Photo of Christine R Melendres, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Christine R Melendres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
My approach is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, person-centered, warm, and compassionate.
Are you a burned out, high-achieving woman of color? Does it seem like you are constantly overwhelmed and have been putting your mental health last on your “to do” list? Are you struggling with placing healthy boundaries and making yourself a priority? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you need help from someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice by being here. I know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years, but I'm so glad you have taken the courageous step of being here.
My approach is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, person-centered, warm, and compassionate.
Are you a burned out, high-achieving woman of color? Does it seem like you are constantly overwhelmed and have been putting your mental health last on your “to do” list? Are you struggling with placing healthy boundaries and making yourself a priority? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you need help from someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice by being here. I know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years, but I'm so glad you have taken the courageous step of being here.
(510) 822-8521 View (510) 822-8521
Photo of Heather Buchheim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Heather Buchheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
(925) 438-6553 View (925) 438-6553
Photo of Dr. Jacquie Josephson- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Jacquie Josephson- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck, like you are getting in your own way? Feelings hopeless and isolated? Life presents all kinds of challenges which we often try to manage on our own and creates frustrations. This frustration creates barriers that can leave you feeling distant from others and even a stranger to yourself. What is worse is often we don’t even know why we are struggling. I am dedicated to helping you with the difficult and painful experiences by facilitating understanding of yourself and the issues that cause pain.
Do you feel stuck, like you are getting in your own way? Feelings hopeless and isolated? Life presents all kinds of challenges which we often try to manage on our own and creates frustrations. This frustration creates barriers that can leave you feeling distant from others and even a stranger to yourself. What is worse is often we don’t even know why we are struggling. I am dedicated to helping you with the difficult and painful experiences by facilitating understanding of yourself and the issues that cause pain.
(341) 999-4375 View (341) 999-4375
Photo of Audrey Hu, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
Audrey Hu
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
We all feel lost from time to time, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been through my own therapy as a young adult when I was stuck in a bout of anxiety and panic attacks due to childhood trauma. Throughout my years of working with traumatized individuals, I learned first-hand about how childhood trauma can have a strong impact on adulthood. I can help you address unresolved trauma, in order for you to find passion, connection, and purpose in your life.
We all feel lost from time to time, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been through my own therapy as a young adult when I was stuck in a bout of anxiety and panic attacks due to childhood trauma. Throughout my years of working with traumatized individuals, I learned first-hand about how childhood trauma can have a strong impact on adulthood. I can help you address unresolved trauma, in order for you to find passion, connection, and purpose in your life.
(415) 715-1673 View (415) 715-1673
Photo of Crystal Harper, Pastoral Counselor in Oakland, CA
Crystal Harper
Pastoral Counselor, DMinCC, LCPC, CTSS, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other distressing emotions? How about your relationship? Do you desire release from unsuccessful patterns of behavior? Do you want to experience more peace and well-being? I effectively and compassionately help you navigate life-altering crisis and heal from traumatic experiences. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I have worked in: Suicide Prevention, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, and PTSD. I have both a strong clinical and faith-based educational background and believe in taking a holistic approach to counseling.
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other distressing emotions? How about your relationship? Do you desire release from unsuccessful patterns of behavior? Do you want to experience more peace and well-being? I effectively and compassionately help you navigate life-altering crisis and heal from traumatic experiences. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I have worked in: Suicide Prevention, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, and PTSD. I have both a strong clinical and faith-based educational background and believe in taking a holistic approach to counseling.
(916) 579-7621 View (916) 579-7621
Photo of Kelly Albrecht, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Kelly Albrecht
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
(415) 855-7073 View (415) 855-7073
Photo of Dong Bui, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Dong Bui
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
COVID and 2020 shifted many of your values and priorities. Adjustment to this change may be impacting your relationships to your career, your communities and even yourself. I strive to create a judgment free therapeutic partnership that supports alignment of your values and actions.
COVID and 2020 shifted many of your values and priorities. Adjustment to this change may be impacting your relationships to your career, your communities and even yourself. I strive to create a judgment free therapeutic partnership that supports alignment of your values and actions.
(415) 223-1959 View (415) 223-1959
Photo of Robin Noel Morales, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Robin Noel Morales
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
I work with the belief that all beings have the inherent ability to be well and their best selves. Through traumatic experiences, the pace of life, and other circumstances that challenge us, we can lose our way. We'll explore your internal inspiration, and the needs and strengths that might have become buried over time and what in the external pieces of your life, work, relationships, habits and stressors can be addressed with a focus on moving you forward to life you deserve to have.
I work with the belief that all beings have the inherent ability to be well and their best selves. Through traumatic experiences, the pace of life, and other circumstances that challenge us, we can lose our way. We'll explore your internal inspiration, and the needs and strengths that might have become buried over time and what in the external pieces of your life, work, relationships, habits and stressors can be addressed with a focus on moving you forward to life you deserve to have.
(510) 735-8488 View (510) 735-8488
Photo of T Joshua Tan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
T Joshua Tan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.
Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.
(510) 256-7573 View (510) 256-7573
Photo of Therapy for Lawyers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Therapy for Lawyers
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Mike Lubofsky, Licensed Therapist and Attorney • My ideal client is highly intelligent, intellectually curious, and sincerely open to change. My work as a therapist is a deep calling and the challenging exploration of psychological and existential issues with clients often leads to profound emotionally corrective experiences with clients. Many clients, including lawyers, have "checked all the boxes" and have hit a wall of frustration and dissatisfaction. I have navigated those profound challenges and my life's work is to help others find their authentic paths.
Mike Lubofsky, Licensed Therapist and Attorney • My ideal client is highly intelligent, intellectually curious, and sincerely open to change. My work as a therapist is a deep calling and the challenging exploration of psychological and existential issues with clients often leads to profound emotionally corrective experiences with clients. Many clients, including lawyers, have "checked all the boxes" and have hit a wall of frustration and dissatisfaction. I have navigated those profound challenges and my life's work is to help others find their authentic paths.
(415) 508-6263 View (415) 508-6263
Photo of L Rebecca Connell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
L Rebecca Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
(510) 594-8224 View (510) 594-8224
Photo of Assaf Jaffe, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Assaf Jaffe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
(628) 225-4590 View (628) 225-4590
Photo of Daishea Poole, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Daishea Poole
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Are anxiety and stress keeping you from living your life to your fullest potential? Are you feeling stress weighing on you internally or causing you to feel exhausted and hopeless? Together we will explore ways to grow, further develop self-acceptance and unearth traumatic experiences and daily stressors that are hindering you from achieving this potential. I will be available to provide an unbiased listening ear and warm spirit as you reimagine the life you want for yourself. In this safe and accepting environment, we will develop an action plan to better manage your unique symptoms and your life.
Are anxiety and stress keeping you from living your life to your fullest potential? Are you feeling stress weighing on you internally or causing you to feel exhausted and hopeless? Together we will explore ways to grow, further develop self-acceptance and unearth traumatic experiences and daily stressors that are hindering you from achieving this potential. I will be available to provide an unbiased listening ear and warm spirit as you reimagine the life you want for yourself. In this safe and accepting environment, we will develop an action plan to better manage your unique symptoms and your life.
(415) 534-3894 View (415) 534-3894
Photo of Stefanie Kral, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Stefanie Kral
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Stefanie. My goal as a therapist is to take the weight of the world from your shoulders, to mine, to help you become just a little lighter. The specifics of treatment (modalities, duration, etc) is a collaborative concept and between the two of us, will be decided together. Ultimately, therapy is what you make it, and I encourage you to use therapy as a space to advocate for what you need.
Hi! My name is Stefanie. My goal as a therapist is to take the weight of the world from your shoulders, to mine, to help you become just a little lighter. The specifics of treatment (modalities, duration, etc) is a collaborative concept and between the two of us, will be decided together. Ultimately, therapy is what you make it, and I encourage you to use therapy as a space to advocate for what you need.
(510) 973-4727 View (510) 973-4727
Photo of Theo Reynolds in Oakland, CA
Theo Reynolds
MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I help you overcome your struggles in all your relationships and deepen your relationship with yourself. I guide people working with issues including relationship struggles, depression, trauma, anxiety, addiction, sexuality, loss and cultural disconnections. Using advanced modern therapy techniques, I can help support you with a wide array of problems. Couples and individuals have great success in finding more contentment in their lives by experiencing ways together to alleviate their suffering. Anger, sadness, fear and confusion will diminish and feelings of lightness, joy, peace of mind, stability and self-love will grow.
I help you overcome your struggles in all your relationships and deepen your relationship with yourself. I guide people working with issues including relationship struggles, depression, trauma, anxiety, addiction, sexuality, loss and cultural disconnections. Using advanced modern therapy techniques, I can help support you with a wide array of problems. Couples and individuals have great success in finding more contentment in their lives by experiencing ways together to alleviate their suffering. Anger, sadness, fear and confusion will diminish and feelings of lightness, joy, peace of mind, stability and self-love will grow.
(510) 681-0820 View (510) 681-0820
Photo of Bianca Jarvis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Bianca Jarvis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” - Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy. If you are feeling ready to start, welcome to my practice. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where you are met with compassion and competency in order to feel safe to share about the issues, difficulties, and fears impacting your life. I am also honored to welcome you back to therapy if previous experiences with therapy and/or therapist(s) have felt harmful or unsafe.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” - Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy. If you are feeling ready to start, welcome to my practice. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where you are met with compassion and competency in order to feel safe to share about the issues, difficulties, and fears impacting your life. I am also honored to welcome you back to therapy if previous experiences with therapy and/or therapist(s) have felt harmful or unsafe.
(510) 214-2470 View (510) 214-2470
Photo of DeShannon Williamson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
DeShannon Williamson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605  (Online Only)
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
(341) 999-7430 View (341) 999-7430
Photo of Kate Franza, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kate Franza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
My name is Kate Franza, and I am a licensed therapist, providing services in both California and New York. I am originally from New York, where I received my MSW degree from Fordham University. My practice is grounded in my community mental health background, with a focus on LGBTQ issues, anxiety, depression and substance use. My clients experience relationship struggles, trauma, chronic relapse, and many are interested in exploring and understanding their sexuality and gender identity. I use a harm reduction approach and I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive and mindfulness-based skill building.
My name is Kate Franza, and I am a licensed therapist, providing services in both California and New York. I am originally from New York, where I received my MSW degree from Fordham University. My practice is grounded in my community mental health background, with a focus on LGBTQ issues, anxiety, depression and substance use. My clients experience relationship struggles, trauma, chronic relapse, and many are interested in exploring and understanding their sexuality and gender identity. I use a harm reduction approach and I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive and mindfulness-based skill building.
(312) 548-8813 View (312) 548-8813
Photo of Rosina Tania Roibal, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Rosina Tania Roibal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Hello. What is keeping you from thriving and being the best version of yourself? For many, it might be trauma, ​people-pleasing, inner criticism, shame, addiction, substance use, lacking boundaries, worrying what others think about you, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, worry of failure, stress, overwhelm, feeling powerless and alone. It can be hard to ask for help. But in doing so, you might experience relief. I offer individual, family, & couples therapy via video (for now). I recommend having consultations with multiple therapists to find the best fit. Contact me for a 20 minute consultation, free of charge.
Hello. What is keeping you from thriving and being the best version of yourself? For many, it might be trauma, ​people-pleasing, inner criticism, shame, addiction, substance use, lacking boundaries, worrying what others think about you, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, worry of failure, stress, overwhelm, feeling powerless and alone. It can be hard to ask for help. But in doing so, you might experience relief. I offer individual, family, & couples therapy via video (for now). I recommend having consultations with multiple therapists to find the best fit. Contact me for a 20 minute consultation, free of charge.
(415) 996-1224 View (415) 996-1224
Photo of Maya Cheek, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Maya Cheek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Are you suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression while struggling to make changes in your life that support your health and well-being? Have you been through something painful and traumatic and are having difficulty moving on or making meaning out of what happened? I completely understand how paralyzing these feelings and events can be and I would love to support you on your path to recovery. Trauma and painful life experiences can offer a profound opportunity to understand ourselves deeply while we learn how to heal, allowing us the possibility to transform our pain into fuel for the inevitable growth that follows.
Are you suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression while struggling to make changes in your life that support your health and well-being? Have you been through something painful and traumatic and are having difficulty moving on or making meaning out of what happened? I completely understand how paralyzing these feelings and events can be and I would love to support you on your path to recovery. Trauma and painful life experiences can offer a profound opportunity to understand ourselves deeply while we learn how to heal, allowing us the possibility to transform our pain into fuel for the inevitable growth that follows.
(341) 444-3940 View (341) 444-3940
Culturally Sensitive Therapists

How does culturally sensitive therapy work?

A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.

How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?

Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?

While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.

Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?

Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.