Areas served include: Berkeley - Oakland - San Francisco - San Rafael - Albany - El Cerrito - Kensington - Richmond - Emeryville- Alameda - San Leandro -  Orinda - Lafayette - Moraga - Walnut Creek

Clinical Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration interfere with life for a prolonged period of time. Estimates are that about 10% of American adults experience some form of depression. For people suffering with chronic illness the likelihood of experiencing depression as well is significantly increased. Women are a lot more likely than men to identify themselves as suffering from depression and more likely to seek help.

Bipolar Disorder, or Manic-Depressive Illness is a type of mood disorder characterized by mood instability and sometimes extreme mood swings. Individuals who suffer from Bipolar Disorder can experience episodes of severe depression with symptoms such as overwhelming feelings of emptiness or sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest and pleasure, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite and thoughts of death. Symptoms of a manic episode include elevated mood, being extremely irritable and anxious, unusual increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep.

It is common to become extremely isolated when suffering from a mood disorder. Functioning at work and school can become significantly impaired and relationships with family and friends may become severely strained. My focus in working with individuals suffering from mood disorders is to help my clients identify and evaluate symptoms, understand underlying causes, explore treatment options and cultivate much needed support.