Therapists in Oakland, CA

Hello my name is Dr. Nekolas “Neko” Milton, I am a Registered Psychological Associate. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I operate from a client-centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of existentialism, mindfulness, family-systems, multiculturalism, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma-related diagnoses, and incorporate evidenced-based practices to address maladaptive patterns and behaviors.

As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.

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.

Life used to be easier! Perhaps you feel stuck in your relationships and you are not getting along with the people you see daily. Issues in life can be overwhelming and full of challenges. I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or healing, and whether trauma, abuse, grieving, recovery or life issues, we work together to overcome them. There is hope. Let me help you reach the goals and connections you deserve. With sensitivity and compassion, we work to determine what might be blocking your full potential and your feelings.

Do you want to find some balance and peace of mind? I can help you through this challenging time in your life. Whether you are an individual needing a safe place to manage unmanageable feelings or a couple seeking to change difficult relationship patterns, I have the skills to help you through this. Together we will work to create more harmony in your life through acceptance of what's out of your control and commitment to change the things you can. I work with individuals, couples and adolescents.

Therapy should be focused on you and your needs. Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do about your teen's anxiety? Do you worry a lot, often leaving you anxious, exhausted and overwhelmed? Has parenting become a constant battle, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted? I can help. I have extensive experience working with teens and parents who have experienced trauma, who have suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, school refusal, anxiety, OCD, social withdraw, bullying, low self-esteem, and depression. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).

Currently offering Virtual Sessions only. I keep things very friendly & casual by using relatable language, questioning ideas about being 'broken' or needing 'fixing' & avoid certain buzz words that can alienate others. By including humor & other non-traditional approaches in my work, I am a good fit for those looking for someone who is not very 'therapist' like but still has all the experience, therapeutic skills & insight to help create positive change. I am often able to connect with children & adults that have previously not enjoyed or benefited from counseling. I do not see couples or really young children due to telehealth.

I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.

I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.

Do you describe yourself as a “people pleaser”? Perhaps frozen from imposter syndrome or perfectionism? Feeling dissatisfied with your life or work? Or are you a parent who is worried about your child? I've worked with adults, children, teens and families experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress. Additionally, I have experience in working with people diagnosed with ADHD, as they often need support for feelings of inadequacy, regret, anxiety, and depression.

I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.

At Bridges Therapy Group of California, we’re dedicated to matching you with the perfect therapist for you and ensuring that your insurance will truly pay for your sessions. We are contracted, in-network providers with all the insurers listed below. We verify your benefits before you start so there are no surprises to you.

I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.

Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.

Currently, no waitlist. Scheduling Wed-Thurs. "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it" (Helen Keller). My work aims to reduce suffering through evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I have extensive experience treating trauma survivors and with the refugee, asylum-seeker, and immigrant communities. My practice has focused on people of color; clients with serious mental illness; and individuals with justice system-involvement, neurodivergence (esp. autism), and HIV.

Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.

Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.

Are you constantly in the trenches with your mental health? Without the right help, knowledge, or support, it can feel like getting out is a helpless battle. Like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, it can be a frustrating experience. Using an integrative, creative and dynamic approach to therapy, my work aims to meet you in the darkness- rolling up my sleeves and joining you in the mud. Together, we will work together to get you free of the hole you find yourself in. Many of my clients have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and would like to explore different approach.

As an Asian female therapist, I deeply understand the challenges and opportunities that come with a bi-cultural upbringing. Every individual possesses the innate desire to grow as well as the capacity to heal from traumas and painful life events. I am here to guide you through difficult life transitions and improve your relationships. I will help you approach life with fresh perspectives and more effective strategies. I have more than a decade of therapy experience with clients of all ages struggling with issues such as depression and anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief and loss, and unhealthy relationships.