Photo of Sonia Kakkar, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Walnut Creek, CA
Sonia Kakkar
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I have an extensive background working with individuals who are navigating symptoms of complex trauma, anxiety and depression. I have experience with supporting youth around managing suicidal ideation and healing from ruptures in attachments. I utilize evidenced based practices to help you explore your thoughts, behaviors and gain valuable insights into patterns to impact positive change. My approach is client centered and I work with children, adolescents, adults and families.
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I have an extensive background working with individuals who are navigating symptoms of complex trauma, anxiety and depression. I have experience with supporting youth around managing suicidal ideation and healing from ruptures in attachments. I utilize evidenced based practices to help you explore your thoughts, behaviors and gain valuable insights into patterns to impact positive change. My approach is client centered and I work with children, adolescents, adults and families.
(925) 275-5836 View (925) 275-5836
Photo of Daniella K Bermudez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Daniella K Bermudez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California, with an office in Walnut Creek, CA. I am a trained psychotherapist certified in Perinatal Mental Health and offer professional therapeutic services covering a variety of issues and concerns. I have clinical experience in the areas of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis management, suicide prevention, life transitions, parenting stress, and reproductive and maternal mental health. I experience working in various settings, including community health, prenatal clinic, non-profit organizations, schools and in-home counseling.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California, with an office in Walnut Creek, CA. I am a trained psychotherapist certified in Perinatal Mental Health and offer professional therapeutic services covering a variety of issues and concerns. I have clinical experience in the areas of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis management, suicide prevention, life transitions, parenting stress, and reproductive and maternal mental health. I experience working in various settings, including community health, prenatal clinic, non-profit organizations, schools and in-home counseling.
(925) 515-4150 View (925) 515-4150
Photo of Zuri Montgomery, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Walnut Creek, CA
Zuri Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
I have worked with clients in crisis stabilization, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, miscommunication, emotional awareness, trauma, and many more experiences.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
I have worked with clients in crisis stabilization, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, miscommunication, emotional awareness, trauma, and many more experiences.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
(925) 332-0886 View (925) 332-0886
Photo of Leslie Summerfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Leslie Summerfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
I work with individuals, teens, couples, and families who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, loss, domestic abuse, trauma, family conflict, change and transition, and work-related stress.
Seeking therapy usually stems from a desire to feel better and to explore what is going on in your life presently or to understand past experiences more fully. One of my favorite sayings is, “Finding the right therapist is an important first step towards your journey of healing and growth. My approach to therapy is client-centered and solution-based. My therapeutic approach is direct, active, empathetic, and non-judgmental and I tailor my work to the style, goals, and comfort level of each client. I draw upon complimentary therapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I work with individuals, teens, couples, and families who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, loss, domestic abuse, trauma, family conflict, change and transition, and work-related stress.
Seeking therapy usually stems from a desire to feel better and to explore what is going on in your life presently or to understand past experiences more fully. One of my favorite sayings is, “Finding the right therapist is an important first step towards your journey of healing and growth. My approach to therapy is client-centered and solution-based. My therapeutic approach is direct, active, empathetic, and non-judgmental and I tailor my work to the style, goals, and comfort level of each client. I draw upon complimentary therapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
(925) 940-3460 View (925) 940-3460
Photo of Rubino Counseling Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Rubino Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
We treat suicidal kids, cutting & we also offer assistance with school issues.
We understand many people feel ashamed having to seek therapy for their child, family or themselves. However, no one is perfect and we all need help from time to time. We have created a relaxing atmosphere where you will not feel judged. We are here to assist you through a difficult time and to make the changes you need to make. Teens need help to. It is very common for teens to need therapy to deal with an issue in their life.
We treat suicidal kids, cutting & we also offer assistance with school issues.
We understand many people feel ashamed having to seek therapy for their child, family or themselves. However, no one is perfect and we all need help from time to time. We have created a relaxing atmosphere where you will not feel judged. We are here to assist you through a difficult time and to make the changes you need to make. Teens need help to. It is very common for teens to need therapy to deal with an issue in their life.
(925) 705-4833 View (925) 705-4833
Photo of Michael J Rubino III, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
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 Erika A Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Erika A Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The therapy I provide focuses on children, adolescents, families and adults. My clinical experience involves those afflicted by depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, identity, grief and transitions. An important part of my work allows children and their caregivers to work as a team to achieve therapeutic goals. I welcome caregivers to participate in child’s therapeutic work by providing parent consultations, check-in’s and when appropriate, facilitating parent-child sessions. My approach is tailored to the needs and therapeutic goals of each of my clients. I collaborate with you and together we will establish realistic goals.
The therapy I provide focuses on children, adolescents, families and adults. My clinical experience involves those afflicted by depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, identity, grief and transitions. An important part of my work allows children and their caregivers to work as a team to achieve therapeutic goals. I welcome caregivers to participate in child’s therapeutic work by providing parent consultations, check-in’s and when appropriate, facilitating parent-child sessions. My approach is tailored to the needs and therapeutic goals of each of my clients. I collaborate with you and together we will establish realistic goals.
(925) 387-7259 View (925) 387-7259
Photo of Private Practice, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Private Practice
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
(925) 948-8070 View (925) 948-8070
Photo of Paul Kramer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
(925) 320-0698 View (925) 320-0698
Photo of Michelle Hider, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Michelle Hider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Michelle Hider, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), specializes in working with adolescents and adults who present with addiction, anxiety, mood disturbances, PTS, and self-injurous behaviors. She's a trained Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, IFS, and breathwork therapist who integrates strength-based, existential, and culturally sensitive modalities to help people heal and thrive. She supports goals clients identify and believes connection, loving presence, and community are an integral part of healing and recovery. Her main focus is to meet clients where they are by supporting changes they are ready to make.
Michelle Hider, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), specializes in working with adolescents and adults who present with addiction, anxiety, mood disturbances, PTS, and self-injurous behaviors. She's a trained Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, IFS, and breathwork therapist who integrates strength-based, existential, and culturally sensitive modalities to help people heal and thrive. She supports goals clients identify and believes connection, loving presence, and community are an integral part of healing and recovery. Her main focus is to meet clients where they are by supporting changes they are ready to make.
(510) 650-1237 View (510) 650-1237
Photo of Jon Schwab, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Jon Schwab
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Waitlist for new clients
I collaboratively work with individuals and families towards personal awareness, healing, and growth. My treatment focuses on processing meaningful life events, underlying dynamics, and accompanying emotions. Utilizing a psychodynamic/existential lens, and implementing dialectical, experiential, and mindfulness based techniques, I attempt to facilitate insight, emotional integration, and movement towards your personal goals. My intention as a therapist is to clear the path that leads to your most realized and developed self.
I collaboratively work with individuals and families towards personal awareness, healing, and growth. My treatment focuses on processing meaningful life events, underlying dynamics, and accompanying emotions. Utilizing a psychodynamic/existential lens, and implementing dialectical, experiential, and mindfulness based techniques, I attempt to facilitate insight, emotional integration, and movement towards your personal goals. My intention as a therapist is to clear the path that leads to your most realized and developed self.
(925) 304-6342 View (925) 304-6342
Photo of Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina, Pre-Licensed Professional in Walnut Creek, CA
Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, MAMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
(707) 209-7037 View (707) 209-7037
Photo of Dr. Monique Pollard, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Dr. Monique Pollard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Life can feel overwhelming, relationships can be difficult, and life changes can lead to uncertainty. These can lead to feeling as though you’re surviving life but not thriving.
Life can feel overwhelming, relationships can be difficult, and life changes can lead to uncertainty. These can lead to feeling as though you’re surviving life but not thriving.
(925) 964-0438 View (925) 964-0438
Photo of Holly Starr, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Holly Starr
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Are you feeling caught between contradictory feelings of hope and despair? Finding a space where we can feel deeply understood is important to developing a secure sense of self. Psychotherapy offers a reflective space to explore the wordless thoughts, the nameless pain or the inner conflicts that may inhibit us. Through therapy a greater sense of integrity and meaning in life is possible. When we respond with genuine understanding and acceptance, hope may be restored and joy found. I listen to clients with openness and intuition. I encourage those I work with to begin to trust their own inner resources and find their own resilience.
Are you feeling caught between contradictory feelings of hope and despair? Finding a space where we can feel deeply understood is important to developing a secure sense of self. Psychotherapy offers a reflective space to explore the wordless thoughts, the nameless pain or the inner conflicts that may inhibit us. Through therapy a greater sense of integrity and meaning in life is possible. When we respond with genuine understanding and acceptance, hope may be restored and joy found. I listen to clients with openness and intuition. I encourage those I work with to begin to trust their own inner resources and find their own resilience.
(925) 380-2615 View (925) 380-2615
Photo of Jess Piasecki, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Walnut Creek, CA
Jess Piasecki
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
I trust your intuition. You may have landed here because you're feeling something difficult, or not quite sure how you feel. I work relationally to help you connect more to yourself and to integrate all parts of your experience, safely. I find a depth-oriented approach effective with utilizing EMDR, Attachment, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, & Psychodynamic lenses. I do not view symptoms as a pathology, but information about our needs, our inner world, and our life's meaning. I am in it with you.
I trust your intuition. You may have landed here because you're feeling something difficult, or not quite sure how you feel. I work relationally to help you connect more to yourself and to integrate all parts of your experience, safely. I find a depth-oriented approach effective with utilizing EMDR, Attachment, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, & Psychodynamic lenses. I do not view symptoms as a pathology, but information about our needs, our inner world, and our life's meaning. I am in it with you.
(510) 901-4652 View (510) 901-4652
Photo of Danyelle Caruthers, Pre-Licensed Professional in Walnut Creek, CA
Danyelle Caruthers
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, MPA
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I believe you are the expert in your life. I believe the decision to seek therapy can be beautiful, and complicated because such is life. Healing isn’t linear and is a journey that can be filled with a variety of feelings and emotions–expansion, discomfort, learning, relearning, and unlearning. My goal is to co-create a space and container that will allow you to explore, discover, and tap into parts of yourself unknown to you. I am committed to using a healing-centered, trauma-informed lens and feel your journey of holistic transformation is unique and valuable.
I believe you are the expert in your life. I believe the decision to seek therapy can be beautiful, and complicated because such is life. Healing isn’t linear and is a journey that can be filled with a variety of feelings and emotions–expansion, discomfort, learning, relearning, and unlearning. My goal is to co-create a space and container that will allow you to explore, discover, and tap into parts of yourself unknown to you. I am committed to using a healing-centered, trauma-informed lens and feel your journey of holistic transformation is unique and valuable.
(925) 643-2162 View (925) 643-2162
Photo of Gonzales Family Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Gonzales Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
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 Liz Hertz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Liz Hertz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
All sessions are by telehealth only. People come to therapy for a variety of reasons. I help people who are experiencing problems in daily living, difficulty in navigating life transitions, relationship and family discord, or who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression or loss. Therapy is about removing obstacles and developing the capacity for self-acceptance, self- expression, and joy. I will collaborate with you to set your goals and uncover new strategies for a happier life.
All sessions are by telehealth only. People come to therapy for a variety of reasons. I help people who are experiencing problems in daily living, difficulty in navigating life transitions, relationship and family discord, or who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression or loss. Therapy is about removing obstacles and developing the capacity for self-acceptance, self- expression, and joy. I will collaborate with you to set your goals and uncover new strategies for a happier life.
(510) 379-9108 View (510) 379-9108
Photo of Victoria Rutsch, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Did everyone tell you how wonderful pregnancy would be? Or how beautiful childbirth is? And now you feel like they all lied to your face. Or worse, maybe it was amazing for them but it’s terrible for you. You don’t get it and you’re wondering, Did I do something wrong? You’re feeling alone and misunderstood. Or maybe you’re struggling with life transitions such as parenting, a job change, or recovering from a scary event. I’m here to tell you that you can feel better, moving forward in your season of life with feelings of being in control, hopeful, and confident.
Did everyone tell you how wonderful pregnancy would be? Or how beautiful childbirth is? And now you feel like they all lied to your face. Or worse, maybe it was amazing for them but it’s terrible for you. You don’t get it and you’re wondering, Did I do something wrong? You’re feeling alone and misunderstood. Or maybe you’re struggling with life transitions such as parenting, a job change, or recovering from a scary event. I’m here to tell you that you can feel better, moving forward in your season of life with feelings of being in control, hopeful, and confident.
(925) 291-4026 View (925) 291-4026

See more therapy options for Walnut Creek

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.