Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Hello and Welcome

With 30 years of experience as a licensed marriage, family therapist, my journey began at Sacramento California, where I first received my license and found my calling serving families within the community. Over time I found my way into private practice where my reach into the community grew and a deep passion for working with adults at various stages of their life emerged and one that has become central to my calling as a therapist.

Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to learning and growing alongside the field pursuing, continued education and certifications.

My clients often want to know a little about the person behind this practice. I am someone who loves to travel and spends time outdoors . Camping and water adventures are always my happy place and those who know me best will tell you with a knowing grin that I have never met an animal I didn’t love

I believe wholeheartedly that it is vital for me to live a congruent life, to bring my heart and desires into a living presence My passion to live with purpose, curiosity and joy is core to who I am and this is how I show up for my clients every single day.

From your very first visit, you will be received warmly with quiet encouragement and assurance that this is a safe relaxed welcoming space just for you.

I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.

Therapy is a way of showing up for yourself, a path of self discovery where you can reconnect with who you are today and the life you truly want. I’ve supported people navigating addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety, and I believe deeply in meeting you exactly where you are and wherever you feel ready to begin. Together, our sessions become a collaborative journey, with me holding safe, steady space for you as you grow into the person you’ve always had it within you to become.

My passion is for helping others get unstuck and flourish! The focus of my practice is geared toward helping you develop affirming responses and positive interpretations of what has happened in your life. I will help you have agency and integrity in the midst of a life transition or challenge that has you feeling stuck or out of ways to help yourself.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.

With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years experience. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with focus on Children and Families, a Master's Degree in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, and a PhD in Social Work (all but dissertation) with focus on trauma, sexual abuse and assault, and domestic violence. I was the Director of a private, non-profit Foster Care and Adoption Agency, I worked in a women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked in a Level 4 men's prison, and I worked as a Supervisor for mental health therapists serving school systems. I have always had a private practice as well. I have worked in teletherapy for approximately 8 years.

My name is Marissa Ruiz and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with nearly 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 20 years experience in the social work field. Some of my other titles include mother, wife, ex-wife, sister, daughter, niece, grandmother and friend. Sharing these titles are important to me because they represent relationships my clients have which helps to improve the rapport. I survived my obstacles in my life with the help of a therapist and hope to help you through yours.