Therapists in Oakland, CA
Sarah West Carson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I work with adults and teens looking to make changes in their lives. I believe in the resiliency of people, and it continues to be my pleasure to support individuals, couples, families and communities in enhancing their sense of personal power. I have extensive experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. My practice is open to people of all nationalities, genders, and orientations (sexual, religious, political) and I enjoy working with anyone who desires to change and grow.
I work with adults and teens looking to make changes in their lives. I believe in the resiliency of people, and it continues to be my pleasure to support individuals, couples, families and communities in enhancing their sense of personal power. I have extensive experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. My practice is open to people of all nationalities, genders, and orientations (sexual, religious, political) and I enjoy working with anyone who desires to change and grow.
Tayina Fenelus
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
Rachel Watkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Most of us will find ourselves struggling at some point. Maybe you are suffering from crushing depression or debilitating anxiety or drowning in waves of grief. Maybe you need help navigating a life transition or important relationship. Some may long to heal past hurts. Or perhaps you are simply overwhelmed by life’s many stressors. It is often at these times that we seek out therapy.
Most of us will find ourselves struggling at some point. Maybe you are suffering from crushing depression or debilitating anxiety or drowning in waves of grief. Maybe you need help navigating a life transition or important relationship. Some may long to heal past hurts. Or perhaps you are simply overwhelmed by life’s many stressors. It is often at these times that we seek out therapy.
Monica Linares
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Many clients come to work with me at a time in their lives when they feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in their relationships, or when they are experiencing a major life transition. During these times, people often believe something is wrong with them and fear that others will judge them if they open up about their true feelings. As a result, many people stay quiet about their pain and feel lonely. Being a therapist has taught me that the struggles we encounter in life are far more common than we realize and your healing can be possible with my support.
Many clients come to work with me at a time in their lives when they feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in their relationships, or when they are experiencing a major life transition. During these times, people often believe something is wrong with them and fear that others will judge them if they open up about their true feelings. As a result, many people stay quiet about their pain and feel lonely. Being a therapist has taught me that the struggles we encounter in life are far more common than we realize and your healing can be possible with my support.
Meg Fransee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I prioritize making the therapeutic environment active and flexible, creating space for all the overlapping spheres of the human experience. Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends. By exploring the history and interconnectedness of our challenges and strengths, we can develop new understanding and identify strategies that feel nuanced, meaningful, and empowering. I maintain a client-centered approach allowing the client to work in a framework and pace that feels best for them.
I prioritize making the therapeutic environment active and flexible, creating space for all the overlapping spheres of the human experience. Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends. By exploring the history and interconnectedness of our challenges and strengths, we can develop new understanding and identify strategies that feel nuanced, meaningful, and empowering. I maintain a client-centered approach allowing the client to work in a framework and pace that feels best for them.
Amy O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I provide a warm, supportive environment that is uniquely yours, dedicated to your life and development. We will pay close attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, helping you to better understand all the different parts of yourself. Together we will identify and explore the patterns of behavior and negative self perceptions that may hold you back from a life of balance, vitality and inner peace.
I provide a warm, supportive environment that is uniquely yours, dedicated to your life and development. We will pay close attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, helping you to better understand all the different parts of yourself. Together we will identify and explore the patterns of behavior and negative self perceptions that may hold you back from a life of balance, vitality and inner peace.
Tayyibah Chase
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94619 (Online Only)
I offer clients a comfortable space to be their authentic selves in a world that often doesn't support authenticity. I believe in the importance of exploring the various aspects of our identities, both visible and invisible. We talk about the impacts of culture and relationships on your emotional well-being. Together we might explore relationship and attachment patterns and identify ways to make shifts. With a background in expressive arts therapy, I utilize creative approaches such as writing and drawing to process emotions. I also introduce practical skill building, so that you have tangible tools to walk away with.
I offer clients a comfortable space to be their authentic selves in a world that often doesn't support authenticity. I believe in the importance of exploring the various aspects of our identities, both visible and invisible. We talk about the impacts of culture and relationships on your emotional well-being. Together we might explore relationship and attachment patterns and identify ways to make shifts. With a background in expressive arts therapy, I utilize creative approaches such as writing and drawing to process emotions. I also introduce practical skill building, so that you have tangible tools to walk away with.
Sarath Suon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
You appear to "have it all together," but deep down, you feel unsatisfied with your life. You feel exhausted by overthinking and persistent worrying. Maybe you've been thinking about making a career change or going back to school, but your fears are holding you back. Perhaps you've experienced a change in your life, such as moving in with your partner or to a new city, and you're having a hard time adjusting. Life transitions can be difficult and confusing to navigate on your own. The accompanying anxiety is just as hard, and can feel overwhelming and paralyzing.
You appear to "have it all together," but deep down, you feel unsatisfied with your life. You feel exhausted by overthinking and persistent worrying. Maybe you've been thinking about making a career change or going back to school, but your fears are holding you back. Perhaps you've experienced a change in your life, such as moving in with your partner or to a new city, and you're having a hard time adjusting. Life transitions can be difficult and confusing to navigate on your own. The accompanying anxiety is just as hard, and can feel overwhelming and paralyzing.
Rachel Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Do you tend to focus your energy on taking care of others? Are you often left feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and disconnected from yourself? Do you often feel guilty or ashamed when you ask for what you need or want? As an empath or a highly sensitive person who has experienced trauma, it can be overwhelming when you don’t have the right tools to manage your emotions and the energy you pick up from others. You care deeply for others and want to find a way to care just as deeply for yourself. You want to build your capacity to have relationships where you allow yourself to receive as much as you give.
Do you tend to focus your energy on taking care of others? Are you often left feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and disconnected from yourself? Do you often feel guilty or ashamed when you ask for what you need or want? As an empath or a highly sensitive person who has experienced trauma, it can be overwhelming when you don’t have the right tools to manage your emotions and the energy you pick up from others. You care deeply for others and want to find a way to care just as deeply for yourself. You want to build your capacity to have relationships where you allow yourself to receive as much as you give.
Shawna B. Adkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of substance use and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher
Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of substance use and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher
Amy Leibowitz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Welcome. I provide a warm, confidential space for adults of all ages to consider themselves in a new light. My belief is that we all have a natural inclination to develop and grow, to find connection and joy. Psychotherapy with the right person can help one move past roadblocks - whether new or longstanding - with an increased sense of meaning and ease. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds to clarify and expand their strengths, grieve losses, and reconnect with inner wisdom.
Welcome. I provide a warm, confidential space for adults of all ages to consider themselves in a new light. My belief is that we all have a natural inclination to develop and grow, to find connection and joy. Psychotherapy with the right person can help one move past roadblocks - whether new or longstanding - with an increased sense of meaning and ease. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds to clarify and expand their strengths, grieve losses, and reconnect with inner wisdom.
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Evan Sola
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with individuals, adults and children, who are struggling with relationships, hoping to make peace with overwhelming trauma histories, or seeking support to cope with difficult life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy with feelings of lostness in regard to work, social life, love, and connection to passionate pursuits, looking to find clearer direction and purpose in their life.
I work with individuals, adults and children, who are struggling with relationships, hoping to make peace with overwhelming trauma histories, or seeking support to cope with difficult life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy with feelings of lostness in regard to work, social life, love, and connection to passionate pursuits, looking to find clearer direction and purpose in their life.
Gustav Helzberg Human Being Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Some of us are plagued by a sense that something is inherently wrong with us, with life. Some of us feel something is somehow 'off'; we are struggling and aren't exactly sure why. Our pain and problems are alchemized when we uncover compassion for our ailing parts. I understand this because I continue to experience its truth. In our sessions, I help create the safe, supportive feel necessary for exploring the darker, more challenging aspects within. This is done by providing a kind, gentle, interactive listening space- an atmosphere where you can feel heard, understood, & accepted as you are. This allows the magic to work.
Some of us are plagued by a sense that something is inherently wrong with us, with life. Some of us feel something is somehow 'off'; we are struggling and aren't exactly sure why. Our pain and problems are alchemized when we uncover compassion for our ailing parts. I understand this because I continue to experience its truth. In our sessions, I help create the safe, supportive feel necessary for exploring the darker, more challenging aspects within. This is done by providing a kind, gentle, interactive listening space- an atmosphere where you can feel heard, understood, & accepted as you are. This allows the magic to work.
Alex Black
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
Make therapy a gift to yourself and the journey of a lifetime. Experience the therapeutic process as an exploration into a landscape full of your own creative capacities, strengths, and dreams that already exist. Replace out-dated belief systems with new ones that better reflect your current, authentic self. Continue the process of growing into the person you believe yourself to be. Move from the victim to the empowered. I work in collaborative ways with you, helping to identifying assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you from the experiences, relationships, and life that you want.
Make therapy a gift to yourself and the journey of a lifetime. Experience the therapeutic process as an exploration into a landscape full of your own creative capacities, strengths, and dreams that already exist. Replace out-dated belief systems with new ones that better reflect your current, authentic self. Continue the process of growing into the person you believe yourself to be. Move from the victim to the empowered. I work in collaborative ways with you, helping to identifying assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you from the experiences, relationships, and life that you want.
Stephanie Rosso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Rebecca Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
Nancy Lyle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I have been a therapist for 6 years and have worked with many populations, including the forensic population, both incarcerated individuals, those on probation, as well as first responders and their families, which includes spouses, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and enjoy working with individuals. I not only have a Masters in Clinical Counseling but also a Masters in Forensic Psychology. I am also currently working on my dissertation for a PhD. I enjoy helping my clients process and grow and teach them how to come to their own solutions for past and present life stressors.
I have been a therapist for 6 years and have worked with many populations, including the forensic population, both incarcerated individuals, those on probation, as well as first responders and their families, which includes spouses, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and enjoy working with individuals. I not only have a Masters in Clinical Counseling but also a Masters in Forensic Psychology. I am also currently working on my dissertation for a PhD. I enjoy helping my clients process and grow and teach them how to come to their own solutions for past and present life stressors.
Eugenie A Hsu
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Traumatic experiences, whether single incident or complex, can lead to relationship problems, shame, low self-esteem, problems trusting others, feeling unsafe, unhealthy relationship dynamics, maladaptive coping, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and reactivity to trauma triggers (startle response, emotional numbing, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, dissociation, etc.). I treat clients whose problems have originated from traumatic experiences to help them heal from the past and to live a full life in the present.
Traumatic experiences, whether single incident or complex, can lead to relationship problems, shame, low self-esteem, problems trusting others, feeling unsafe, unhealthy relationship dynamics, maladaptive coping, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and reactivity to trauma triggers (startle response, emotional numbing, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, dissociation, etc.). I treat clients whose problems have originated from traumatic experiences to help them heal from the past and to live a full life in the present.
Emily Epstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
You may have decided that you need a focused time and a safe place to sort through important issues in your life. How do you know when a therapist is right for you? I believe in trusting your instincts. I invite you to bring your full range of feelings about starting therapy to an exploratory first session to see if we would be a good match. I work with individuals and couples of all orientations and backgrounds.
You may have decided that you need a focused time and a safe place to sort through important issues in your life. How do you know when a therapist is right for you? I believe in trusting your instincts. I invite you to bring your full range of feelings about starting therapy to an exploratory first session to see if we would be a good match. I work with individuals and couples of all orientations and backgrounds.
Dr. Renata Way
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Oakland, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$185
Therapists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Grief |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
59% | Aetna |
48% | Cigna and Evernorth |
44% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Oakland, CA see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Oakland?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.