Counseling in Oakland, CA. Find the Right Therapist.

Related Sites:
City of Oakland
California Coalition for Counselor Licensure

Therapy Oakland California

Counseling Alameda, Pleasantville, Hayward, Fremont, Union City, Livermore

There is no shortage of cultural events in the Oakland area that celebrate the city's diverse cultures. For instance, throughout the year there are events such as Cinco de Mayo, Greek Festival, Chinatown Streetfest, Black Cowboy Parade and many others. There are also several attractions around town. These include the Chabot Space and Science Center,¹ Children's Fairyland, Dunsmuir House, Jack London Square and the famous Mountain View Cemetery that has many famous people who are buried there. Of course who can forget the Oakland Athletics baseball team, Golden State Warriors basketball team, and the Oakland Raiders football team. The nightlife in Oakland is also booming with a vast array of places to hang out, such as Yoshi's which is a world-class jazz venue, or the Oakland Art Murmur which is an event that occurs the first Friday of every month and features art from many galleries.

Mental Health in Oakland

Nearly 4 percent of Alameda County residents live with a serious and persistent mental disorder.² Over one-fifth of residents in the San Francisco-Oakland area have used illicit drugs in the past year. Substance abuse disorders and depression are also highly common,³ much more so than in other areas of the state and nation. These conditions disproportionately impact minority populations, which typically have lesser access to quality, affordable mental health care.

Alameda County Behavioral Health Services (ACBHS) offers programs for residents who have a serious mental health, drug, or alcohol problem. With a focus on recovery, resilience, and wellness, ACBHS lends support to underserved populations, especially those who are poverty-stricken. Vocational training programs help Oakland residents develop job skills in order to find employment. Detox centers provide individuals with a safe place to begin the path to sobriety. Prevention and education programs give parents quality tips for raising children in a healthy environment. Further information about ACBHS is available by calling 510-567-8100.⁴

Current Education

The City of Oakland has implemented a number of initiatives whose aim is to better meet the mental health needs of the city's children, families, and elder citizens. For example, the Lower San Antonio Initiative seeks to strengthen families through neighborhood-based programs in the Lower San Antonio district of Oakland. The Oakland Early Childhood Initiative provides support for children five years of age and younger who have been exposed to family or community violence. Further information about these and other initiatives can be obtained from the Department of Human Services at 510-444-CITY.⁵

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References

1. Chabot Space and Science Center. (2017). Home - Chabot Space and Science Center. Retrieved from http://www.chabotspace.org/index.htm
2. California Healthcare Foundation. (2017). Mapping the Gaps: Mental Health in California. Retrieved from http://www.chcf.org/publications/2013/07/data-viz-mental-health
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Substance Use and Mental Disorders in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont MSA. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUHMetroBriefReports/NSDUH-Metro-San-Francisco.pdf
4. Alameda County Behavioral Health Services. (2008). Home - Behavioral Health Services. Retrieved from http://www.acbhcs.org/default.htm
5. The City of Oakland. (2017). Department of Human Services. Retrieved from http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/DHS/s/SpecialInitiatives/index.htm

Oakland is located in Alameda County, California. It has a land area of 55.89 square miles and a water area of 21.96 square miles.  The population of Oakland is 419,267 people with 158,424 households and a median annual income of $54,618. .

Therapy Affordability Meter for Oakland, CA

Affordable with Planning

Therapy in Oakland is generally within financial reach for the average family, but some budget planning may be needed for a real commitment to weekly counseling. Remember that your mental health and happiness are important. Check with your Oakland therapist about insurance coverage or ask about sliding scale fees if there are any difficulties with accessibility. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Oakland public health department.