Photo of Gina Ritorto, LMFT, PPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gina Ritorto
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I enjoy working with adolescents living with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide individual counseling for teens, along with family sessions. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to build autonomy and coping skills. I work with teens and their community, to develop specific emotional, social, academic/education, and transitional goals. I have particular expertise in adolescents living with emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma.
I enjoy working with adolescents living with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide individual counseling for teens, along with family sessions. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to build autonomy and coping skills. I work with teens and their community, to develop specific emotional, social, academic/education, and transitional goals. I have particular expertise in adolescents living with emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma.
(925) 386-6478 View (925) 386-6478
Photo of Michael J Rubino III, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J Rubino III
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My specialties are: children, teens, ODD, PSTD, Bipolar, custody issues, certified in anger management, suicidal patients, OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, adoptions issues, victims of physical and sexual abuse, sexual perpratradors, cutting, run aways, blended famlies, expert witness for custody, mediations and theraputic visitations, porn and sex addiction.
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
My specialties are: children, teens, ODD, PSTD, Bipolar, custody issues, certified in anger management, suicidal patients, OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, adoptions issues, victims of physical and sexual abuse, sexual perpratradors, cutting, run aways, blended famlies, expert witness for custody, mediations and theraputic visitations, porn and sex addiction.
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
(925) 267-6505 View (925) 267-6505
Photo of Dr. Katy Cook, PhD, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Dr. Katy Cook
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, AMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Families and loved ones can be some of most of our challenging relationships. Whether you’re struggling with a parent, partner, friend, sibling, or child, navigating relationships can be tricky at the best of times, and emotionally neglectful and traumatic in the worst. This can be incredibly painful, cause anxiety, lead to resentment, struggles with assertiveness or boundaries, conflict avoidance, or to knock on effects in other relationships – including how you feel about yourself.
Families and loved ones can be some of most of our challenging relationships. Whether you’re struggling with a parent, partner, friend, sibling, or child, navigating relationships can be tricky at the best of times, and emotionally neglectful and traumatic in the worst. This can be incredibly painful, cause anxiety, lead to resentment, struggles with assertiveness or boundaries, conflict avoidance, or to knock on effects in other relationships – including how you feel about yourself.
(510) 617-1953 View (510) 617-1953
Photo of Ashlee Nikole Frazier, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ashlee Nikole Frazier
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
There is no such thing as an ideal client other than one that takes the first steps to help better themselves. I am here to aid the process. Everyone has a purpose. Mine is to help people using different modalities catered to individual needs. I hope that every person that I assist learns self confidence, gains emotional intelligence, learns to self reflect, and builds healthy strategies to face the difficulties life can bring. We cannot always control the things in our paths but we can learn to control ourselves and how we cope with hardships. We have the ability to turn unfortunate events into beautiful testimony.
There is no such thing as an ideal client other than one that takes the first steps to help better themselves. I am here to aid the process. Everyone has a purpose. Mine is to help people using different modalities catered to individual needs. I hope that every person that I assist learns self confidence, gains emotional intelligence, learns to self reflect, and builds healthy strategies to face the difficulties life can bring. We cannot always control the things in our paths but we can learn to control ourselves and how we cope with hardships. We have the ability to turn unfortunate events into beautiful testimony.
(909) 245-8060 View (909) 245-8060
Photo of Monica Gizelle Martinez, AFMT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Monica Gizelle Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AFMT, APCC
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Trauma impacts every aspect of day-to-day life, but it does not have to rule you. Suppose you are looking to explore your trauma, develop coping skills, and work through the various symptoms that are associated with trauma (for example, depression and anxiety). You may also want a nonjudgmental, safe environment to engage in play, art, music, or other expressive means to work through your unique needs. In that case, we may be a great match for one another!
Trauma impacts every aspect of day-to-day life, but it does not have to rule you. Suppose you are looking to explore your trauma, develop coping skills, and work through the various symptoms that are associated with trauma (for example, depression and anxiety). You may also want a nonjudgmental, safe environment to engage in play, art, music, or other expressive means to work through your unique needs. In that case, we may be a great match for one another!
(925) 304-3735 View (925) 304-3735
Photo of Arwin Cotas-Girard - Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
(925) 212-4757 View (925) 212-4757
Photo of Parisa Rahimian - Bay Area Child Counseling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bay Area Child Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you worried about your teenager's mood, behavior, or difficulty communicating? Struggling with daily tasks and routines when it comes to your child? Feel like you've exhausted all parenting approaches without seeing results? Think that parenting shouldn't be this challenging? It is heartbreaking when our children suffer, and we are unsure how to help them. you've come to the right place. I'm here to offer you a free 30-minute phone consultation to determine how I can assist you. Together, we can explore solutions.
Are you worried about your teenager's mood, behavior, or difficulty communicating? Struggling with daily tasks and routines when it comes to your child? Feel like you've exhausted all parenting approaches without seeing results? Think that parenting shouldn't be this challenging? It is heartbreaking when our children suffer, and we are unsure how to help them. you've come to the right place. I'm here to offer you a free 30-minute phone consultation to determine how I can assist you. Together, we can explore solutions.
(925) 322-2960 View (925) 322-2960
Photo of Eva Gonzales - Gonzales Family Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gonzales Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Waitlist for new clients
At Gonzales Family Counseling, it is our honor to develop a client centered relationship in order to promote hope, healing, and accessing one's best self. We work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, parents, and families.
At Gonzales Family Counseling, it is our honor to develop a client centered relationship in order to promote hope, healing, and accessing one's best self. We work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, parents, and families.
(707) 267-2477 View (707) 267-2477
Photo of Loren Eliot Pedersen, PhD, Psychologist
Loren Eliot Pedersen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and gender to help them learn to cope with their unique psychological, emotional, and physical problems. I am trained in clinical psychology and psychoanalysis as well as in psychosomatics so I am able to treat a wide spectrum of disorders. I tailor my approach to the specific needs of the client rather than trying to make the client fit into a particular theoretical model or to work in a predetermined treatment modality.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and gender to help them learn to cope with their unique psychological, emotional, and physical problems. I am trained in clinical psychology and psychoanalysis as well as in psychosomatics so I am able to treat a wide spectrum of disorders. I tailor my approach to the specific needs of the client rather than trying to make the client fit into a particular theoretical model or to work in a predetermined treatment modality.
(510) 588-7201 View (510) 588-7201
Photo of Paula Barker, MA, PPSC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Paula Barker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I offer a highly supportive and skilled approach with all of my clients. I have over 14 years experience working with children, teens and adults. My experience includes supporting parents and children with difficult behaviors, interpersonal relationships and learning challenges.
I offer a highly supportive and skilled approach with all of my clients. I have over 14 years experience working with children, teens and adults. My experience includes supporting parents and children with difficult behaviors, interpersonal relationships and learning challenges.
(925) 966-1809 View (925) 966-1809
Photo of Geraldine (Geri) Murphy, PhD, LEP, CHT, CCTP
Geraldine (Geri) Murphy
PhD, LEP, CHT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I help my clients realize their dreams, discover their super powers, exceed their goals, and find their inner peace and happiness.
I help my clients realize their dreams, discover their super powers, exceed their goals, and find their inner peace and happiness.
(925) 315-8451 View (925) 315-8451
Photo of Jonathan Newsum, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jonathan Newsum
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you feeling stuck, continually repeating the same patterns over and over that lead to frustration, disconnection from others, guilt, and hopelessness? Therapy is so much more than symptom management. I focus on helping you to challenge and change old patterns that leave you feeling defeated and stuck so you can begin to heal and thrive. I will help you build the skills necessary to empower you on the path to growth and healing. Whether you need support through a current challenge or are needing to address deeper problems I will be there to help.
Are you feeling stuck, continually repeating the same patterns over and over that lead to frustration, disconnection from others, guilt, and hopelessness? Therapy is so much more than symptom management. I focus on helping you to challenge and change old patterns that leave you feeling defeated and stuck so you can begin to heal and thrive. I will help you build the skills necessary to empower you on the path to growth and healing. Whether you need support through a current challenge or are needing to address deeper problems I will be there to help.
(925) 905-8490 View (925) 905-8490
Photo of Christina Hourany, AMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Christina Hourany
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
If you are reading this, you have chosen to take the first step to healing. This decision is a demonstration of your resiliency, strength, and courage to be vulnerable, something to be immensely proud of. My therapeutic approach in working with individuals and couples is integrative. I recognize that no two persons are the same and that each person requires a treatment plan that is adapted to meet their needs. I recognize that experiences of trauma and pain are two unavoidable life experiences. However, I believe that there is a resiliency and strength inside each individual that supports a path of healing.
If you are reading this, you have chosen to take the first step to healing. This decision is a demonstration of your resiliency, strength, and courage to be vulnerable, something to be immensely proud of. My therapeutic approach in working with individuals and couples is integrative. I recognize that no two persons are the same and that each person requires a treatment plan that is adapted to meet their needs. I recognize that experiences of trauma and pain are two unavoidable life experiences. However, I believe that there is a resiliency and strength inside each individual that supports a path of healing.
(925) 701-9385 View (925) 701-9385
Photo of Jamie Edwards, MS, LEP
Jamie Edwards
MS, LEP
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Welcome! Is your child, teen, or young adult struggling with emotional issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD/executive dysfunction, neurodiversity, etc.) and/or school/educational issues (e.g. learning differences, poor academic performance, behavior issues, school avoidance, etc.)? I specialize in providing counseling, neurotherapy/neurofeedback (also known as "brain training"), and evaluations to youth experiencing learning, social or emotional difficulties. I partner with families in developing goals so your child can succeed and develop a positive self-concept.
Welcome! Is your child, teen, or young adult struggling with emotional issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD/executive dysfunction, neurodiversity, etc.) and/or school/educational issues (e.g. learning differences, poor academic performance, behavior issues, school avoidance, etc.)? I specialize in providing counseling, neurotherapy/neurofeedback (also known as "brain training"), and evaluations to youth experiencing learning, social or emotional difficulties. I partner with families in developing goals so your child can succeed and develop a positive self-concept.
(925) 291-5293 View (925) 291-5293
Photo of Danielle Nicole Harris, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Danielle Nicole Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Therapy can help you optimize your life. The clients I work with begin therapy when they notice they are overwhelmed, overworked, worried about the future, and living with the pain of the past. It is exhausting carrying the weight of a less than ideal childhood, dealing with anxiety and depression, feeling unsure of yourself, and trying to create a life that feels right. It’s easy to feel lost and stuck. Therapy is an excellent way to get a handle on life and learn how to prioritize yourself in a world that teaches you to put yourself last, but doesn’t pick you up when you’ve given everything you have to give.
Therapy can help you optimize your life. The clients I work with begin therapy when they notice they are overwhelmed, overworked, worried about the future, and living with the pain of the past. It is exhausting carrying the weight of a less than ideal childhood, dealing with anxiety and depression, feeling unsure of yourself, and trying to create a life that feels right. It’s easy to feel lost and stuck. Therapy is an excellent way to get a handle on life and learn how to prioritize yourself in a world that teaches you to put yourself last, but doesn’t pick you up when you’ve given everything you have to give.
(916) 884-2762 View (916) 884-2762
Photo of Michael J Abrams, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J Abrams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Saturdays appointments available! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families. In addition, I work with individual adults, couples, and co-parenting. I provide a safe, calm, friendly, empathetic & down to earth environment for my clients. I have extensive experience and specialize in working with young children through adolescents and their families around issues related to social, behavioral, interpersonal and academic concerns. Throughout my career, I have provided supervision to other professionals in all aspects of providing psychotherapy for children and adolescents; from case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment.
Saturdays appointments available! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families. In addition, I work with individual adults, couples, and co-parenting. I provide a safe, calm, friendly, empathetic & down to earth environment for my clients. I have extensive experience and specialize in working with young children through adolescents and their families around issues related to social, behavioral, interpersonal and academic concerns. Throughout my career, I have provided supervision to other professionals in all aspects of providing psychotherapy for children and adolescents; from case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment.
(818) 938-1155 View (818) 938-1155
Photo of Janelle K Brady, MS, LMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janelle K Brady
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
We can all use a neutral, confidential, unbiased person to vent to. I’m not the therapist that will ask you how you feel every day. Instead, we’ll work as a team to make concrete improvements in reducing your symptoms and enjoying life again. Everyone encounters periods of stress & struggle navigating & adjusting to life changes. We all experience grief & sadness, breakups, job pressure, or family & parental stress. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in EMDR, & evidenced based techniques including CBT, DBT & ABA, with 13 years of experience to help facilitate your treatment goals with a solution focused approach.
We can all use a neutral, confidential, unbiased person to vent to. I’m not the therapist that will ask you how you feel every day. Instead, we’ll work as a team to make concrete improvements in reducing your symptoms and enjoying life again. Everyone encounters periods of stress & struggle navigating & adjusting to life changes. We all experience grief & sadness, breakups, job pressure, or family & parental stress. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in EMDR, & evidenced based techniques including CBT, DBT & ABA, with 13 years of experience to help facilitate your treatment goals with a solution focused approach.
(925) 297-1843 View (925) 297-1843
Photo of Marcy Marie Pusey, MS, CRC, CTRP-C
Marcy Marie Pusey
MS, CRC, CTRP-C
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
We often find ourselves members of "clubs" we never signed up for. Unexpected "club" memberships might include living with anxiety, complex ptsd/ptsd, divorce, single parenting, the challenges of fostering or adopting, loss of a loved one, on and on. Isolation and shame are common while navigating these "club memberships." My clients are tired of being tired, ready to move from paralysis to growth, and desperate for hope and healing. They want to believe they are worthy of love, hold intrinsic value, and have something positive to bring to the world. They want positive life change and healthy relationships with self and others.
We often find ourselves members of "clubs" we never signed up for. Unexpected "club" memberships might include living with anxiety, complex ptsd/ptsd, divorce, single parenting, the challenges of fostering or adopting, loss of a loved one, on and on. Isolation and shame are common while navigating these "club memberships." My clients are tired of being tired, ready to move from paralysis to growth, and desperate for hope and healing. They want to believe they are worthy of love, hold intrinsic value, and have something positive to bring to the world. They want positive life change and healthy relationships with self and others.
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Suicidal Ideation Therapists

How does therapy for suicidal ideation work?

Stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances can give rise to suicidal thinking. Therapy can address the events at the core of an individual’s suffering. Understanding why a person may be suicidal can help the therapist and the patient discover alternative methods of coping. A person with suicidal ideation may be mired in catastrophic thinking, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a good choice for breaking such patterns. In addition, treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy can help a person manage their distress through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for suicidal ideation?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and not act on dangerous urges.

Are there specific medications to be combined with therapy?

The use of medication for suicidal thoughts must be aligned with the underlying cause; conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis may be at the root of suicidal ideation. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for symptoms, which may include antipsychotics such as aripiprazole or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for suicidal ideation?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. Still other patients, especially those with co-occurring conditions like major depression and anxiety, may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months. In some cases, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm.