I've been a client of Elizabeth Dandenell's for years. I couldn't be more grateful to have chosen…read moreher as my therapist. Her therapy skills are superior and she is a straight-shooter. She is also compassionate, with great intuition. Before I met with Elizabeth, I'd worked hard with about a dozen very good therapists to help relieve my anxiety and depression. I also sought to improve my vocational and social struggles. That "pre-Elizabeth" therapy partially helped. The problem was I still had a vague sense something about me or my situation wasn't quite being seen and addressed yet. Then, Elizabeth helped change the course of my life. She raised the possibility that I might have two overlooked diagnoses. If accurate, she theorized, those diagnoses might help identify and explain much of the "invisible" set of challenges I've struggled with over decades. She was 100% accurate. I received both of those diagnoses after several months of testing by hospital clinicians. As a result, I've learned new ways to cope better overall. Specifically: some fast and easy ways to tamp down my overall anxiety - techniques I'd likely never have used without the diagnoses. My self-esteem has greatly improved and I'm more at peace with myself than I've been in a very long time. I've plugged in to community support. Elizabeth is a true gem of a therapist. It's encouraging to know she's available to me and others, in a world where life can sometimes feel so hard.

When I first met Vilma, my world was filled with darkness. I was consumed by self-loathing to the…read moreextreme. I didn't trust anyone in the world, not even my lover. I thought people were selfish narcissists who only cared about themselves when they were cold. But among them, the one I hated the most was myself. During a time when I was trapped in the abyss of self-loathing, unable to move from my bed, I felt the need for help, and I made my first call to Vilma. From that moment on, I have been seeking counseling from Vilma for over two years. She slowly nurtured my heart, as if extracting poison from long-standing wounds. For 15 years, I believed that my struggle stemmed solely from my inability to control myself. I attributed it to my excessive vanity, competitiveness, and narcissistic tendency to prioritize how others perceived me. I thought I couldn't love anyone else and that my preoccupation with myself was the cause of these symptoms. That was the first thing I told her. However, she has spent a long time counseling me and has helped change the way I think. She not only introduced me to various cognitive methods that allowed me to be more compassionate toward myself, but it was more than that. What she taught me was a warm heart. A warm heart that cares for and worries about others. As she listened to my heart, she exemplified how others can become warmer toward one another. Through her, I learned what it means to care for others, and I began to strive to become that way myself. Those experiences gradually helped me realize the message she was trying to tell me. 'I am not a bad person.' Through counseling with her, I was able to recall a trauma from 15 years ago. It was an experience that I could never forget, but one that I had buried deep within the depths of my heart, like the sea. It was a trauma that was so difficult to face that I had pretended it meant nothing at all. I couldn't even label it as a trauma because I couldn't confidently admit that I was a victim. If it weren't for her counseling, I would have carried it within me for a lifetime, as I couldn't even recognize it as a wound. I believed I didn't deserve to. When I confronted the experience that I couldn't share with anyone, she held the hand of my heart, ensuring that I wasn't afraid. She continued to support me until I no longer feared the trauma completely. Now, I no longer think of the world as solely cold. I no longer believe that people only care about themselves. Through her, I have felt and understood that people can be a source of help for one another, and just knowing that has made the world appear more hopeful and brighter to me. Thank you, Vilma. I wanted to express my gratitude properly to you, but my words fall short, and I couldn't express my thanks adequately.

NOTE: If you plan on scheduling an assessment, anticipate it to be at least several months out. I…read morescheduled mine in January 2025, starting all the way back in August 2024. Not a gripe, just a heads up! About a year ago, my therapist and I suspected I may have ADHD-- which kicked off the tedious search for a reputable while reasonably-priced clinic for a formal assessment. After calling my insurance, requesting referrals from Sutter, and doing my own research, I finally came across Savera via Rula Health. I worked with Carolyn and Dr. Naylor. After speaking briefly on the phone, we scheduled dates for a virtual intake and on-site assessment. The earliest availability for both was 6~ months later. The virtual intake over Zoom was thorough. Carolyn and Dr. Naylor were patient and friendly. I felt that they treated sensitive topics with great tact. A few days later, I drove to their Oakland clinic for my assessment. The facility is tidy and clean, just a bit dated. The building is near Lake Merritt, surrounded by street parking (metered). The directory inside the building is clear; I was able to find their clinic with no issue. The assessment itself was quite comprehensive and data-oriented. After my assessment, we scheduled a virtual call on my results. They walked me through their analysis and recommendations on next steps. My therapist was happy to work with them to figure out a treatment plan. I also received a 30-page PDF detailing everything discussed-- extremely insightful! I highly recommend Savera for the combined quality of care and insurance coverage.

I was looking for a leadership coach (paid by my company). I was one of the senior managers of my…read morecompany. I rolled the dice and found Amrita on yelp. I've been through leadership coaching before but not 1 on 1. Amrita (she said I could call her by her first name) really dug deep into why I react/act towards certain situations. Of course I think it helps if you can be completely honest with yourself. The one thing I didn't want to do is change who I was. Amrita made me realize that that is why I was there. To change...not my authenticity but to change how I approached things. I shed a few tears, which was a surprise for me. Sometimes I left drained because the sessions made me go to places that were uncomfortable (truth). Amrita listened. I mean she was really paying attention to what I was saying. She never appeared bored. It took me a while to open up to her, not optimistic that she could provide anything new. But she did. Unfortunately, I left the company and was only able to spend 3 months with Amrita. But in those 3 months, she taught me a lot and I use what I learned all the time. I would highly recommend Amrita.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Sheira. She is one of the kindest people you will ever…read moremeet while also being very professional. She listens carefully and makes sure she understands while providing thoughtful feedback. For someone dealing with stress, body image issues, anxiety, etc having someone like Sheira on your team is an amazing asset.

This is a long overdue review. My rating is not a reflection of general counseling method, but…read morerather of ethics. In my case, there was a severe breach/violation of trust and mishandling of sensitive information. Simply put, she made a diagnosis which she was unqualified to make (and inevitably completely wrong about). She communicated this diagnosis to someone other than myself - where it became something used against me. In both cases, a boundary was crossed which should not have been.

Dr John schick aided and abetted my ex husband to use my mental health against me in systemic and…read moreescalating abuse that eventually became physical. I do not recommend him at al for women because he doesn't listen to a word they have to say. Dr Weisz was very kind but also useless for my situation. They should have recognized the signs, kicked my ex out of my appointments, and helped me divorce him and protect my children.

I have chronic illness and asked for the intake to be split in two. the psychiatrists refused to…read morework with me because I asked for that. shame on them for not accommodating a disability.

I recommend anyone and every go to blue oak for affordable well executed therapy by seasoned intern…read moretherapists. Blue Oak has been around for about 25 plus years, and is centered on providing highly skilled therapists for folks that need a sliding scale. I was a therapist there in my internship and am grateful for the experience.

My experience with Blue Oak has been great so far. I started therapy in November 2020. They…read moreaccepted me on their sliding scale rate and it takes a great burden off having affordable therapy. I see my therapist Lirany twice a month via zoom call and she's been so helpful and professional. She saw me through a very pivotal moment for my mental and spiritual health and I cannot be more grateful for her and Blue Oak.

I found Rose after stumbling upon her PsychologyToday page and website. Just reading her words on…read moreher sites touched my heart and soul. It hit my core. As a therapist in training, I was so curious about her and her journey that I gave her a call. That was a life-changing decision because now she's my mentor! She roots me on, sees my power and strength, and challenges me in the most loving way possible. She has guided me in understanding and empowering me to channel my most authentic self and as an Asian-American womxn in this white, patriarchal society. Her teachings stem not only from her inner wisdom but also from her personal experience and actions. She definitely practices what she preaches. She is living proof of inner strength, power, and love. Her heart and soul is so real, genuine, authentic, that I can feel my own heart and soul wanting to break through all its layers just so it can be with her. She truly brings the best out of me. She is an incredible role model to me, one that I wish all young Asian-American girls can experience. When I spend time with her, I leave feeling an energetic shift, like something inside of me is either rising to the surface, being healed, being seen, or being loved. Rose is a beautiful human being and a powerful healer. Words in this review cannot capture her impact on my life. You'll just have to experience her for yourself! ;)

I recently did EMDR therapy with Rosanna to help me recover from a work-related trauma. Rosanna is…read morevery empathetic and really helped me come through the process with a lot more self-empathy and compassion. Over a period of 2 months, I gradually went from being stuck in a burnout state to a new happier equilibrium in life, with refreshed perspectives on the past and future. In addition, she's very perceptive and her observations helped me gain more self-awareness, especially on how I generate and burn energy. I am very grateful to have worked with her through a difficult period of my life and would highly recommend her!

I went to see Patricia when I was experiencing some pretty debilitating anxiety. While I've gone to…read morea few "traditional " therapists over the years that have helped, no one has come close to helping me in the way that Patricia has. The hypnosis for me was more like a deep meditation (and everyone experiences it differently), and helped me realize I was holding on to unnecessary stress and guilt. She also gave me countless exercises and tips that I still use all the time. She honestly helped me realize that due to my anxiety, I was framing a lot of my experiences in a very negative light, and that was impacting my daily life. While I was skeptical about going at first, working with Patricia really, really helped me, and made a very positive impact on my life. I highly, highly recommend her!

Working with Patricia restores my mojo and freedom. I was extremely fearful of driving in CA…read more although I'd been fine before. Working with a theme of moving ahead and letting go, I felt a major breakthrough after our first session. Next day I drove alone on the freeway. A small triumph that meant a lot. Patricia was as excited as I was and was full of encouragement. .After another session I conquered Snake Road, one of the most narliest roads in Oakland. Each session made me feel more confident, even when there was a set back or two. Best of all, because of her generous nature,Patricia created a very special personal audio message. I listen whenever I need a little pick me up My sessions were relaxing and full of discoveries that cleared up some mysteries- you know like dating habits. It's not therapy but it is nicely cathartic. I'm not a woo woo type person but working with Patricia was one of my most moving spiritual experiences. Do it. You'll be glad.

Dr. Sheila genuinely cares about all her patients and whoever comes to her for help. She is…read moregenuinely out here to help people and not just make money. She has flexible working hours for working people. She even returned my call on a Sunday just to make sure I was feeling okay and helps out on FaceTime. I wish that she was in-network with my insurance so I could pay for more of her services.