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315 verified Psychotherapists in Oakland, CA
Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients.
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Availability last updated 11/09/2026
Availability last updated 11/09/2026
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.64
·7 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi, I am Kao. I firmly believe that as humans, we have an innate desire for growth and balance. Unfortunately, we often physically respond to ingrained negative cues and messages that get stuck in our bodies. Many times, these old cues manifest as anxiety, depression, and other trauma responses. It ...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Kameron! Hello, my name is Kameron Macrorie, and I am a licensed Marriage Family Counselor (LMFT53149) with over 15 years of experience. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. I believe in treating the whole person and not just the sympt...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Barbara! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly 10 years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families in community mental health and healthcare settings. My focus I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, life tran...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Sarah! As a warm and holistic LMFT, I see you as a whole person, not a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms. In our work together, we won't just manage symptoms—we will honor your whole story. My focus I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to the...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Veronika! My name is Veronika Hoover, LCSW. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I draw from alternative and complementary sources to inform my therapeutic approach, integrating mind, body, spirit, and our connection to the environment and na...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 59 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Teisha, the heart and soul behind Mental Wellness with Teisha, a mental health practice in California. Teisha is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of a Black, femaleowned business, she is dedicated to offering mental health services that reflec...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.69
·16 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Tired of being at war with your own mind? If anxiety, self-criticism, or feeling "stuck" has you trapped in cycles of rumination, you're in the right place. I specialize in helping people make peace with inner chaos, not just manage symptoms, but transform your relationship with them so you can buil...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.58
·55 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I bring experience from psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, and one of the nation's largest health systems. My approach combines CBT, EMDR, and attachment theory to help clients build resilience, improve relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change. I work with adults, executive...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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My name is Dr. Oreet Schrader. I hold a Doctor of Psychology and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, as well as my MFT license. I enjoy working with adults, teenagers, and couples, and I also provide parenting education and guidance. I work collaboratively to hel...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi! I am a bilingual, first-generation Latina therapist with a Master's in Social Work from California State University Long Beach. I have worked with a diverse group of adult clients from different socioeconomic, ethnic, immigration, and educational backgrounds. Primarily, I have assisted clients w...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·8 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi, my name is Kristy De Leon. I hold a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. Are you successful at work but unable to have success in your personal life? Have you tried the "self-help" books but found they're not helping? Do you find yourself scrolling soci...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Nov 13
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·16 reviews
My first therapy session was incredible and eye opening. I felt seen and comfortable to share whatever I wanted. She already had great things to say and I felt that I walked away with a little more knowledge about myself. It was truly one of the best things. - Jan 9, 2025 by Belen C.Click to read more
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Seeking therapy is not easy, and you deserve the support that you're looking for. I approach therapy from a strengths-based perspective, and my mission is to partner with motivated individuals seeking to improve their quality of life. I spend the first few sessions really getting to know you as a pe...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I have over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families with a strong background in trauma, PTSD, and foster care. I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Veronica! I know that healing is possible because I myself have benefited from deep therapeutic work that has allowed me to be more authentic and self assured. My goal as your therapist is to help you break through limiting self beliefs and heal the wounds of past trauma via somatic an...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Jennifer! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who believes in the power of healing through creativity, and solution focused modalities. As a a survivor of the recent Eaton Fire in Altadena, I also rely heavily on trauma informed therapy and practice EMDR with all of my clients. My fo...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping children and families learn how to build healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. I have worked with families for the last 12 years in...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Nov 13
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Adia! Life can feel overwhelming when you are carrying stress, navigating change, or trying to understand patterns that no longer serve you. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, gain insight, and develop practical ways to move forward with greater confidence. My ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.18
·33 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Kayla! I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps adults and couples navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and intimacy concerns. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to build healthier relationshi...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.06
·33 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi there, I'm Alejandra! My name is Alejandra Ramos, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master's in Social Work from California State University, Stanislaus. I believe therapy is a powerful tool for individuals who are ready to make changes in their l...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Yadira! Welcome! I'm Yadira Melgoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nine years of clinical experience. I earned my Master's in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Bakersfield. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families on their ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 52 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Christian-informed therapist licensed in multiple States. With a background in clinical social work and a desire to see the building up of the body of Christ, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging my brothers and sisters as they seek to navigate the difficulties of life and develop...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·7 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Rhonda! My name is Rhonda David, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. I have been working as a therapist for over 30 years and bring a vast amount of experience and k...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Nov 13
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·7 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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"What doesn't hurt you makes you stronger... but don't show your emotions!" Hi, I am David Vest, LMFT103919 in California, specializing in trauma-informed care. I have been practicing since 2010 and also work with anxiety, depression, cognitive disorders, substance use, and couples. I am most succes...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.86
·28 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 55 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hey there, I'm Brandy. Are you feeling overwhelmed and like life is a bit out of control? Do you miss the joy and contentment that used to fill your days? I'd like to help you work through the struggles you're facing and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings-a place to be open...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.00
·5 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 47 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I believe therapy is a conversation about where you want to go and what stands in your way. Each individual is seen through their potential, not their problems. I am a compassionate listener and a dedicated companion along your path to healing. It's important to create a space where we can confront ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.40
·10 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Sarah! Hey there! My name is Sarah Girling, and I am an LCSW with a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I provide a safe, collaborative space, empowering you with tools to manage life's ch...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 11 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Aimee! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master's in Art Therapy, both from Phillips Graduate University. I most commonly use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as my therapeutic approach. I work hard to help people pinpoi...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 55 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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By coming upon this page, you could be feeling stuck, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled with your current position or path in life, thus considering a new direction. I hold the belief that therapy can assist in managing the frustration of life’s detours, rerouting one’s path, and/or navigating to new des...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Agne! Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. Therapy offers a space to feel heard, gain clarity, and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence. I work with adults facing anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and the stress of balancin...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Nov 11
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Vanessa! Hello, my name is Vanessa and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Francisco, CA, serving clients via telehealth across the state. I hold a Master’s in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. I am passionate about helping individuals, youn...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello! My name is Kara Sanderson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Northern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I hold a Master's in Social Work from Walden University. I work with young children, adolescents, and adults alike. I specialize in anxiety...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Herlinda! I'm a bilingual therapist with 16 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges with warmth, compassion, and a personalized approach. I strive to create a safe, comfortable space where you can explore your story, gain clarity, and feel genuinely support...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.50
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I have always been fascinated by human behavior, the process of producing it, and the impact it has on the lives of those involved. From my earliest days of rural living to my time in Los Angeles, I truly experienced a journey of wonder regarding these topics. Engaging in my own therapy increased my...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 23 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT119689) with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco, USF. My approach I offer an integrative approach including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.48
·21 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and unhealthy patterns that keep them feeling stuck. My approach is thoughtful, practical, and compassionate, helping clients gain insight, strengthen relationships, and create mean...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I always felt called to help others. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I developed a deep sense of culture and community among Black and Brown people, along with a profound respect for the struggles of BIPOC. I was surrounded by artists, musicians, poets, leaders, givers, and eccentrics from all walk...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Nov 13
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.74
·23 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Nothing changes if nothing changes, amirite? My name is Merceydes and I’m here to help you make that change! I believe that there is a natural solution to nearly all of our problems and I’m gonna help you find yours! My approach is holistic and solution focused, backed by science and sprinkled with ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, including combining foundational and specific approaches: client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapies. If you've felt stuck by not being able to stop ruminating on fearful or self-critical thoughts and overwhelmed by intense emotional states, I ca...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.90
·29 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 52 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello there, my name is Jackie. I’d like to start by saying it brings me great joy that you are here making time for yourself! Allow me to ask, what brought you here today? Is it fears… traumas… distractions… hardships… loss… endless worries… striving for something meaningful? If you’re finding it h...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
San Francisco, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
As a therapist, I provide a space rooted in safety, deep listening, and compassion. I believe healing is a sacred journey—not a straight line, but a process of remembering your own wisdom, reclaiming wholeness, and transforming pain into possibility. Together, we can explore the paths that lead to a...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Nov 12
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Frequently asked questions

How can I make a same-day appointment with a Psychotherapist in Oakland?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Psychotherapist in Oakland, book an appointment, and see the Psychotherapist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Psychotherapists in Oakland who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find an Oakland Psychotherapist who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Oakland Psychotherapist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a Psychotherapist in Oakland?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Psychotherapists in Oakland and book appointments instantly. You can search for Oakland Psychotherapists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Psychotherapist in Oakland?

When you search for Oakland Psychotherapists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Psychotherapists in Oakland who match your preferences.


How can I find an Oakland Psychotherapist who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Oakland Psychotherapists with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Psychotherapist in Oakland?

You can use Zocdoc to find Psychotherapists in Oakland who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with a Psychotherapist online in Oakland?

Psychotherapists in Oakland on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Psychotherapists who offer video visits.


Are video visits with a Psychotherapist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Psychotherapists in Oakland who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find a Psychotherapist in Oakland who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Psychotherapist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find a Psychotherapist in Oakland who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Psychotherapists in Oakland. Many Psychotherapists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


Who is a psychotherapist? 

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a means to support people who are suffering from various kinds of emotional problems and mental diseases. A psychotherapist can assist in reducing or managing bothersome symptoms to improve function, well-being, and recovery.


Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, groups, or families to resolve mental issues. They often use talk therapy to manage their patients' emotional problems, trauma, or illness. As part of your treatment, your psychotherapist may also prescribe medication and suggest a few lifestyle adjustments in addition to talk therapy.


What does a psychotherapist do?

Psychotherapists use talk therapy to treat psychological illnesses. You learn about your condition, emotions, feelings, ideas, and behaviors during psychotherapy. Psychotherapy has a significant impact on improving emotions and behavior.


Psychotherapy also helps flush out negative thoughts and brings about positive changes in the body and brain. It allows one to regain control over one's life and develop effective coping mechanisms. 


Education and training

Psychotherapists are specialists in psychology and counseling. They can only start working as therapists once they earn their doctorate. After an undergraduate and graduate degree, a student must get a doctoral degree. However, few people have a master's degree, and those who do are counselors, not therapists. After that, one must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Finally, they must finish their practicum hours, which typically total between 1500 and 1600 hours of supervised, hands-on work. 


What should you expect from your first therapy session?

This session is mostly about gathering information about you and your needs. You must share your physical and mental health history and current circumstances. Similarly, it is also an opportunity for you to see if the way of work and approach your therapist uses will work for you. You must understand the type of therapy, treatment goals, session lengths, and the number of sessions you need. 


How can you maximize the result of a psychotherapy session? 

You may maximize your psychotherapy sessions and contribute to their effectiveness by following simple steps.

  • Ensure that you are comfortable with your therapist and can talk freely. If you aren't, you must look for another therapist you can trust and talk to easily. Your willingness to share your ideas, emotions, and experiences and consider fresh perspectives, ideas, and approaches will determine how well your session goes.
  • Sticking to your treatment plan is essential. Although there may be times when you are demotivated, attending your sessions is crucial. 
  • Remember that treatment takes time, so don't expect instant results. Working on emotional issues is painful and requires hard work. Thus, work with patience and trust in the process. You may need a few sessions before you begin to see improvement.
  • It is advisable to do your homework between sessions. Then, follow through if your therapist instructs you to keep a journal or engage in other activities outside treatment sessions. You can better apply what you've learned in therapy sessions to your life through this.


However, if you feel your psychotherapy isn't helping, talk to your therapist. Your therapist may make some changes or try a different approach for an effective result. 


How do psychotherapy and counseling differ?

Although psychotherapy and counseling share similarities, they differ in several key aspects:

1. Training and Education

  • Psychotherapists: Typically undergo extensive training, often earning advanced degrees. Their education includes supervised clinical practice and specialized training in various therapeutic methods.
  • Counselors: May have diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from bachelor's degrees in counseling or related fields to shorter certificate programs or focused training in counseling techniques.

2. Scope of Practice

  • Psychotherapists: Work with individuals facing severe or complex mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and severe depression. They often provide long-term therapy to address deep emotional and behavioral patterns.
  • Counselors: Help clients navigate immediate or situational concerns, such as relationship issues, grief, or career challenges. Their focus is typically on short-term support and practical strategies for overcoming specific problems.

3. Therapeutic Approach

  • Psychotherapists: Use structured therapeutic techniques tailored to a client’s needs, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These methods often explore past experiences and unconscious processes.
  • Counselors: Take a more flexible and eclectic approach, drawing from various counseling theories and techniques. Their primary focus is on providing support, guidance, and practical tools for addressing present-day concerns.

4. Regulatory Oversight

  • Psychotherapists: Are subject to strict licensing and regulatory requirements, which vary by region. They must meet specific education, training, and supervision standards and comply to professional code of ethics.
  • Counselors: May also require licensing or certification, but the standards vary widely depending on their work setting and the services they provide.

5. Depth of Exploration

  • Psychotherapy: Involves an in-depth exploration of a client’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences to uncover underlying issues and promote long-term personal growth and healing.
  • Counseling: Focuses more on addressing present challenges with practical solutions and problem-solving strategies. While emotions and thoughts may be explored, the emphasis is on immediate coping skills and behavioral changes.


What is holistic psychotherapy?

Holistic psychotherapy, also known as holistic therapy or body-centered psychotherapy, combines traditional and non-traditional therapy methods to treat and benefit individuals. Instead of focusing on a single problem, it considers the emotional, physical, and spiritual components that influence an individual's well-being and aims to help people recover and grow deeper. 


Holistic treatment combines elements of traditional talk therapy and nontraditional methods such as hypnosis, breath therapy, and meditation. In addition to treatment, these approaches center on prevention. Thus, incorporating holistic therapies before problems arise may be beneficial in preventing problems that can impair a person's emotional, physical, social, or spiritual well-being.


Types of holistic psychotherapy

Holistic psychotherapy is an umbrella term that includes various types of treatments. Professionals offering this treatment are known as holistic therapists, and they may provide one or more of the following treatments:

  • Eclectic or integrative therapy is a method that relies on different traditions and techniques to meet a person's requirements, such as cognitive-interpersonal therapy, transtheoretical therapy, person-centered therapy, etc.
  • Mind-body therapy is a set of treatments that enhance physical functioning and produce calmness to improve health.
  • Somatic therapy focuses on healing trauma, stress, and other mental health disorders using a body-centered approach. It employs practices such as breathwork, dancing, and meditation.
  • Spiritual therapy is a method of exploring issues in a person's life that involves belief systems and spiritual faith.


Techniques used in holistic psychotherapy

Holistic treatment employs various strategies to help patients understand their symptoms and build greater self-awareness. 


Based on mindfulness and bodywork practices, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques induce relaxation and assist individuals in better comprehending the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit. Among these practices are:

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided imagery
  • Biofeedback
  • Breathwork
  • Meditation
  • Reiki
  • Tai chi
  • Hypnosis
  • Massage
  • Mindfulness
  • Yoga


How does therapy help with substance abuse?

If you have a substance use disorder, you can schedule a session with a psychotherapist near you to get the required assistance. Treatment to minimize substance misuse comprises a combination of individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions aim to educate individuals in recovery on the skills required to become and remain sober, as well as how to handle various situations without resorting to drugs or alcohol. Here are some other practical techniques that help with addiction and substance abuse:

  • Individual, group, and family treatment: Patients can participate in treatment supervised by a therapist in a one-on-one format, with a group setting in a safe, peer-supported environment, or with the participation of family or anybody significant in the patient's life.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It encourages individuals to question and evaluate repeated thoughts to eliminate negative and harmful thoughts. CBT addresses a wide range of problematic substance use behaviors and helps people observe and change their maladaptive behaviors. 
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI): This strategy aims to help recovering individuals overcome ambivalence and embrace their treatment efforts. MI strengthens their motivation and changes commitment to be consistent with their values. As a result, rather than imposing or forcing specific changes, the therapists "meet the client where the client is" and assist them in moving toward their goals by identifying and developing their readiness for change.
  • Rational-emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): It assists patients in identifying, challenging, and replacing harmful attitudes and beliefs with healthy, adaptive ones. It helps them comprehend their thoughts, which leads to improved behaviors, more positive and rational thinking, and healthier emotions.


Top holistic psychotherapist near you in Oakland, California 

Every person is fighting their own battle, and sometimes we need a little help with these mental battles we fight daily. Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do, and Zocdoc is here to help make that easy!


If you are looking for holistic psychotherapy near you in Oakland, just log into Zocdoc and enter your requirements in the search bar. You can search by specialty, symptoms, or procedures.


It is also helpful to find an in-network provider for affordable medical costs. 


Will Zocdoc ask you to upload a photo of your insurance card? Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card will help you find the right insurance plan on Zocdoc, but it is not required. If you don't want to upload a picture of your health insurance card, you can manually enter your insurance information into your account by selecting your plan from a selection. If you have any queries, contact the Zocdoc patient's help center.


You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes if you have multiple insurance plans. Alternatively, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information directly through the form.


With Zocdoc, you can schedule appointments before, during, or after office hours, depending on the psychotherapist's availability. If the psychotherapist's schedule allows, you can also book in-person or online appointments on weekends and holidays.


Moreover, you can also add your specifications, like language, area, gender, etc., to get filtered results. Each doctor on Zocdoc has a profile with details such as education, training, specialties, awards, experiences, licensing, and other accomplishments and affiliations. 


Locate the best psychotherapist near you according to your timings. You can also check previous patients' reviews and ratings for clarity. Then, you can book a simple, free, and secure appointment. 


Mental health statistics of California

Mental illness is very common in the US, and around 1 in 20 adults experience it each year. Similarly, as per a report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1,243,000 adults and 396,000 youths (aged 6-17) are recorded to have serious mental illness in California. The report also states that in Feb '21, 46.1% of adults reported anxiety symptoms, and approximately 21.6% could not get the required therapy. Additionally, 4,491 people died due to suicide, and around 1,232,000 adults thought of suicide in the last year.


Sources

WebMD

Mayo Clinic

American Psychiatric Association

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Verywell Mind[1]

Verywell Mind[2]

American Addiction Centers

Medical News Today

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

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