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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Oakland, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Oakland, CA
Addressing addiction in Oakland means finding the right therapeutic fit—Headway offers 2,684 providers with expertise in 12-step facilitation, SMART Recovery, and DBT skills. Flexible scheduling with availability within two weeks, combined with insurance coverage through 70+ plans, makes recovery-focused care accessible and affordable for your unique needs.
Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.
My passion is to help others find more joy and meaning in their lives. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. I have experience working in the schools, with a team at a counseling clinic, and in private practice. I specialize with teenagers and their families and moving into couples work as well.
I’m passionate about helping those who need help mentally and emotionally
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Sonoma County with six years of clinical experience working with young people and families. I've worked across a range of settings including intensive residential treatment, county behavioral health, and outpatient care, and I bring that breadth of experience into my private practice. I specialize in working with preteens, teens, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, family conflict, and life transitions. I also work with couples on a private pay basis.
I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment
Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.
Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.
I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgmental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.
I'm invested in helping you find value and joy in your life!
For over the past decade in this field, I have assisted clients at all stages of life. I prefer to show up with humility, humor, and genuine humanity.
I'm Saby Kirpal, a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia/psychosis, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management. As Associate Director of Nursing, I've provided clinical oversight across multiple facilities while maintaining patient care, keeping me grounded in real-world challenges.
What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.
I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use located within 20 miles of Oakland, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 100%Stress management
- 100%Depression
- 97%Anxiety
- 93%Relationship issues

- 97%Aetna
- 55%Providence Health Plan
- 52%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 48%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 38%Cigna

- 100%English
- 7%Russian
- 7%Spanish
- 3%French
- 3%Hebrew

- 93%In-person or online
- 7%In-person only

- 72%Woman
- 24%Man
- 3%Non-binary

- 62%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 17%Clinical Psychologist
- 14%Nurse Practitioner
- 3%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 3%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 34%Couples therapy
- 28%Family therapy
- 21%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Oakland, CA
Finding addiction therapists in Oakland starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, sex addiction, codependency, and other behavioral concerns. As you compare therapists, look for training that matches your goals, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction-informed care, or coordination with medication-assisted care. Some people may also work with a prescriber as part of their care team.
Oakland has a range of mental health care options, from local offices near downtown, Temescal, Rockridge, and Lake Merritt to virtual appointments across California. The right fit may depend on your schedule, whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions, and how soon a therapist is accepting new patients. Recovery can change over time, so it can help to look for a therapist who describes a non-judgmental approach and experience with substance use, relapse prevention, harm reduction, or co-occurring concerns. Reading bios before booking can show how each therapist talks about care, structure, and fit.
Addiction therapy in Oakland can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your out-of-pocket responsibility before care begins. Headway makes it easier to compare addiction therapists who accept insurance, review detailed profiles, see estimated costs after entering your plan, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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