Kristen Rouse Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fremont, CA 94538
Practices empowerment and the healing arts of psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, and groups. Experienced in supporting parenthood through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting education, coaching, and support. Treats multiple and co-occurring disorders. Experienced in supporting mood disorders and symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and compulsions. Trauma specialist. Grief and loss. Experienced treating first responders. Provides LGBTQIA safe and affirming space and is experienced and trained in transgender and non-heteronormative support. Works to strengthen families and partners with their goals and values.
Practices empowerment and the healing arts of psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, and groups. Experienced in supporting parenthood through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting education, coaching, and support. Treats multiple and co-occurring disorders. Experienced in supporting mood disorders and symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and compulsions. Trauma specialist. Grief and loss. Experienced treating first responders. Provides LGBTQIA safe and affirming space and is experienced and trained in transgender and non-heteronormative support. Works to strengthen families and partners with their goals and values.
(510) 519-3493 View (510) 519-3493
Photo of Julia Mendoza, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873
Photo of Mekdes Yilma, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Mekdes Yilma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
As Audre Lord said, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." Hello, I'm Mekdes! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working out of Fresno, CA. Deciding to seek counseling services is a huge step. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or parenting challenges, participating in therapy can give you the boost that you need to start living your best life again! As a therapist, I consider it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside you on your journey of healing.
As Audre Lord said, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." Hello, I'm Mekdes! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working out of Fresno, CA. Deciding to seek counseling services is a huge step. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or parenting challenges, participating in therapy can give you the boost that you need to start living your best life again! As a therapist, I consider it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside you on your journey of healing.
(510) 480-3651 View (510) 480-3651
Photo of Vivek Anand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Vivek Anand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MArch, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
(415) 965-7434 View (415) 965-7434
Photo of Gioia Schuler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Gioia Schuler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) Marriage and Family Therapist with four years of experience treating cultural diversity issues. I believe every individual is unique and finding the strength to defend that uniqueness is my goal as a clinician. Many times, we find ourselves dwelling in a place of discomfort because we are in transit, in a new position, a new career, a new family or a new country. We are living constantly transitioning from one culture to another one, through life phases, starting new traditions. My goal is helping you to succeed in your own special journey.
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) Marriage and Family Therapist with four years of experience treating cultural diversity issues. I believe every individual is unique and finding the strength to defend that uniqueness is my goal as a clinician. Many times, we find ourselves dwelling in a place of discomfort because we are in transit, in a new position, a new career, a new family or a new country. We are living constantly transitioning from one culture to another one, through life phases, starting new traditions. My goal is helping you to succeed in your own special journey.
(510) 726-6246 View (510) 726-6246
Photo of Larry Santiago, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Larry Santiago
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
I have a particular expertise in working with clients who have diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.) I also have a deep association working with artistic/creative type individuals and can address particular issues that arise being an artist confined to a conventional/mainstream worldview.
I have a particular expertise in working with clients who have diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.) I also have a deep association working with artistic/creative type individuals and can address particular issues that arise being an artist confined to a conventional/mainstream worldview.
(925) 247-3396 View (925) 247-3396
Photo of Sara Cadalig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Sara Cadalig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707
Thank you for visiting my site. This is your first step towards your journey to healing. My specialty areas are in trauma, anxiety, and grief/loss. Life can present challenges and create roadblocks to your growth and success. You deserve to thrive and I would be honored to work in collaboration with you on your journey of healing and rediscovering your full potential. I provide a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment. My therapeutic style can be best described as empathetic, interactive, infusing scientific wisdom, curiosity, and clinical intuition.
Thank you for visiting my site. This is your first step towards your journey to healing. My specialty areas are in trauma, anxiety, and grief/loss. Life can present challenges and create roadblocks to your growth and success. You deserve to thrive and I would be honored to work in collaboration with you on your journey of healing and rediscovering your full potential. I provide a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment. My therapeutic style can be best described as empathetic, interactive, infusing scientific wisdom, curiosity, and clinical intuition.
(209) 783-3037 View (209) 783-3037
Photo of The Clinic Without Walls, Pre-Licensed Professional in Alameda County, CA
The Clinic Without Walls
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
The Clinic Without Walls (TCWOW) offers FREE SERVICES to Bay Area residents. Our clinic provides a wide range of psychological services including individual, couple, family, and group therapy. We work with children, adults, and families. The clinic aims to increase clients' capacity to identify mental health needs and to access services through which they will be respected and effectively treated.The clinic is oriented to serving the needs of diverse populations and particularly those people historically discriminated against on the basis of race, sexual orientation, economic status, and other socio-cultural factors.
The Clinic Without Walls (TCWOW) offers FREE SERVICES to Bay Area residents. Our clinic provides a wide range of psychological services including individual, couple, family, and group therapy. We work with children, adults, and families. The clinic aims to increase clients' capacity to identify mental health needs and to access services through which they will be respected and effectively treated.The clinic is oriented to serving the needs of diverse populations and particularly those people historically discriminated against on the basis of race, sexual orientation, economic status, and other socio-cultural factors.
(415) 325-2763 View (415) 325-2763
Photo of Chloe Jhangiani, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Chloe Jhangiani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702
Do you have the sense that you could be happier, more creative, and more confident? You are probably looking for a therapist because you are experiencing some degree of emotional pain: conflict, loss, stress, or sadness. I’ll help you tap into your internal strength to navigate life’s difficulties and grow. I’ll help you attend to some of the old wounds (big or small) or entrenched patterns that aren’t serving you. Life gets easier when you have a non-judgmental, caring person to walk alongside you instead of handling life on your own.
Do you have the sense that you could be happier, more creative, and more confident? You are probably looking for a therapist because you are experiencing some degree of emotional pain: conflict, loss, stress, or sadness. I’ll help you tap into your internal strength to navigate life’s difficulties and grow. I’ll help you attend to some of the old wounds (big or small) or entrenched patterns that aren’t serving you. Life gets easier when you have a non-judgmental, caring person to walk alongside you instead of handling life on your own.
(510) 216-1801 View (510) 216-1801
Photo of Roksana Sarrafan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Roksana Sarrafan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94619  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I bring a wealth of multicultural knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring you receive professional services built on respect and trust. Let’s bust the myth together: therapy isn’t just for those who’ve faced trauma. Whether you’re seeking clarity, a self-esteem boost, or solutions to life’s challenges, talking with a therapist can be life-changing!
As a therapist, I bring a wealth of multicultural knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring you receive professional services built on respect and trust. Let’s bust the myth together: therapy isn’t just for those who’ve faced trauma. Whether you’re seeking clarity, a self-esteem boost, or solutions to life’s challenges, talking with a therapist can be life-changing!
(510) 257-9758 View (510) 257-9758
Photo of Laura (Lo) Wesely, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Laura (Lo) Wesely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Whether sitting with individuals or partners, I am here to remind you of what you already know but might have forgotten: you are enough. Many clients find their way to me because they want to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, sexuality, gender expression, relationship formation, and early traumas. My identities as a queer, non-monogamous, sex- and kink-positive, immigrant woman tend to attract potential clients who share some of these positionalities.
Whether sitting with individuals or partners, I am here to remind you of what you already know but might have forgotten: you are enough. Many clients find their way to me because they want to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, sexuality, gender expression, relationship formation, and early traumas. My identities as a queer, non-monogamous, sex- and kink-positive, immigrant woman tend to attract potential clients who share some of these positionalities.
(510) 462-3503 View (510) 462-3503
Photo of Alfredo Laris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Alfredo Laris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
(510) 953-4265 View (510) 953-4265
Photo of Ari Oklan, Psychologist in Alameda County, CA
Ari Oklan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
(510) 298-3299 View (510) 298-3299
Photo of Neda Nguyen Baraghani, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Alameda County, CA
Neda Nguyen Baraghani
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
(510) 800-2874 View (510) 800-2874
Photo of Jacob Kajiwara, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Alameda County, CA
Jacob Kajiwara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720  (Online Only)
You love this person and want to believe they love you too. Yet seemingly small and insignificant issues explode into verbal attacks and defensiveness that escalates to questioning if the relationship is worth it. You’re left feeling resentful, lonely, confused, and frustrated. The hardest part? After months or years of making up and recommitting to each other, not much has changed. While apologies and time seem to help, the same pattern continues to happen- only under different circumstances. The love is there and all you want is a healthy relationship. My passion is supporting couples and families to get to where they want to be.
You love this person and want to believe they love you too. Yet seemingly small and insignificant issues explode into verbal attacks and defensiveness that escalates to questioning if the relationship is worth it. You’re left feeling resentful, lonely, confused, and frustrated. The hardest part? After months or years of making up and recommitting to each other, not much has changed. While apologies and time seem to help, the same pattern continues to happen- only under different circumstances. The love is there and all you want is a healthy relationship. My passion is supporting couples and families to get to where they want to be.
(818) 600-6992 View (818) 600-6992
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc in Alameda County, CA
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc
LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
(858) 247-3839 View (858) 247-3839

Online Therapists

Photo of Gustavo S. Olvera (Bilingual), Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Gustavo S. Olvera (Bilingual)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95354  (Online Only)
My experience as a Mental Health Therapist has developed over the year by providing support to clients who have experienced: Severe Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disregulation Disorders, Phobias, and other diagnosis that often impair a persons's ability to function and achieve goals in life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is crucial to success, as we often face critical decisions on a daily basis. I firmly believe that by cultivating and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health, we can all reach our desired goals.
My experience as a Mental Health Therapist has developed over the year by providing support to clients who have experienced: Severe Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disregulation Disorders, Phobias, and other diagnosis that often impair a persons's ability to function and achieve goals in life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is crucial to success, as we often face critical decisions on a daily basis. I firmly believe that by cultivating and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health, we can all reach our desired goals.
(209) 780-0872 View (209) 780-0872
Photo of Kathleen Horsey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Kathleen Horsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95678
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or parenting issues, it is important that you know you don’t have to be alone in this journey.
Do you feel stressed or anxious? Are the pressures of life are weighing you down? Are you struggling with moving forward after a traumatic event? 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. We know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years, but we’re so glad you have taken the courageous step of being here. We can work together to equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome your challenges.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or parenting issues, it is important that you know you don’t have to be alone in this journey.
Do you feel stressed or anxious? Are the pressures of life are weighing you down? Are you struggling with moving forward after a traumatic event? 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. We know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years, but we’re so glad you have taken the courageous step of being here. We can work together to equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome your challenges.
(916) 571-6751 View (916) 571-6751
Photo of Tina Glishich, Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda County, CA
Tina Glishich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
(916) 347-5794 View (916) 347-5794

See more therapy options for Alameda County


Depression Therapists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.