Therapists in Oakland, CA
Chris Stach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
Mirely Vasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Our Art Therapists on staff work with ages 4 and up and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, self harm, grief, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals, & more.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing with difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
Our Art Therapists on staff work with ages 4 and up and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, self harm, grief, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals, & more.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing with difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
Olivia Clear
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MS, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I address issues of anxiety, depression, grief, relational conflict, personal growth, feeling “stuck,” & trauma via a creative arts, client-centered & harm reduction lens.
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
I address issues of anxiety, depression, grief, relational conflict, personal growth, feeling “stuck,” & trauma via a creative arts, client-centered & harm reduction lens.
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
Rebecca Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I specialize in working with those who experience depression and anxiety and have emotions and thoughts that are not serving them in creating the future they want.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
I specialize in working with those who experience depression and anxiety and have emotions and thoughts that are not serving them in creating the future they want.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Katharina Klakus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I am a licensed child psychologist with extensive experience in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families. My specialization lies in helping clients navigate through various challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, peer and family stress, learning, behavioral and attention difficulties, life transitions, trauma, separation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, I offer guidance to parents, helping them understand their children's challenges and strengths more deeply, enhance family communication and connection, and learn effective parenting and coping skills.
I am a licensed child psychologist with extensive experience in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families. My specialization lies in helping clients navigate through various challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, peer and family stress, learning, behavioral and attention difficulties, life transitions, trauma, separation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, I offer guidance to parents, helping them understand their children's challenges and strengths more deeply, enhance family communication and connection, and learn effective parenting and coping skills.
Shauna L. Castro-McDaniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I founded Be Love Community Counseling to provide safe, healing space for people that have been oppressed, marginalized or have an identity outside of the "dominant culture." Historic trauma and past hurts may show up as depression, anxiety, anger management issues, low self-esteem, underachievement, oppositional behaviors etc. You may think that something is wrong with you while what you're experiencing may actually be a result of something that has happened to you or your ancestors. Therapy is empowering as you may increase awareness about what is keeping you from freedom to live the life you desire.
I founded Be Love Community Counseling to provide safe, healing space for people that have been oppressed, marginalized or have an identity outside of the "dominant culture." Historic trauma and past hurts may show up as depression, anxiety, anger management issues, low self-esteem, underachievement, oppositional behaviors etc. You may think that something is wrong with you while what you're experiencing may actually be a result of something that has happened to you or your ancestors. Therapy is empowering as you may increase awareness about what is keeping you from freedom to live the life you desire.
Tiffany Richards
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
Do you feel like you are surviving and not living? Do you feel stuck in an endless loop of anxiety and depression? Is it hard for you to find the words to describe your experiences? Therapy can provide a powerful space to build insight, process openly, and learn to effectively address and manage difficult emotions in order to make positive changes. One of my favorite parts of my job is providing an affirming trusting and non judgmental environment so we can work collaboratively to create a treatment plan unique to your needs.
Do you feel like you are surviving and not living? Do you feel stuck in an endless loop of anxiety and depression? Is it hard for you to find the words to describe your experiences? Therapy can provide a powerful space to build insight, process openly, and learn to effectively address and manage difficult emotions in order to make positive changes. One of my favorite parts of my job is providing an affirming trusting and non judgmental environment so we can work collaboratively to create a treatment plan unique to your needs.
15 Second Videos
Olivia Clear
Megan Kopriva
Lauren Hoernig
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Marvin E West
XY Counseling
Liz M Fitzgerald
Chelsie Crilly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
Kavian Massoud Ravandoust
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
Callie Wile
Art Therapist, MA, LCAT, CLAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
I also work extensively with individuals experiencing Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD.
Perhaps you have tried talk therapy before and it didn't feel productive or inspire you to change or reflect in new ways. Or perhaps you feel like you often don't have the words to describe how you feel, or aren't ready to verbally share about your challenges or difficult experiences. Individuals who can relate to these sentiments may greatly benefit from working with an Art Therapist. Through a combination of talk therapy and creative techniques I will support you in reflective and problem solving processes that will be different, productive and sometimes even playful.
I also work extensively with individuals experiencing Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD.
Perhaps you have tried talk therapy before and it didn't feel productive or inspire you to change or reflect in new ways. Or perhaps you feel like you often don't have the words to describe how you feel, or aren't ready to verbally share about your challenges or difficult experiences. Individuals who can relate to these sentiments may greatly benefit from working with an Art Therapist. Through a combination of talk therapy and creative techniques I will support you in reflective and problem solving processes that will be different, productive and sometimes even playful.
Megan Kopriva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RYT, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
Tal Molesworth
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608
I work with queer and trans people, and welcome clients who do not fit those identities. I am particularly interested in working with—but not limited to—relationship dynamics, gender and sexuality exploration, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sensitivity, neurodivergence, inner child work, fat justice / liberation, and connecting to self-expression. I invite clients who are sitting with the questions of… How can I live fully as myself? What's happening in my relationship to self? To others? To the world? I value supporting you in your authentic expression beyond constructs and rules, and I work very experientially.
I work with queer and trans people, and welcome clients who do not fit those identities. I am particularly interested in working with—but not limited to—relationship dynamics, gender and sexuality exploration, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sensitivity, neurodivergence, inner child work, fat justice / liberation, and connecting to self-expression. I invite clients who are sitting with the questions of… How can I live fully as myself? What's happening in my relationship to self? To others? To the world? I value supporting you in your authentic expression beyond constructs and rules, and I work very experientially.
Alchemy Arts Therapy, Rebecca Martinez-Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Everybody has a story to tell, and I want to hear yours. I work with adults & teens struggling with a range of issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, neuroatypical related challenges, disordered eating, body image issues, substance use, and burnout/perfectionism). Whether you are experiencing a challenge or you are interested in finding more balance in your life, I am here to support you. My clients often to come from a variety of marginalized communities: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Latinx/e, bi/multi-racial/cultural, Fat, neurodivergent, kinky, poly/ENM, people who use alcohol/drugs, performers/creatives, black sheep, brujx and witchy folk.
Everybody has a story to tell, and I want to hear yours. I work with adults & teens struggling with a range of issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, neuroatypical related challenges, disordered eating, body image issues, substance use, and burnout/perfectionism). Whether you are experiencing a challenge or you are interested in finding more balance in your life, I am here to support you. My clients often to come from a variety of marginalized communities: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Latinx/e, bi/multi-racial/cultural, Fat, neurodivergent, kinky, poly/ENM, people who use alcohol/drugs, performers/creatives, black sheep, brujx and witchy folk.
Lauren Hoernig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Adults/Teens/Families. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. I draw on 15+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
Adults/Teens/Families. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. I draw on 15+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
Caitlin Rose Marvaso
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
Danika Grundemann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
See more therapy options for Oakland
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.