Therapists in Oakland, CA
Laila Villaume
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
Matthew McKernan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608 (Online Only)
I see therapy as a collaborative process. In a sense, you are my guide—and I am yours. Together, we will explore your nature and seek for an embodied understanding of your path toward well-being—as defined by you and your goals. You are the expert of your own experience. I fully respect and celebrate this fact, and encourage in all my clients the growth of self-awareness, creativity, intuition, self-love, acceptance, empowerment, self-support, compassion, imagination, meaning, and sense of purpose—the roots of a healthy life. I am here to help you align with the natural healing power inherent within life, within you.
I see therapy as a collaborative process. In a sense, you are my guide—and I am yours. Together, we will explore your nature and seek for an embodied understanding of your path toward well-being—as defined by you and your goals. You are the expert of your own experience. I fully respect and celebrate this fact, and encourage in all my clients the growth of self-awareness, creativity, intuition, self-love, acceptance, empowerment, self-support, compassion, imagination, meaning, and sense of purpose—the roots of a healthy life. I am here to help you align with the natural healing power inherent within life, within you.
Cindy Sachs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ABD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
Dr. Chris Guthrey
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I tend to work mostly with men who are searching to find balance, deeper meaning, and purpose in life. I specialize in working with professionals, including other therapists, but have clients from many other backgrounds as well. I view therapy as a sacred experience to help you connect with your highest self in order to create a unqiue path to growth and overcoming challenges. Traditional psychology tends to work on healing the self, whereas I see spirituality as more concerned with transcending the self. My perspective is both are important on the journey toward wellness and fulfillment in life.
I tend to work mostly with men who are searching to find balance, deeper meaning, and purpose in life. I specialize in working with professionals, including other therapists, but have clients from many other backgrounds as well. I view therapy as a sacred experience to help you connect with your highest self in order to create a unqiue path to growth and overcoming challenges. Traditional psychology tends to work on healing the self, whereas I see spirituality as more concerned with transcending the self. My perspective is both are important on the journey toward wellness and fulfillment in life.
Heather Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Welcome! Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stuck relationship patterns, or the effects of trauma, I will help you unpack your situation so you can gain more perspective, choice, and control. We’ll honor the strengths and strategies that have gotten you through while keeping an eye out for any underlying beliefs or relational habits that no longer serve you. I will listen carefully, ask questions, and share my ideas with you. I may also suggest practical tools to help you ground yourself or handle moments of emotional overwhelm.
Welcome! Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stuck relationship patterns, or the effects of trauma, I will help you unpack your situation so you can gain more perspective, choice, and control. We’ll honor the strengths and strategies that have gotten you through while keeping an eye out for any underlying beliefs or relational habits that no longer serve you. I will listen carefully, ask questions, and share my ideas with you. I may also suggest practical tools to help you ground yourself or handle moments of emotional overwhelm.
Jim Conwell MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
Portia Marie Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 16 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I utilize psychodynamic/solution focused/CBT/ trauma informed techniques. My work is influenced by my belief in social justice, and humanism. I will work with you through the difficulties of your life and support you in your journey to create the life you deserve.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 16 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I utilize psychodynamic/solution focused/CBT/ trauma informed techniques. My work is influenced by my belief in social justice, and humanism. I will work with you through the difficulties of your life and support you in your journey to create the life you deserve.
Rooted in the Soul Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, BSW, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
Do you want to be understood and appreciated and are tired of being overlooked? Do your loved one's blow past your boundaries? Do you feel confused or trapped by your relationships? If you answered, yes, let's meet for a 20min. consultation free of charge and see if I'm the right person to support you in your journey through life.
Do you want to be understood and appreciated and are tired of being overlooked? Do your loved one's blow past your boundaries? Do you feel confused or trapped by your relationships? If you answered, yes, let's meet for a 20min. consultation free of charge and see if I'm the right person to support you in your journey through life.
James Wagner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with feeling like you belong? Are you carrying hurts and wounds from your family of origin or other close relationships? Do you wonder about your purpose and the meaning of your life? Or maybe you have worked hard on yourself throughout your life, but still struggle to connect with others or lead a life that has intention and meaning. I would be happy to meet with you and hear more about your situation and what you believe is blocking you. Together we can explore what holds you back and create a plan to engage your life in a way that feels more purpose driven and connected to your unique soul.
Do you struggle with feeling like you belong? Are you carrying hurts and wounds from your family of origin or other close relationships? Do you wonder about your purpose and the meaning of your life? Or maybe you have worked hard on yourself throughout your life, but still struggle to connect with others or lead a life that has intention and meaning. I would be happy to meet with you and hear more about your situation and what you believe is blocking you. Together we can explore what holds you back and create a plan to engage your life in a way that feels more purpose driven and connected to your unique soul.
Maurice C Shaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples issues related to parenting, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples issues related to parenting, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
Elizabeth Kearney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Are you feeling tired and worn out? I want to help. Sometimes the struggles of life can feel overwhelming. My goal as your therapist is to give you a safe space to process your experiences and guidance to move forward in a healthier way. You are not alone. Let me walk this journey called life alongside you. My goal as your therapist is to help you work through anything that is blocking you from being your best self. I will work with you to free yourself of habits and hangups that are not serving you so you can be happy! I would love to hear your story and be a part of your journey. Do not hesitate to put yourself first today.
Are you feeling tired and worn out? I want to help. Sometimes the struggles of life can feel overwhelming. My goal as your therapist is to give you a safe space to process your experiences and guidance to move forward in a healthier way. You are not alone. Let me walk this journey called life alongside you. My goal as your therapist is to help you work through anything that is blocking you from being your best self. I will work with you to free yourself of habits and hangups that are not serving you so you can be happy! I would love to hear your story and be a part of your journey. Do not hesitate to put yourself first today.
15 Second Videos
James Wagner
Emily Haydock
Kalani Perreira
Cathy Swift Nagel
Marcella Raimondo
Liz Tong
Estepha Francisque
Katie Fenton-Strauss
Sye Gratz
Alia Dolan
Steven Karwoski
Josh Freund
Erin E Boyle
Veronica Ochoa
Kamila LaShaun Houston Baker
Rachel Wilson
Jill Shamilov
Angelina Nader
Terese (Tess) Louise Roholt
Jacqueline Benson
Bernadette Rivero
Barbara Lankamp
Ashley Coover
Oriane Rosenthal
Social Anxiety Support Center
Alyson Erika Marlow
Theresa Tan
Ronnie Doss
Emma Tennison
Jennie Powe Runde
Stephanie Bain
Dave Kalloor
Dierdre Wallace
Catherine Morelix
Stephen Colgan
Alexis J McLeod-Hall
Lizzie Pfeiffer
Almaz Nigusse-Bland
Nauser Wolfe
David Trexler Gatta
Psychotherapist and Attorney
Grace Anna Walcott
David Chung
Shane Bauer
Sarah Brekke-Velázquez
Liz M Fitzgerald
Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz
John R. Edwards
Roni Khol
Mar Chung
Emily Haydock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Clarity, growth, and connectedness are our natural tendencies. However, life's challenges can cause us to feel temporarily clouded, stuck, or disconnected from ourselves and others. When these blocks get in your way, what do you do? If you want to return to a state of flow and make lasting changes in your life, I can help. Together we can explore your past memories along with your present-moment experience as inroads to self-discovery and healing.
Clarity, growth, and connectedness are our natural tendencies. However, life's challenges can cause us to feel temporarily clouded, stuck, or disconnected from ourselves and others. When these blocks get in your way, what do you do? If you want to return to a state of flow and make lasting changes in your life, I can help. Together we can explore your past memories along with your present-moment experience as inroads to self-discovery and healing.
Shelley M Samuels
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
Jenny Ireland Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Has life Become a struggle for you? Are you looking to build better relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed during a difficult life transition? Do you feel stuck in your past and unable to move forward? Through our work together, I can help you develop the tools needed to increase your confidence, feel better in your relationships and let go of your past.
Has life Become a struggle for you? Are you looking to build better relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed during a difficult life transition? Do you feel stuck in your past and unable to move forward? Through our work together, I can help you develop the tools needed to increase your confidence, feel better in your relationships and let go of your past.
Jessica Judkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Life events and situations can leave us feeling depressed, misunderstood and unmotivated to move forward. Are you struggling with self-doubt or shame? Feeling unsatisfied with how you are living your life? Beliefs about our past, traumas, and unskillful coping skills can slow down our healing process and keep us from being our best self. In our work together, I support your process to unlock patterns and beliefs that leave you feeling stuck.
Life events and situations can leave us feeling depressed, misunderstood and unmotivated to move forward. Are you struggling with self-doubt or shame? Feeling unsatisfied with how you are living your life? Beliefs about our past, traumas, and unskillful coping skills can slow down our healing process and keep us from being our best self. In our work together, I support your process to unlock patterns and beliefs that leave you feeling stuck.
Danielle Comerford Worth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As humans, we are brilliantly complex, wired for connection, attachment, and survival. Our experience of joy and suffering are innately human and are connected to our physical and emotional wellness--inseparable realms. In somatic psychotherapy we hold space for the body to have a language of its own, honoring what it has to say, so that we may more clearly see what is beneath the surface. As a somatic psychotherapist, I am a collaborator, guide and mirror, supporting you in increasing your own sense of exploration of conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviors, beliefs, body signals and cues.
As humans, we are brilliantly complex, wired for connection, attachment, and survival. Our experience of joy and suffering are innately human and are connected to our physical and emotional wellness--inseparable realms. In somatic psychotherapy we hold space for the body to have a language of its own, honoring what it has to say, so that we may more clearly see what is beneath the surface. As a somatic psychotherapist, I am a collaborator, guide and mirror, supporting you in increasing your own sense of exploration of conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviors, beliefs, body signals and cues.
Kalani Perreira
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619 (Online Only)
I believe that we all have more potential than we know, and no matter where we might currently find ourselves or where we have been in the past, we each have the capacity for psychological and emotional growth. I have a special interest and passion providing therapy to couples, and individuals struggling with transition, and experiencing feelings of disconnection, isolation, and grief. In my more than 20 years of working in mental health, most of my work has been centered around supporting people in healing attachment wounds, trauma (complex, historical, intergenerational), and all symptoms that manifest as a result.
I believe that we all have more potential than we know, and no matter where we might currently find ourselves or where we have been in the past, we each have the capacity for psychological and emotional growth. I have a special interest and passion providing therapy to couples, and individuals struggling with transition, and experiencing feelings of disconnection, isolation, and grief. In my more than 20 years of working in mental health, most of my work has been centered around supporting people in healing attachment wounds, trauma (complex, historical, intergenerational), and all symptoms that manifest as a result.
Laurie Jacobs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
My practice includes teenagers, individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in helping adults better understand their relationships with others and themselves. My therapeutic approach is based on establishing a genuine, trusting relationship with clients. This enables my clients to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and leads to greater insight and positive life changes. I live in the East Bay and enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with my family/friends and being a therapist.
My practice includes teenagers, individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in helping adults better understand their relationships with others and themselves. My therapeutic approach is based on establishing a genuine, trusting relationship with clients. This enables my clients to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and leads to greater insight and positive life changes. I live in the East Bay and enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with my family/friends and being a therapist.
Tynisa D. Snow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I provide individual, group, and couples therapy for adults. Clients of all faiths, cultures, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome. My focus is helping clients process and work through problems involving depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, trauma, stress, and life transitions.
I provide individual, group, and couples therapy for adults. Clients of all faiths, cultures, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome. My focus is helping clients process and work through problems involving depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, trauma, stress, and life transitions.
Meg Fransee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I prioritize making the therapeutic environment active and flexible, creating space for all the overlapping spheres of the human experience. Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends. By exploring the history and interconnectedness of our challenges and strengths, we can develop new understanding and identify strategies that feel nuanced, meaningful, and empowering. I maintain a client-centered approach allowing the client to work in a framework and pace that feels best for them.
I prioritize making the therapeutic environment active and flexible, creating space for all the overlapping spheres of the human experience. Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends. By exploring the history and interconnectedness of our challenges and strengths, we can develop new understanding and identify strategies that feel nuanced, meaningful, and empowering. I maintain a client-centered approach allowing the client to work in a framework and pace that feels best for them.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Oakland, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$185
Therapists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Grief |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
60% | Aetna |
48% | Cigna and Evernorth |
44% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Oakland, CA see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Oakland?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.