Best Therapists in Oakland, CA of 2025
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Best Therapists in Oakland, California of 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Therapists in Oakland, CA
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Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Trauma and abuse, Older, Anger, Career, Non-religious, Liberal counselor
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD
Eileen Beirich
- 20 years of Experience
- United States
- Pasadena, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Adoption, Anxiety, Depression, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Psychodynamic
State License: California
Steven Garman
- 30 years of Experience
- United States
- Chino, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Divorce, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Spirituality
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Jungian, Psychodynamic
State License: California
Maelisa Hall
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Irvine, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Multicultural, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Soad Tabrizi
- 10 years of Experience
- United States
- Mission Viejo, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Addiction, Alcohol Abuse, Anxiety, Behavior Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, End of Life Issues, Faith Transition, Goal Setting, Life Coaching, OCD, Self Esteem, Spirituality
Languages: English, Farsi
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State Licenses: California, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia
Nancy Culhane
- 40+ years of Experience
- United States
- Fairfax, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Coping Skills, Divorce, Goal Setting, Grief, Infidelity, Interpersonal Relationships, Life Transitions, Marital / Premarital, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Women's Issues
Languages: English, Finnish
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Integrative, Narrative, Relational
State Licenses: California and Nevada
Melissa Jones
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Online, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Existential, Family / Marital, Family Systems, Gestalt, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy, Relational
State License: California
Lori Kandels
- 28 years of Experience
- United States
- San Francisco, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, EMDR, Family / Marital, Feminist, Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Narrative, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Lisa Larsen
- 15 years of Experience
- United States
- Lancaster, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy
State License: California
II. The Best Therapists in Oakland, CA
Online therapy chose 15 therapists evaluated on eight key factors. Credentials, specializations, cost, availability, and other key features were taken into consideration. Together, these factors add up to quality care that’s accessible to a wide range of clients. |
Choosing the Best Oakland, CA TherapistsCredentialsIt’s important to know that your therapist is qualified to address the challenges you might bring to your sessions. The best way to find out whether a professional is skilled and trustworthy is to check their credentials. In California, therapists are required to hold a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution, complete thousands of hours of supervised practice, and pass national and state exams. AccessibilityAfter you’ve determined whether a therapist is qualified, making sure they’re a good match for your health care needs is the next step. Therapists were evaluated based on the flexibility of their office hours, ability to work remotely, and the range of therapeutic modules and interests they bring to their practice. CostA therapist’s pricing needs to match your budget to make mental health care affordable. The therapists included on this list may charge per session or through a monthly subscription, accept an array of insurance plans or offer a sliding fee scale to meet your needs. |
Mary K. Sander: LCSW | Best for trauma and PTSD
510-228-0264
Website
Mary K. Sander invests time and energy into her clients’ healing process, offering services to a wide range of perspectives, including people of color, the LGBTQIA community, activists, and change-makers. When treating PTSD, she uses various modalities, such as CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion, to identify the needs of the individual’s mind and body.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD Anxiety Depressio |
not provided | Cost per Session: $160 – $180 | Yes | Yes |
James K. Baker: M.A., LMFT | Best for men's issues
510-788-0006
Website
James K. Baker wants to help the people he works with become more self-aware so they can assume greater responsibility for themselves and those around them. Through individual and couples therapy, he facilitates trust, communication, and growth so desired changes can take place. He works with a range of clients but has the life experience to speak specifically to men’s issues.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Trauma and PTSD Men’s Issues |
not provided | Cost per Session: $150 – $250 | No | Yes |
Jennifer Diamond: M.A., LMFT | Best for chronic illness
510-361-0346
Website
Jennifer Diamond has trained and worked in the mental health field for more than a decade, working with clients of all ages and from all backgrounds. She especially enjoys working with adolescents and teens. One of her areas of focus is teaching coping skills to individuals experiencing chronic illness and helping them explore the possibilities of a meaningful life.
What patients say: “From the moment I met Jennifer I knew I was face-to-face with an exceptional person. She had a quality of presence, genuineness, and warmth that is impossible to simulate.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Life Transitions Child or Adolescent Chronic Illness |
not provided | Adolescents, Adults & Families: $180/50-minute session | Yes | Yes |
Noah Oderberg: Ph.D. | Best for relationship issues
510-428-0111
Website
Noah Oderberg has more than twenty years of experience using his psychodynamic approach to therapy. With a focus on relationship and marital issues, he creates a safe and empathic environment where his clients feel free to share.
What patients say: “Noah’s skillful and empathetic treatment made a big difference in the quality of my life. Among other things, he helped me to develop inner tools for better supporting and understanding myself.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Depression Anxiety Relationship Issues |
not provided | Cost per Session: $160 – $190 | Yes | Yes |
Cecilia Froberg: MFT| Best for emotional disturbances
510-604-6362
Website
Cecilia Froberg offers insight-oriented therapy geared toward clients working through emotional disturbances. Her experience has taught her that all people behave the way they do for a reason and that having compassion for ourselves is the first step toward productive therapy. She believes that only by understanding why we think the way we do, can we gain the insight necessary to change.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety Emotional Disturbance Transgender Trauma and PTSD |
Out of Network | $175-$200 per session | Yes | Yes |
Orlee R. Carpel: M.A. | Best for women's issues
310-882-8642
Website
Orlee R. Carpel has crafted a therapy approach rooted in an empathic and collaborative environment. Working with individuals, couples, and families, she encourages all clients to identify and use their personal strengths to stimulate growth. A specialist in women’s issues, she promotes healthy relationships and positive behavior.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Women’s Issues Parenting |
not provided | not provided | No | Yes |
Crystal Hawkins: LCSW, PPSC | Best for family conflict
510-239-7032
Website
Crystal Hawkins offers therapeutic services and programs designed to support Black communities. Her strategy involves joining people in their journey to growth, healing and moving forward through life’s transitions in creative and life-affirming ways. Understanding family conflict is a component of her therapeutic practice. She helps individuals and families understand developmental stages; improve communication skills when setting limits; and develop mutual understanding between family members.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Depression Family Conflict Anxiety |
not provided | Cost per Session: $125 – $175 | Yes | Yes |
Alexandra Mitnick: LCSW, M.P.H. | Best for parenting issues
510-978-4669
Website
Alexandra Mitnick focuses on assisting each of her clients as an individual, recognizing them as an authentic person with unique challenges. She understands that adults, adolescents, and children alike face personal and interpersonal challenges that they may need assistance with. In her work with parents, she unpacks the identity challenges that come with being a mother and adapting to the stresses of a home/work balance.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Parenting Relationship Issues Depression |
not provided | Cost per Session: $100 – $140 | Yes | Yes |
Brandon Brawner: Ph.D. | Best for oppositional defiance
510-225-8725
Website
Brandon Brawner has built his practice on offering practical support to adults, children, and families facing psychological challenges. In his more than 30 years of experience, he has crafted a unique approach to each of these groups, providing counsel and a safe space for discussion. One of the most common topics in his family therapy sessions is oppositional defiance disorder, which he addresses from both the parents’ and child’s perspectives.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Oppositional Defiance Depression Anxiety |
not provided | Cost per Session: $80 – $150 | Yes | Yes |
José L. Alemán: MFT | Best for gender identity issues
415-517-5144
Website
José L. Alemán has a therapeutic approach rooted in compassionate acceptance, value-based reassessment, and conscious action. Together, he uses these concepts to listen attentively and set meaningful goals for each of his clients. When working with the LGBTQIA community, he focuses on issues of self-worth and managing relationship needs.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD Gay Relationship Issues |
Out of Network | Cost per Session: $200 – $250 | Yes | Yes |
Elizabeth Ehrenberg: LCSW | Best for depression
415-828-4563
Website
Elizabeth Ehrenberg loves working with people who are eager to learn about themselves and challenge the old narratives that no longer serve them. She believes this is a core component of treating depression, and the only way to move beyond the restrictive cycles that may hold us back. She offers a free 20-minute phone consultation to new clients to see whether she is a good fit for their needs.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Relationship Issues Anxiety Depression |
Lyra SHIP (UC Berkeley) Out of Network |
Cost per Session: $160 | Yes | Yes |
Michael Y. Simon: LMFT | Best for creatives
510-867-3800
Website
For over 25 years in practice, Michael Y. Simon has focused on two main areas—as an adolescent development expert, and in support of creative artists. Michael works with teens, adult individuals, couples and families, but with a special focus on supporting musicians, visual artists, writers and other creative individuals in high-profile careers. He counsels performing and touring artists around navigating the unique challenges of demanding career paths, while maintaining their integrity and values. He offers teletherapy services to accommodate those for whom in-person meetings are less convenient.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Parenting Child or Adolescent Relationship Issues |
Out of Network | Cost per Session: $200 – $225 | Yes | Yes |
Lisa M. Johnson: Ph.D. | Best for anxiety
510-239-3893
Website
Lisa M. Johnson understands that the day-to-day challenges of life can cause anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. In a judgment-free environment, she listens attentively to any concerns her clients bring to therapy, helping to understand and untangle thoughts. When managing feelings of anxiety, she uses a culturally competent, insight-oriented approach tailored to a client’s individual needs.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD Anxiety Depression |
Beacon Alameda Alliance California Victim of Crime Out of Network |
Cost per Session: $180+ | Yes | Yes |
Tamara Lipton: LMFT | Best for life transitions
510-880-8928
Website
Tamara Lipton supports people who want to understand themselves better, their decisions, and their interpersonal relationships. She has experience helping clients through difficult life transitions, understanding that all of our challenges are informed by the contexts we have lived through. Through careful attention to her client’s inner thoughts, she strives to help facilitate a sense of clarity.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Life Transitions Relationship Issues |
not provided | Cost per Session: $90 – $140 | Yes | Yes |
Susan Stewart Rudloff: M.A., LMFT | Best for transgender issues
510-473-6043
Website
Susan Steward Rudloff has worked with a diverse range of clients who she helps develop coping skills that are effective for their unique situation. She uses an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach to help identify repetitive patterns that cause pain. In her work with the transgender community, she speaks directly to the visible and invisible struggles that come with embracing this marginalized perspective.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety Chronic Pain Transgender |
Out of Network | Cost per Session: $150 – $200 | Yes | Yes |
III. What You Should Know About Oakland Therapy
How are Oakland therapists licensed?
Therapists in California must fulfill a number of state-mandated requirements before they are able to offer their services. These begin with earning a master’s degree in counseling at an accredited institution, followed by completing 3,000 hours of supervised practice in a clinical setting. This takes place over the course of two years, after which they must complete the California Law & Ethics Exam and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam.
How much does therapy cost in Oakland?
A 50-minute session with an Oakland therapist can range in cost from $80 to $250, averaging at about $140 per session. The majority of professionals in the area don’t accept all common insurance plans, so it’s best to check beforehand if you’re concerned about your coverage. However, many therapists do offer sliding fee schedules to help provide access to those with financial needs.
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IV. Sources
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences | Last accessed March 2025
- California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors | Last accessed March 2025
- National Counselor Examination | Last accessed March 2025