Finding the right therapist can make a big difference for Black women looking for support with mental health in Oakland, CA.
Access to therapists who understand the unique experiences and challenges Black women face can help create a more comfortable and effective healing space.
Many people in Oakland seek counselors who share their background or who provide culturally informed care.
This kind of support can help build trust and encourage open, honest conversations during therapy.
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1) Addie Brown, LMFT – specializes in adolescent and adult therapy in Oakland, CA
Addie Brown is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Oakland, California.
She offers therapy for both adolescents and adults.
Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care.
She works with a diverse client base.
Her office is located at 465 34th St #5, Oakland, CA 94609.
To learn more, visit Addie Brown’s official site and public profile.
2) Dr Vernita Marsh & Associates – highly rated therapy practice focused on Black women’s mental health
Dr Vernita Marsh & Associates is a respected holistic psychotherapy group in Oakland.
They offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families, with services addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma.
Their care philosophy sees mental health as connected to mind, body, and spirit.
The team has experience supporting Black women in the East Bay.
Learn more on their official website and their profile at Psychology Today.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Umoja Counseling and Consulting – culturally responsive therapy services
Umoja Counseling and Consulting offers therapy that serves people from diverse backgrounds in Oakland.
Their team includes therapists who understand the unique needs of Black women.
Clients receive care in a supportive and welcoming space.
Sessions focus on mental health, life challenges, and personal growth.
Umoja’s approach values cultural identity and lived experiences.
Counselors aim to make services accessible and respectful.
Learn more at Umoja Counseling and Consulting or visit Umoja Behavioral Health.
4) Intentional Therapy – offers trauma-informed care for Black women
Intentional Therapy provides therapy that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive for Black women in Oakland.
The team includes therapists with specialized training in trauma, anxiety, and intergenerational issues.
Their approach focuses on client safety and trust, helping clients feel understood.
Support is tailored to each person’s needs and background.
You can learn more by visiting Intentional Therapy in Oakland and their listing on Psychology Today.
5) Eve Livingston, Ph.D. – expert in cognitive and acceptance commitment therapy
Eve Livingston, Ph.D., offers counseling and coaching in Oakland, CA.
She has expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Dr. Livingston works with individuals and couples and is known for her practical, compassionate approach.
She focuses on helping people overcome barriers to happiness and well-being.
Learn more by visiting her Yelp profile or connect via AllBiz.
6) Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy – community-centered mental health support
Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy provides therapy tailored to Black women in Oakland, CA.
The practice addresses issues like anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges faced in the Black community.
Their approach includes talking openly about social and historical influences, including racism.
This helps clients understand how their experiences shape their mental health.
You can learn more about their services at Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy and their blog.
7) Nick Wightman, LMFT – experienced therapist providing in-person and online sessions
Nick Wightman, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has over 10 years of experience.
He offers both in-person and online therapy sessions in Oakland, CA.
He uses a strength-based approach informed by attachment theory, neuroscience, and mindfulness.
Nick works with individuals and couples seeking support for a range of personal challenges.
Learn more about Nick Wightman, LMFT and his Oakland practice.
8) Alchemy Community Therapy Center – sliding-scale psychedelic-assisted therapy
Alchemy Community Therapy Center in Oakland provides sliding-scale mental health support.
They focus on offering accessible psychedelic-assisted therapy and traditional talk therapy to people from diverse backgrounds.
The center works to serve marginalized and underserved communities in the Bay Area.
Their care is intended to be culturally sensitive and welcoming to Black women seeking support.
Learn more at the Alchemy Community Therapy Center official site and Psychology Today page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right therapist for Black women in Oakland means looking for providers who use culturally responsive approaches and have experience with racial, gender, and trauma issues.
Many practices in the area focus on mental health needs specific to Black women.
What are the best practices for finding culturally competent therapists in Oakland?
The most effective way to find a culturally competent therapist is to look for professionals who mention experience with Black clients and offer culturally aware care.
Checking a therapist’s credentials, reading client reviews, and asking direct questions during a consultation are important steps.
Key platforms like Psychology Today and TherapyTribe let users filter for Black and African American therapists in Oakland.
Asking friends or trusted community groups for referrals can also help.
Which therapy practices in Oakland specialize in issues faced by Black women?
Several therapy groups in Oakland specialize in the mental health of Black women.
Practices such as Dr Vernita Marsh & Associates, Umoja Counseling and Consulting, and Intentional Therapy are known for their focus on trauma, identity, and empowerment for Black women.
Addie Brown, LMFT, provides counseling to adolescents and adults, with attention to the unique challenges faced by Black women.
Eve Livingston, Ph.D., is an expert in cognitive and acceptance commitment therapy for Black clients.
How can one ensure a therapist in Oakland is experienced with racial and gender identity topics?
A good approach is to review the therapist’s website or online profile for statements about working with Black women, cultural competency, or knowledge of racial identity.
It is helpful to ask in advance about their background in supporting clients with racial and gender identity issues.
Therapists such as those at Umoja Counseling and Consulting and Intentional Therapy highlight their work with these topics.
Asking if they attend continued training on these subjects can be useful too.
What are the recommended approaches to mental health for Black women in the Oakland area?
Therapists often use trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy when working with Black women.
Practices like Intentional Therapy use a client-centered and strength-based model.
Support groups and community-based workshops are common in Oakland.
Many recommend a mix of talk therapy, mindfulness, and connection with supportive social networks.
Can you list supportive resources for black women seeking therapy in Oakland?
Online directories such as MiResource and Grow Therapy list Black therapists available in Oakland.
Some local organizations host support groups specifically for Black women.
Umoja Counseling and Dr Vernita Marsh & Associates offer resource lists and referrals for additional help.
How do I find affordable mental health services for black women in Oakland?
Sliding scale options are available at many clinics in Oakland.
Community organizations sometimes offer free or reduced-price counseling.
Online platforms like Psychology Today include information about cost and insurance.
Some therapists, like Addie Brown, LMFT, may offer flexible payment plans for those in need.
