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Kaiser Therapists

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Therapists, Counseling , & Support Groups > Kaiser Therapists



African-American Couples' Counselor

Feb 2005

does anyone know of a good couples counselor with kaiser? if this person is female, African-American, or familiar with the trials of inter-racial couples - any of those things would be a bonus but the only real requirement is that they are with kaiser and you can recommend them. thanks anon


Kaiser has generally great therapists: Afr. Amer.- Roscoe Simmons at Kaiser Oak in Children's - maybe he can see couples? If not ask him for recommendation. In Fremont check their psychiatry service and Hayward's Private: Roscoe Simmons, PhD, LCSW Robert Gorden, LCSW - 547-8830 Jean Shimozaki, LCSW - 547-8830
Dr. Papillion, Ph.D. is an African American therapist at Kaiser Oakland. She's excelllent and also teaches classes on couples communication and intimacy.
see also: African-American Couples' Counselor

Developmental Psych. for ADHD?

Jan 2005

Hi. I'm new to Kaiser and need to find a good developmental psychologist/evaluator to assess my 6 year old son who is having behavioral problems, mostly with self-control, and home and at school. Has anyone been through this process at Kaiser Richmond and if so would you recommend the people you worked with there? Thanks so much. concerned mom


There is a very popular ADHD class at Kaiser Richmond taught by Rona Renner - see BPN reviews for more info.
We are working with Dr. Purvey at Kaiser Richmond for my nearly- 5 year old son, who has been acting out at daycare - expelled from two programs last year. Our issue doesn't seem to be ADHD, but I can tell you that they will ask you to attend an orientation meeting which is the all-purpose gateway to care. (Friday mornings, call to register). During that initial meeting they do an assessment with the children older than 5 in a separate room, and then each family group has the opportunity to meet with a doctor to discuss the situation. I have been pretty happy with their approach, which begins with looking at the home environment and family dynamic before jumping to a 'label' diagnosis. Good luck with your son.

Kaiser Therapists for an Adult

June 2003

I'm looking for someone to work with--talking, gestalt, insight, whatever--so I can take advantage of my mental health benefits for the 20 sessions I'm allowed. To narrow the field, I would say that I get more from a therapist who smiles, is enthusiastic and demonstrates a sense of humor, rather than someone who quietly sits back in the chair and doesn't react much. I could go to either Oakland, Richmond, San Rafael or Walnut Creek. Thanks.


Recommendations received:
  • Christine Chu SF
  • Dr. Eaton Richmond
  • Silvia Gorla Walnut Creek
  • Dr. Moulton Oakland
    Kitsy Schoen and Joanna Manqueros are enthusiastic thoughtful therapists. Both at Kaiser Oakland. eve
    Have you accessed Kaiser's web site? They have a member's website with lots of info and discussion groups so you can ask all kinds of questions (yours would be a good one) to other members with a staff person (nurse/or doctor) monitoring the discussion. It reminds me of UC parents, but their level of security and efforts to protect member privacy are higher...you need to register and get an ID number/ password to participate. Not hard to do if you are a Kaiser member. Lissa

    Kaiser Therapist for Spirited Child

    February 2003

    I was happy to find the recommendations for therapists at Kaiser. I am seeking one for my ''spirited'' nine year old - if you have one yourself you know what I mean! - bright, high energy, high emotions and low frustration tolerance....some characteristics of the ''explosive'' children discussed in other recommendations. Seems that most of the Kaiser recommmendations are for children dealing with separation and divorce - any suggestions for one who has experience and expertise dealing with spirited children - or trained in temperament therapy (is that what it's called? )

    Recommendations received:

  • Jose Lopez
  • Rona Renner
  • Anna Wong

    Psychiatric services at Kaiser for 10 year old

    January 2003

    I am interested in seeking psychiatric services for my 10 year old son. Smart but unmotivated, feels inadequate, fearful, opositional behavior at home and at school, etc. We have Kaiser and I'd like to hear from parents who have had experience from any of the following Kaiser psychiatrists: Harold Bornstein, Michael Wymes, Virginia Wolfe, Robin Asher, Alexander Tribe Thanks! su

    Recommendations received:

  • Larry Liebman
  • Virginia Wolfe (2)
  • Michael Wymes (2)

    Other advice:
    My wife and son saw Harold Bornstein briefly. She thought he was too brief and ready to prescribe without uncovering what was really going on. Our son has now improved tremendously without meds. My wife's favorite person was Kate Mountain, not a psychiatrist but a PhD. She would be happy to talk with you about her experience with other staff members there if you are interested. nils


    Psychiatrist for Medication management

    October 2002

    I'd appreciate recommendations on psychiatrists at Kaiser Oakland to do medication management. I see a therapist out of the Kaiser network, but she is not an M.D. Modification of antidepressent medication is not a topic I feel my Kaiser internist would know that much about.


    My husband has been working with Dr. Levitt (Kaiser Oakland) for a number of years now and really likes/trusts him. anon
    I worked with Dr. Harris (male) at Kaiser Oakland. He was very responsive to my needs and knowledgable about the different medications. I recommend him highly. anon
    Hi, Having been a Kaiser Oakland employee, I suggest you talk to your internist about which psychiatrist he or she recommends for you. The psychiatrists have different personalities and areas of expertise, and your internist might be able to point you to a good match. Most internists now also have a good knowledge of antidepressant treatment, so you might not need to go to psych after all. Good luck. AL

    Family Psychiatry, Oakland Kaiser

    Re: African American therapist for teen
    Dear Mom with Clashing Son and Husband: If you have a membership with Kaiser Permanente which includes mental health benefits, I highly recommend their family psychiatry department over in the Mosswood building at the Oakland facility. They have two outstanding Black male professionals on staff (and perhaps others whom I am not personally familiar with). Dr. Whitmore and Dr. Simmons counsel both adults and children in individual sessions and in groups organized for early/pre-teen children. You will need to inquire as to whether your situation meets their criteria for obtaining services and of course, they are probably already very busy. But for serious family problems affecting our children, Kaiser members should be aware that affordable help can be obtained. Good luck. Nicolie

    (See also: Roscoe Simmons recommendations.)


    Therapist for 4-year-old son

    Recommendations received:
  • Dr. Mary Haake (2)
  • Anna Wong
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