Oakland
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Email Me
(510) 726-4976 Call Me
(510) 726-4976 Call Me
or
Email Me
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Machel Best

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
Call Me
Let's Connect (510) 726-4976
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Available both in-person and online
Oakland, CA 94610
My website
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal conflict, cultural and intersectional identity concerns, anger management, and mood disorders. I welcome individuals who are striving to become the best version of themselves, seeking support in managing symptoms, or simply interested in personal growth. An initial evaluation session can help us determine whether I’m the right fit for your needs.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and grounded in evidence-based practices. I draw from skills including but not limited to emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I support clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, and major life transitions.
Serving my broader California community is not just part of my work—it is a genuine passion. I would be honored to speak with you about what has brought you to therapy and how we might approach your goals together. Please feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if Best Community Therapy is the right fit for you.
Call or Machel Best now for a free 15 minute consultation - (510) 726-4976

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Oakland, CA 94610

(510) 726-4976
My website
I am currently doing Video and/ or Tele-therapy since the Pandemic. Video Therapy can be done via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime.
I specialize in Depression, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD 
$100 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Best Community Therapy: "Where our goal is to help you feel your best."
Machel Best
Let's Connect (510) 726-4976
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Oakland, CA 94610

(510) 726-4976
My website
I am currently doing Video and/ or Tele-therapy since the Pandemic. Video Therapy can be done via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime.
I specialize in Depression, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD 
$100 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Best Community Therapy: "Where our goal is to help you feel your best."
Machel Best

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $100
  • Couple Sessions $175
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Apple Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa, Zelle

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Optum
  • Sutter
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
I am in-network for Aetna, Blue Shield Cross, Cigna/ Evernorth and Optum/ United/ Sutter, but I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients and help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions, I am more than happy to work with you.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976
"
I am in-network for Aetna, Blue Shield Cross, Cigna/ Evernorth and Optum/ United/ Sutter, but I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients and help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions, I am more than happy to work with you.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 81086 Machel Best

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 12 years
  • Attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, Graduated 2014

    • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from Academy Of Cognitive Therapy 2015
  • Certificate from Interpersonal Therapy Institute 2015
"
Trained in many modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. However I am both trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976
"
Trained in many modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. However I am both trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

  • Anger Management
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Body Image
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Impulsivity
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Hoarding
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • Infidelity
  • Intersectionality Issues
  • Life Transitions
  • Men's Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Peer Relationships
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Racial Identity
  • Racial/ Cultural Discrimination Issues
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
  • Sleep or Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Thinking Disorders
  • Veterans
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety or trauma related to past experiences, relationships or family. My goal is to create a therapeutic alliance where my clients feel comfortable being themselves in treatment as you heal.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety or trauma related to past experiences, relationships or family. My goal is to create a therapeutic alliance where my clients feel comfortable being themselves in treatment as you heal.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976

Client Focus

Age

Teen , 
Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Deaf Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Single Parent

Ethnicity

Black and African American , 
Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Creole

Age

Teen , 
Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Deaf Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Single Parent

Ethnicity

Black and African American , 
Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Creole

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Interpersonal
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Psychodynamic
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice. With CBT, we'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience. Another modality I often use is Interpersonal Therapy. With IPT, we will look at how the relationships in your life impact your mood and look for solutions for these issues of interpersonal conflict, grief/ loss, and/ or life transitions.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976
"
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice. With CBT, we'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience. Another modality I often use is Interpersonal Therapy. With IPT, we will look at how the relationships in your life impact your mood and look for solutions for these issues of interpersonal conflict, grief/ loss, and/ or life transitions.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (510) 726-4976

Location

Primary Location

Oakland, CA 94610

(510) 726-4976

Email Me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

"
I am currently doing Video and/ or Tele-therapy since the Pandemic. Video Therapy can be done via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (510) 726-4976
"
I am currently doing Video and/ or Tele-therapy since the Pandemic. Video Therapy can be done via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime.
Photo of Machel Best, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Machel Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (510) 726-4976