Therapists in Oakland, CA
Rachel Milner
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
Will Lipsenthal
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
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!
Bruce Sorenson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
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
Jana Morgan, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sonoma, CA 95476
experience treating anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD and relationship dynamics that keep symptoms present.
CONFIDENTIAL PRIVATE PAY SERVICES AT A CONVENIENT TIME AND IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION. If you have fluctuating moods, a dissatisfaction with your relationships and life in general, take a step to actively move into a healthier part of you. We will have important dialogue which assist you to sort and live your priorities. Via mind-body/somatic and psychodynamic approaches, I will help you find your balance, get relief, sleep better, love safer and deeper. Generally we work together once to twice per week, insight and cognitive restructuring are part of the process. Overall, you will receive care and refuge to heal.
experience treating anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD and relationship dynamics that keep symptoms present.
CONFIDENTIAL PRIVATE PAY SERVICES AT A CONVENIENT TIME AND IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION. If you have fluctuating moods, a dissatisfaction with your relationships and life in general, take a step to actively move into a healthier part of you. We will have important dialogue which assist you to sort and live your priorities. Via mind-body/somatic and psychodynamic approaches, I will help you find your balance, get relief, sleep better, love safer and deeper. Generally we work together once to twice per week, insight and cognitive restructuring are part of the process. Overall, you will receive care and refuge to heal.
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. **Some evening, as well as Facetime (great for teens), Zoom or phone appts available.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. **Some evening, as well as Facetime (great for teens), Zoom or phone appts available.
Anchor Therapy Clinic
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT, CPTT, AAT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals. I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where we can work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, sexuality, trauma, or any other mental health concerns, I am here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. Let's work together to help you live a happier, healthier life.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals. I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where we can work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, sexuality, trauma, or any other mental health concerns, I am here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. Let's work together to help you live a happier, healthier life.
Pacific Counseling & Trauma Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Folsom, CA 95630
Our Center helps anyone suffering from unresolved trauma or disturbing experiences. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, restlessness, rage, exhaustion, fatigue, or dissociation. We exist to alleviate the profound suffering of those who have been traumatized in childhood or adulthood. Trauma is often not healed from talk therapy alone. We use cutting edge trauma modalities that access your primitive brain where trauma is stored. Through this, you will release the trauma and all of the physical issues that go along with it, and graduate with a freedom you have never known.
Our Center helps anyone suffering from unresolved trauma or disturbing experiences. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, restlessness, rage, exhaustion, fatigue, or dissociation. We exist to alleviate the profound suffering of those who have been traumatized in childhood or adulthood. Trauma is often not healed from talk therapy alone. We use cutting edge trauma modalities that access your primitive brain where trauma is stored. Through this, you will release the trauma and all of the physical issues that go along with it, and graduate with a freedom you have never known.
Jamal R. Cameron
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodside, CA 94062
I have worked with people of all backgrounds in addressing topics from depression, psychosis, anxiety and other life stressors.
Therapy can be one of the most challenging experiences for individuals and families; you sit in a room and begin sharing thoughts and feelings with a person you don’t know. Shame, regret, relationship issues are some of the many reasons people experience stress in their lives. At times, this stress can become so overwhelming it starts to impair our daily lives. For others, it easy to mask those issues around family, peers and/or coworkers; but when we are alone those obstacles are still with us. Whether this is your first-time trying therapy or you have seen multiple professionals, I'm here to embark on this journey with you.
I have worked with people of all backgrounds in addressing topics from depression, psychosis, anxiety and other life stressors.
Therapy can be one of the most challenging experiences for individuals and families; you sit in a room and begin sharing thoughts and feelings with a person you don’t know. Shame, regret, relationship issues are some of the many reasons people experience stress in their lives. At times, this stress can become so overwhelming it starts to impair our daily lives. For others, it easy to mask those issues around family, peers and/or coworkers; but when we are alone those obstacles are still with us. Whether this is your first-time trying therapy or you have seen multiple professionals, I'm here to embark on this journey with you.
Candace Childers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
Kristina Cook
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
Whether you have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, depression, abuse, emotional neglect, or challenges surrounding sport performance, my goal is to provide an environment of encouragement, compassion and understanding to help each of my clients attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
Brainspotting • EMDR • Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I wholeheartedly believe, "when needing compassion, we need someone who is deeply rooted, is able to bend and, most of all, embraces us for our strengths and struggles," Brene Brown. I work with a wide scope of clients who have experienced low self-esteem, phobias, trauma, abuse, sexual violence and assault, challenges with sports performance/blocks and injury, codependence, academic or performance anxiety and depression.
Whether you have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, depression, abuse, emotional neglect, or challenges surrounding sport performance, my goal is to provide an environment of encouragement, compassion and understanding to help each of my clients attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
Brainspotting • EMDR • Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I wholeheartedly believe, "when needing compassion, we need someone who is deeply rooted, is able to bend and, most of all, embraces us for our strengths and struggles," Brene Brown. I work with a wide scope of clients who have experienced low self-esteem, phobias, trauma, abuse, sexual violence and assault, challenges with sports performance/blocks and injury, codependence, academic or performance anxiety and depression.
Phoenix Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, LMFT
Verified Verified
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
I provide services to individuals, sex workers, kids, the LGBTQI community, and athletes who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other issues.
Does it seem like your relationship is out of balance? All you and your partner do, it seems like, is fight? Where there was a feeling of peace and harmony, now just feels like a heavy fog of uncertainty. Is there an issue of infidelity and trust has eroded. At one point you and your partner could communicate, but now you struggle to get your message across. Come in and let's talk.
I provide services to individuals, sex workers, kids, the LGBTQI community, and athletes who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other issues.
Does it seem like your relationship is out of balance? All you and your partner do, it seems like, is fight? Where there was a feeling of peace and harmony, now just feels like a heavy fog of uncertainty. Is there an issue of infidelity and trust has eroded. At one point you and your partner could communicate, but now you struggle to get your message across. Come in and let's talk.
Kathryn R Denham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95688
I have been in private practice for over 25 years. I specialize in working with couples and families, teens and children. I also run three womens groups per week and treat those suffering from addictions, mood disorders, depression, and codependency issues. I also have a strong spiritual focus in my practice and strive to help others create peaceful collaboration within their relationships. I have a bias towards saving marriages whenever possible.
I have been in private practice for over 25 years. I specialize in working with couples and families, teens and children. I also run three womens groups per week and treat those suffering from addictions, mood disorders, depression, and codependency issues. I also have a strong spiritual focus in my practice and strive to help others create peaceful collaboration within their relationships. I have a bias towards saving marriages whenever possible.
Madison Ledda- Simmons
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Nice to meet you! I am proud of you for reaching out for help and exploring your options for your mental health. One of the hardest parts about asking for help is asking for help! You are already taking a step in the right direction for yourself, your partner, your child, or your family. I believe in one step at a time and that not "one way" is the "right way." This is your therapeutic journey, and I will walk alongside you to support and listen to you and provide you with tools to start healing your past, present, and future. I strive to cultivate an environment for my clients that feel comfortable, calming, accepting, and open.
Nice to meet you! I am proud of you for reaching out for help and exploring your options for your mental health. One of the hardest parts about asking for help is asking for help! You are already taking a step in the right direction for yourself, your partner, your child, or your family. I believe in one step at a time and that not "one way" is the "right way." This is your therapeutic journey, and I will walk alongside you to support and listen to you and provide you with tools to start healing your past, present, and future. I strive to cultivate an environment for my clients that feel comfortable, calming, accepting, and open.
Katherine (Katie) Behm
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
Central Valley Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
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.