Therapists serving clients in Richmond, CA

Many people seek therapy to make improvements in their lives. My goal is to help you identify and conquer what you feel is holding you back. Working together, I can guide you to move forward through roadblocks and reclaim what you truly want in your life. I am experienced in working with adults and older adults. My specialties include, Stress and Anxiety Management, Life Transitions, Relationship Improvement, Grief/Loss, Cancer and Chronic Illness as well as overall personal growth and insight. My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic and non judgmental. I utilize solution focused, mindfulness and strengths based approaches to therapy. In working together, the focus is entirely on you and your future possibilities. Our sessions will help you achieve your goals and extinguish your fears by providing you with tools and guidance to live a balanced and happy life. I look forward to working with you!

My name is Sana Akhtar Ramay and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession. After graduating with my Bachelors in Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology from University of California, Davis, I started working with children diagnosed with Autism, probably the most challenging job I have had but also equally rewarding. A few months in I was promoted to a leadership position; I started to realize how natural it was for me to be successful in that field further leading me to enroll in my Master’s program. I received my Master’s from National University in Counseling and began my career working in an agency in the Behavioral and Community Services Department as well as the Children’s’ department. During my time in the behavioral and community services department I worked predominantly with adults as well as couples, families and children. During my time working in the children’s department I worked with children aged 2-21. One client stands out in particular is one of my success stories. This client was a young lady that struggled with anxiety from a young age and had been on a cocktail of medication from the age of 3. I spent about 1 year providing individual counseling, family services, and services with parents whom were separated and consulting with psychiatrist. With everyone’s support this client was able to be taken off of all of her medication and graduate from counseling. In my last session with this student she made me card with the following quote on the front “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor”. I have her card pinned to my wall as a reminder that the challenges that we encounter and overcome make us better at what we do. Throughout my journey in working with children I have gotten many trainings and certifications. I am a Certified Nurtured Heart Trainer, certified in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), have taken a 26 week Dialectical Behavior Therapy training (DBT), various trainings on Grief, Trauma and Cognitive Therapy. My counseling style is warm and interactive, I believe it is important to treat anyone with respect and dignity, to empower them and instill confidence in a compassionate manner. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and a combination of others. I believe in being client-centered and supporting client’s where they are at. It is important for me to include the client in the treatment planning process and help monitoring success. It takes courage and bravery to take that first step towards change, if you are ready to take that first step I am happy to help guide, support and encourage along the way. I look forward to working with you and helping you create a life full of happiness.

Welcome!  In the 6-8 weeks that we will work together, It is my goal to create a safe, warm and inviting space where the whole of you, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, can make full use of the therapeutic intent of our time together.  We keep an eye toward your better self, to help you find what makes you well and at ease, and from there, support management of your psychological challenges.  A healthy core self has a powerful impact on the capacity of the mind and body to organically heal.  We will establish a platform from which you can organize your experiences and get perspective.  Then we will reduce your remaining challenges into bite sized pieces that can be processed and digested more easily, moving you toward greater life involvement and satisfaction.   The work of therapy doesn't have to be "hard work."  It can be an awakening, an adventure, it can be ground breaking, transformative, enlivening or sometimes even, playful work. I have always had a Humanistic perspective and I have been deeply influenced by Attachment Theory and Buddhist Philosophy, but in the end, I chose to study Somatic Counseling Psychology at JFKU in the SF/Bay Area.  Studying the body oriented models of psychology and relevant neuroscience that informs the study of the body (brain and nervous system) in association with psychological concerns and disorders, has helped me make sense of my observations in people with complex PTSD.  Of all the styles of therapy I have learned, I most appreciate Process Oriented Psychology, Bodynamics, Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, and DBT.  They are all powerful interventions that can be used together successfully to your benefit.  My specialty is developmental trauma, also known as Complex PTSD, born of early traumas or chronic neglect type injury which often results in symptoms such as: general anxiety, intrusive memories, vigilance, specific fears, exhaustion, high sensitivity, compulsivity, health concerns, body/sexuality issues, anorexia, avoidance, control, chronic pain, autoimmune illnesses and altered states. Symptoms of Anxiety and (stubborn) Depression can also benefit from this type of approach, because they are also often the result of early mental health injuries that could not be addressed at the time they were received. Some other areas that may not be listed in Betterhelp's categories that also benefit from this treatment style are: stress management, self care issues, codependence, identity, dissociative symptoms, environmental and food allergies, boundaries, sobriety challenges, mental health hygiene, gender norms/roles, personal growth, individuation, etc. I hope to be talking to you soon - Ezri ... PS - I have a private practice outside of Betterhelp.com and so my availability is limited. If my available slots cannot accommodate you, you are welcome to wait for an open slot, contact me to inquiry about alternate options or seek an appointment with another therapist. I want what is best for you and will do what I can to support your healing. PSS - Somatic Psychotherapy works best in-person, but we have video sessions here! So I only see clients in video sessions. At this time, BH would like me to do therapy over Messenger, but I would be breaching my ethics if I did that! I will Message for logistics and resource information. I would never want a client to misunderstand my meaning and thus, will never try to do therapy through written word. I made this decision to protect you - I am happy to help create the time, space and safety to meet by video. Also, we can just meet briefly by phone or video for you to decide if you are comfortable working with me. PSSS - The rules that govern my license require me to refer a client out if I believe I am not the best fit for them as a therapist. I want the best for anyone I have contact with and if I believe you will be better served by a different therapist, I have to make the referral. Having said that, it is one of the hardest and most serious decisions I have to make as a therapist and I do not make it lightly. May you find your way! Warmest regards, Ezri

I am your neighborhood therapist. I’m straightforward and matter-of-fact. I have no judgment and seek to assist you in understanding your patterns as well as increasing your understanding of yourself and the world around you. Therapy can help guide you towards creating the connection to self and to others which may be blocked by past, present, or future issues. I see therapy as a conversation and a safe space to explore your thoughts and possibilities. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups of clients age 3 to 65 with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, dysfunctional family dynamics, couples issues, domestic violence, child abuse, and transitional life stressors. I have 19 years of experience working in the field of counseling. I have been working in the field of addiction for almost 7 years. I graduated from California State University Fullerton in 2002 with an MS in Counseling and became a California Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in 2009. Let’s talk!

Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California. My primary background experience is in helping clients to regain/increase control over their mental health, via developing increased insight/understanding of symptoms, identifying and utilizing coping skills, developing positive support systems, and increasing ability to problem-solve/navigate challenges. I have worked with adults in multiple settings, including those experiencing active crisis within acute locked psychiatric care, clients coming into an outpatient clinic for mental health services and counseling/groups, clients utilizing substance use disorder treatment individually and in groups, and adult clients with developmental disabilities in the group home setting. Professionally, I've worked both as direct care staff as well as in management and supervisor roles, and have also mentored undergrad and grad students. I'm looking forward to meeting you and offering you support.

A licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience I have worked in a number of settings including hospitals, schools, courts, clinics and agencies. Nonjudgmental and empathic therapeutic approaches are used to support you dealing with a variety of social, emotional and environmental challenges. My area of practice is primarily with adults. I help you with career concerns, trauma, anger management, domestic violence, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, and bereavement counseling to name a few. I use a combination of methods and techniques consistent with my level of training and expertise. Mood disorders such as depression, adjustment and anxiety disorders are among my areas of specialization.

I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience in working with mental health issues. I have worked with clients who have a wide range of concerns including depression, relationship issues, life changes, young adult transitions and aging issues. I have worked in public mental health as well as private practice, giving me a wide range of experience with many issues and a diversity of clients. My counseling style is empathic, collaborative, and I draw from the person-centered approach as my goal is to meet you where you are. This allows me to assist you in your journey of self-discovery and self-determination. My approach focuses on solution-focused counseling to help you make the changes you want to improve your current condition. While we may explore deeper issues, my focus is on how we can work together to improve your life in the here and now. I look forward to helping you make the changes you want to have the best quality of life. I believe in creating a safe-space where we can have conversations that will assist you in resolving issues, addressing concerns and becoming the best version of yourself. I am always honored to be part of someone’s journey and I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. Life isnt always easy or predictable. Working through our past or current hurts and challenges can start the healing process for a happier and more fulfilling quality of life. Taking the first step to look within and ask for help takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Hi, I go by the name Toran. I am licensed in California and have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health, having served clients in a wide range of clinical settings. I have a background in radical mental health, community mental health, and community organizing. I work with many queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change, and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.