Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of LaShante D Smith in Oakland, CA
LaShante D Smith
EdS, LEP3842, NCSP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
Specializing in psycho educational assessment for a variety of needs; including, Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, and other specific learning disabilities. An honest, culturally responsive professional committed to understanding my client's unique needs to develop an appropriate action plan.
Specializing in psycho educational assessment for a variety of needs; including, Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, and other specific learning disabilities. An honest, culturally responsive professional committed to understanding my client's unique needs to develop an appropriate action plan.
(510) 826-5277 View (510) 826-5277
Photo of Melissa Nicolle Martinez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Melissa Nicolle Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Latina identified, bilingual clinician. I currently work with Alianza Counseling Group in Fremont CA. I acquired my postgraduate degree from NYU, and have provided Mental Health services to diverse populations since 2017. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in both schools and outpatient settings. My ideal client is open to engage in therapy, they are willing to both identify and work through triggers together, in order to set therapeutic objectives to reach their goals. I utilize clinical interventions that are relevant to each client, every session is different and catered to your needs.
Hello! I am a Latina identified, bilingual clinician. I currently work with Alianza Counseling Group in Fremont CA. I acquired my postgraduate degree from NYU, and have provided Mental Health services to diverse populations since 2017. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in both schools and outpatient settings. My ideal client is open to engage in therapy, they are willing to both identify and work through triggers together, in order to set therapeutic objectives to reach their goals. I utilize clinical interventions that are relevant to each client, every session is different and catered to your needs.
(415) 966-2601 View (415) 966-2601
Photo of Marcie Rubel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Marcie Rubel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
If you could change one thing about your life, what would make you happier? Maybe it would be making your relationships with others more satisfying or reducing your anxiety or depression. In individual therapy I help create a safe space to step back and observe your own emotions, beliefs, and patterns of relating to others. My approach is supportive, understanding, non-judgmental but also practical, honest and helpful in finding new solutions and ways to work through difficulties and problems.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would make you happier? Maybe it would be making your relationships with others more satisfying or reducing your anxiety or depression. In individual therapy I help create a safe space to step back and observe your own emotions, beliefs, and patterns of relating to others. My approach is supportive, understanding, non-judgmental but also practical, honest and helpful in finding new solutions and ways to work through difficulties and problems.
(510) 606-8580 View (510) 606-8580
Photo of Laura Frame, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Laura Frame
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
Growth, change and transformation happen in the context of crucial relationships in our lives. We also experience pain, loss, absence, fear, shame, and more within those relationships – as children and as adults. Our life experiences, intertwined with our cultural background and unique neurobiology, lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we want to be. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to create lives and relationships that are more satisfying and in which we feel more alive.
Growth, change and transformation happen in the context of crucial relationships in our lives. We also experience pain, loss, absence, fear, shame, and more within those relationships – as children and as adults. Our life experiences, intertwined with our cultural background and unique neurobiology, lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we want to be. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to create lives and relationships that are more satisfying and in which we feel more alive.
(510) 399-2147 View (510) 399-2147
Photo of Jennifer Howard, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Jennifer Howard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
My approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Attachment Theories. I also incorporate the practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I aspire to meet clients where they are, and help each individual to work on his or her expressed goals. I enjoy taking this journey with clients to navigate some of their most difficult and challenging moments in life, to help prevent troubled kids or young adults from more serious trouble, and to help all clients who seek my support turn their life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and lasting change.
My approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Attachment Theories. I also incorporate the practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I aspire to meet clients where they are, and help each individual to work on his or her expressed goals. I enjoy taking this journey with clients to navigate some of their most difficult and challenging moments in life, to help prevent troubled kids or young adults from more serious trouble, and to help all clients who seek my support turn their life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and lasting change.
(510) 878-6002 View (510) 878-6002
Photo of Eva Klein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Eva Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
(510) 640-8279 View (510) 640-8279
Photo of Eren Berkenkotter, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Eren Berkenkotter
Psychologist, RN, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Are you a worrier? Overwhelmed? Anxious about challenges in your life? I offer individual talk therapy so you will feel better, find your strengths, and can be yourself. Therapy is a focused time, place, and person to think things through with. It helps you gain perspective, feel connected, and feel understood. I use warmth and creativity to help you find compassion and insight to draw upon, especially for when you are preoccupied by your worries and dilemmas.
Are you a worrier? Overwhelmed? Anxious about challenges in your life? I offer individual talk therapy so you will feel better, find your strengths, and can be yourself. Therapy is a focused time, place, and person to think things through with. It helps you gain perspective, feel connected, and feel understood. I use warmth and creativity to help you find compassion and insight to draw upon, especially for when you are preoccupied by your worries and dilemmas.
(510) 230-2762 View (510) 230-2762
Photo of Paula Massengill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Paula Massengill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
We all sometimes face a challenge in life that we just can't seem to resolve on our own. It might be a new chapter in your life that brings unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage, parenting, step-parenting, divorce, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship with a loved one or in your professional life. Or it might be more of an internal struggle, whether recent or long-standing, that is giving rise to anxiety, depression, struggles with food or alcohol, or other self-defeating behaviors.
We all sometimes face a challenge in life that we just can't seem to resolve on our own. It might be a new chapter in your life that brings unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage, parenting, step-parenting, divorce, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship with a loved one or in your professional life. Or it might be more of an internal struggle, whether recent or long-standing, that is giving rise to anxiety, depression, struggles with food or alcohol, or other self-defeating behaviors.
(510) 746-8555 View (510) 746-8555
Photo of Erin B Harrell, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Erin B Harrell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Our society often moves fast, and it is easy to get caught up and not allow the time to address the thoughts and emotional reactions that may emerge with challenges and changing life circumstances. With over 10 years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan, I provide an affirmative space for individuals to explore areas in their life where they would like to see growth and change. I also value the opportunities to notice areas of life that feel fulfilling, to explore strengths and reflect on positives. My style is warm and thoughtful. and interactive.
Our society often moves fast, and it is easy to get caught up and not allow the time to address the thoughts and emotional reactions that may emerge with challenges and changing life circumstances. With over 10 years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan, I provide an affirmative space for individuals to explore areas in their life where they would like to see growth and change. I also value the opportunities to notice areas of life that feel fulfilling, to explore strengths and reflect on positives. My style is warm and thoughtful. and interactive.
(510) 400-4990 View (510) 400-4990
Photo of Andreea Simon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Andreea Simon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
(510) 746-8126 View (510) 746-8126
Photo of Anna Benassi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Anna Benassi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Waitlist for new clients
I am not your run of the mill therapist. Oh sure, I listen well and am very compassionate and calm. But I just don't sit there and ask you how you feel. I do care about your feelings but I am more curious about your experience and how we can increase your awareness so that you can make helpful and inspired choices. As you can imagine I help people deal with any issue you can possibly think of- from depression to life transitions to the loss of a loved one or trauma.
I am not your run of the mill therapist. Oh sure, I listen well and am very compassionate and calm. But I just don't sit there and ask you how you feel. I do care about your feelings but I am more curious about your experience and how we can increase your awareness so that you can make helpful and inspired choices. As you can imagine I help people deal with any issue you can possibly think of- from depression to life transitions to the loss of a loved one or trauma.
(510) 585-9164 View (510) 585-9164
Photo of Jenny Turner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jenny Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I initially became a social worker to help the elderly population. Through graduate school, I have found a love for both medical social work as well as working in behavioral and mental health.
I initially became a social worker to help the elderly population. Through graduate school, I have found a love for both medical social work as well as working in behavioral and mental health.
(510) 880-1474 View (510) 880-1474
Photo of Amy Taylor Griffin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Amy Taylor Griffin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Adulting is hard! So is being a kid! My therapy offers a safe space to strengthen you and/or your child’s resiliency and find the ease you’ve been seeking. Together, let’s deepen your self-understanding with therapy in a collaborative journey of compassion, healing, and skill building. We all need support at times to develop our strengths, gain guidance towards healing, and create space for positive change.
Adulting is hard! So is being a kid! My therapy offers a safe space to strengthen you and/or your child’s resiliency and find the ease you’ve been seeking. Together, let’s deepen your self-understanding with therapy in a collaborative journey of compassion, healing, and skill building. We all need support at times to develop our strengths, gain guidance towards healing, and create space for positive change.
(510) 350-3934 View (510) 350-3934
Photo of Lynda Moy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lynda Moy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Welcome — therapy is a dedicated time and space to learn more about yourself and what may be getting in the way of the kind of life that you wish to live. You may be here because you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, feeling unfulfilled in your work or relationships, having difficulty with managing stress and navigating life transitions, or uncertain about how to move forward in your life. You may find yourself feeling frustrated, lonely, or isolated and seeking a sense of meaning and purpose. You may be interested in making shifts in your life and wanting to experience more connection and joy.
Welcome — therapy is a dedicated time and space to learn more about yourself and what may be getting in the way of the kind of life that you wish to live. You may be here because you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, feeling unfulfilled in your work or relationships, having difficulty with managing stress and navigating life transitions, or uncertain about how to move forward in your life. You may find yourself feeling frustrated, lonely, or isolated and seeking a sense of meaning and purpose. You may be interested in making shifts in your life and wanting to experience more connection and joy.
(510) 983-8369 View (510) 983-8369
Photo of Sarah Wolfarth-Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Sarah Wolfarth-Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Taking the necessary steps towards mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being is not an easy task, and does not have to be done alone. My commitment is assisting and supporting you in finding the unique tool you need to move towards long term healing. My focus is on mind, body and spirit as we work together. I respect the unique and intricate experiences and identities you bring into the therapeutic relationship.
Taking the necessary steps towards mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being is not an easy task, and does not have to be done alone. My commitment is assisting and supporting you in finding the unique tool you need to move towards long term healing. My focus is on mind, body and spirit as we work together. I respect the unique and intricate experiences and identities you bring into the therapeutic relationship.
(951) 463-4863 View (951) 463-4863
Photo of Mary McFarland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Mary McFarland, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
(510) 655-5568 View (510) 655-5568
Photo of Dina Altshuler, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dina Altshuler
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I know that coming to therapy can be challenging and I am committed to creating a warm, empathic, and safe space for our time together. I tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs and goals. My priority is to meet you where you are in order to help you on your journey to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I have an integrative style, drawing on psychodynamic, systems, and attachment theories which allows us to look at the root of issues that you may be struggling with. I also draw on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and meditation practices to help deal with symptoms by improving coping and self-care.
I know that coming to therapy can be challenging and I am committed to creating a warm, empathic, and safe space for our time together. I tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs and goals. My priority is to meet you where you are in order to help you on your journey to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I have an integrative style, drawing on psychodynamic, systems, and attachment theories which allows us to look at the root of issues that you may be struggling with. I also draw on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and meditation practices to help deal with symptoms by improving coping and self-care.
(510) 756-4517 View (510) 756-4517
Photo of Stefanie Schlief, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
(510) 288-6085 View (510) 288-6085
Photo of Dolores Antolín Y Muñiz, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Dolores Antolín Y Muñiz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My passion is working with clients from unique backgrounds and/or experiences who often contact me because they want to work on or through complex trauma, such as oppression based and/or inter-generational trauma. Modalities used addresses the concerns of those whose race, ethnicity, gender identification, income, disability/accessability, and other social factors which often go unrecognized/disavowed. Issues that arise for minority groups, such as oppression, racism, and marginalization, are relevant, recognized, validated, safely contained, and honored by me.
My passion is working with clients from unique backgrounds and/or experiences who often contact me because they want to work on or through complex trauma, such as oppression based and/or inter-generational trauma. Modalities used addresses the concerns of those whose race, ethnicity, gender identification, income, disability/accessability, and other social factors which often go unrecognized/disavowed. Issues that arise for minority groups, such as oppression, racism, and marginalization, are relevant, recognized, validated, safely contained, and honored by me.
(628) 203-9555 View (628) 203-9555
Photo of Megan Ellis Van Vlack, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Megan Ellis Van Vlack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of, like grief, anxiety, loneliness, stress, exhaustion, shame, anger, and/or emptiness. You may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. It’s getting to be more difficult to stay motivated, to stay focused, and to enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and reduce anxiety and depression.
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of, like grief, anxiety, loneliness, stress, exhaustion, shame, anger, and/or emptiness. You may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. It’s getting to be more difficult to stay motivated, to stay focused, and to enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and reduce anxiety and depression.
(415) 914-9740 View (415) 914-9740
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.