialize in working with individuals presenting with anxiety, depression, substance use and mood disorders.
I have a strong belief that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and take every effort to ensure that you feel heard each step of the way. Together, we will create a treatment plan that will assist you in meeting your goals and ultimately living your best life!

My practice is deeply rooted in community mental health, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
My clients describe me as compassionate and nonjudgmental, yet direct and clear. Our work together will be solution-oriented, focusing on managing present symptoms rather than solely addressing past challenges.
My practice is deeply rooted in community mental health, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
My clients describe me as compassionate and nonjudgmental, yet direct and clear. Our work together will be solution-oriented, focusing on managing present symptoms rather than solely addressing past challenges.

My expertise is in helping people navigate life challenges: trauma (past or present), anxiety, depression, or substance use/misuse.
My therapy style is trauma informed, relational and self empowering. Our sessions are a neutral space for you to safely explore issues in your life. Let’s me support you in creating a better relationship with yourself. We will work collaboratively to develop strategies to create changes within yourself and in life so you can feel more grounded and happy.
My expertise is in helping people navigate life challenges: trauma (past or present), anxiety, depression, or substance use/misuse.
My therapy style is trauma informed, relational and self empowering. Our sessions are a neutral space for you to safely explore issues in your life. Let’s me support you in creating a better relationship with yourself. We will work collaboratively to develop strategies to create changes within yourself and in life so you can feel more grounded and happy.

about 80 percent of my practice currently is working with people struggling with the intersection of trauma and substance use
Clients generally come to me because they are experiencing disruption to their lives due to their use of, or a loved ones use of, drugs and/or alcohol, significant anxiety and stress challenges or have suffered a trauma which is preventing them from living the life that they want to be able to live.
about 80 percent of my practice currently is working with people struggling with the intersection of trauma and substance use
Clients generally come to me because they are experiencing disruption to their lives due to their use of, or a loved ones use of, drugs and/or alcohol, significant anxiety and stress challenges or have suffered a trauma which is preventing them from living the life that they want to be able to live.

I have experience working with individuals with a variety of challenges that include trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, emotional challenges, attachment issues, and substance use.
Welcome! My name is Sukhpreet Kaur, and I am a first generation American. I believe that we are the key to our own healing, therefore it is important to me to hold a space for you that is safe, collaborate, and empowering for healing and exploration.
I have experience working with individuals with a variety of challenges that include trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, emotional challenges, attachment issues, and substance use.
Welcome! My name is Sukhpreet Kaur, and I am a first generation American. I believe that we are the key to our own healing, therefore it is important to me to hold a space for you that is safe, collaborate, and empowering for healing and exploration.

I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence.
I offer relational psychotherapy that weaves together somatic practices, mindfulness, parts work, creative expression, and harm reduction. Using your strengths and honoring your boundaries, we will practice non-judgmentally noticing and responding to what’s going on for you.
I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence.
I offer relational psychotherapy that weaves together somatic practices, mindfulness, parts work, creative expression, and harm reduction. Using your strengths and honoring your boundaries, we will practice non-judgmentally noticing and responding to what’s going on for you.

I support neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults—including those with ADHD, autism, and learning differences—as well as folks working through anxiety, depression, substance use, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Sessions with me aren’t just about talking—they’re about real change. I’ll listen, challenge you when needed, and use real-life examples to help you make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, connected, and confident in navigating life’s challenges.
I support neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults—including those with ADHD, autism, and learning differences—as well as folks working through anxiety, depression, substance use, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Sessions with me aren’t just about talking—they’re about real change. I’ll listen, challenge you when needed, and use real-life examples to help you make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, connected, and confident in navigating life’s challenges.

Most of my work focuses on growth, anxiety and depression, but I also work a lot with Men's issues and substance use.
I am a holistic, humanistic LMFT with a degree in Transpersonal psychology, which means that I include body, mind, and spirit in our work, whatever this mean to you. I also pull from my training and experience using expressive arts, art therapy and somatic therapy. Much of my work is done with male clients who have expressed an interest in personal growth.
Most of my work focuses on growth, anxiety and depression, but I also work a lot with Men's issues and substance use.
I am a holistic, humanistic LMFT with a degree in Transpersonal psychology, which means that I include body, mind, and spirit in our work, whatever this mean to you. I also pull from my training and experience using expressive arts, art therapy and somatic therapy. Much of my work is done with male clients who have expressed an interest in personal growth.

I focus on working with individuals who have faced a range of challenges, including substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship or attachment issues.
I am most comfortable treating clients who are motivated to explore their concerns and are open to developing new coping strategies and insights. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can work toward healing and personal growth.
I focus on working with individuals who have faced a range of challenges, including substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship or attachment issues.
I am most comfortable treating clients who are motivated to explore their concerns and are open to developing new coping strategies and insights. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can work toward healing and personal growth.

Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect.
Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect.

The most common issues clients see me for are anxiety (including panic attacks), depression, substance use, and PTSD, but I also work with ADHD and OCD.
I use a lot of EMDR, but also other modalities, to help clients shift feelings, beliefs, and attitudes. I purposefully avoid attempts to get clients to simply think their way out of problems. (All too common in therapeutic practice, I feel.) I find that for most clients, meaningful change is realistic in about the first three to eight sessions.
The most common issues clients see me for are anxiety (including panic attacks), depression, substance use, and PTSD, but I also work with ADHD and OCD.
I use a lot of EMDR, but also other modalities, to help clients shift feelings, beliefs, and attitudes. I purposefully avoid attempts to get clients to simply think their way out of problems. (All too common in therapeutic practice, I feel.) I find that for most clients, meaningful change is realistic in about the first three to eight sessions.

Although I work with many areas of concern, I am particularly experienced and skilled at supporting clients with issues around anxiety, depression, substance use/addiction, productivity and performance, as well as gender and sexuality.
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.
Although I work with many areas of concern, I am particularly experienced and skilled at supporting clients with issues around anxiety, depression, substance use/addiction, productivity and performance, as well as gender and sexuality.
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.

I have experience working with diverse populations in both residential and community settings and can work with you through life transitions, managing anxiety and burnout, addressing substance use concerns for yourself or a loved one, working through codependency or other relationship challenges, or anything else you may want to explore.
My approach is both grounded and holistic. I like to understand you as a whole person and how your background and experiences have led to this point. I have a flexible and collaborative approach with the intention of helping you feel empowered and ready to take steps toward a more fulfilling life. I integrate therapeutic techniques from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy - sharing practical skills and resources to help you along the way.
I have experience working with diverse populations in both residential and community settings and can work with you through life transitions, managing anxiety and burnout, addressing substance use concerns for yourself or a loved one, working through codependency or other relationship challenges, or anything else you may want to explore.
My approach is both grounded and holistic. I like to understand you as a whole person and how your background and experiences have led to this point. I have a flexible and collaborative approach with the intention of helping you feel empowered and ready to take steps toward a more fulfilling life. I integrate therapeutic techniques from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy - sharing practical skills and resources to help you along the way.

Symptoms like anxiety, depression, or substance use are often signals from the deeper self—urging you to listen inward and pay attention to what needs care, change, or healing.
My passion is helping people live more authentic, empowered lives. In our work together, you might learn to set clearer boundaries, navigate a major transition, or shift out of patterns that no longer serve you. We’ll explore what needs realignment so that you can move toward greater balance, self-trust, and wholeness.
Symptoms like anxiety, depression, or substance use are often signals from the deeper self—urging you to listen inward and pay attention to what needs care, change, or healing.
My passion is helping people live more authentic, empowered lives. In our work together, you might learn to set clearer boundaries, navigate a major transition, or shift out of patterns that no longer serve you. We’ll explore what needs realignment so that you can move toward greater balance, self-trust, and wholeness.

I’m a co-founder of the Oakland CBT Center, where I focus on treating Anxiety, OCD, & Substance Use.
You want to feel more present in your life, break old patterns, gain tools that truly help, & stop avoiding what matters. Together, we’ll work toward real change that is practical, compassionate, and aligned with your values.
What you need isn’t endless exploration, it’s an active approach that meets you where you are, & helps you to take steps toward meaningful change. That’s where we begin.
I’m a co-founder of the Oakland CBT Center, where I focus on treating Anxiety, OCD, & Substance Use.
You want to feel more present in your life, break old patterns, gain tools that truly help, & stop avoiding what matters. Together, we’ll work toward real change that is practical, compassionate, and aligned with your values.
What you need isn’t endless exploration, it’s an active approach that meets you where you are, & helps you to take steps toward meaningful change. That’s where we begin.

I specialize in sex therapy, trauma and PTSD, harm reduction and substance use, and helping clients cope with loss, shame, identity, or major life changes.
I tailor my approach to meet you exactly where you are using methods such as narrative therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. Sessions are rooted in compassion and collaboration. Whether we're unpacking the weight of past trauma, exploring intimacy and communication, or finding new ways to deal with pain, my goal is to walk with you with care and curiosity.
I specialize in sex therapy, trauma and PTSD, harm reduction and substance use, and helping clients cope with loss, shame, identity, or major life changes.
I tailor my approach to meet you exactly where you are using methods such as narrative therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. Sessions are rooted in compassion and collaboration. Whether we're unpacking the weight of past trauma, exploring intimacy and communication, or finding new ways to deal with pain, my goal is to walk with you with care and curiosity.

For the past 7 years, I have been providing individual and group therapy in a court program for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
I am looking to work with clients who are living with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or working through stress, life changes, or relationship issues. I am also very comfortable working with folks who are in recovery from substance use and have familiarity with 12-step programs.
For the past 7 years, I have been providing individual and group therapy in a court program for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
I am looking to work with clients who are living with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or working through stress, life changes, or relationship issues. I am also very comfortable working with folks who are in recovery from substance use and have familiarity with 12-step programs.

I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with severe mental illnesses such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, anger, identity issues, codependency, mood disorders, and substance use.
I am trained in two different eye movement trauma therapies: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and have seen tremendous results with my clients healing and finally moving on from their traumas. You will learn great coping skills, discover the strength in vulnerability, and feel relief.
I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with severe mental illnesses such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, anger, identity issues, codependency, mood disorders, and substance use.
I am trained in two different eye movement trauma therapies: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and have seen tremendous results with my clients healing and finally moving on from their traumas. You will learn great coping skills, discover the strength in vulnerability, and feel relief.

My focus areas are working with individuals with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders.
I adapt these approaches within a humanistic approach, built on the belief that every individual is the expert and guide of their treatment and therapeutic process. I strive to be an authentic unit of treatment through compassion, empathy, and demonstrating unconditional positive regard.
My focus areas are working with individuals with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders.
I adapt these approaches within a humanistic approach, built on the belief that every individual is the expert and guide of their treatment and therapeutic process. I strive to be an authentic unit of treatment through compassion, empathy, and demonstrating unconditional positive regard.

My ideal client is someone navigating the challenges of mental health, substance use, or both.
As a solution-focused therapist trained in CBT and motivational interviewing, I help individuals identify strengths and navigate challenges related to mental health, substance use, and dual diagnoses. I offer a supportive, empowering space to work toward your personal goals and lasting change.
My ideal client is someone navigating the challenges of mental health, substance use, or both.
As a solution-focused therapist trained in CBT and motivational interviewing, I help individuals identify strengths and navigate challenges related to mental health, substance use, and dual diagnoses. I offer a supportive, empowering space to work toward your personal goals and lasting change.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.