Oakland is a city known for its sustainability. Sustainability is a practice everyone should try. Whether it’s our energy usage, career, or any other aspect of life, we need something that will support us in the long run. One’s mental health needs to be sustainable as well. For example, you need to make sure your mental health can last you as you age. One way you can be able to do that is by speaking to a therapist. 

A therapist based in Oakland can make your life much more sustainable. 

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 6

It is normal for traumatic life events (such as near-death experiences, being the victim of violence, or the loss of a loved one) to cause us to become stuck in patterns that prevent us from exploring emotional pain in order to let go of it; in this way, staying stuck further perpetuates ongoing suffering, like a “snake eating its tail.” I am here to support you with untangling these patterns in order to reclaim who you are and gain satisfaction with seeing how who you are can glow brighter than ever in your relationships and community. With our work through Be...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 21

Aloha & welcome to my page. Do you feel like you have lost your way – that nothing feels quite right – or that the past seems to be repeating itself? My view is that we all begin from a place of wholeness, but we sometimes lose belief in ourselves along the way. I have the depth of professional and life experience to see and work with you as a unique individual. Let me be a support and guide as you navigate the journey to your true potential. My expertise includes a broad range of issues including traumas, anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationships, and di...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 15

ABOUT ME Hello, My name is Cherie Harper; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an advocate for those who may suffer from a mental illness or have experienced a mental health crisis. With expert knowledge and 21 years of experience, my goal has always been to help erase the stigma that shadows around those who may suffer of a mental illness. My experience includes in-patient settings, community mental health, crisis residential, individual and couple’s counseling. I have a wide range of experience working with adults, older adults and Transitiona...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues
Years of Experience: 40

My goal as a therapist is to help you discover how to be fully alive and vibrant in this moment and in your connection with others. I view therapy as an interactive self-discovery process. Building and increasing self awareness is essential for clarifying and acting on your preferred choices. The focus is not on what you “should” do but rather on what you want, need, and can do given your unique life circumstances. I also will work with you to heal older unresolved issues and unfinished business. I had a private practice in Bellingham, Washington for 20 years ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 15

Welcome and congratulations on taking this step. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and have been working in the counseling field for close to 20 years. Prior to my counseling career I was an International Montessori Teacher for more than a decade. I am originally from Austria and moved to California 25 years ago. I have also worked a great deal in animal assisted therapy including Equine Therapy and am strong believer that animals provide meaningful emotional support. My training is deeply rooted in attachment theory and I have an exist...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Sleeping disorders, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 45

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more ful...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 6

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over six years of experience in the mental health field as a therapist working with individuals ranging from infancy, childhood, adolescents, adulthood, middle adulthood and old age. Also, have worked in various settings such as in the home, school, out in the community, agency setting and in my office. Their backgrounds have ranged from foster care, adoption, history of trauma, domestic violence, difficulty with peers/co-workers, auto-immune disease, LGBTQIA+, separation, divorc...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 13

Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas with over 10 years working with children, families, individuals in an array of areas of seeking clarity, wanting to work through complex emotions or traumatic experiences, learning new techniques to cope with difficult situations or to challenge negative thinking patterns. This includes depression, anxiety, career challenges/changes, ADHD, grief, and many focused on personal growth. My motto is stop the stigma. Many people believe because you see a therapist, "there has to be something wrong w...

Specialties: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 16

I am licensed in California and Arizona with 12 years of licensed work experience and have an additional 10 years of related professional experience. I have experience in short-term, and solution-focused therapy, helping clients with change-in-life transitions, LGBTQQA+-related issues, relationship difficulties, family & social conflicts, as well as emotional and creative challenges. I also have experience in eco-therapy, influenced by the idea that nature helps when talking does not. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 7

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ-related issues, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. I approach therapy with openness, nonjudgment, and compassion, and I believe trust and respect are at the core of a productive clinical relationship. Together, we will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I a...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 7

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 23

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 9

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Specialties: LGBT, Grief, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching
Years of Experience: 11

Hello. My name is Kasie Frazer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my bachelors degree from the University of California Los Angeles with a major in American Literature and I obtained my Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Go Blue!! I have the great privilege of being licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland and Michigan. I come to the Better Help platform with 19 years of professional work experience including helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, coping with grief/loss, depress...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 12

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I specialize in relational issues, premarital counseling, divorce/reconciliation, infertility struggles, infidelity/affair recovery, domestic violence, trauma/abuse, depression, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. People are complex, diverse, and beautiful, and all deserve the opportunity to make better/different choices and live more ful...

How To Find Counseling In Your Area

Finding the right therapist close by in Oakland can feel intimidating. Once you narrow your search for a counselor near the Oakland area, you're closer to finding providers accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search for a counselor in Oakland, scroll through the options. Next, consider what type of therapy you'd like your counselor to be most experienced with. Finally, choose a provider located near you in the city of Oakland or elsewhere in Alameda or the state of California.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Oakland counselors can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Oakland area can be found below:

How Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Oakland Counselor?

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Oakland due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist in Oakland: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in Oakland: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in Oakland: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in Oakland: $80

Some counselors in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp counselors serving the city of Oakland and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).

How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?

It's important to note that these counselors treat clients online. Online providers, including the US-based providers above, can work with people like you in or around Oakland virtually. You do not have to commute to a counselor's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. Professionals on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

Oakland has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Oakland, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.

How Do I Know If Online Counseling Is Right For My Family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but they may struggle to provide objective guidance. Counselors are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Oakland counselor can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in Oakland, CA, finding a counselor can be costly, and they may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 94602 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy in Oakland can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Oakland Counselor? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and why you're attending therapy.

Should I See A Counselor If I Feel Fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although counselors often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process with a counselor.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Is Mental Health Care Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, counselors are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay Up To Date With The Leading Online Counseling Platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

There are all kinds of therapists in the Oakland area, including:

  • CBT in Oakland
  • DBT in Oakland
  • Substance use therapy in Oakland
  • Couples therapy in Oakland

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Oakland.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Oakland:

94601, 94602, 94603, 94604, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94614, 94615, 94617, 94618, 94619, 94620, 94621, 94623, 94624, 94649, 94659, 94660, 94661, 94666, 94704, 94705

Popular Cities Near Oakland, CA

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