Therapists near me in Oakland, CA

“In a world full of pressure to be anything but yourself, be a sunflower 🌻—rooted in who you are and always reaching toward the light.” — Lauresha Z. Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH Hello! I’m Lauresha Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH, Founder/CEO and Clinical Director of Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc. I am licensed to provide therapy in California and Alaska and serve as an independent provider with Grow Therapy. I support youth, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), adults, mature adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, substance use concerns, perinatal mental health, family conflict, sports performance, and major life transitions, including the transition from high school to college. Trust, authenticity, mutual respect, and rapport are central to my work. My approach is eclectic, trauma-informed, collaborative, and individualized because therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I believe treatment should reflect who you are, what you have experienced, what you value, and what you hope to change. I bring more than 15 years of social work experience, including eight years providing mental health services as an associate and licensed clinician. My background includes residential treatment, outpatient care, managed care, foster care systems, and psychiatric hospitals. My communication style is warm, genuine, adaptable, direct, and grounded in active listening, honesty, accountability, and humor when appropriate. I am passionate about serving vulnerable and historically underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, student-athletes, and those navigating co-occurring conditions. Although I value my role as an educator, I also remain a lifelong student. I believe every person who crosses my path has something to teach me. Together, we will create a space where you can feel seen, heard, respected, supported, and safely challenged as you continue growing into who you are. www.mentalwellnessuniversityinc.com

Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.

Hello and thank you so much for having enough courage and honesty to take the first big step. My name is Erlynn Cabarles, LCSW and I have a Master’s in Social Work from SFSU. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2015. I have 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field and I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on to a more fulfilling life. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positivity. My purpose is to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready, I’ll be here to support you on your journey towards healing!

Hello! My name is Randy , and I am a clinician dedicated to providing a compassionate, inclusive, and highly adaptable therapeutic experience. My practice is built on the belief that every individual’s journey is unique, and I am committed to meeting you exactly where you are. With extensive experience working with diverse populations—including Children, Families, , Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and postgraduate professionals—I pride myself on high multicultural competence. I offer a safe, affirming space that respects all human and social backgrounds. Whether you are navigating a life transition, exploring your identity, or managing a personal crisis, I exercise the utmost tact and sensitivity to support your unique lifestyle. My clinical approach is holistic and multifaceted. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Behavioral Interventions to help manage immediate symptoms. Simultaneously, I utilize Attachment-based and Narrative approaches to explore the deeper stories of your life, alongside Solution-Focused therapy to help you achieve tangible goals. Because safety is the foundation of healing, my practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, ensuring your past experiences are handled with dignity. Beyond individual counseling, I have a deep background in group and family therapy, IEP facilitation, and mentorship. My experience in coaching and employee development allows me to support clients through workplace challenges and professional growth. Whether we are working through the hurdles of community reintegration or the complexities of professional life, my goal is to empower you with the resilience needed to thrive. I look forward to partnering with you to create a plan that honors your identity and supports your path toward healing and fulfillment. Welcome to a space where your voice is heard and your journey is valued. You can also peruse my web page @ https://www.randysimslmft.com

I think of therapy as part detective work, part puzzle: laying out the pieces of a life and tracing the threads between things that never seemed connected until you see them side by side. I believe a good clinician is a moldable one, someone who adapts to the person in front of them rather than fitting people into a fixed approach. My work is collaborative, insight-oriented, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on yourself. Together, we explore the patterns, stories, and relational blueprints that shaped how you see yourself and the world, and we work to rewrite the ones that no longer serve you. I work with individuals and couples across the lifespan, and I am proudly affirming of the LGBTQIA+, kink, and BDSM communities. I specialize in trauma, identity, depression, anxiety, relationships, and sexual health, and I bring the same nonjudgmental, culturally humble approach to every client I see. I also offer faith-integrated counseling for those who wish to bring spirituality into their healing. Whether you arrive ready to dive in or full of resistance, I'll meet you where you are. I am bilingual and bicultural, and I welcome clients who move between both languages and worlds.

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a therapist, and I work with people who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just needing a space to sort through what’s going on. My role is to support you without judgment and help you make sense of things in a way that feels useful and manageable. I am here to provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together on whatever brings you in.

I utilize a strength-based approach, utilizing strengths you already have and can build upon to overcome challenges. We can modify and utilize other techniques as needed. I want to ensure you feel comfortable with how YOUR treatment will go.I have a broad range of experience working with babies, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and the end-of-life population.I prioritize a safe environment for you to feel supportive, heard, and seen.

Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders. In these communities I learned the importance of connecting with my clients on a deep interpersonal basis. I also learned that having a variety of effective techniques to reduce symptoms and problems was vitally effective once a solid relation was established. As a strength based Psychologist, I strongly feel I can engage my client in the aspects of their life that are already most successful and utilize these tools to address their current problems. IF you think solution focused individual, couples or family therapy can benefit you currently, I believe I am the ideal therapist for you.

Hi, I’m Sandy. I have a passion for working with children and teenagers who are facing challenges in school, dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, peer relationships, or family struggles. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies to help navigate life’s ups and downs. I’m excited to work with you and help you achieve the growth and change you're seeking. I look forward to meeting you!

Hello, my name is Patricia Bevan. I have always found human behavior interesting. I love getting to know people and listening to their life stories. I find it very rewarding to empower people to achieve their best, support them through their challenges in life, as well as help ease their emotional burdens. My focus is all about "connection." My work is about connecting with clients on a genuine, compassionate and human level.

Overwhelmed by a major life transition? I work with individuals facing: Daily & Lifelong Challenges: Anxiety, relationship difficulties, career transitions, and the challenges of aging. Deep Emotional Suffering: Trauma, grief, addiction, and significant existential questions. I help clients integrate difficult experiences and reclaim identity and meaning, and a deeper understanding of their own existence and place in the world. Therapy with me is rooted in honest dialog, active listening, and evidence-based tools. I integrate Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), breathwork, reflective journaling, dream exploration, and narrative techniques. Rather than just talking about problems, we’ll focus on actionable solutions and personal responsibility. Together, we will uncover underlying patterns, explore new choices, and equip you with practical tools to cultivate deeper self-awareness, courage, and self-compassion. ( NOTE: I have a no show, late show and late cancel policy (see "Practice Details") which includes all clients including those who have insurers who do not cover Grow Therapy for those instances. In the case of a LATE show client will be responsible for pro-rated amount not covered by their insurer. 36hr advance notice is required to cancel or reschedule.)

Counseling service is like having a personal trainer in the gym for our mind muscle; individually tailored guidance doesn’t hurt. We all have ups and downs in our life, work, family, relationships, and I'm here to support you through the things that are messy, challenging, and confusing with a safe space for you to just be yourself with no judgements. Let me join your journey of figuring-out, growing, healing, shining and thriving, and make the full access to life experiences with joy of living come true. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call. Feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you.

All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical health, you have to think, feel, and act better. Each has a corresponding effect on the other. However, the aspect of ourselves that we have the most direct control of is what we do, our acting. While we can influence other people, we cannot control other people. A great source of conflict and unhappiness results from our efforts to control others. If you want better relationships, the only thing we can control is what we do, how we choose to relate. We are responsible for what we do. Others are responsible for what they do. Accepting this fundamental reality and thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with it is how we increase our experience of power, freedom, belonging, meaning and, very importantly, fun. My professional experience includes over 30 years of post-Master’s clinical work, including leadership experience in foster care, chemical abuse and addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and hospitalization. I am experienced in working with ages three through the elderly. I have worked extensively with youth and families, diverse populations and life issues, providing services in various settings, including family homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, jails, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.

PLEASE Read Entirely: Families often come to seek more information on how to establish and produce healthier habits that benefit their well-being and self-esteem. They learn that the healthier they are, it increases their happiness and in turn benefits relationships. Kendall helps families and individuals explore and identify who they are, their communication style and how to protect these realizations with healthy boundaries. After learning more about themselves, families often feel much more equipped to decrease or rid themselves of symptoms that prompt them to seek therapy initially. It's always an honor, privilege and a wonderful opportunity to process with families in their sacred spaces. Consider starting your journey to Optimum Wellness today by scheduling a Live Session with Kendall Bradford, LCSW and Associates. Love and Light! ** Therapy is an emotional process and we do not conduct sessions while family's are operating moterized vehicles. Please do not drive during sessions and if you must, we can schedule a time for you to park or find a safe space to have the session. Thank you! ** We love couples therapy and family therapy. However, neither are not covered through insurance at this private practice. The price is out of pocket for couples or families between $150-$180 (depending on sliding scale). ** This practice does not provide consultation calls. Please book an initial assessment to ask as many questions and determine best fit then. Private Practice Website: www.OptimumHealing.org or Contact using the email on file

Hi there, I'm Shobha. Do you feel stressed out, anxious in a social circle, feel blue? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help people manage anxiety and depression. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole person and CBT approaches, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Whether you're dealing with feeling down, overwhelmed, or stressed out, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome mental health concerns that are holding you back. Let's work together! Please note; that I do not offer couple' therapy but only individual therapy.

Hi! My name is Esther and I am a LCSW in the state of California. I graduated with my MSW at California State University of Monterey Bay. I have been practicing therapy for 10 plus years. I specialize in trauma informed care and those with a severe mental illness. I support individuals find grace for themselves and harmony in their life by addressing burn out, confidence issues, anxiety, depression and other life factors.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families who have been impacted by trauma, major life changes, relationship challenges, mental health concerns, and substance use. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative—I believe healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and truly understood. I use a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs, including cognitive and behavioral tools, motivational work, trauma-informed practices, and mind–body techniques. My goal is always to meet you where you are, help you feel grounded, and empower you with practical skills that create real change in your life. I’m passionate about helping people build resilience, strengthen self-worth, and move toward the version of themselves they want to be. If you’re looking for a safe and supportive space to work through what you’re facing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Over the past two decades, I have dedicated my professional life to assisting individuals and families in overcoming mental health challenges and cultivating healthier, more fulfilling lives. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Marriage and Family Therapy, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. My clinical experience encompasses treating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions through individual, family, and group therapy. In addition to my work as a mental health therapist, I possess extensive experience as a substance abuse counselor, providing support to clients throughout their recovery journey. I employ various evidence-based modalities that enhance patient care and facilitate the tailoring of individualized treatments based on the specific needs of each patient, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma (CBT-TF), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Seeking safety (SS), Triple P Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). My professional experience spans community mental health, integrated healthcare, nonprofit organizations, hospital settings, and private practice, where I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. I value collaboration and am recognized as a supportive, dependable team member who enjoys working alongside colleagues to develop innovative, effective solutions that enhance client outcomes. My experience includes crisis intervention, behavioral health assessments, treatment planning, case management, telehealth services, and providing warm handoffs to ensure timely access to behavioral health and specialty services. I am passionate about advocating for underserved communities and firmly believe in treating every client with compassion, cultural humility, and respect. My objective is to empower individuals and families to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and attain enduring emotional well-being.

You don’t have to carry this alone. I’m a California-licensed therapist who supports adolescents, young adults, women, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds through stress, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and trauma recovery. Whether you’re juggling academic pressure, caregiving, career pivots, or the weight of old wounds, I offer a steady, nonjudgmental presence. My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive—I honor the identities, histories, and values that shape who you are, and I approach our work with curiosity, humility, and respect.

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I’m passionate about helping people create lasting change through a collaborative, supportive, and results-oriented therapeutic relationship. My approach is grounded in empathy and flexibility—I meet each client where they are and tailor sessions to fit their unique goals, pace, and preferences. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life transitions, or identity exploration, we’ll work together to build insight, develop practical tools, and strengthen your sense of self. Clients often tell me they feel truly heard, respected, and empowered in our work together. I prioritize creating a safe, culturally responsive space where you can explore, heal, and grow—on your terms. I also believe therapy should be both reflective and action-oriented, helping you gain clarity while making tangible progress toward the life you want. If you're ready to take that next step, I'm here to walk alongside you.

Hello, My name is Tiffany Bell and I am a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist. I specialize in learning disabilities and neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, etc.). I have over 21 years of experience working with this population. I love to help this population of people maximize their full potential through direct, fun, and practical ways of understanding their disorder, what will work and what does not, and how to effectively navigate through that. I also have experience in the education system and I understand how specialized education works. I take pride in not only helping those individuals navigate this system and advocate for themselves,

I have been a therapist in California since 2019 and have been fully licensed since 2022. I completed 3000 required intership hours at a Community mental health clinic, working with individuals, children ages 5-18, as well as couples and Families. I work with individuals facing problems with addictions, compulsive behaviors, and attachment issues that show up in the form of high-conflict relationships, self-sabotage, lack of connection, or loneliness. My overarching goal is to improve your mental health. It is possible with consistent attendance, complete honesty, and a willingness to change. I cannot achieve this alone; therapy is a lot of work, it requires commitment and follow-through.

Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

I am a Christian-informed therapist licensed in multiple States. With a background in clinical social work and a desire to see the building up of the body of Christ, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging my brothers and sisters as they seek to navigate the difficulties of life and develop resilience that can lead to personal healing and spiritual growth. My areas of expertise include managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, faith formation, identity and purpose, peer relationships, transitional challenges, conflict resolution, forgiveness, etc.