Therapists for Teens & Preteens
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Dec 2008
I need help in finding a therapist who will come to my
home (in Alameda)to help with my son who has Asperger's.
Does anyone know of such a therapist?
You might try George Mutch, Psy.D., MSW. He has expertise
with autism spectrum kids and prefers to work with families
in their own homes. ghmutch@yahoo.com
a fellow traveler
Nov 2008
Given the challenges of high school and some old
unfinished business, I think my 15-year-old daughter would
benefit from therapy. At the risk of seeming very
particular here, I think the best fit for her would be a
Jewish woman, who needs to be both very smart and very
compassionate, and seasoned in her field. Definitely
looking for a PhD rather than an MD. An office in North
Berkeley or close to Berkeley High would be the icing on
the proverbial cake.
Thanks for your recommendations.
Jill Shugart,MFT, helped my son immensely in a just a few
months of therapy. She has lots of experience with children,
teens, parents, and families. We love her! (I don't know if
she is Jewish or not.) Her office address is 910 Tulare at
Solano Ave, Berkeley. Phone 510-528-0309 website:
www.jillshugart.net
Deb
Shula Stevens (916) 442-7315 is a PhD candidate with a therapy
practice in Berkeley. She was our rabbi before she was our family, and our 15
year old daughter's therapist. I can't recommend her enough: she's warm,
compassionate, smart AND is mother of an adolescent daughter.
Niki
Hi,I would highly recommend Deborah Essex,MFT for your
daughter. She is a very experienced therapist who
specializes in working with teens and families. She is warm,
thoughtful and also happens to be Jewish! Her office is on
Shattuck near the Berkeley Bowl. Her telephone number is
548-8980.
Catherine
Oct 2008
I have a middle school daughter that is going through some emotional
times. She seems to get upset very easy and is crying all the time. I
want to help her and deal with the constant disrespectfulness she
gives me. I usally get, ''I hate you and you're the worst mother in
the world.'' I feel very torn between disciplining apauling
disrespectful behavior and dealing with her crying breakdowns. I
would like to find a good adolescent therapist in the Lamarinda/
Walnut Creek area.
annomanous
We really liked Sandra Lessingden for therapy. She has
lots of experience with teens and families. Her number is
925/933-3338.
Karen
I would recommend Madeline Finegold (510) 540 8715--this is
a Berkeley number but she also sees patients in WC (or at
least she did). Our son went to her several years ago and
she is great.
If you want to try family therapy, I recommend Barbara
Safran 925 927 8888 in WC--we are going to her now and it is
helpful.
best wishes
Hello, our daughter benefitted enormously from her work with Dr. Kristen
Carey.
She's located right next to the Rockridge BART station so it could work for
you.
Her middle school years and first year at BHS were very emotional and Dr.
Carey
helped her sort out what her issues were. She learned to articulate her
feelings
and be more assertive in general. Dr. Carey also helped me to be a better
parent of a middle school girl. You can reach her at 587-3260
kathe
I highly recommend Alison Trules in Walnut Creek: (510) 654-5582. She is a
talented seasoned therapist who is extremely caring, sensitive and
insightful.
She can be of help to both you and your daughter.
another parent
May 2008
I'm helping a friend look for a therapist for her
12-year-old son. The parents are divorced and their son now
seems ''ready to talk'' about that and various other family
and school issues. They have a short list of therapists who
are covered by their insurance plan and considered ''good'' by
their behavioral pediatrician:
Mary C. Heller (Piedmont Ave. in Oakland),
Lenora Poe (Blake St. in Berkeley),
Joan Wenters (Solano in Albany)
Do any of you know anything about any of these three? Can
you make a recommendation one way or another? Any info would
be appreciated!
Dana
Dana, Consider an appointment for a brief interview to get
a feel for the therapist, before you pick one. Also, I
noticed that your choices were three women. You might add
to your list Stephen Wright (Berkeley office,
925-284-8280/work). He helped a young musician (13) very
successfully overcome some restrictive social issues. Good luck.
Nathan
April 2008
My 17 year old son is a wonderful, expressive, thoughtful
young man who is sad and depressed a lot of the time. I
love him very much but find that I become frustrated and
probably make the situation worse (''what do you have to be
depressed about!?) He is willing to talk to a therapist. I
have looked over the archived therapists/counselors but
didn't see much. We are looking for someone in the El
Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley border area. Please let us know
who has been helpful to your teen. I realize that we will
probably end up having some family sessions as well. Thank
you all!
My daughter and I have worked with Meira Salmon and find
her to be outstanding. Gets right down to the feelings,
no messing around with ''he said/she said.'' Very
sensitive, intuitive and kind. Without a doubt the best
therapist I've ever seen. She can be reached at (510) 548-
5160. Her office is in Berkeley near Herrick Hospital.
Jim Sparks is a wonderful therapist in El Cerrito. My son
had other issues, not depression -- but Jim was insightful
and engaging and very kind. A very significant plus was
that he is also on the list of therapists for our health
plan. His phone number is 433-7477.
anonymous
Feb 2008
My husband and I are in the process of dissolving our marriage. We are still
living together but are essentially separated. It is amicable at this point. My
daughter is about to leave for college in the fall and is clearly struggling with her
feelings. I am trying to be supportive but she needs more than her parents to
talk to. Anyone have recommendations for a therapist good with teen girls and
divorcing families.
anon
My daughter saw Kirsten Beuthin 510-652-0990 last year when
she was a high school senior. Definitely good with teen
girls in an important transition year and with divorcing
families.
grateful mom
Jan 2008
I'm looking for more recent recommendations for a family
therapist used to working with families with teen rebellion
issues.
Also helpful would be a support group/empathetic moms/dads
who might be willing to commiserate occasionally, since
none of our friends are having such serious issues with
their teens.
desperate mom of rebellious teen
Our young adult son is struggling with mental illness that
emerged in middle school as what we thought then was
'rebellion,' and we have a whole team assisting our son and
us. Margaret Rossoff (658-0389 in Berkeley) is our family
therapist, and Deborah Scott (925 256-6451 with offices in
Walnut Creek and Berkeley) provides me individual support.
They're colleagues, and both have expertise with troubled
teens (including addiction) and family issues.
We're also working with the Bodin group of consultants who
work with teens & young adults and their families
www.bodingroup.com - you can email them or call them
(website has contact info.), and they'll put you in touch
with an appropriate consultant; ours are Lexy Spett and
Shayna Abraham, and they're both terrific. Bodin's
speciality is placement in residential treatment (placement,
monitoring, parent support, coordination with parents'
therapists etc.), but they provide other services as well.
Finally, there are some resources on
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schoolsnotforboys/messages.
This group no longer meets or posts at this site, but the
resources are still relevant. You might consider
resurrecting this group, because there are so many parents
and kids out there with a lot of challenges.
Warm wishes,
mom of struggling son in residential treatment
Kirsten Beuthin is excellent with teens and families. Highly
recommended. (510) 652-0990.
teen mom
JFCS/East Bay in downtown Berkeley has an amazing parenting & youth
department with therapists who specialize in just the issues you're
facing with your teen. Rikki Sudikoff, LCSW, in particular has lots of
teen-parent therapy experience. While the agency is inspired by Jewish
values, the services are open to people of all backgrounds and
ethnicities. Sliding-scale fees are offered and insurance is accepted.
Call (510) 704-7475 x299 for Valerie Rosenfield, who does the initial
intake. You can also find out more at www.jfcs-eastbay.org. Good luck!
Holly
Don't have a therapist recommendation for you, but some friends of mine
recommended Boudin Associates for help in putting together a plan for
dealing with this issue. You might give them a call and see what
services they offer. Good luck.
anon
Jan 2008
Cathy Valdez has been recommended to me as a therapist for
my teenage daughter to work on ADD issues, oppositional
defiance issues, and adoption issues. Does anyone have any
experience in dealing with Cathy Valdez as a therapist? Any
info would be appreciated.
Anon
I highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin to see your teenager
alone or with you in family therapy. She appears to be
young (though I'm not sure about her age), but is quite wise
and seems to really get teens. Mine felt very comfortable
with her, and therefore able to work through some very tough
times and get back on track. Kirsten's number is
510-652-0990.
anon
Jan 2008
Hi. i'm looking for a therapist for my 16 year old daughter. nothing spectacular going
on, the usual teenage angst and stress. she also has learning issues. i have to use
someone on my insurance and don't know of any teen counselors. does anyone have any
experience with any of the following therapists? someone warm and has experience with
teens would be best. thanks
I saw Peggy Kelly first with my husband and then on my own. I have yet
to find someone like her again.
Thumbs up for PK
Dec 2007
My daughter turned into a teenager all of a sudden this summer, and we've
been having a really difficult time. She was doing well in school early in the
year, in spite of her insistence that her classes were boring and her teachers
were terrible, but her grades have slipped, partly because she can't seem to
hand in her assignments. She says that she doesn't care, but it's clear that
she is upset when she does poorly on a test or gets a bad grade. Her
behavior toward us runs the gamut: she's angry, sullen, withdrawn or
miserable much of the time. She has lost interest in many of her old friends,
and although she admits to having made new friends at school, she seldom
makes the effort to spend time with anyone outside of school. She's snotty
and unpleasant, with occasional rare lapses into pleasant communication that
remind us that she's human. In other words, she's a teenager; still, she
reminds me of my own miserable youth and I worry when she collapses in
misery or turns into an unresponsive but clearly unhappy lump. We've taken
her to a therapist, but she refuses to engage, and has told me that she thinks
the therapy is boring and that she would prefer to see someone younger.
I highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin at 510 652 0990. She
worked with my 13 year old, awhile ago, who needed someone
outside the family to talk with. It seemed like Kirsten
really got my daughter. Good luck.
parent of teen girl
2 suggestions for adolescent therapy resources that could
offer a sliding fee scale and potentially younger
therapists.
**Womens Therapy Center in El Cerrito 510-524-8288
www.womenstherapy.org
**Bay Area Psychotherapy Training Institute in Lafayette
www.bapti.org
I am a Marriage Family Therapist Intern at both of these
locations and work with adolescents and their families.
Caroline
I can recommend a adolescent psychiatrist named Anthony DiGiovanni,MD.
I
don't have his phone number off hand, but look it up. I work with him
at a
hospital and he's wonderful, young, and great with teens!!
Hope that you find some help!
Anon
Our daughter was a depressed and bi-polar sophmore at Berkeley High
Independent Study when, upon recommendation of a couple therapists, she
started attending the Hyde School, a co-ed boarding school in
Maine.This
may seem like a long way to go, literally and figuratively, but she is
now a
thriving senior and looking forward to college. Hyde is truly a unique
place
that educates the whole family. Not enough space here to elucidate so
check
out www.hyde.edu if this seems appropriate. There are about 40 Bay Area
families attending the campuses in Maine or Connecticut. There will be
an
informational tea in Berkeley in May '08.
Hyde parent
Your daughter is right a normal therapeutic session is
boring. But there is hope, I would suggest that you contact
Berkeley Mental Health which has a child and adolescent
section and ask about their services. Also know that when
you do find a therapist you have the power to choose the
gender and suggest the setting in which the therapy is
conducted (going out to do an activity or have food etc.).
Anita
Nov 2007
I am looking for a female therapist for my 7th grade daughter. She is
feeling
a bit adrift socially and could use an ally. She is basically an
optimistic gal,
but does have a tendancy toward depression which she keeps under wraps.
We are in the east bay.
I highly recommend Taryn Thomas. Her specialty is with teens. I think she is
great for teens or young girls. She can really connect with them, and
understand them in their own ways with compassion and without judgment. Her
number is 510-496-6070.
WEI
May 2007
My daughter often says she feels very sad and lonely,
sometimes overwhelmingly so. Although I know such feelings
are normal, particularly in adolescence, they bother my
daughter a great deal and sometimes interfere with her
ability to do normal things such as pay attention in class
or enjoy hanging out with friends. She has seen a therapist
before, briefly, but things were different then. We need to
find someone new, preferably someone who is good with
teenagers. Can anyone recommend someone? Even better if
the person takes HealthNet insurance. My daughter will be
leaving for college in August. Thanks.
Worried
My daughter really liked Susan San Roman. She wanted
someone she could relate to, youngish. Susan is in her
thirtys. My daughter went to her for almost two years, and
she helped her immensely. Susan was an intern when my
daughter began, but has since begun a private practice.
After interviewing many therapists on the phone, Susan
seemed like the right choice. I don't know which insurance
she takes now. She was on College Ave. in Oakland, phone
number 510-452-6156.
Mother of 17 year old girl
Mathilda St. John is a thoughtful, smart, hip, insightful,
and well trained therapist. My daughter(now 19) has seen
her off and on for several years and continues to find her a
great support and resource. She is part of a group called
Psyche that works with women of all ages. Their motto:
''Not your mother's therapist.'' I don't know if she accepts
Health Net.
anon
Jan 2007
I am seeking recommendations for a female therapist for my
12 year old daughter. We live in Lafayette but I'm willing
to go to Berkeley or Oakland as well if there is someone
who can really connect with her. She does not want to see
a counselor but is becoming increasingly sullen, angry,
resentful and disrespectful.
mother seeking recommendations
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with an office
in Lafayette and Albany; I am also a mother of a pre-teen
and a teenager. I support your desire in finding a
therapist for your daughter to connect with. It is so
important for the teen to feel like they have some ''say''
over the therapy; sometimes it is helpful for the parents to
''screen'' a few therapist for their teen while having a more
informal first meeting so the teen can have a sense of the
therapist before moving forward.
This can all be difficult when a teen is resistant to
therapy in the first place. Saying something like We need
to get some help, let's try to meet _______ and see what we
think, or it has been a difficult time, it may be helpful to
have someone to talk too. If there is someone close to your
daughter who might have more luck in communicating the
importance of getting help, that could work or asking the
school counselor to talk with her.
Dec 2006
I have a big order for an African American therapist for my
teenage daughter (13) who is very angry and hostile most of
the time. She is on ADHD medication which she must take for
school. She does get ''medication holidays''. Her behavior
has escalated over the past few months and has begun to be
so disruptive that I suspect something other than teenage
acting out. Does anyone have any recommendations. We have
Kaiser insurance and can use medi-cal for 2nd opinions (She
is adopted) How does one differentiate between bipolor
disease and adolescent acting out?
Check the web for symptoms of bipolar. Try NAMI, National
Alliance on Mental Illness. http://www.nami.org/
Does your daughter get much sleep?
Who prescribed the ADHD medication? Ask them about the
diagnosis of ADHD vs bipolar.
Does she have times of depression?
Does she exhibit risky behavior such as drugs, sex or money?
Talk to the Kaiser Mental Health advice line
Anon
If you are willing to use your medi-cal, it is fairly easy
to obtain an African American therapist and psychiatrist.
spider
This is not a direct response to your request, but I'm
wondering whether you've also considered the possibility
that, if your daughter is menstruating, she might be
suffering from severe PMS or even PMDD?
Joan
Oct 2006
Our 19 year old daughter has dropped out of community college and
now works about 20+ hours week at a retail store, lives at home
and pays us ''rent'' to cover some expenses. We would like to see
her find more direction toward her future. We think we/she could
use outside help, but we don't know if she would benefit from
seeing a therapist, an educational psychologist (she is quite
smart and capable when interested, but has had problems with
depression and had some learning issues), a career counselor, a
life coach. I know the parent's network has some of this advice
archived, but I would be particularly appreciative
recommendations of anyone who works specifically with young
adults in this situation
Concerned Mom
Try Kathryn Hirt. She is fantastic with young adults, and self-
proclaims them as a specialty of hers and people she loves working with, and it is
evident in her work. She is very real, down-to-earth, and also warm, and sometimes,
funny, which really reaches kids that age. She was an incredible help to our son
who is 21, helping him find direction in ways that were in tune with who he is.
510-220-3558 is her contact #. Good luck to you and your child!
Paul
Oct 2006
My 17 year old daughter needs a therapist in Berkeley area
to help her with believing she is interesting enough,
attractive enough etc. that any desirable boy she is
involved with will not instantly leave her at the first
opportunity. This is probably partially an adoption
(abandonment) issue, probably other things too. She just
broke up (again) with a very sweet young man because she
didn't ''trust'' that he wouldn't leave her for someone
else, just as they were getting into a pattern of going
places, having fun, spending time with each others' family
occasions, etc. She insists he did absolutely nothing to
make her suspicious--just can't stop thinking that ''if
someone else wants him, they'll just get him, she doesn't
stand a chance.'' She acknowledges this is her problem and
she needs help. She has a history of problems with self-
confidence--probably mostly because of learning disability
and body image issues, as well as the adoption component.
Most recommendations on the website are years old or for
other types of problems, so I'd appreciate your
recommendations.
Anonymous
I highly recommend Patricia Contaxis for your 17 yr old
daughter. she works primarily with adolescents and can
really relate to them. my daughter has been seeing her for
over a year and has been very beneficial for her. Great
with self confidence issues. She's on Solano. her # is
510-524-5028.
Good luck
B.'s mom
I would recommend that you seek a therapist with experience
in adoption issues as this often affects self-esteem
(confidence and trust in relationships with others). I
would highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin who specializes in
teens and their families as well as adoption issues. She is
in Oakland and SF. 510-652-0990 or 415-401-7180
anonymous
Sept 2006
Re: 17-year-old daughter needs help with stealing
I understand how painful your situation is, and I recommend
Margaret Rossoff 658 0389, a family therapist in S. Berkeley
with extensive experience with troubled kids. I realize
that you're requesting a therapist for your daughter, not a
family therapist, but in our experience a kid's recovery is
not possible without family therapy, and Margaret can help
you find a separate therapist for your daughter. Your
daughter's behavior sounds like compulsive (essentially
addictive) behavior, and our son suffers from quite similar
compulsions/addictions. Our son has seen several therapists
(each briefly - he was not open to treatment), and no one
was able to help. Now my husband and I see Margaret, and
our son is in intensive residential rehab. Your daughter
may not need such an intervention if she's open to
treatment, but Margaret is very knowledgeable about programs
if it becomes necessary. I've also found -Anon groups
essential to my own recovery, and a 12 step program
essential to your daughter's recovery. A theme in 12 step
programs is (as you suggest) that the addict make amends to
those they've hurt as a way of (re)building personal
integrity and responsibility. Our son may wind up in jail
even after rehab, but we have bailed him out of far too many
situations, and doing so has not changed him one bit. It may
feel loving in some ways, but, based on our experience, the
outcome is no change or even worse behavior, so the best way
to love a troubled kid is ensure that they address the
situation and struggle with the consequences of their
actions. Believe me, I understand the pain of all this, and
I wish you and your daughter and your ex the very best.
In much the same situation
June 2006
Hello,
Could someone recommend a therapist for a teenager? We are
going through hard time with our 16 y.o. daughter.
Thanks!
Kirsten Beuthin does exceptional work with teenagers. Her
number is 652-0990. Good luck
been there
My 16 year old was having a very hard time a few months ago
and we decided together that we would find her a therapist.
She was also very explicit that she wanted someone somewhat
''hip'' - meaning, explicitly, NOT someone who was as old as
her mother. We found Kristin Beuthin 510-652-0990 through
BPN. Her office is right across the street from Rockridge
Bart so it is easy to get to both by bus or BART for a
teenager. I had a very good conversation with Kristin when
I called to make the initial appointment and then she did a
great job at the first appointment making it really clear to
my daughter that she was there for her and that really gave
my daughter ownership of the therapy and great trust in the
confidentiality. It has been a few months now and my
daughter likes working with Kristin very much
Anon.
June 2006
Our 18 year old daughter is returning from a group home out of
town and we need to find the best possible care for her.
We are aware from much previous experience that this is a very
difficult diagnosis to work with. We'd prefer the referral be in
Berkeley or Oakland, but are not adverse to San Francisco or
through the tunnel for the right people. She has tried DBT
therapy and not found it particularly effective, but is willing
to give it a go again.
Thank you for any help!
anon
Kirsten Beuthin is an excellent therapist to work with
personality disorders. She helped my daughter and me tremendously
through some very tough times. Her number is 652-0990. Good luck
anon
June 2006
We are looking for a therapist for our 11 year old son. He would like to see a man if possible, but is also open to seeing a woman. Would like someone warm and caring and insightful, who is familiar with Asperger's-like qualities and issues (social issues, anxiety, trouble with transition). Is anyone familiar with Dr. Richard Bloom, Jonathan Gross, John Sprinson? Thanks! Any referrals are greatly appreciated
anon
We had a child see John Sprinson for testing and evaluation and for
play therapy. He is warm, thoughtful, honest, and always calm and
respectful. However, I cannot recommend his strongly psychodynamic
approach for a child with Asperger-like issues. His initial
evaluation missed the mark. While it presents the same raw data that
later led a neuropsychologist to a helpful and accurate autism
spectrum diagnosis, Dr. Sprinson interpreted the child's deficits in
social understanding and expressive language as an emotionally-based
''reluctance'' to engage with others. We have a child with issues
about clothing and food that improved later when we learned about
sensory integration, but Dr. Sprinson saw control issues and power
struggles and mostly wanted to know how my partner and I reacted when
our child refused to eat. Other behaviors, which he saw rooted in
control issues, were not effectively addressed in therapy with him ,
but they improved later after we understood them as a reaction to
anxiety. I know nothing about the other therapists you mentioned --
good luck with your search
anonymous
I can highly recommend John Sprinson. He is very caring and pleasant
and very smart. I believe he does see many kids with the kind of
issues you describe. He is very down-to-earth, doesn't engage in a lot
of psycho-babble, and reallly saw our child as an individual, with
strengths and challenges, and not just as a ''diagnosis.'' He's been
doing this forever, and I felt him to be a really wonderful calming
presence for our child, and for my husband and me
anon
May 2006
Looking for a therapist experienced in anxiety, adoption,
loss issues for a young teen girl. An Asian woman would be
ideal.
Mom C
Lili Suzuki, MFT might be a good fit for your daughter. She specializes in
work with adoption issues. She is also trained as an art therapist.
510-233-7555, ext. 18
Laura Soble, MFT, REAT, Oakland
Heather Noone (MFT intern) works quite well with teens,
though she has no experience with adoption issues. You
can contact her via http://www.earthcirclescenter.com/.
Good Luck
I highly recommend Alexandra Howells. She specializes in
working with Teens and she is a very compassionate and warm
person who is very skilled and has a great connection with young
people. Her number is 510-869-4394. Her email is
alex[at]howells.com
Priscilla
April 2006
Hi,
My 11 year old son has recently asked me to see a
therapist. He is insecure and and has learning difficulties.
He is quite talkative but has had anxiety issues in the past.
He is now complaining about fears he can't get out of his
head when he is going to sleep and feels he needs ''to get
alot talking out of hisself''. I am looking for a therapist in the
oakland or south berkeley area who has experience with
kids and anxiety issues. I am pretty anti medication and am
looking for a wholistic approach as I do not trust giving
SSRI's to children. Please don't debate me on this one. I
just want recommendations for therapists.Thanks for any
help.
worried mom
My now 10 year old son, who is a very anxious person, has done
very well in therapy with Rachel Levi (3120 Telegraph in
Berkeley, (510) 287-2625). He has been very successful in
learning to talk issues through with her and construct solutions
that have worked for him. Not that he isn't still an anxious
person, but he is starting to have strategies to use when faced
with situations that make him anxious.
H.
When my son was 11 (four years ago), he had panic attacks and we took him to see
a therapist named Donna Parsons. She really helped him a lot. At that time, she
had a satellite office on Hegenberger in Oakland. Here is info to her Fremont
office which would have more info on where she sees patients.
Parsons Donna MA
(510) 796-3689
39355 California St Fremont, CA 94538
C.
I wish you and your son the best. I have a daughter who also suffered from
fear and anxiety. She was beginning to do some compulsive behaviors trying
to eliminate it and was even more anxious at night than during the day. She
saw Ellen Singer Phd at the reccomendation of a psychiatrist at Childrens.
Ellen was able to help her (and us) feel much more secure. Her number is
525-1975.
anonymous
Regarding your anxious 11 yr old son, I highly recommend
the Cognitive Therapy group in Rockridge. Michael Tompkins
would be terrific but if he is not available, you can trust
the other members of the group. I know of several families
who have successfully worked with a cognitive approach, It
makes a lot of sense for teens and preteens.
mom of teen boys
It's wonderful that your son is able to articulate his needs
as you've described. That bodes well for him.
I strongly recommend Michelle Horton, Ph.D. (985-2958). She
is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with
kids like yours, does great work in therapy with them and is
an expert in learning and emotional issues -- which are
often quite interconnected. She's located on College Ave.
near Broadway, which fits your geographic desires. She also
can recommend other options or therapists who may fit your
needs.
I recommend you call John Sprinson, he has an office in
Oakland on Glen Eden (off Piedmont Ave.). His number is in
the white pages. He is kind, smart, has a wonderful calm
presence and will give you and your son an honest assessment
of your son's needs and a course of treatment.
been there
Oct 2005
My 13 year old son has always been a challenging child, he has
a very hard time ''going with the flow'' and makes life so much
harder for himself than it needs to be. His (wonderful) third
grade teacher told me that he's the kind of kid who continually
bangs his head against the wall and then wonders where all that
blood came from. I liken it to throwing rocks into his own
path. He has always struggled in school, mostly academically.
Now he is in his second year of middle school and is struggling
socially as well. He says that life is too hard and
overwhelming and that too much is expected of him (he's
referring to school). He is fearful of growing up and thus has
seen friends fall by the wayside as their interests move on. He
is not savvy and therefore fearful of change. He says he has no
friends and from what he tells me is fast becoming one of those
fringe kids we all remember from school. There really isn't
anything he likes to do except watch tv or play video games
(sigh) so he has no avenue in which to connect with others.
We've tried sports (soccer - refused to participate, and
swimming - refuses to progress beyond the basics), music
(drums, loved the teacher but wouldn't practice), drama (tried
out for the school play but wasn't selected), fencing (the
teacher couldn't deal with his lack of focus), etc. I believe
him when he tells me that the other kids avoid him but I really
and trully believe that it is his attitude rather than lack of
prowess that keeps them away. He's unique but by no means the
oddest duck in the pond.
We've tried a couple of therapists (one we liked but she
INSISTED that he has ADD and that Ritalin was the answer: he
isn't and it wasn't), but haven't been able to find a good fit.
Of course my son feels like we are forever telling him what is
wrong with him and that therapy is jjust another way to point
that out. What I see is a really great, funny, attractive kid
who is suffering needlessly. I'm not opposed to him living in
my basement for the next 60 years but only if that is his
conscious choice and not just due to lack of alternatives (get
me?). There is a slight chance that we are looking at some
Asperger's here - his paternal grandpa is really socially
challenged and his paternal uncle is autistic.
Any recommendations would be so greatly appreciated.
I was sad to read your posting about your son. While I'm not dealing with the same
issues as you, I can say that there is help out there! I would start with your son's
pediatrician, see what they say, maybe even get a recommendation to a specialist or
two to have some tests done. Also, once you have pinpointed what's going on, you
could try calling your insurance plan, assuming you have one, and ask for help. You
are doing the right thing trying to get him some help because it sounds like your
son is really suffering. I would get him some help right away. You can reassure him
that you are not trying to point out what's wrong with him, but trying to find a way
to help him feel better. I know my daughter felt relived that we were doing
something to help her. We are doing whatever we can, that includes some
medications for a while, with therapy. It's very hard when your child is suffering
from something. For me it's best to know that I'm doing all I can to help her, and
you are on that path. Good luck.
anon
March 2005
I am looking for a therapist that my 17 year old son will
feel comfortable with. My son is shy, sensitive & gets
frustrated easily. We have been to three therapists all
women and all over 45 and he said he didn't feel
comfortable opening up to them. I thought they were all
fine--patient and sensitive, but therapy won't work unless
he feels ok talking. Can anyone reccomend a young hip
therapist that can connect with teenagers. If possible we
would prefer the Albany/Berkeley area. My son said it
doesn't matter if they are male or female.
concerned parent
My son has been very happy with his therapist Alf
Johnson. He isn't young (50's) but he is very cool and
totally able to relate to what my shy 15 year old son is
going through. He was recommended to me by a therapist
acquaintance who saw him with her son. His office is in
Walnut Creek and his phone number is 925-952-4841. We
also have seen various therapists over the years and Dr.
Johnson is by far the best we've seen.
best wishes
My husband and I have worked with Daniel Lesny at Center
for Creative Growth, on Marin Ave in Albany, phone 527-
2100, for many years. It was a challenge for my husband
to go in the first place, and now he is seeking help from
Daniel when he needs it. I know Daniel has experience
with teens. Call him; there are also several other
therapists there, highly recommended.
Diane
I recommend Leonard Levis, Ph.D. as a therapist for teenage
boys. We have had a good experience with him. His office is
in Berkeley on MLK Jr. Way and his phone number is:
510-540-5052.
Joan
I have a therapist to suggest for your shy and sensitive son. His name is
Pay Rose. He has worked with teenagers for over 10 years and is an
MFT intern, about to get his licence.
He can be reached at 510-587-3234. His office is on the El Cerrito/
Richmond boarder.
The best of luck to you. The right ''fit'' is key for therapy.
Jan 2005
Can anoyone recommend a children's therapist who's familiar with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? Lacking that, perhaps you you could recommend someone who could help a young adolescent girl who has self-esteem-related problems, including difficulties forming relationships, and occasional ''explosive'' rages. Thanks.
- Anon
I would highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin. She works extensively
with teenager girls and with the problems you are describing
regarding difficulty with relationships, low self-esteem and
rages. Her office is in the Rockridge area of Oakland, and she
can be reached at 652-0990.
anonymous
I am a psychiatrist and would recommend a child psychologist who
works in San Francisco named Devora Depper PhD. She's in the
phone book. I think her office is on Divisadero. Call her and
tell her about yourself. She'll let you know if she has openings.
She is top, top flight.
JM
Jan 2005
I am looking for a good family therapist in the
Albany/Berkeley area. We want to find someone that has a
lot of experience working with teens, especially with
sensitive boys. I have already looked at the previous
referrals and they were either in Oakland or several years
old.
trying to put our family back together
I know of a wonderful family therapist in the
Berkeley/Albany area. Her name is Monica Frame and she has
lots of experience with kids, teens, and parents. You can
reach her at 510/504-8168.
Mom of Teen and almost Tween
Jill Shugart is a Family Therapist working in Berkeley just off Solano
Avenue. She has been very helpful to our family and while we have
daughters, I know that she has worked very successfully with two young
men I know,on of whom would be considered a very sensitive boy. I think
she has a great rapport with teens-actually with everyone! She herself
has two grown sons. Her number is: 528-0309. Good luck with your family
and son. Recognizing that you need assistance and seeking it, is the
first step to getting your family moving in a positive direction.
Our child has been guided and handheld through adolescence by Betty
Tharp, MFT, in Albany and I couldn't be more grateful. Betty has a son
and is great with young people--she has a light manner and is extremely
intelligent so seems to get what's appropriate, always. She has the
patience to wait for them to warm and come to her. She's A+. Her
number: 549-2092.
A Proud and Satisfied Mom
Dec 2004
Our son has been struggling for years in school and in life, and we're looking
for a therapist for him. We think he needs both medication and therapy, so
we're looking for a psychiatrist who monitors medication and provides
therapy, or a psychiatrist who works with a psychologist or MFCC as a duo.
Over the past several years, he has seen two therapists in Berkeley who were
not helpful, but he wasn't ready to be helped, and now he is maturing,
identifying his challenges, and expressing interest in working on them. He
believes he has ADD, which of course is widely over-diagnosed, but, as I read
about it, is starting to make sense. He does poorly in school, doesn't follow
through with almost anything, and is highly impulsive - buys things he
shouldn't, and engages in all sorts of risk taking as well as addictive behavior
that I can't comfortably describe here. He is quite immature -- many of his
friends are still in high school. He is such a nice kid but struggling in so
many ways, and we don't know where to turn. Advice and referrals will be so
appreciated. Thanks.
Looking forward to your advice
Getting the right ''fit'' with a therapist is key for a 19 yr old, and as
you said the timing is important.
I know an excellent therapist (MFT intern) who works very well
with children, teens, young adults, and families. He has a terrific
supervisor and will have his licence soon. He has worked with all
of the issues you mention, and has many years of experience.
His name is Pay Rose and his number is (510)-587-3234.
I also do a free class for parents of children or teens with (or
wonder if they have) ADHD. The next series starts on Jan. 8th at
9:30Am at Kaiser in Richmond. Join us if you want to learn more.
If you leave a message at 307-2539 with your address I will send
you the class flyer.
The best of luck to you and your son.
Rona Renner
Marlene Winell has been working with my daughter and I've found her
experienced, committed, sensible and knowledgeable. She's not a
psychiatrist, but is familiar with advising people on how to find a good one.
Fiona
Sept 2004
My fifteen year old son and I are feuding big time. He has
alot of repressed anger towards me and despite his looming
8 inch advantage over me, he says he is scared of me. I do
admit to being a screamer, but hey, I feel I have mellowed
out in my middle age. But we and especially ME needs help.
We hope to find someone in North Berkeley, accessible from
BHS. We are both quick thinkers and verbal and need someone
who can challenge us. Also I'm looking for hopefully
cognitive type of therapy rather than analysis.
I'd appreciate any advise.
Harried Mother of 15 yearold
I highly recommend Michael (Mick) Hausauer (4281 Piedmont,
Oakland 654-2311). Mick has helped my entire family at various
times over the last few years, and recently saw my son and me to
help us through our communication issues (it worked!). He has
also seen my son individually to help him deal with a traumatic
event. Initially our son was reluctant to go to him, but we insisted
he go at least three times. He ended up continuing to see him
voluntarily for several months...with impressive results. Mick has a
kind, low-key style (without being touchy-feely) that kids respond
to. I appreciate his practical/results-oriented approach.
anonymous
Aug 2004
Does anyone have any recommendations for a
therapist/counselor who works with teenagers, especially
with females. Preferably references from people who have
first hand experiences. Thanks.
I can highly recommend Gail Alter as a therapist for teenage girls
and for their parents.
Phone is 510-433-2972
I would recommend Kirsten Beuthin, who is highly praised
on this website. Thanks.
Michael Simon
I can't say enough good things about my daughter's
therapist, Yvonne Beyer. She is warm, funny, relaxed,
straight forward, and very practical. She has two grown
daughter's of her own (she told me when I asked-many
therapists don't). She is open to talking with me
anytime, and has really been there for my daughter in
crisis times. And she takes my insurance, Pacificare.
My daughter feels very comfortable with her and comes
out from her session a relaxed and happy kid (even at
13!!). Yvonne is in Oakland and her number is
601-0132.
I highly recommend Dr. Valata Jenkins-Monroe, whose office
is in Rockridge. She helped my 13-year-old daughter
through a rough time. Her number is 510-547-7792.
been there
May 2004
My 14 year old daughter has dropped in her grades in school and
is just acting pretty nasty. Her dad and I are divorced for 12 years
and have done ok with the coparenting thing but are now at a
huge impass at what to do. I feel that I want to direct my daughter
toward feeling better about herself and find herself in the context of
highschool and what interests her. Her dad feels that he wants to
strong arm her and do things like show up at her school and walk
her to her classes so she will be so embarrassed that she will
straighten up so he won't come again. He has done this already
which only made her dig her heels in even more. She has always
wanted to spend time equally between homes but now will only
stay with me. Now I am getting constant emails from dad about
what I have to do with my kid and how to do it. I am totally stressed
out and so is everyone else invloved. Any suggestions on a class,
mediation, anything we can go to to help us out. The main focus,
for me, is the support my kid, but with all of the turmoil - I think she
is flying below the radar and just existing. Thanks for any referrals.
Regarding thirteen-year-old with problems: We recommend
Dr. Kristen Carey at 587-3260. She saw our thirteen-year-
old for six months of wonderful meetings.Our daughter would
come home, full of new confidence and enthusiasm, where
before, she'd felt disconnected and somewhat frightened of
growing up. Our family has grown as a result of Dr.
Carey's intuitive and caring approach. Our daughter is now
speaking up for herself at school and at home; she's
looking forward to eighth grade and a summer full of new
experiences.
Dear Mother of the 14 Year Old Girl,
Mediation Services, 22227 Redwood Rd. Castro Valley,
offers FREE Parent-Teen Mediation. Mediation is a safe
space for both parents and youth to express thier point of
view and work towards a mutually satifying solution. We
will team up a youth and adult mediator for Parent-Teen
Mediations. Issues such as respect, trust, expectations,
and independence are issues that we see arise in Parent-
Teen Mediations. Please call Shana Subelsky,Youth Services
Director, at 510-733-4940 x 224. Thanks and Good Luck!
Mediation Services www.mediationservices.org
April 2004
My teen is showing the signs of stress! We are in the Hayward
area and I would like some referrals to East Bay counselors with
an expertise in Teens. FYI, I already tried Girls Inc, they are
backed up a few months. Also, we have Kaiser but she is afraid
that her stepmom (Kaiser employee) will have access to her
records.
Thank you!
anonymous
The Women's Therapy Center in El Cerrito has an
adolescent girls clinic 527-3562. Rebecca Palley
(848-7764) and Cynthia Ferari (581-1274) both work in
Castro Valley. You might also try calling the Community
Counseling Center at Cal State, Hayward.
Mary Ann
Feb. 2004
Can anyone wholeheartedly recommend a therapist for my 16
year old niece? She has expressed the desire to see one (I'm
thrilled). She is *very* smart and, on the whole, very well
adjusted. She moved here this past August and her parents are
going through a messy divorce - the culmination of her whole
life of watching her parents be horribly dysfunctional. Her
father is seriously awful.
My daughter saw Kirsten Beuthin, and she really liked her.
Kirsten was able to develop a solid relationship with her, which
I believe helped her deal more effectively with the various
issues of being a teenage girl and family stress. It's wonderful
that your 16 year old niece is asking for a therapist. Kirsten's
number is 652-0990.
Sept 2003
Does anybody know of a therapist who specializes in 13 year old girls
with problems of the sort depicted in the movie ''THIRTEEN''?
The film is a dead on look at what it's like to be a 13 yr old girl
in school today. The lead, Tracy, is obcessed with social status and
dependent on peer acceptance leading to fast track recklessness with
drugs, sex, clothes, money, and getting in trouble. The film
depicts the plight of one girls alienation from her parents and
her free fall into self destructive behaviors that are not
survivable without intervention.
Is there a therapy or discipline of psychiatry that specializes in 13 yr old
teen girls of the sort described above?
george
For counseling for the preteen-- Janet Long is a wonderful
art therapist who works with adolescent and pre-adolescent
children. She has been doing art therapy and teaching it for
a long time. She is smart and easy to be with and talk to.
Her phone number is 531-3267.
Christine
I highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin, MFT @ 652-0990. She
works extensively with teenage girls and is great at
establishing a relationship with teens so that they feel
comfortable talking about their problems. She also works
with the parents and families when indicated.
Monica
Peter August MFT is a gentle, caring, intelligent,
forthright, honest, compassionate therapist. He has
helped my daughter (now 13) navigate the difficult
territory from her anorexia (which surfaced during the
aftermath of a divorce) to a state of recovery where she
expresses her feelings, and preferences like any other
persistently annoyed young teen.
One very important piece of information about the work
Peter has done/is doing with my daughter is that he
has created and maintains a sense of safety where any
combination of parents/ex's/step-parents feel safe
enough to walk into a room together to discuss the
things we can't work out alone. Somehow this great
guy can support each of us, simultaneously, until we
get through whatever we can/must to continue the
important work of helping the child survive and grow.
Peter's office is on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland and
his # is 510-654-4282.
Sim
My daughter was very similar to the children portayed in
the movie ''Thirteen,'' so I know what you're going through.
Unfortunately once or even 2x weekly therapy may not be
enough. One of our therapists told us that this area is
just toxic to some kids. Our daughter was one of them, and
your daughter sounds like another. We tried all kinds of
therapy with all kids of therapists without success. What
worked was getting her into a therapeutic boarding school
out of state (in California, BTW, any kid 16 or older can
walk out the door of any program and there is nothing you
can do about it, which is why a lot of these places are
located in states where you have to be 18 to do that).
Special schools/programs are not an area into which to
venture armed only with an Internet browser. If you elect
to go that route, you need to work with an educational
consultant. There are a lot of good therapeutic schools
with committed staff out there, but there are also lots of
charlatans and problem schools & camps and the consultants
know which are which. We used Elizabeth McGhee at Viginia
Reiss Associates in Larkspur (phone 415-461-4788)if you
want to talk with her. A lot of people reporting to this
site have good things to say about the Hyde School in
Maine, which has an excellent reputation. Our daughter is
at Island View-RTC in Utah, which also has an excellent
progam, and makes the kids resonsible both to themselves
and a team, so their behavior deoesn't affect just
themselves, which helps drive home important points very
quickly. These places are quite expensive, although if you
carry mental health insurance, it can cover some of the
costs (and there are educational loans that can be
arranged; use the college money now if you need to). Also,
there was a law on the books for a while (can't recall if
it had a sunset date or not) that required medical insurers
in California to cover the costs of such schools for
children who were formally medically diagnosed with bi-
polar disease. If that law is still applicable and if your
daughter is bi-polar, that could help, cost-wise. The
therapeutic schools have the kids in all kinds of therapy
(individual, group, substance abuse, etc.)constantly and
the people there have seen it all, so most kids learn
pretty fast that they can't progress by BS-ing or finessing
their way out. Therapy-wise, you need to look for someone
who has didactic therapeutic training, but the results are
much better if you get your kid out of this environment
into a controlled one, because as long as it's an option,
kids can just elect not to participate in the therapy (that
was one of the things that happened to us). It's only when
the element of choice gets removed that you can start
making headway. My heart goes out to you. It's just a
wrenching situation to be in.
My daughter has been through the Amen Clinic brain scan
diagnostics (see book ''Your Brain or Your Life'' Daniel
Amen) and pronounced ADD/ADHD and was exceedingly unhappy
and cutting herself, using alcohol and drugs as a 14 y/o.
Amazingly enough, at 15 she's completely turned around and
getting the best grades possible at her high school. She
is drug free (prescription drugs) and possibly trying pot
on weekends. I attribute this to the most smart,
compassionate and skilled therapist around: Betty Tharpe
in Albany. Her number is: 510-549-2092. I've tried many
therapists for myself and for my daughter: Betty is one
sharp cookie and I couldn't recommend her more highly for
guidance with your suffering adolescents.
April 2003
My 12 year old daughter approached me about getting
counseling. I have gone over the website and got a few names,
and have two names from the school couselor, but I am looking
for a few more. I think she is more comfortable talking with
a woman, and probably a younger woman (not to be age-ist!).
My daughter is not that talkative or open with new people. A
counseler that she saw in the past did some playing, but
mostly talked. I think that my daughter would benefit from
someone who works with writing and art as therapy, and
someone who can also discuss different philosophys/
religions (buddhism, for instance) as tools for understanding
and dealing the world and its stresses. She is a very
thoughful, deep, and philosophical child and has been since
she could talk!
My daughter is pretty in tune with herself and her feelings
most of the time, but is struggling right now. She told me
she wants to discuss how she's feeling in general, not
something specific.
If someone can recommend a young woman therapist that they
have had a direct relationship with (or rather their kids
have), I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
listening mom
You might try Kirsten Beuthin (female therapist). She works
extensively with teens and pre-teens, and is especially good
at connecting with young people. She will also work with
parents. I highly recommend her. Her number is 652-0990.
M. M.
Feb. 2003
Any recommendations for local therapists Lamorinda, Walnut
Creek, North Berkeley for a 13 year old girl? She is
continually in conflict either with us the parents or her
sisters. She pushes all the wrong buttons, provokes,
demands, screams and cries every day. Everything we say is
an attack on her, she can't stand her family, most of the
people of authority (teachers, coaches) are idiots. She
would just like to move out and live on her own without all
the stupid rules and regulations. Or at least send me to an
expensive boarding school. She feels she should have a lot
of rights but is not willing to give anything in return.
Even when we set the rules together and contracts are drawn
she breaks them right away. She is very smart, does pretty
well at school though puts in minimal work, has some
friends. She has a high sense of justice (for herself) and
entitlement.
We are willing to participate in some sort of family
therapy though having two other daughters with whom we have
a very positive relationship we know we are not such lousy
parents as she would make us to be.
At the end of my rope
I understand that Kirsten Beuthin, MFT works very well with
difficult teenagers. She specializes in at-risk adolescent
girls, and always includes the family if possible. Her
office is in Berkeley at 510-652-0990.
anon
The first step you should take is to read, ''The Explosive
Child.'' Even if your 13-year old is not explosive, this
book helps with understanding and coping with intense
kids. We also found a therapist who works based on the
same principles as the book, and the combination has been
great. These kids are intense for good reasons, and once
you get a handle on what's going on, it's much easier to
cope. Everyone benefits. Good luck.
Parent of another intense teen
Aug. 2002
Looking for a counselor or therapist for our son who
is good natured, well behaved, but has a very poor
time expressing himself verbally or in writing.
Although he is bright, he is falling behind
academically because of his weaknesses. He is also
becoming socially isolated. Any suggestions for
someone in or around Berkeley?
Thanks.
Therapist for teen -- Dr. Kenneth Benau, on Telegraph Ave., Berkeley (510) 704-0116.
He is excellent with teens as well as with families.
Debra
Within the Kaiser system, I just received a recommendation from another mom,
whose 16 year old daughter is working with this therapist with positive
results. Her name is Alicia Barrett-Singer, and she's located in the
Pediatrics Department in the Mosswood Building at Kaiser Oakland. Please
look
at the Kaiser directory for the phone number.
About 15 years ago, Kaiser had a pilot program in Lafyette that was only
for teens. It was run by a psychiatrist. There were group sessions as
well as individual sessions. The young person I knew who was in therapy
was in the program for about 6 months, did get some medication and emerged
fine.
FR,
Berkeley High School
April 2002
Hello Parents,
If you know any good adolescent therapy for a 15 years girls in San Jose
area, please recommend. My daughter has run away 4 times, and my
family is falling apart because of her. She was a straight A student until
last year when she got in boy/girl friends relationship then things changed.
I am apprecitate any recommendations from you.
Thanks.
A recommendation on a therapist for teens is: Karen Hollinger Jackson. Our
peditricians's office recommended her and we used her for a short term
issue. A slight drawback for you is that she practices in Alameda. When I
asked our doctor replied that she specializes in adolescents and they have
had very good feedback about her. Realizing that it takes a very special
person to work with adolescents, we went to her and were impressed!
Cathy
April 2002
I am looking for recommendations of a woman therapist who is
experienced/skilled at dealing with a teen's feelings around coping with
learning differences, and experienced with helping a teen develop a
self-knowing, positive coping strategy for the long term. It wouldn't hurt
if the same therapist is experienced with/recommended by adoptive and
multi-racial families, though these are not major issues on the table at
this time. My daughter says she is not interested in any kind of group
therapy.
Our insurance is Kaiser, but we realize we will probably need to go
outside of Kaiser. It would be helpful to know the basic session cost, if
you know. Thanks.
Anonymous
Our daughter (16, a Junior in High School), has been working with a
wonderful
young woman therapist, who is an intern at
Berkeley Therapy Institute in
North Berkeley. Her name is Christa Hogan. Phone at BTI: 841-8484.
Within the Kaiser system, I just received a recommendation from another mom,
whose 16 year old daughter is working with this therapist with positive
results. Her name is Alicia Barrett-Singer,
and she's located in the
Pediatrics Department in the Mosswood Building at Kaiser Oakland. Please
look
at the Kaiser directory for the phone number.
March 2002
Anyone know any of these therapists well enough to
recommend one? This is for my daughter at Cal. These
are on my insurance plan (HealthNet).
Nancy
I had several sessions with Jeanne Menary and liked her
very much. I chose her specifically for her expertise
in helping people cope with pregnancy loss, but our
work spilled into many other areas as well. I highly
recommend her, if your daughter feels comfortable with
her, and would consider going back to her for general
counseling in the future.
I can whole-heartedly recommend Ruth Fallenbaum.
(Unfortunately, she is not taking any new HealthNet/MHN
clients.) Ruth is very professional and non-judgmental.
She has a down to earth style that has allowed me to
work to my own solutions with the advantage of her skills,
perspective and insights. I don't have a lot of experience
with therapists but the difference between a negative
experience with one (on the MHN list but not on your
list)and Ruth Fallenbaum has been like night and day.
Ruth's office is at Telegraph and Woolsey in Berkeley,
835-2368.
Diane Cohen, Ph.D. on College Ave. in Rockridge
(653-1464) is also very good with young women but I
think she's in the same situation---that she's not
accepting any new MHN clients.
Good luck. Keep asking everyone you know. I also
asked the professionals who were recommended to me if
they could recommend someone else. And, keep asking
MHN for names. They're very stingy about handing them
out.
Sally
Ruth Fallenbaum had been recommended to me by a colleague
who was really happy with the work that he had done with her.
I interviewed her and liked her quite a bit, but she didn't
have room in her schedule at the time. This seems to change
over time, so I would definitely talk to her. She seems quite
bright and compassionate, and was willing to offer referrals
which I thought was really helpful.
I saw Ruth Hill as a therapist on a couple of different
occasions when I was in college, then graduate school.
I thought she was wonderful for me at that juncture in
life; supportive, reinforcing, somewhat holistic, and
she helped me grapple with a couple harsh crises. She
is very Jungian, and a lot of her work deals in rather
abstract concepts.
Kathleen Ranlett Mock, MA wasn't on your list. I know
she is on Healthnet and she is a very good, easy-going
therapist.
April 2000
Does anyone have any recommendations for a therapist/counselor who
works with teenagers, especially with females. I only want references
if people have first hand experiences. Thanks.
I would like to recommend the therapist that my 15 year old daughter has
been seeing. For the first time she actually wants to go to therapy and
I've been very impressed with the way she has been able to speak to me
about what's going on inside of her. I know this therapist's expertise
is with teens and that she consults for treatment programs, but I'm
pretty sure she also works with grown-ups. I got her name from a friend
of mine who saw her. Her name is Betty Tharpe and her office is on
Solano Ave. in Albany. Her phone number is 549-2092.
A great therapist for teens is Lenny Levis, Ph.D. (540-5052). My son saw
him during a crisis for just 6 sessions, was very comforable sharing his feelings,
felt very supported and acquired useful coping skills. Lenny is located on MLK
near Hearst, so he's very accessible both to King Middle School and Berkeley High.
Re: Therapist who works with teenagers (June 1999)
My son saw a therapist who has been very helpful. His name is Leonard
Levis, he's on MLK, and his number is 540-5052. I don't think it's
necessarily true that a troubled child is an indicator of deeper trouble
in the family. Anybody can have difficulties with a developmental
stage, or a particular situation, and therapy can bring about better
insights and coping strategies than mom or dad can come up with.
Re: good therapist for teens: David Akullian, North Berkeley, Shattuck
at Cedar Street, 848-4203. Worked well with both my 11 year-old son
and 15 year-old daughter.
It mattered a lot for our teen to like and feel accepted by a
therapist--even more important than for an adult--because acceptance is the
stuff of teen identity. It was also important for our teen to build a
trusting relationship with an adult, and bridge the generations for a source
of advice in addition to peers. From this experience, I would suggest
interviewing several therapists to find the right fit, and not be afraid to
change the therapist if that right fit, for whatever reason, isn't there. I
can recommend , for one, Dr. Anna Berger, who is warm, savvy, and wise.
848-3050.
High on my list is Bob Heavner (843-4377). Bob deals almost exclusively
with adolescents and their many issues, including drugs/alcohol, family issues,
video/computer addictions, etc.
Colorado Kagan (297-4937) has a softer, nurturing style for a teen who needs
to be drawn out.
Phyllis Mace (704-8455) has been effective in getting our teen daughter
through a turbulent, defiant adolescence.
A personal recommendation:
We moved here from Washington the summer before my daughter's 7th
grade year. There was so much to adjust to -new home,new neighborhood,
new peer pressure expectations, plus a new family (we lost her dad 2
years before). I found my daughter needed help to make the transition.
We tried "talk therapists", but I found that it was easy for her to
talk, but not work at adjusting, growing, or taking the steps necessary.
What she related to was hands-on things, doing something. In the end,
the person who is still a great lady in her life is a physical/art
therapist named Pepper Sbarbaro. She listens and really cares about your child. They find ways to play
together, doing clay, collage and free-form stuff while a great deal of
talk is going on, and also some fantastic body massage to just help the
child relax. It's all of a piece. Pepper reads whats going on from all
of it and while she respects the privacy between them, she keeps you in
the loop so you are a part of the solution. She's having hand surgery
soon, but try calling if you're interested and speak with her:
(510)525-0474. Tell her Loni sent you.
For the folks looking for a therapist for a teen, I would strongly
reccommend Michael Simon, in Rockridge (510) 433-2959. He's wonderful
with teens (adults and couples, too) and my experience is that people
feel very comfortable with him immediately--that's an important part
of any therapy experience. He's fairly inexpensive, too, as
therapists go. Thanks! Kirsten
Glad to see postings of good therapists for teens. To me, this seems an
underexplored avenue for many teens and so benefitial when the right
therapist and teen can match up. In our case, we were lucky to find a
therapist that our teen hit it off with right away.
It mattered a lot for our teen to like and feel accepted by a
therapist--even more important than for an adult--because acceptance is the
stuff of teen identity. It was also important for our teen to build a
trusting relationship with an adult, and bridge the generations for a source
of advice in addition to peers. From this experience, I would suggest
interviewing several therapists to find the right fit, and not be afraid to
change the therapist if that right fit, for whatever reason, isn't there. I
can recommend , for one, Dr. Anna Berger, who is warm, savvy, and wise.
848-3050.
Aug 2002
Re: Counselor/therapist for 13-year-old
I highly recommend Phyllis Mace as a wonderful therapist to work with on teen
issues. She knows a lot about the schools in the area, and the different
issues at different schools. Also excellent at working with parents and/or
students to help figure out what will motivate a student, what type of
support he/she may need, etc... Her phone number is 704-8455, and she is
located at 5435 College Ave. in Oakland, in the Rockridge Area. It's a bit
of a trek from Berkeley, but I think she's great.
June 1999
Re: Therapist who works with teenagers
I recommend:
Jennifer Freeman
5th & Cedar, Berkeley
526-2336
Jenny has worked with our daughter from age 10 to present (13). She does
child and teen therapy. She's a warm and non-threatening woman with a
pleasant Austrailian accent. She's going to visit relatives in Australia
for a month or so, starting next week (I think), so you might want to call
right away if the situation is urgent.
Good luck!
Gail Alter, LCSW may also work with boys, but I recommend her for
girls:
433-2972
My 17-year-old daughter has been seeing a wonderful therapist named
Preston Parsons Alvarez (College Avenue/Oakland). She has seen her
for 9 months and the whole family is very impressed with her -- we
have all been in for visits with our daughter for family history
reasons, but my daughter is her patient. Preston is very clear about
patient confidentiality and has kept our daughter's trust accordingly.
My daughter also attends a peer group (teenage girls) that is attended
by a facilitator who interns with Preston, and she is very happy with
the group as well. I have had much experience with therapists of all
license/education backgrounds, and am very critical of the whole thing
-- I think Preston is very good at what she does. She is also very
kind and supportive. Very skilled. Good luck.
In response to the request for Teen Counselors
I personally recommend:
Jan Dombrower,M.S.
Liscensed Marriage, Family & Child Counselor
1345 "B" Street
Hayward, CA 94541
510/537-8630
I'm not sure where you are located, which is a concern, because if its too
far to travel then you tend to not go, so get someone close to your home.
I took my daughter to Jan for almost two years and the results were great.
My daughter was a victim of a crime and so the state paid for our
counseling (mine too!) so I don't know how much it runs. She is excellent
with kids and is more than willing to give references for someone in your area.
Both of the counselors that we have seen in the past few years have
experience with adolescents. Dean Lobovits and Jenny Freeman.
They both practice in a building on the corner of 5th and Cedar in
Berkeley. It's my impression that Dean mostly does Marriage & family
counseling now, though he used to work in Teen Centers. And Jenny mostly
does kids now. She saw my stepdaughter from age 10 through age 13. They
are the authors of a book called "Playful Solutions to Serious Problems" (I
think), which gives you an idea of their philosophy.
Good luck! Dawn
This is in response to needing a recommendation for a therapist or counselor
for teenagers. We found Candice Kunz in Concord to be extremely helpful and
insightful. Her telephone number is (510) 687-2132.
My daughter (the 16-year-old going to MacGregor) sees Elayne Savage in
Berkeley. She is a Healthnet therapist. She herself had a teenage
daughter who was a handful but turned out great. My daughter and I
both like her -- I think she's good with mother-daughter issues. She
recently wrote a book, Don't Take It Personally, about dealing with
all kinds of rejection in life. (Also, I'd like to thank those who
responded for their encouraging advice!)
Therapist for teens: Though his office is in Rockridge, I recommend
psychotherapist Michael Simon
510/433-2959 who has extensive experience
with adolescents and children (as well as adults) and also works on a
sliding scale. It's been my experience that male teens prefer to work
with a male therapist.
In response to the parents looking for family therapy with their 17
year-old in the Berkeley/Albany area, I would reccommend contacting
Michael
Simon, M.S. at 510 433-2959. He is a wonderful family, couples, child
and adolescent therapist and while he doesn't take insurance (I think the
people who wanted a referral have Pacific Care), he works on a sliding-fee
basis(from about $30 to $60 per session), so you can end up paying about the
same as you might if you had insurance, without having to go through the
insurance hassles around confidentiality, getting sessions approved a
few at a time, etc.
kirsten
West Coast Childrens Center
runs some groups for teens. Their number is
527-7249.
They have a racially diverse population and have some groups called
Senior Coed Groups for 15-18 year olds, meaning high school. They also
have some social skills building groups for younger kids. Best to call
and get a bit more information.
Sherry
Jan 1999
Both of the counselors that we have seen in the past few years have
experience with adolescents. Dean Lobovits and Jenny Freeman.
They both practice in a building on the corner of 5th and Cedar in
Berkeley. It's my impression that Dean mostly does Marriage & family
counseling now, though he used to work in Teen Centers. And Jenny mostly
does kids now. She saw my stepdaughter from age 10 through age 13. They
are the authors of a book called "Playful Solutions to Serious Problems" (I
think), which gives you an idea of their philosophy.
Good luck! Dawn
Jan 1999
Re: adolescent therapy
For the person looking for a counselor for a child/young adult I highly
recommend Mario LaMort. He is in San Anselmo and well worth the drive.
He is very direct and can zone in on what the problem is and how to work
with it. Although we have not had occasion to take our child to him two
close friends have taken their children and been very pleased. He is
involved with the schools there, working with kids in group settings and
also has a private practice.
His # is 415-457-8547.
1998
I have recommendations for two therapists that my family has used and
were very pleased with:
Matthew Mock Ph.D.
2714 Telegraph Av
Berkeley
848-9919
Matthew Mock has a private practice and is also the director of Family
Youth and Children Services for Berkeley Mental Health. He is on the
faculty at JFK University and is a nationally recognized expert on
multicultural mental health issues and services. He has been very helpful
to us with both our very complicated children (a niece and nephew.)
(By-the-way, Berkeley is one of the few cities in the country to have its
own Mental Health Department.)
Scott Lines Ph.D.
5435 College Av
Oakland
482-8460
Scott Lines was very helpful to my husband, our children, and me when he
was doing a post-doc at Kaiser Oakland in 1993. We consulted with him for
a "second-opinion" and were very impressed with him for the few months we
saw him. Circumstances with 10 visit limit at Kaiser neccessitated that
we go elswhere for long-term therapy. Scott was very perceptive. It seems
that his advice and diagnosis certainly were on target. He really knew
what he was talking about! The kids liked him too, though they weren't
with him too long.
Good luck!
H.
1998
Re: angry adolescent
Dear Parent: I have two daughters, both of whom have experienced anger and
depression resulting from divorce, etc. My older daughter is in therapy
with a fantastic clinical psychologist who, in turn, recommended a
wonderful family therapist who specializes in individual and group/family
therapy. His name is John DiMartini, located just off College Avenue in
Oakland near the BART. I don't have his phone number with me at the
moment, but if you are interested in pursuing this, please feel free to
e-mail me. The reason I like him so much is that he absolutely protects
the rights of children while helping every member of the family to feel
whatever is going on for them and he is extremely fair. He is excellent at
enabling everyone involved to listen to everyone else -- quite a remarkable
task. He is also open to suggestions if something goes off, and I think
this is critical to any group situation. I don't know if he would see an
individual and that individual's family at the same time -- usually
therapists just do one or the other. However, I am confident that he could
recommend someone else if you eventually felt the need for individual and
family therapy. Obviously, since both of my children are female, I don't
know first-hand about how John would do with a male child. However, I
would guess he would be wonderful with your son and/or you and your
husband. Good luck. Just this past weekend I was at Emerson School's
playground with my younger daughter who was playing basketball, and we
witnessed a 5-year-old boy who was screaming, hitting and biting his mother
and sister -- his parents were also nearing the point of a therapist. My
thoughts are with you. Take care, Tamara
My son went through some similar issues and we found it VERY helpful for
him to see a psychologist. We took him to Madeline Finegold (Feingold?),
who has an office in Berkeley and in Walnut Creek, and we really liked her
(and so did our son!). He only went for about 5 times (and one visit for
parents only), but we saw a marked improvement.
Also, there was a somewhat superficial, but interesting, article in Working
Mother magazine this month or last on how boys are socialized to ONLY
express anger, no other emotions.
Also, you may want to check out the website www.6seconds.org. Six Seconds
is a non-profit that does emotional intelligence trainings for parents and
teachers. FYI it takes 6 seconds for the chemical reaction of anger in the
brain to dissipate, so the advice of "counting to ten" is excellent!
Good luck!
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