Find a therapist in Oakland, CA — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Oakland, CA accepting new patients
Oakland's mental health landscape is evolving with growing access to talk therapy and medication management. Headway serves residents throughout the city, including Downtown Oakland, Piedmont Avenue, and Fruitvale, with providers available within two weeks. Work with your insurance to make mental healthcare affordable and accessible.
I, truly, believe there is no "one size fits all" to therapy, so I aim to tailor the therapy experience to match each client's individual and unique needs. I collaboratively work with my clients as their co-pilot to help them navigate difficult emotional terrain, while empowering them, the expert of their own emotional landscape, to take the driver's seat because they are the expert of their own lived experiences.
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.
Hi, I’m Jessica Castro, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’m a mother of two and have been married for 15 years, which gives me a deep, personal understanding of the joys and challenges that come with relationships and family life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and stronger connections. My clients often share that therapy with me helps them feel heard, empowered, and better equipped to handle life’s stressors. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where meaningful change can happen.
Welcome! I’m Marissa Brooks, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience working in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including crisis residential programs and outpatient mental health services. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Criminal Law and Behavior, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress management.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Oakland, CA
- 97%Anxiety
- 90%Stress management
- 90%Depression
- 87%Relationship issues
- 84%Trauma
- 92%Aetna
- 48%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 48%Providence Health Plan
- 44%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 35%Curative
- 96%English
- 15%Spanish
- 4%French
- 3%Hebrew
- 3%Hindi
- 89%In-person or online
- 11%In-person only
- 70%Woman
- 27%Man
- 4%Non-binary
- 58%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 19%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 11%Clinical Psychologist
- 8%Nurse Practitioner
- 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 99%Individual therapy
- 32%Child or adolescent therapy
- 25%Family therapy
- 16%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Oakland
Searching for therapists in Oakland starts with knowing what kind of support you want from therapy. Oakland has a broad mental health care community, with therapists who work with concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and life transitions. As you compare options, look for therapists whose listed specialties, training, and approach match what you want to focus on. Their profiles can also show whether they use approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or acceptance and commitment therapy.
Location and format can shape which therapist is the best fit for your schedule. In Oakland, you may prefer an office near Downtown Oakland, Temescal, Piedmont Avenue, Lake Merritt, or Fruitvale, especially if transit access or commute time matters. Virtual therapy can also make it easier to meet with a therapist whose availability fits your calendar. Before booking, review each therapist’s profile for appointment times, whether they offer a free phone consultation, session format, and how they describe their communication style.
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 what you may pay before you start. Headway helps you find Oakland therapists who are accepting new patients, compare detailed bios, verify your insurance, and see estimated costs before booking. You can browse therapists, review fit, and book directly when you’re ready.
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