Therapists in Oakland, CA
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.
Marcel Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Therapy is most effective as a collaborative process in which your needs and desires for growth are prioritized. The foundation of my approach to therapy stems from the wholehearted belief that our bodyminds, those seemingly interminable knots of body and psyche, are orientated towards liberation. As much as we may desire freedom from those things that provoke suffering in our lives, we also desire the freedom to imagine new futures. I offer Psychotherapy via telehealth (over Zoom or phone) for anyone living in California and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in person at my office in Sebastopol, CA.
Therapy is most effective as a collaborative process in which your needs and desires for growth are prioritized. The foundation of my approach to therapy stems from the wholehearted belief that our bodyminds, those seemingly interminable knots of body and psyche, are orientated towards liberation. As much as we may desire freedom from those things that provoke suffering in our lives, we also desire the freedom to imagine new futures. I offer Psychotherapy via telehealth (over Zoom or phone) for anyone living in California and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in person at my office in Sebastopol, CA.
Ben Morsa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Karisa L Barrow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Julia Simone Fogelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Welcome! I offer psychotherapy to adults, couples and other relationship configurations, families and teens, as well as sex therapy. I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT and am also a gender care provider. I believe therapy is a collaborative process; you can think of me as a companion as we travel down the roads of your growth together. If you have been thinking about starting therapy, I invite you to contact me. I am committed to helping my clients become the most authentic version of themselves.
Welcome! I offer psychotherapy to adults, couples and other relationship configurations, families and teens, as well as sex therapy. I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT and am also a gender care provider. I believe therapy is a collaborative process; you can think of me as a companion as we travel down the roads of your growth together. If you have been thinking about starting therapy, I invite you to contact me. I am committed to helping my clients become the most authentic version of themselves.
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers.
Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers.
Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Alice Hamlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are struggling to move on from previous hurts and struggle with emotional outbursts due to memories from your past, I am here to help you process, grieve, and begin anew. I am happy to listen and guide you through life's twists and turns in a way that is best suited for you while also offering my therapeutic perspective. Therapy is YOUR TIME to be heard without judgment or biases!
If you are struggling to move on from previous hurts and struggle with emotional outbursts due to memories from your past, I am here to help you process, grieve, and begin anew. I am happy to listen and guide you through life's twists and turns in a way that is best suited for you while also offering my therapeutic perspective. Therapy is YOUR TIME to be heard without judgment or biases!
Deeper Than Color
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Deeper Than Color is a team of therapists who offer psychotherapy addresseing oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. We work to empower Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino (Latine/x), Indigionous and Native American, and other People of Color as well as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, performer, educator, and professional clients. We focus on your goals and create safe spaces where you can share without judgment. We work with you to heal trauma, embrace identity, and improve relationships. We also help you cope with stress, overcome barriers, and achieve your aspirations. We are here to support you.
Deeper Than Color is a team of therapists who offer psychotherapy addresseing oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. We work to empower Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino (Latine/x), Indigionous and Native American, and other People of Color as well as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, performer, educator, and professional clients. We focus on your goals and create safe spaces where you can share without judgment. We work with you to heal trauma, embrace identity, and improve relationships. We also help you cope with stress, overcome barriers, and achieve your aspirations. We are here to support you.
Anika Thielbar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I have been privileged to have experienced a very diverse clientele. Currently I am accepting clients who are LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, those who are working on trauma or traumatic pasts, 'outside the box' or deep thinkers, and/or those who have lived diverse/alternative lives. When contacting me, please say what about this profile you were interested in, and why you think we might be a good match.
I have been privileged to have experienced a very diverse clientele. Currently I am accepting clients who are LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, those who are working on trauma or traumatic pasts, 'outside the box' or deep thinkers, and/or those who have lived diverse/alternative lives. When contacting me, please say what about this profile you were interested in, and why you think we might be a good match.
Mischa Freeman
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Ida Ahmadi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
Waitlist for new clients
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
Alexander Shen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
Starting therapy can be an important life decision. Whether you are hoping to focus on specific concerns, or exploring broader, longer standing challenges, therapy can be useful in understanding how aspects of one‘s temperament and relational tendencies interfere with living life authentically, and with reaching one’s full potential. By addressing issues in real-time, while also considering the impact of situational factors and past experiences, therapy can help to identify areas of one’s life to examine and evolve. Importantly, effective therapy often promotes resiliency, self-awareness and personal growth.
Starting therapy can be an important life decision. Whether you are hoping to focus on specific concerns, or exploring broader, longer standing challenges, therapy can be useful in understanding how aspects of one‘s temperament and relational tendencies interfere with living life authentically, and with reaching one’s full potential. By addressing issues in real-time, while also considering the impact of situational factors and past experiences, therapy can help to identify areas of one’s life to examine and evolve. Importantly, effective therapy often promotes resiliency, self-awareness and personal growth.
Cria Catherine Merchant
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
I continue to be humbled by the bravery, vulnerability and courage it takes to enter into therapy. The very act of reaching out is one of resiliency and strength, particularly during times when you may be experiencing difficult transitions, questioning patterns in life that no longer serve you or your relationships, feelings of worry, sadness and overwhelm.
I continue to be humbled by the bravery, vulnerability and courage it takes to enter into therapy. The very act of reaching out is one of resiliency and strength, particularly during times when you may be experiencing difficult transitions, questioning patterns in life that no longer serve you or your relationships, feelings of worry, sadness and overwhelm.
Juliana Campos
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Brooke Hein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608 (Online Only)
I believe you’re here because you haven’t given up. Some part of you knows more is possible — more joy, more connection, more ease, more fulfillment, more meaning. You're grappling with complex emotions and experiences, seeking a safe space to explore and understand yourself at a deeper level. Whether you're questioning your identity or your purpose, grieving the loss of someone you love, feeling stuck in yucky relationship dynamics, or struggling to find your way out of anxiety or depression — therapy offers the necessary time, space, and connection to heal and grow.
I believe you’re here because you haven’t given up. Some part of you knows more is possible — more joy, more connection, more ease, more fulfillment, more meaning. You're grappling with complex emotions and experiences, seeking a safe space to explore and understand yourself at a deeper level. Whether you're questioning your identity or your purpose, grieving the loss of someone you love, feeling stuck in yucky relationship dynamics, or struggling to find your way out of anxiety or depression — therapy offers the necessary time, space, and connection to heal and grow.
Jessica Tracy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Psychotherapy can be a truly life changing process. It works to gradually loosen stuck patterns in one's life, leaving more room for vitality and creativity. You may be trying to heal from past wounds, experiencing anxiety, loneliness, depression, or relationship difficulties. Or perhaps you feel relatively stable but have a sense that something deeper is missing.
Psychotherapy can be a truly life changing process. It works to gradually loosen stuck patterns in one's life, leaving more room for vitality and creativity. You may be trying to heal from past wounds, experiencing anxiety, loneliness, depression, or relationship difficulties. Or perhaps you feel relatively stable but have a sense that something deeper is missing.
Karin K. Vandervoort
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
Annie de Jong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
You may be feeling unhappy, lonely, or unmotivated. Perhaps a relationship is in crisis or an important part of your life is changing. Therapy practiced well by the right professional is an effective way to sort out a wide range of problems. My goal is to create a space where we can talk and think together about the particular difficulties you are experiencing and how to find a way through. I have learned to listen carefully and will approach our conversations with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance. Although getting started is often a big step, you’re likely to find it a valuable opportunity to reflect and move forward.
You may be feeling unhappy, lonely, or unmotivated. Perhaps a relationship is in crisis or an important part of your life is changing. Therapy practiced well by the right professional is an effective way to sort out a wide range of problems. My goal is to create a space where we can talk and think together about the particular difficulties you are experiencing and how to find a way through. I have learned to listen carefully and will approach our conversations with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance. Although getting started is often a big step, you’re likely to find it a valuable opportunity to reflect and move forward.
Judy Blumenfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
An exploration of your childhood, relationships and deepest self can be a beautiful and powerful journey.Together we can develop a curiosity and exploration of vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of challenges and hardship. I work with you in a collaborative way to understand together the obstacles to having healthy and meaningful relationships. If you feel stuck and unable to understand some of your own behaviors and choices we can talk together and begin to find words to understand your experience. I have a warm style of relating and can at times bring humor to our work.
An exploration of your childhood, relationships and deepest self can be a beautiful and powerful journey.Together we can develop a curiosity and exploration of vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of challenges and hardship. I work with you in a collaborative way to understand together the obstacles to having healthy and meaningful relationships. If you feel stuck and unable to understand some of your own behaviors and choices we can talk together and begin to find words to understand your experience. I have a warm style of relating and can at times bring humor to our work.
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.