Substance Use Therapists in Oakland, CA
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Sayrah Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
I am a California licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of clinical experience. I specialize in working with individuals presenting with anxiety, depression,
substance use
and mood disorders.

Melissa Gericke
Counselor, LMHC, LPCC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD/c-PTSD with adults and LGBTQ individuals. I have years of experience working with people who have experienced traumas like emotional abuse, burnout, intergenerational trauma, attachment trauma, womb/birth trauma, sexual assault and the impact of the criminal legal system. I also support people who are sober, sober curious or seeking harm reduction strategies for
substance use
.

Sukhpreet Kaur
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified
Verified
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.

Sandra Sampaio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have worked with adults and adolescents who suffer from addiction/unhealthy
substance use
, codependency, trauma (generational and chronic), depression, relational problems, life transitions, grief, work stress, cultural issues, and anxiety to name a few.
Sometimes we’re not able to make the changes we want in life without additional support. Congratulations on taking this step! It is a scary one, especially when there can be cultural barriers and stigma to receive therapy. My goal is to support you to remove barriers to growth and change, so you align with your most authentic self, have healthier relationships, and feel a sense of peace. I am dedicated to creating a space that is warm, compassionate and accessible where you feel safe to explore the way in which you can build a more fulfilling life.
Waitlist for new clients

Sally C. Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Are you someone who is struggling with depression,
substance use
, self harm, negativity, isolation, loss, social anxiety, or anger? I offer a safe place to discuss and explore your thoughts and feelings.
As an experienced therapist in private practice, I work with people of all ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges through different stages of the life cycle. I work collaboratively to help people reach their goals while offering insight and support. I offer a unique and thoughtful approach, developed through years of experience working with hundreds of individuals, teens and parents.

Erica Saini
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I approach the topic of
substance use
with a deep sensitivity to the intersecting dynamics surrounding how people use substances, what they use, and why.
A licensed clinical psychologist, I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy to individuals and couples throughout California. I offer compassion, patience, and safety as we endeavor to better understand what has brought you to therapy, and how to move through to something new. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in principles of empowerment.

Stephanie McDowell Licensed In Ca Co Ia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Substance use
& abuse, sexual assault & ongoing violence, homelessness and poverty related trauma.
EMAIL IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME! If you are new to therapy, struggling with current life stresses, have unresolved issues in your past or simply want to dive further into your capacity for self awareness, please reach out for support! Together we can structure sessions to address what may be preventing you from being your best self. Whether your progress needs to include improved relationships, increased motivation, stronger sense of self-worth, greater career or home success, a reduction of painful emotions or unwanted behaviors; I will strive to help you learn to relate to yourself & others in new, often healthier ways

Sergio Ruiz Psychotherapy
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified
Verified
I want to assist you in examining why you feel like your life is not where you think or sense it should be. Why you have a nagging feeling that perhaps you're wasting time and not living your life in a more deep and fulfilling manner. You may think you're “not good enough,” or “if only this would have/not have happened," life would be different. The activities you do feel banal, going to work/school is dreadful, relationships and family are difficult, and the values and beliefs that once held you have lost their ground. You feel lonely, depressed, anxious, and perhaps
substance use
is worsening. You’re wondering about doing therapy.

Jacob Donnelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in
substance use
/addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.

Cecilia S. Kardel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals and couples who seek support at making sense out of great and small questions. I provide a safe space to explore feelings, habits (food and
substance use
) and experiences that have challenged our expectations and sense of self. I won't shy away from the hard stuff. I am trauma-informed, and can hold your story. I will join you to identify and shift patterns where you get stuck and help you find strategies to deepen communication, repair hurt, and recover creatively. The therapeutic encounter is a unique journey. We cannot control what crosses our path, but we can see ourselves as brave enough to face it.

Sage Leitson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In my work in agencies focusing on mental health and
substance use
disorders, I have been privileged to witness people reaching their goals and improving their lives, regardless of the struggles they face.
We all have the capacity to feel a full array of emotions, which serve to both protect us and connect us to others. However, often due to socialization, family of origin, or individual temperament, we learn that some emotions are dangerous to feel and express. Through individual therapy, the therapist is the "trusted other" who can help both acknowledge and witness the emotions that may have been long hidden. When these emotions are uncovered, we can more easily discover our true want and needs.

Jennifer Barkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I provide individual psychotherapy to adults struggling with anxiety, depression, relational problems, work stress, life transitions, and addiction or
substance use
concerns. I take a collaborative approach when working with clients to identify treatment goals and integrate evidence-based therapies in order to build coping skills and increase resilience. My goal in working with clients is to create a supportive non-judgmental space that is conducive to self-reflection and self-compassion. After all, self-loathing and shame are not motivators for change; they get us stuck.

Christopher Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. This includes treatment for
substance use
disorders using a harm-reduction model, mental health disorders, dual-diagnosis, severe mental illness, Native American populations, and court-dependent youth. My passion is for people, and believe we all have an intrinsic desire to move toward health and happiness.
Not accepting new clients

Shawna B. Adkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of
substance use
and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher

Joshua DeWeese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy with a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens. I have been a resident of Los Angeles for five years, and in 2018 I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. 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.
Not accepting new clients

Loveta Smith Head
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Areas of emphasis include PTSD, Grief and Loss, ADHD, Chronic Pain, Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Life Transitions, Personality Disorders, Sexual Abuse,
Substance Use
, Divorce, Elderly Parent Caregiver Support, Pre- Marital and Pre-Parenting Counseling.
I provide therapy in a comfortable and welcoming space to help develop insight, stability and hope for the future. Whether, you are dealing with a challenging situation, a sudden life transition, a recent crisis or past trauma, it can be worked through in a safe and patient environment. I have over 30 years of experience in working with children, individuals and families. I am an EMDR trained therapist and licensed in the States of California and Nevada. You may be new to therapy, but it can be life changing!
Waitlist for new clients

Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
I teach
substance use
at the Masters level.
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.

Marie Sarte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, my practice specializes in working with people who struggle with depression, unresolved trauma, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and life transitions. Effective therapy starts with a trusting relationship. In a safe space where you feel understood and accepted, we will work toward your goals so that you feel empowered to change and can begin to make positive changes in your life. Practice specialties: Teens, Young Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship and Family Issues, Stress, Life Transitions, Trauma, and
Substance Use
.

Kathy Brady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My specialties are Trauma, Anxiety, Depression,
Substance Use
and Parenting.
Life in the Bay Area is challenging and the additional stress associated with being LGBTQ+, a woman, pregnant, a parent or all of the above can push it over the edge. Sometimes, especially if you didn’t feel protected or cared for as a child or if something bad has happened to you, life can feel like you’re in over your head. Relationships feel out of control and painful, sleeping is hard and you can’t seem to take care of yourself the way you know you should. Emotions can feel like a roller coaster and daily responsibilities like work or kids are overwhelming. It is possible to feel better and good therapy can help.

Gricelda Saldivar-Napoles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialized in mood challenges (depression, anxiety, fears, anger), post-traumatic stress/abuse,
substance use
dependence, defining life goals, and social issues.
In life, we all encounter challenges and stress. I am here to help create a warm and collaborative therapeutic environment to work together on goals. I offer a non-pathologizing and empowering understanding of human issues to make the changes you wish to manifest in life.
See more therapy options for
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.