Therapists in Oakland, 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.
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.
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.
Neda Nguyen Baraghani
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
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!
Zabreen Shaikh
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Hello! My clientele typically consists of BIPOC individuals, couples, and families holding multicultural identities (first gen, bilingual, spiritual, etc.). My areas of focus include supporting my diverse clients through life transitions (break ups, marriage, moving cross country, career changes), depression and anxiety, relationship and attachment issues, burnout, grief/loss, and more. Regardless of the circumstances bringing you to therapy, I ensure culturally informed counseling honoring the relationship between your mental health concerns and cultural background.
Hello! My clientele typically consists of BIPOC individuals, couples, and families holding multicultural identities (first gen, bilingual, spiritual, etc.). My areas of focus include supporting my diverse clients through life transitions (break ups, marriage, moving cross country, career changes), depression and anxiety, relationship and attachment issues, burnout, grief/loss, and more. Regardless of the circumstances bringing you to therapy, I ensure culturally informed counseling honoring the relationship between your mental health concerns and cultural background.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
Dr. Jeff J. Rocker
Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
Online Therapists
Jill Page
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Yuba City, CA 95993 (Online Only)
If you've found yourself here, congratulations on taking the first step; It can be a hard one! Simply put, life isn't always easy or maybe it was never easy. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, childhood attachments, learning difficulties, grief, stress- these and more can get in the way of life satisfaction. The good news is you can learn ways to manage and overcome mental health symptoms and improve your wellbeing.
If you've found yourself here, congratulations on taking the first step; It can be a hard one! Simply put, life isn't always easy or maybe it was never easy. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, childhood attachments, learning difficulties, grief, stress- these and more can get in the way of life satisfaction. The good news is you can learn ways to manage and overcome mental health symptoms and improve your wellbeing.
Yessica Islas McLenegan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125 (Online Only)
My specialities include working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and stress. I have experience working with adults and young adults. I provide Individual therapy.
My specialities include working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and stress. I have experience working with adults and young adults. I provide Individual therapy.
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.
Brenda Fellows
PhD
Verified Verified
Foster City, CA 94404
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
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.