Therapists in Oakland, CA
Sam Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
Miles Avery Ellis Ruttinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
As a queer transgender, nonbinary individual with a non-traditional spiritual practice and collaborative approach to my therapy, I know that finding the right therapist is important. Whether in rural situations or in a big city—the therapy room is a space where a client doesn't have to explain or educate a therapist about sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, BDSM, body size, disability, chronic health issues, experiences of oppression, or racism. You are valid. I hold that everyone is an expert of their own life. I am not an expert when it comes to your life.
As a queer transgender, nonbinary individual with a non-traditional spiritual practice and collaborative approach to my therapy, I know that finding the right therapist is important. Whether in rural situations or in a big city—the therapy room is a space where a client doesn't have to explain or educate a therapist about sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, BDSM, body size, disability, chronic health issues, experiences of oppression, or racism. You are valid. I hold that everyone is an expert of their own life. I am not an expert when it comes to your life.
Tanisha Stewart
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I specialize in providing services for transgender, gender-expansive youth, and their families.
Life can feel overwhelming, isolating, or riddled with anxiety and depression. Perhaps things feel stuck and you are seeking a change and want more out of life. Early adulthood is a particularly challenging time. It can be difficult to challenge the perceptions of the world shaped by our families and upbringing, while maintaining the shared connections and values. It is a time to explore racial, sexual, and gender identities. A task made more complicated when layered with neurodiversity, trauma, grief, or a life circumstance that makes you feel different. Therapy can offer a sense of insight, stability, and self-acceptance.
I specialize in providing services for transgender, gender-expansive youth, and their families.
Life can feel overwhelming, isolating, or riddled with anxiety and depression. Perhaps things feel stuck and you are seeking a change and want more out of life. Early adulthood is a particularly challenging time. It can be difficult to challenge the perceptions of the world shaped by our families and upbringing, while maintaining the shared connections and values. It is a time to explore racial, sexual, and gender identities. A task made more complicated when layered with neurodiversity, trauma, grief, or a life circumstance that makes you feel different. Therapy can offer a sense of insight, stability, and self-acceptance.
Lesley Sternin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I particularly enjoy working with transgender and gender queer youth and adults, as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual clients.
Living a life that feels true to ourselves may take additional support and understanding. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, either because we are faced with trauma, loss, illness and other transitions, or because we are experiencing unexplained feelings that are keeping us in a stuck place. I would like to work together with you to help you better understand yourself and create the changes that you want to see in your life. My style is relational and authentic. I want you to feel supported and better able to become who you want to be. I use mindfulness and CBT when helpful.
I particularly enjoy working with transgender and gender queer youth and adults, as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual clients.
Living a life that feels true to ourselves may take additional support and understanding. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, either because we are faced with trauma, loss, illness and other transitions, or because we are experiencing unexplained feelings that are keeping us in a stuck place. I would like to work together with you to help you better understand yourself and create the changes that you want to see in your life. My style is relational and authentic. I want you to feel supported and better able to become who you want to be. I use mindfulness and CBT when helpful.
Noelle Clason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I have a particular passion for supporting queer, transgender, non-monogamous, poly, and/or kinky clients to navigate the unique pressures and challenges of family life and parenting on the margins.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I have a particular passion for supporting queer, transgender, non-monogamous, poly, and/or kinky clients to navigate the unique pressures and challenges of family life and parenting on the margins.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
John Hanig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
Jeanna Eichenbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
Bianca Christian
ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Additionally, I have gained rewarding, and pivotal counseling experience with the LGBTQ+ community, with specific experience counseling Transgender community members.
The way in which a person cultivates their sense of self, self-esteem, and relationships with others, can be extremely important in their path to wellness. My goal is to meet every client where they are in their journey to mental health and wellness, which means we start where you are and not where I think you should be. I believe that everyone has the capacity to become their best selves and that my work is to provide a safe, helpful, and non-judgmental, environment for those who I am working with.
Additionally, I have gained rewarding, and pivotal counseling experience with the LGBTQ+ community, with specific experience counseling Transgender community members.
The way in which a person cultivates their sense of self, self-esteem, and relationships with others, can be extremely important in their path to wellness. My goal is to meet every client where they are in their journey to mental health and wellness, which means we start where you are and not where I think you should be. I believe that everyone has the capacity to become their best selves and that my work is to provide a safe, helpful, and non-judgmental, environment for those who I am working with.
Frankie Phipps
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting clients for individual therapy, as well as for a DBT skills group for transgender and nonbinary adults.
Counseling, to me, is a collaborative space where clients are empowered to explore, find their own path, and work towards their goals. I’m a queer, neurodiverse counselor, and while I am especially passionate about discussing gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity with clients, I enjoy working on a variety of concerns with clients of any identity or experience. Therapy with me often includes building self-awareness, learning and practicing validation, and challenging oneself to make desired changes at a realistic pace.
I am currently accepting clients for individual therapy, as well as for a DBT skills group for transgender and nonbinary adults.
Counseling, to me, is a collaborative space where clients are empowered to explore, find their own path, and work towards their goals. I’m a queer, neurodiverse counselor, and while I am especially passionate about discussing gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity with clients, I enjoy working on a variety of concerns with clients of any identity or experience. Therapy with me often includes building self-awareness, learning and practicing validation, and challenging oneself to make desired changes at a realistic pace.
Irene Van
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
My services include but are not limited to supporting queer and transgender people, polyamorous people, and people of color.
At times, the weight of the world can be overwhelming. We may grow up believing that we are not enough and that we have to be perfect. We may have inherited messages from our family or from society that puts us down, especially if we come from a marginalized identity. This can make us feel hopeless or ungrounded and we may act out in ways that we aren't proud of.
My services include but are not limited to supporting queer and transgender people, polyamorous people, and people of color.
At times, the weight of the world can be overwhelming. We may grow up believing that we are not enough and that we have to be perfect. We may have inherited messages from our family or from society that puts us down, especially if we come from a marginalized identity. This can make us feel hopeless or ungrounded and we may act out in ways that we aren't proud of.
Lark Nierenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
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Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
Connie C Linas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
My practice includes a diverse group of people, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender folks.
Do you need relief from anxiety or depression? Are you and your partner fighting and trying to move forward together? I often help people who are exactly where you are. A collaborative, focused relationship with a caring professional can be a life-changing experience. I have a goal oriented and interactive style, and my goal is always to help you move forward - at your own pace - with ease and acceptance. Check out my website and call for a phone consultation to see if I'd be a good fit for you.
My practice includes a diverse group of people, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender folks.
Do you need relief from anxiety or depression? Are you and your partner fighting and trying to move forward together? I often help people who are exactly where you are. A collaborative, focused relationship with a caring professional can be a life-changing experience. I have a goal oriented and interactive style, and my goal is always to help you move forward - at your own pace - with ease and acceptance. Check out my website and call for a phone consultation to see if I'd be a good fit for you.
Katie Burrill
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
My areas of specialization are anxiety/stress/burnout, major life transitions, intimacy and communication in relationships, LGBTQ+ issues, non-binary, transgender and genderqueer expression and identification, polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships and self-esteem.
As we navigate these seemingly endless tumultuous times, having someone reliable to talk to about what we're experiencing that is outside of our immediate bubble can feel like the life boat we need to stay afloat. I can be that person for you. Together we can explore which coping strategies are working for you and which aren't, and how to get to a place that feels a bit more stable and manageable. You will gain insight that will help you now and in the future so that you can live your best life, even when challenges abound.
My areas of specialization are anxiety/stress/burnout, major life transitions, intimacy and communication in relationships, LGBTQ+ issues, non-binary, transgender and genderqueer expression and identification, polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships and self-esteem.
As we navigate these seemingly endless tumultuous times, having someone reliable to talk to about what we're experiencing that is outside of our immediate bubble can feel like the life boat we need to stay afloat. I can be that person for you. Together we can explore which coping strategies are working for you and which aren't, and how to get to a place that feels a bit more stable and manageable. You will gain insight that will help you now and in the future so that you can live your best life, even when challenges abound.
Daniel Geer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I enjoy working with lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender clients to help them on their path to feeling good about who they are, their bodies, and their sexuality.
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice. I work with adults 18yrs. and up in individual and couples therapy. I have worked with a wide range of client symptoms and issues over many years of work in mental health. I have extensive experience in short-term therapy and am good at keeping the therapy focused on the task at hand once goals have been collaboratively set. I really enjoy getting to know the individual strengths and needs of each client and adapting my approach to be as effective as possible.
I enjoy working with lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender clients to help them on their path to feeling good about who they are, their bodies, and their sexuality.
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice. I work with adults 18yrs. and up in individual and couples therapy. I have worked with a wide range of client symptoms and issues over many years of work in mental health. I have extensive experience in short-term therapy and am good at keeping the therapy focused on the task at hand once goals have been collaboratively set. I really enjoy getting to know the individual strengths and needs of each client and adapting my approach to be as effective as possible.
Kim C. Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
Specializations in trauma, codependency, healing from narcissistic relationships, LGBTQ+, transgender.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. Somatic. LGBTQ+. Check out my TEDx talk via my website!
Specializations in trauma, codependency, healing from narcissistic relationships, LGBTQ+, transgender.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. Somatic. LGBTQ+. Check out my TEDx talk via my website!
Adrienne Skye Roberts
MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I know because I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I know because I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
Adrian Q Quintero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
Ryn Mulhern Benefield
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
Zo Amaro Jimenez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
I believe people are trying their best through good and hard times. Especially during the hard times, we find ways to make it through. I work with people to figure out what their survival strategies are, which ones they want to keep or change. Sometimes, these strategies require us to code-switch, mask, or deny parts of ourselves. I enjoy helping people find out more about themselves, their values, and what ways to care for themselves. I work with them to build a therapy experience for rest, healing, and discovery. Together my clients and I build more places and experiences where they just get to be.
I believe people are trying their best through good and hard times. Especially during the hard times, we find ways to make it through. I work with people to figure out what their survival strategies are, which ones they want to keep or change. Sometimes, these strategies require us to code-switch, mask, or deny parts of ourselves. I enjoy helping people find out more about themselves, their values, and what ways to care for themselves. I work with them to build a therapy experience for rest, healing, and discovery. Together my clients and I build more places and experiences where they just get to be.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.