Therapists in Oakland, CA
Farooq Malik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.
I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.
(Will) Se Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have successfully worked with issues of boundaries, stuckness, self worth, depression/anxiety, & childhood experiences of grief, loss, and trauma.
I offer holistic and depthful therapy that is both affirming and collaborative. My clients appreciate my gentleness, compassion & humor. My approach is de-stigmatizing and non-shaming, addressing & coming into contact with held stories and social narratives that may not match your current self or the self that wants to be. I hold an adaptive client centered framework utilizing trauma informed, social justice, somatic, parts work, & attachment based approaches. Sites of harm are often the sites of healing, in forming therapeutic relationship we can explore & come to know these sites and the unique offering &
I have successfully worked with issues of boundaries, stuckness, self worth, depression/anxiety, & childhood experiences of grief, loss, and trauma.
I offer holistic and depthful therapy that is both affirming and collaborative. My clients appreciate my gentleness, compassion & humor. My approach is de-stigmatizing and non-shaming, addressing & coming into contact with held stories and social narratives that may not match your current self or the self that wants to be. I hold an adaptive client centered framework utilizing trauma informed, social justice, somatic, parts work, & attachment based approaches. Sites of harm are often the sites of healing, in forming therapeutic relationship we can explore & come to know these sites and the unique offering &
Will Hector
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I work with heterosexual and same-sex couples on issues of communication, integrating families, sexuality, power dynamics, attachment, trust, and infidelity. I also work with individuals on grief, relationship issues, depression and anxiety, spiritual inquiry, life transitions, and vocational calling. I hold an empathetic understanding of every client's unique worldview -- and respect how each individual arrives there. I provide compassionate, holistic, and practical support for your healing journey. Thank you for considering therapy as part of your path.
I work with heterosexual and same-sex couples on issues of communication, integrating families, sexuality, power dynamics, attachment, trust, and infidelity. I also work with individuals on grief, relationship issues, depression and anxiety, spiritual inquiry, life transitions, and vocational calling. I hold an empathetic understanding of every client's unique worldview -- and respect how each individual arrives there. I provide compassionate, holistic, and practical support for your healing journey. Thank you for considering therapy as part of your path.
Nick Weathersby
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608
So often we live in the grip of anxiety and depression. Our families pull out our worst, the realities of adulthood drain us, loss of loved ones or our own capacities become existential reality. Despite these challenges, we can always make changes in ourselves to increase our resilience and sense of fulfillment in life. Psychotherapy is serious work. While humor and levity in the present can help lighten difficult memories, we will dive deep into the past with expert attention to inform movement into a more complete future.
So often we live in the grip of anxiety and depression. Our families pull out our worst, the realities of adulthood drain us, loss of loved ones or our own capacities become existential reality. Despite these challenges, we can always make changes in ourselves to increase our resilience and sense of fulfillment in life. Psychotherapy is serious work. While humor and levity in the present can help lighten difficult memories, we will dive deep into the past with expert attention to inform movement into a more complete future.
Charles Marco Aquilina
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BA, AA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
Ben Morsa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Assaf Jaffe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Dave Kalloor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Dave :) I want to help you feel more connected with yourself and those around you. I'm an Indian-American therapist skilled in helping people move through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship/family concerns, and school/career issues.
Hi, I'm Dave :) I want to help you feel more connected with yourself and those around you. I'm an Indian-American therapist skilled in helping people move through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship/family concerns, and school/career issues.
David Chung
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I welcome working with both individual adults and couples who are experiencing relationship issues, depression or anxiety, fear, shame, or need support with major life transitions.
I care deeply about supporting my clients on their evolving journey towards healing and returning to the truth of who they really are, and I honor their autonomy and unique life experiences as essential to their growth and unfolding. Coming from a first-gen immigrant family, I know that our lives can often be impacted by layers of familial & cultural pressures, trauma, and childhood wounding. I hold compassionate space to explore these aspects of experience through a holistic and trauma-informed lens. As an integrative therapist, I use a variety of approaches including EMDR.
I welcome working with both individual adults and couples who are experiencing relationship issues, depression or anxiety, fear, shame, or need support with major life transitions.
I care deeply about supporting my clients on their evolving journey towards healing and returning to the truth of who they really are, and I honor their autonomy and unique life experiences as essential to their growth and unfolding. Coming from a first-gen immigrant family, I know that our lives can often be impacted by layers of familial & cultural pressures, trauma, and childhood wounding. I hold compassionate space to explore these aspects of experience through a holistic and trauma-informed lens. As an integrative therapist, I use a variety of approaches including EMDR.
Frank Banks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
Vivek Anand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MArch, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
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Adisa Anderson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, intimate relationships, family difficulties, academics, career development, alcohol and drug use, musical arts and healing, anxiety, depression, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy.
Therapy is an opportunity to gain insight, change behaviors, develop coping tools, and address challenges we are facing. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their personal journey, as they uncover inner-strengths, increase insight about themselves, their relationships, and restore balance in their lives. I embrace a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, mindfulness-based framework with clients. I welcome diversity in all forms and integrate various treatment modalities based on client need, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, intimate relationships, family difficulties, academics, career development, alcohol and drug use, musical arts and healing, anxiety, depression, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy.
Therapy is an opportunity to gain insight, change behaviors, develop coping tools, and address challenges we are facing. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their personal journey, as they uncover inner-strengths, increase insight about themselves, their relationships, and restore balance in their lives. I embrace a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, mindfulness-based framework with clients. I welcome diversity in all forms and integrate various treatment modalities based on client need, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.
Alan Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
Whether it’s due to genetics, difficult events in our childhood, unforeseen life circumstances, or painful relationships sometimes we feel like we have been created or forced into ways of being that are painful. Sometimes those traumas show up as depression or anxiety, sometimes as dissociation or feelings we don't belong. I’m passionate about working with folks who recognize the pain of big and small traumas alike, and care about making the world a better place for us all to exist in. Sometimes that means understanding what happened to us better, sometimes that means changing our relationships with others and/or ourselves.
Whether it’s due to genetics, difficult events in our childhood, unforeseen life circumstances, or painful relationships sometimes we feel like we have been created or forced into ways of being that are painful. Sometimes those traumas show up as depression or anxiety, sometimes as dissociation or feelings we don't belong. I’m passionate about working with folks who recognize the pain of big and small traumas alike, and care about making the world a better place for us all to exist in. Sometimes that means understanding what happened to us better, sometimes that means changing our relationships with others and/or ourselves.
Steven Herrmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
Ken Husbands
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Maybe you are dealing with new and difficult circumstances, or maybe you are ready to confront issues that have been bothering you for some time. Wherever you are, I will meet you there, help you discover where you would like to be, and move in that direction with you. Psychological pain often comes from being stuck in patterns of thought, behavior, and emotional response that were necessary to our self-preservation at one point, but that are no longer serving that purpose. You have gotten where you are today thanks to your inner strengths; my job is to help you build on those strengths while helping you change harmful patterns.
Maybe you are dealing with new and difficult circumstances, or maybe you are ready to confront issues that have been bothering you for some time. Wherever you are, I will meet you there, help you discover where you would like to be, and move in that direction with you. Psychological pain often comes from being stuck in patterns of thought, behavior, and emotional response that were necessary to our self-preservation at one point, but that are no longer serving that purpose. You have gotten where you are today thanks to your inner strengths; my job is to help you build on those strengths while helping you change harmful patterns.
Larry E Burrell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
James R. Harrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Seeking help when things don't feel quite right takes courage. Sometimes we don't know exactly what's blocking us, other times that thing is too big for us to ignore. I’m grateful that you decided to listen to yourself and have chosen this path to boost your support. I'm rooting for you. My hope is that together we can uncover significant ways for you to continue rising into your best self, define your wholeness, and audaciously live your truth. The essence of my approach is warm and genuinely focused on facilitating, identifying, and assisting clients address goals that are meaningful to them.
Seeking help when things don't feel quite right takes courage. Sometimes we don't know exactly what's blocking us, other times that thing is too big for us to ignore. I’m grateful that you decided to listen to yourself and have chosen this path to boost your support. I'm rooting for you. My hope is that together we can uncover significant ways for you to continue rising into your best self, define your wholeness, and audaciously live your truth. The essence of my approach is warm and genuinely focused on facilitating, identifying, and assisting clients address goals that are meaningful to them.
Garrett Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Navigating life's complexities can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations. Psychotherapy provides a unique space where you can confront and understand these feelings, and address what is holding you back. Together we will explore the unique narrative shaping your experiences, unravel the knots of unconscious conflicts, and relieve emotional burdens. Your creativity and independent spirit are assets; let's use them to foster resilience and self-assuredness, empowering you on your journey towards self-discovery and genuine transformation, not just quick fixes.
Navigating life's complexities can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations. Psychotherapy provides a unique space where you can confront and understand these feelings, and address what is holding you back. Together we will explore the unique narrative shaping your experiences, unravel the knots of unconscious conflicts, and relieve emotional burdens. Your creativity and independent spirit are assets; let's use them to foster resilience and self-assuredness, empowering you on your journey towards self-discovery and genuine transformation, not just quick fixes.
Gordy Steil
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
January, 2024: I currently have some lower-fee ($120-180) openings for teenagers, adults and families with children in these age groups who belong to households with incomes below $100k. I work to help my clients experience more vitality, control, connection, focus and flexibility in their lives, depending, of course, on what they are looking for. My clients often seek relief from patterns of painful feelings, negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors that stem from their experience of growing up in particular worlds and particular histories that were traumatic or difficult or confusing. We work on understanding and change.
January, 2024: I currently have some lower-fee ($120-180) openings for teenagers, adults and families with children in these age groups who belong to households with incomes below $100k. I work to help my clients experience more vitality, control, connection, focus and flexibility in their lives, depending, of course, on what they are looking for. My clients often seek relief from patterns of painful feelings, negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors that stem from their experience of growing up in particular worlds and particular histories that were traumatic or difficult or confusing. We work on understanding and change.
Will Hall
MA, DiplPW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My work as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families access new resources behind emotional struggles and life problems. I am trained in Jungian and Open Dialogue approaches and am a lifelong learner of the work of R.D. Laing. I am recognized internationally for my advocacy and training work in the psychiatric survivors movement and as a leader for new social responses to what gets called madness and psychosis. I see suffering, including what gets called psychosis, from outside the narrow mechanistic science, diagnostic label, and medication views.
My work as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families access new resources behind emotional struggles and life problems. I am trained in Jungian and Open Dialogue approaches and am a lifelong learner of the work of R.D. Laing. I am recognized internationally for my advocacy and training work in the psychiatric survivors movement and as a leader for new social responses to what gets called madness and psychosis. I see suffering, including what gets called psychosis, from outside the narrow mechanistic science, diagnostic label, and medication views.
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.