Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Berkeley, CA

Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and empowered. My practice focuses on supporting clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, and personal growth in a safe and collaborative environment.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve taken the step to begin therapy, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey toward healing and growth. My name is Sam and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of issues, including relational difficulties, mental health challenges, eating disorders, trauma, and more.

Through therapy, clients develop new skills, discover new insights, and strengthen their resilience for whatever life brings.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I am doing work I love whole-heartedly. I have always loved hearing people's stories, and getting to know what makes people feel most alive. My empathy, warmth and openness support people in feeling comfortable and held in session.

From the outside, it looks like you've got it handled: the job, the responsibilities, the reputation for being reliable. Underneath, your mind rarely slows down: replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions you've already made, feeling guilty when you try to rest.

I work with young adults with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-imposed pressure. A lot of my clients are exhausted by overthinking and frustrated that doing everything "right" hasn't actually brought them any peace.

Together, we'll figure out what's keeping that cycle going and build real tools for managing anxiety and pressure Not just insight, but things you can actually use. My style is direct, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming.

Most people start out feeling like they're carrying more than they can hold. Over time, that tends to get lighter, more confidence in your own decisions, less dread before hard conversations, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside.

If you're ready to stop carrying this alone, I'd be glad to connect.

I believe that feeling genuinely understood is an important part of the therapeutic process. I work with individuals and couples experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, family dynamics, attachment concerns, and self-esteem challenges. My goal is to create a warm, supportive space where you can be yourself, explore what you’re experiencing, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

I am a licensed therapist who has been working in the field since 2014 with diverse individuals in different settings. I attended California State Polytechnic University for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and the University of Southern California for my Masters in Social Work. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues and grief and loss issues. On a personal note, I love to hike, cook and watch movies.