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Dynamic Change Psychotherapy

Psychologist5655 College Ave, Oakland, CA

5.00

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

5.00

Wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

Insurances accepted

This office is not in-network with any insurances

It's common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more

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Dynamic Change Psychotherapy

5655 College Ave, Ste 316 C, Oakland, CA 94618

All provider availability

Today, Apr 5 – Sat, Apr 18

Insurances accepted

This office is not in-network with any insurances

It's common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more

1 office location

Dynamic Change Psychotherapy

5655 College Ave, Ste 316 C, Oakland, CA 94618

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Dynamic Change Psychotherapy

My aim is to help my patients better understand their individual life context by exploring what a particular symptom is trying to express. I listen closely and look beyond the surface of suffering so that together we can address the underlying issues and create the conditions for lasting change. My expertise includes life transitions, grief and loss, identity, sexuality, trauma, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I hold a PsyD in Psychology from the Wright Institute and have completed a fellowship at Sonoma State University as well as an internship at the Access Institute for Psychological Services.

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

5.00

Wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

26 reviews

Most relevant

Dr. Gatta has helped me work through a lot of past trauma. My quality of life has improved significantly as a result.

JSVerified patient

He was understanding and sympathetic to my situation and issues. Had a clear and simple plan to go forward.

October 15, 2023Gary J.Verified patient

Smart, thoughtful, steady. About 2.5 years so far - good results.

TSVerified patient

I've been working with David for nearly 3 years and he has been there with me through many life changes: marriage, baby, new job, moving to a new city, and more. He has a broad set of skills that go far beyond listening but going more in-depth when uncovering and working with difficult/traumatic experiences. He was able to hold the space and provide the appropriate care in bringing me to deep emotional depths and bring me back safely. Recommend him for anyone willing to get deeper into knowing themselves and having someone by your side to hold and gently guide you there.

CSVerified patient

Dr. Gatta is a compassionate listener and made my first time visit as comfortable as possible. I was having a crisis and my own doctors were not able to help me. Through the midst of my storm someone suggested I try ZocDoc. Fast forward to today, Dr. Gatta and I are going to have a care plan in place for me. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to our next appointment.

December 18, 2023Initials hidden

Very positive first visit! I instantly felt a connection with him and he’s very down to earth and has a calming personality. I’m looking forward to future visits with him!

December 8, 2023Robert R.Verified patient

I started seeing Dr. David Gata in the summer of 2019. As is the case with many, I’m sure, who seek out a therapist, I was in a pretty rough place and weary of the exhausting process that is “finding the right fit”. At the end of our first session he recommended the book “Black Sun” to me—a challenging read about depression by a Slavic-feminist-psychoanalyst-philosopher. Not something I imagine would speak to everyone, but to a depressed Slavic Studies major it was perfect. I mention this not because I think everyone should read that book, or because I think David is well read, but because I think he sees people, quickly. It didn’t take much time together before he intuited a language to speak with me, one that articulated that something had been understood. I think this is rare and invaluable with therapists. It’s been just over 4 years now, and I’m in a much better place, but am grateful to continue to have this space to go to, with a person I respect so much in this role.

LKVerified patient

It's always tough looking for a new doctor. I was in a really tough mental and emotional situation, and the last time I saw a therapist was 4+ years prior. To be honest, I was a little hesitant with having a male doctor be my psychologist because of my childhood experiences, but David sounded pleasant over the phone during our intake call, and I thought I'd take a chance. Since working with David, he's helped me not only work through my childhood trauma, but also with what post-traumatic growth looks like for me. I heard the term before in a podcast and was fascinated by what life could look like after healing, but I did not know how to get there, but the idea motivated me to work through my childhood trauma. Although post-traumatic growth looks different for everyone, David has helped me navigate a new romantic relationship, process difficult situations with work, and helped me find confidence to assert myself in places I was too afraid to before. I highly recommend David!

JLVerified patient

I have been seeing David for almost 5 years, through a series of difficult life events. David has done an amazing job of approaching my sessions with empathy, compassion, and as necessary, a bit of "tough love". What I appreciate the most is his academic approach. David helps me to feel that I'm not alone by referring to papers, studies, or philosophies that help ground my concerns in truth and logic. I most definitely feel that he has provided me the tools to approach situations with a calm and healthy outlook.

RFVerified patient

I was lucky enough to find Dr. Gatta while I was in college, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking mental health support. I have dealt with a wide spectrum (in quality) of mental health providers, many of them ineffective and some that had a harmful effect on my perception and trust in mental health support, but working with Dr. Gatta is exactly how I imagined therapy would be and what I hoped it could do for me. He was patient and encouraging as I mentally and emotionally learned to fully trust the space of therapy. He brings a level of expertise and relatability I haven’t found in any other mental health care provider. As someone with high functioning depression, Dr. Gatta was one of the only therapists I have worked with who really saw and validated what I was dealing with. I never had to explain or advocate for the severity of my feelings. The quality of treatment that Dr. Gatta provides is something I wish for everyone starting or continuing the therapy journey.

NBVerified patient

Dr Gatta is a great therapist. I’ve seen him for over two years. He has really helped me navigate some tough things. I never have to repeat names and stories as he remembers everything I tell him. It’s quite amazing. I always leave his office feeling better and ready to take on the world. Also, his rates are affordable and he is often able to accommodate a change of schedule. I highly recommend him for all especially LGBTQ patients who are looking for someone who understands our life!

JSVerified patient

I have been seeing David for the last few years and he has helped me so much. I had never seen a therapist before (other than as a young child) and was very nervous on the first visit, but he made me feel at ease quickly. David has helped me work through some things from my childhood that I'd realized had been holding me back and working with him has helped me understand myself and why I make certain decisions so much more. While I am certainly still a work in progress, I feel like a different person than I was when I started seeing him a few years ago (in a good way) and I'm so grateful for all of the support he has given me. David is incredibly kind, empathetic, and insightful, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a therapist!

MBVerified patient

David is an incredible psychologist, he has helped me deal with trauma gently but objectively. I am someone who hid my emotions and buried them very deep. He has helped me unpack them and helped me to understand what exactly I am feeling.

MCVerified patient

I've been seeing David for a few years now and have continued to get value from our visits. Sometimes it feels like flossing -- regular life maintenance to feel like my best self. Sometimes it feels like going into surgery -- fixing a major problem in my life. David's helped guide me through a chaotic few years and I am highly appreciative!

RLVerified patient

It's been a great pleasure working with David over these past few months. He listens very well, is empathetic, and offers practical insights. I feel that he does an excellent job of listening and holding the space for me to share as much as I need, then engaging in conversations that are thought provoking and meaningful. I greatly appreciate that he gives me as much room as needed, then provides feedback, and is not just a passive listener. I highly recommend his services.

NMVerified patient

David and I started meeting in the beginning of the Covid pandemic and while I was in the midst of major life changes that touched all aspects of my life. Since then, he's helped me weather those crises and, perhaps more importantly, come out the other side with new and profound understandings about myself. Working with David has been some of the best self care I've ever offered myself. I feel safe and comfortable sharing with him, and find his perspectives on my life's traumas, substance abuse disorder, familial experiences, and relationship dynamics more insightful than any other therapy I've received. Hands down, one of the best therapists out there.

SFVerified patient

Dr. Gatta provides a framework through which I can interpret my feelings and actions, which is invaluable for understanding myself and others. I place a lot of value in creating a story about my actions, or using logical reasoning for hard feelings. In this way, I can create distance and move through them. Dr. Gatta often asks the right questions to guide me through this process.

BRVerified patient

Dr. Gatta has been my therapist for over five years and I truly believe he is the best of the best. From discussing family troubles, stress at work, or finding personal identity, he truly gets to know you as a person, not just a patient. Unlike some therapists who will just sit silently with a blank stare and wait for you speak, Dr. Gatta helps guide you through each session with impassioned listening, validating commentary, and by asking thoughtful questions. Even at my lowest lows, I leave every session feeling hopeful -- because I know I am truly making progress.

SMVerified patient

I've connected well with David, he puts me at ease, is an effective listener and most of all, he is knowledgeable in his field. I find my visits with David similar to chatting with a caring friend, only difference is David provides professional, thought provoking advice.

RDVerified patient

David and I have been working together for a while now. I can’t say enough about him. He is wise, empathetic and knowledgable in the field. He has a pretty easy going presence and way of communicating with clients. He’s given me much food for thought, and a different angle on things. Thanks David!

ESVerified patient

Ive been working w/ David for the last 5ish years. David has helped me work through many outdated world views and beliefs and has been a companion as I've changed very much for the better. Because of my weekly sessions w/ david I found myself shifting overtime in how i'd react to certain situations. I think the first time it became clear to me was about 6-7 months in when he mentioned that the last time something like this had occurred my reaction had been very disproportional. I highly recommend David if you feel not at peace emotionally and possibly lacking. I believe through him I've found a bag of tools that I use regularly to work on things independently as well.

HGVerified patient

I've been a patient of David's for several years. He's been a consistent source of support and guidance through some very challenging life experiences, relationships, and has aided me in my personal growth journey.

SLVerified patient

November 19, 2025Initials hidden

Initials hidden