Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

I'm a psychologist helping clients to navigate transition and overcome destructive patterns. I have expertise in treating anxiety, ocd, adhd, trauma, depression, addiction, recovery, and relationship challenges. I've had a private practice for over 10 years and work with adult clients at all stages of life. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies, with intensive training at the Portia Bell Hume Center, Kaiser, UCSF, VA and the Jung Institute.

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 entered into this field to help individuals to learn, grow and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My role through my education, learning and experience is to support clients’ in unlocking their awareness of patterns to increase the clients’ ability to access the tools within them to facilitate their learning, growth and healing through a collaborative process.

As a Black/African American woman, I am passionate about working with people of color (especially people of color who identify as LGBTIA+) in destigmatizing mental health in our communities and identifying how systemic racism/systemic oppression affect our mental health.

My strengths as a therapist are rooted in fifteen years of experience working in the field as a mental health clinician in a variety of settings. I have supported individual’s ability to access their inherent tools to overcome struggles connected to trauma, grief & loss, depression and general anxiety. Over the course of my experience I have developed skills in providing therapy to underrepresented, underserviced families, children, individuals, and couples. I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I believe people carry far more strength, clarity, and resilience than they often realize. My role is to help you understand the emotional patterns and internal narratives that shape your experience, so you can move through life with greater freedom and self‐trust. I’m engaged, attuned, and honest in the room — offering reflection, insight, and steady collaboration as we explore what’s happening beneath the surface. We work at a pace that feels grounded for you, creating space for real change to germinate.

Life has a way of throwing challenges our way that can feel impossible to navigate alone, but you don't have to carry that weight by yourself. With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I have worked with individuals of all ages—from young children to seniors—helping them find clarity through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether you are dealing with relationship struggles, depression, or the complexities of grief and trauma, my goal is to provide a steady presence that helps you find your way back to yourself. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by drawing on both my clinical training and the wisdom gained from decades of practice.

I believe that true healing happens when you have a space to speak freely with someone who isn't connected to your daily life or family circle. I bring a blend of professional expertise and extensive life experience to our sessions, which allows me to understand the nuances of the human experience beyond just a clinical lens. Outside of my work in the office, I enjoy staying active in the local community and find that a balanced life helps me show up fully for those I serve. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have an experienced advocate committed to their well-being.

I have been practicing psychotherapy many years and have a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dilaectial behavior therapy. I believe that people have the innate ability to improve their lives when given focused therapeutic attention and support.

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.

I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in social work, and I’ve worked in both clinical and community settings supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and moments where things just feel “off.” Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, burnout, or a deeper sense of feeling stuck, I’m here to help you make sense of it and move forward.

My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods along—I’ll actively engage with you, offer insight, and help you connect patterns so you can create real, lasting change. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable being fully yourself, while also gently challenging what’s no longer working.

I also specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through a partnership with Journey Clinical, working alongside medical providers who prescribe and monitor treatment. This can be a powerful option for those who feel stuck in traditional approaches or are looking for a deeper level of healing and perspective.

I work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more grounded and aligned in their day-to-day lives.

I've been a licensed LMFT in Sacramento, CA. for over 40 years. My primary education was at California State University, Sacramento, but have received extensive training in other areas that include, but not limited to: PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Grief, Family Systems and interpersonal relationships. I have vast experience with diverse populations, cultures within unique mental health settings and situations. Historically I have worked with young children and teens, but my areas of focus have shifted to young adults, afults, and seniors in areas of Depression, PTSD, and interpersonal relationships with individuals and couples.