Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in San Mateo, CA

I have been a licensed psychotherapist practicing for 38 years, mostly focusing on treating depression, anxiety disorders and stress management. I work a great deal with couples as well.

Your goals are most important to me, but I do recommend goals when needed. I accept you just as you are. I will work together with you to achieve an improved quality of life. I have over 30 years experience working in mental health counseling, and 10 1/2 years as a licensed provider. In that time, I have learned to use a variety of modalities. I tailor the type of therapy to my client and to his/her needs, so I might introduce more than one type during our work together. The issues I work with most include depression, anxiety, and trauma, I am also certified in addiction recovery, and neurodivergent issues.

I support deep-feeling individuals in gaining self‐knowledge, confidence in their own intuition and voice, and practical tools to navigate challenges when they resurface. My work is collaborative and person‐centered; I see therapy as a process of guiding you back to yourself, rather than telling you what you should do.

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Together, we explore how past experiences may be impacting your life today, build awareness of your nervous system, and create space for clarity around your purpose and goals.

I am LGBTQIA+ and multiculturally informed and welcome diverse communities into my practice.

Welcome to my practice. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I am a licensed psychologist in the state of California. I have many years of experience working with a variety of clients including: children, veterans, hospital inpatients and outpatients, mental health clinics, and individuals in private practice. My orientation is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and I received my year-long training and became a consultant at the Atlanta Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I also believe that trust is a central part of therapy and it is my responsibility to earn your trust. It is incredibly important that I have an accurate understanding of you, your situation and any problems you may be facing currently. I will rely on your guidance to ensure my understanding of you is accurate.

I'm Sinat Aleje, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across a variety of clinical settings, which has deepened my understanding of the emotional, psychological, and social challenges people face. I specialize in treating adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder.

Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and heard during our sessions. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where healing can begin, and where clients are empowered to take an active role in their care. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and am committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care that evolves with your journey.

If you're looking for a thoughtful, collaborative partner in your mental health care, I’d be honored to work with you.

I’m April Madden, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy.

If you are interested in services, please reach out to clerical at (805)721-6112 or visit our website at twisitedoakstherapy.com

As the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy, I’ve also built a team of clinicians with diverse specialties so that clients can be matched with a therapist who best fits their individual needs. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable doing difficult work while knowing they do not have to navigate it alone.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and have more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, working with individuals and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and direct. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard and supported, but also a place where meaningful growth happens. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify patterns, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with particular focus on trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, addiction and recovery, communication difficulties, self-esteem, and rebuilding trust and connection. I am also a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor IV (SUDCC-IV), which provides me with specialized experience in substance use, addiction, and recovery.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, our goal is to meet you where you are and help you move toward greater understanding, healing, and meaningful change.