

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.
Thank you for considering me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California where I studied Adult Mental Health an Wellness and Military Social Work. I specialize in the Veteran and First Responder populations.
As a therapist that is informed by relational therapy, I believe we don't only heal with therapeutic strategies and techniques; we also heal in relationships and communities with one another. This means that my number one priority as your therapist is to develop a trusting and meaningful connection with you where you feel safe, seen, and regarded. My communication style varies from person to person because there is not one single way to show up and be present as a therapist.
Teryn Leaper has a Masters in Counseling
Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University.
She is currently board certified with the BBS in
California and BHEC in Texas.
Teryn has been spent the last decade in Los
Angeles and has been living in Texas for the last
year. Outside of work Teryn likes to read, write
short stories and poems and knit.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions! I am also experienced in supporting individuals facing relationship challenges, identity development, and difficulties with emotional regulation. As a Queer therapist, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population. I am drawn to this work because I value the depth and resilience within each person’s story. My approach is grounded in attachment-based theory and informed by evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.
I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.
I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.
My name is Geno Creese, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist (#942) accepting virtual clients in California. Regardless of presenting issues, I like to meet my clients where they are at; whether you are new to mental health support or are a seasoned veteran there is space for you here. We will work to identify what is getting in the way of you meeting your goals and address these challenges together. That said, we will work together each session with whatever you bring to the room.
The focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I help individuals focus on the Solution.
I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.


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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