Therapists in Oakland, CA
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.
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
Angie Pelletier -Juarez
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
Rebecca Kerr McWhorter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94621
Hi there, I'm Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW has experience with all age groups within many multicultural settings. I start with where the patient is should they be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or grief. My practice focus in on patient care. Patients typically enter therapy due to something that is having a negative impact on their quality of life. I assist them in identifying the root causes or behavior that are preventing them from living their best life. I utilize many different approaches to healing. I prefer to letting the patient vocalize their needs rather than tailor a patient to a plan.
Hi there, I'm Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW has experience with all age groups within many multicultural settings. I start with where the patient is should they be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or grief. My practice focus in on patient care. Patients typically enter therapy due to something that is having a negative impact on their quality of life. I assist them in identifying the root causes or behavior that are preventing them from living their best life. I utilize many different approaches to healing. I prefer to letting the patient vocalize their needs rather than tailor a patient to a plan.
Camara Meri Rajabari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
Teresa Cole
Counselor, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
Mary McDermott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, LPCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work integrating the mind, body, and spirit, you can become more connected to yourself and better able to respond to life as it occurs. I specialize in helping people reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, heal from trauma, manage difficult life transitions and go through the process of grief and loss. In conjunction with therapy I work with people individually integrating the techniques of yoga, breathing, meditation and nutrition. I will help you to develop or deepen an individualized lifestyle that suits your needs.
I work integrating the mind, body, and spirit, you can become more connected to yourself and better able to respond to life as it occurs. I specialize in helping people reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, heal from trauma, manage difficult life transitions and go through the process of grief and loss. In conjunction with therapy I work with people individually integrating the techniques of yoga, breathing, meditation and nutrition. I will help you to develop or deepen an individualized lifestyle that suits your needs.
Merry Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
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!
Mari Clemson-Hines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
Working with survivors of trauma, those struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues each need a different approach.
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
Working with survivors of trauma, those struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues each need a different approach.
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
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Camara Meri Rajabari
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
XY Counseling
Sacramento Transformation Center
Alexis Lyon
XY Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606
My name is Alexander Warnow and I'm the founder of XY Counseling. At XY we work primarily with adults, teens, and couples helping them to live more fulfilling, connected lives. Often what brings someone to seek therapy is a chronic issue that has reached a crisis point: anger, depression, anxiety, self-worth, intimacy problems, communication issues and many more. Sometimes it is a recent change in one's life: infidelity, a move, or the end of a relationship. Taking the risk to ask for help is the first step on the road towards healing and growth. Our therapists include Jacob Donnelly, Stacey Klein and Walker Witte.
My name is Alexander Warnow and I'm the founder of XY Counseling. At XY we work primarily with adults, teens, and couples helping them to live more fulfilling, connected lives. Often what brings someone to seek therapy is a chronic issue that has reached a crisis point: anger, depression, anxiety, self-worth, intimacy problems, communication issues and many more. Sometimes it is a recent change in one's life: infidelity, a move, or the end of a relationship. Taking the risk to ask for help is the first step on the road towards healing and growth. Our therapists include Jacob Donnelly, Stacey Klein and Walker Witte.
Tracy Chocholousek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to CBT.
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to CBT.
Darrin Erb
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
My name is Darrin Erb, MSC/LMFT-S, but I go by Darrin. I am a therapist, a college professor, an executive director, a SPED/Educational Specialist certified in ASD, and a pastor, but my greatest titles are that of husband and father. In the world of therapy, there are therapists like doctors and those who are more like surgeons. I am a therapeutic surgeon, meaning that we will go straight toward the dysfunction and replace it with something that works for you.
My name is Darrin Erb, MSC/LMFT-S, but I go by Darrin. I am a therapist, a college professor, an executive director, a SPED/Educational Specialist certified in ASD, and a pastor, but my greatest titles are that of husband and father. In the world of therapy, there are therapists like doctors and those who are more like surgeons. I am a therapeutic surgeon, meaning that we will go straight toward the dysfunction and replace it with something that works for you.
Sam Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
Karen J Benjamin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR-Tr
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
Kelly Bassin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
The Village Mental Health Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
Sacramento Transformation Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
I have been a practicing LCSW for 20 years. I believe that people can change for the better at any time in their lives. Our daily responsibilities often get in the way of us prioritizing our mental health, however there is no better time than now to start your growth journey. I am here to help you. I am very open minded and non judgmental. You can tell me anything and be assured that I will listen with compassion. I worked in healthcare most of my career and specialize in end of life, caregiver compassion fatigue and adjustment issues related to managing chronic illnesses. I also work with tweens, teens and adults of all ages.
I have been a practicing LCSW for 20 years. I believe that people can change for the better at any time in their lives. Our daily responsibilities often get in the way of us prioritizing our mental health, however there is no better time than now to start your growth journey. I am here to help you. I am very open minded and non judgmental. You can tell me anything and be assured that I will listen with compassion. I worked in healthcare most of my career and specialize in end of life, caregiver compassion fatigue and adjustment issues related to managing chronic illnesses. I also work with tweens, teens and adults of all ages.
Sonia Telle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
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.