

Oakland's diverse and affirming mental health landscape welcomes LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support. Headway connects you with 60K+ licensed providers nationwide who bring open-minded, warm approaches to care. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with many providers offering free consultations and availability within days.
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life.
I believe therapy is a journey, one in which the client is the navigating driver. As a Licensed marriage and family therapist, I take the passenger seat and support my clients in the direction they chose to go with in their therapeutic journey. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of my clients, drawing on empathy, respect, and transparency to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Nina, a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping people feel better and live more fulfilling lives. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer services in both English and Spanish. My goal is to support your well-being by helping you build skills, navigate challenges, and create healthier, more meaningful relationships.
I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic, depth-oriented therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.
I earned my Master of Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My professional journey began in social services and the Department of Mental Health, and I later worked with community mental health agencies supporting people from many different backgrounds. These experiences strengthened my commitment to helping individuals feel supported and understood while navigating life’s challenges.
I have provided therapy to clients of all ages, both individually and within families, and I now focus primarily on adults who want to create meaningful change in their lives. In addition, I bring experience working with individuals with autism and ADHD diagnoses, offering strategies that highlight their strengths, improve daily functioning, and foster growth.
My approach is centered on guiding clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, and overwhelming stress, with the goal of building greater stability, confidence, and connection. I believe therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where progress feels achievable and each step brings clients closer to the life they want to live.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress related to relationships, family, work, and health concerns. I provide trauma-informed talk therapy, and customize evidence-based therapy tools to each individual's learning style. Reducing distress, and improving day-to-day functioning, are top priority.
Since 2010, I have worked with children to older adults from many different backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles and careers. Before dedicating my life to psychology, I worked in medicine and multiple other professions. Along with my California Doctoral education, I was also educated in England, Austria, France, Switzerland and New Zealand. I am originally from Wisconsin.
I believe every relationship holds the capacity to heal, grow, and transform. If you’ve found your way here, it probably means you’re ready for change. You don’t have to face it alone. My passion is helping couples break free from painful cycles, rebuild trust, and rediscover the closeness that first brought them together. Clients often tell me that what makes my work different is the balance of honesty and compassion I bring into the room. I won’t shy away from the hard truths, but I deliver them with care and a deep commitment to helping you thrive.
Sitting with people during their most vulnerable and uncertain moments is an honor I hold deeply. For the past 15 years, my work as a clinical social worker has centered on supporting adults and seniors through anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, stress, burnout, and complex life challenges. Much of my background includes working with individuals navigating serious health concerns and other life-altering experiences, which has shaped my ability to help you build a secure, empowering foundation for your own healing. I believe in taking the time to truly understand each client — your history, your strengths, your pain, and the patterns that have shaped your life. Therapy is not rushed; it is a space where growth unfolds through trust, consistency, and thoughtful exploration. Clients often share that they feel genuinely cared for and understood in our work together. I approach therapy with steadiness, warmth, and deep respect for your pace, while also helping you move toward meaningful and lasting change. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and value creating a culturally responsive space where all aspects of your identity are welcomed and respected.
Hi, and welcome! Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief. You may feel stuck, stressed, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, feel understood, and start building the tools to regain control and find peace.
I have 40 years experience in the mental health field in multiple roles, I believe listening and believing in the person is the most important way to practice therapy.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Oakland starts with knowing what kind of support you're looking for. Whether you're working through anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, gender identity, or the cumulative stress of navigating the world as a queer or trans person, look for a licensed provider — such as an LMFT, LCSW, psychologist, or psychiatrist — who has specific training or experience in affirming care. Oakland and the broader East Bay are home to a strong community of providers with backgrounds in LGBTQIA+ issues, and many offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
Beyond credentials, fit matters. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their therapeutic style, areas of focus, and whether their approach resonates with you. Many providers on Headway offer a free phone consultation so you can ask questions and gauge the connection before booking a full session.
Therapy in Oakland can be expensive, but using your in-network insurance benefits is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before you book, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a provider who is both affirming and covered by your plan.
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