Therapists near me in Oakland, CA

I’m a relational therapist who works with adults seeking a more intentional, connected, and fulfilling way of living. Many of the people I work with feel caught in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, overfunctioning, or burnout—often finding it difficult to relax, be present, or feel truly connected to themselves or others. I am in-network with Aetna and Kaiser. Out-Of-Network only with couples through my private practice. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally attuned, integrating insight-oriented and experiential work with practical tools. I support clients in understanding the patterns shaping how they think, feel, and relate—including the impact of upbringing, culture, and expectations—so they can reconnect with their internal compass. My goal is to help you align with your values and feel more grounded, authentic, and at ease in your life and relationships.

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’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is supportive, practical, and collaborative. I help clients gain insight into patterns that may be holding them back while developing tools that create meaningful and lasting change. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Hello, I’m Kim Paylor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), school counselor, and clinical supervisor with a diverse background in mental health, education, case management, and student support services. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, veterans, families, and young adults across school, community, and clinical settings. My experience includes working as a school counselor, special education resource teacher, therapist in private practice and telehealth settings, and clinical case manager within the HUD-VASH program supporting veterans. Prior to entering the mental health field, I also spent many years working in customer service, payroll, human resources, and university settings, which has given me a strong understanding of life stressors, workplace challenges, relationships, parenting, and major life transitions. I bring warmth, compassion, authenticity, and real-world understanding into the counseling relationship. I specialize in anxiety, emotional wellness, trauma-informed care, self-esteem, stress management, and helping clients develop healthier coping skills, emotional resilience, and greater confidence in themselves and their lives. My strongest area of focus is supporting adolescents, teens, and adults between the ages of 11–45. My therapeutic style is highly person-centered, supportive, and collaborative. While I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, I strive to create a counseling experience that feels approachable, practical, empowering, and genuinely supportive rather than overly clinical or judgmental. I believe therapy works best when clients feel truly heard, valued, and comfortable being themselves. I often incorporate guidance, emotional support, skill-building, and strengths-based strategies to help clients not only process challenges, but also build confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and practical tools they can apply in everyday life. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported, empowered, and encouraged as they work toward healing, balance, and meaningful change.

I am a licensed therapist with advanced training in anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and long-standing emotional patterns. I often work with high-functioning clients who appear capable and composed on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, or stuck in private. My style is warm, thoughtful, and direct. I help clients understand the deeper roots of their struggles while also giving them practical tools to create change in real life. My goal is not only to help you feel better, but to help you feel clearer, stronger, and more in control of your life, relationships, and decisions.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

I am glad you are taking time to get to know me. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have my M.S. in clinical psychology from San Francisco State University and my undergrad in psychology from Purdue University. I have worked in San Francisco for seventeen years with multicultural families and individuals that have been in crisis. I have worked with a multitude of differing diagnosis and problems over this extensive period of time. I take such pride in helping families and individuals live a better life and obtain their desired goals. I am glad to have been around in my job long enough to have observed the positive results my contributions have made. I am passionate in wanting to help alleviate suffering and I stay determined in doing so.