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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 2,620 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.
All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My POV is through a Neurodiverse lens and incorporates Attachment Theory and C-PTSD with the idea that much of our conflict and distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs that can often be traced back to necessary adaptations needed to survive not only our families of origin but also societal norms and expectations. The gig of being human is hard and de-coding this blueprint can provide a path toward understanding, healing and, fulfillment. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.
I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
I believe everyone needs help from time to time.
I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.
I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.
I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and love this work. I came to therapy through an unconventional path — nearly a decade in film and photography, work as a youth counselor, and service in the military — all of which deeply shaped how I understand people and their stories.
I earned my master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I focused on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches. My thesis centered on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a specialty I've continued developing through advanced trainings I've completed.
I work with individuals, couples, adolescents & families across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a particular love for working with creative professionals, veterans and young adults. I'm LGBTQ+ affirmative and love working with folks from the queer community.
My practice spans traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — including psychedelic integration support for those processing experiences outside of our work together. I see clients in person in Atwater Village in Northeast LA, and virtually throughout California.
I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.
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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