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Virtual Services

Your mental health deserves consistent care, no matter where life takes you. Between busy schedules, long commutes, family responsibilities, and the challenge of finding a suitable provider close to home, many people feel hindered from accessing the support they need. That’s why Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center offers comprehensive virtual therapy services designed to bring high-quality care directly to you.

Online therapy session through secure video call.
Virtual services make therapy accessible anywhere.

Through secure, confidential online sessions, our therapists deliver the same level of professional expertise and compassionate support you would receive in person. Whether you’re managing a demanding career, balancing family commitments, or living far from our office, virtual care ensures that therapy is available when and where you need it most.

Why Choose Virtual Therapy?

Convenience Without Compromise

Virtual sessions eliminate common barriers such as travel, parking, and scheduling conflicts. For couples or families who may live in different locations or struggle to find overlapping availability, telehealth creates a shared space for connection and healing.

Consistency in Care

Regular sessions are essential for progress in therapy. By choosing online treatment, you’re less likely to miss appointments, making it easier to stay consistent in your healing journey. Consistency builds trust with your therapist and accelerates meaningful change.

Access to Specialized Support

Not every community has therapists trained in evidence-based practices like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or mindfulness-based interventions. Virtual care bridges that gap, connecting you with experienced professionals who can tailor treatment to your needs.

What Services Are Offered Online?

Nearly all of our core services are available through telehealth, giving you flexibility without sacrificing quality. This includes:

  • Individual Psychotherapy: Work one-on-one with a therapist to address trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or personal growth.
  • Couples and Family Therapy: Strengthen communication, repair relationships, and navigate transitions together, even if members are in different locations.
  • Consultation and Training: Professional consultation and skills training sessions are accessible remotely for clients, clinicians, and organizations.
  • DBT and Mindfulness-Based Care: Evidence-based interventions focused on building resilience, regulating emotions, and developing healthier coping strategies.


The only exception is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which requires in-person treatment at our Piedmont Avenue office to ensure medical safety and supervision.

If you’d like to explore all the therapeutic options available through our center, you can review our comprehensive list of mental health services to understand better which approach may be the right fit for you.

Who Can Access Virtual Services?

Our therapists are licensed to provide telehealth care to clients located in California, Colorado, and Florida. If you live in one of these states, you are eligible for online therapy through Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center.

This licensing framework ensures that you receive care that is both legally compliant and tailored to the standards of your state. Even if you relocate within one of these regions, your care remains uninterrupted.

Confidentiality and Privacy in Online Therapy

We understand that privacy is essential when seeking therapy. All virtual sessions are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platform, ensuring that your conversations remain secure and confidential.

Clients only need a stable internet connection, a device with video capability, and a quiet, private space to engage in therapy. Our therapists are qualified to create a safe and comfortable environment, even in an online setting.

How Virtual Therapy Works

Getting Started

Your first step is a comprehensive intake appointment, where you and your therapist will explore your background, current concerns, and the goals you’d like to achieve. From there, you’ll work together to create a personalized plan, including the pace and structure of sessions that best support your needs.

During each meeting, your therapist will guide you through evidence-based practices, reflective conversations, and skill-building exercises to help you develop and refine your skills. Virtual sessions are designed to mirror the quality and effectiveness of in-person therapy.

Ongoing Support

Ongoing support is a key part of meaningful progress. For many people, weekly sessions offer the consistency and encouragement that foster real change. If you discover that you need more frequent contact or additional skills-based guidance, your therapist will work with you to design a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and ensures you feel supported every step of the way.

Studies have demonstrated that online therapy provides outcomes comparable to traditional in-person care. From managing depression and anxiety to healing from trauma or improving relationships, virtual sessions offer a reliable and effective path toward better mental health. Clients often report that telehealth:

  • Makes it easier to open up from the comfort of home.
  • Reduces stress associated with travel or time management.
  • Creates opportunities for learning skills in real-life environments.


For those exploring structured, evidence-based methods, such as DBT, virtual programs have been shown to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning significantly. If you’re interested in learning these tools in a supportive group setting, you may want to explore our DBT skills classes, which are also offered virtually.

Common Scenarios Where Virtual Therapy Helps

  • Busy Professionals: Access therapy during a lunch break or from the comfort of your own private office, without commuting.
  • Parents and Caregivers: Manage self-care while balancing the demands of childcare or family responsibilities.
  • Couples in Different Locations: Join from separate places and still receive joint support.
  • Students: Continue consistent therapy even when relocating for school.
  • Individuals in Underserved Areas: Gain access to specialists who may not be available locally.

Addressing Concerns About Telehealth

Some people worry that online therapy may feel less personal than in-person sessions. Our therapists are trained to bridge that gap, ensuring that clients feel heard, supported, and connected through the screen.

Others are concerned about technical issues. Fortunately, most clients find that once the initial setup is complete, telehealth runs smoothly. Should problems arise, we provide support and offer flexible rescheduling options.

Finally, some wonder whether virtual therapy is appropriate for crises. While telehealth is effective for ongoing support, it is not suitable for emergencies. If you are undergoing a crisis, please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Cost and Insurance for Virtual Sessions

Therapist providing care through virtual session.
Therapy services delivered online with ease.

Investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable decisions you can make. Our virtual sessions are priced transparently, with no difference in cost compared to in-person sessions.

We encourage you to review our pricing information for details about fees, insurance options, and payment policies. This allows you to plan your care with confidence and clarity.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Virtual therapy removes barriers, making high-quality mental health support accessible from anywhere in California, Colorado, or Florida. Whether you’re seeking to manage overwhelming emotions, strengthen relationships, or gain new coping strategies, online care provides the flexibility and safety you need.

At Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center, we are committed to offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment that adapts to your life. With professional expertise, personalized care, and the convenience of telehealth, you can embark on a transformative journey toward balance, resilience, and enhanced well-being.

Your healing starts with a simple step. Reach out today to schedule your virtual consultation — because you deserve care that meets you wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is virtual therapy really as effective as seeing a therapist in person?

Yes. Studies confirm that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, trauma recovery, and relationship struggles. Many clients even feel more relaxed opening up from the comfort of their own home.

2. What do I need to have a smooth virtual therapy experience?

A steady internet connection, a computer or mobile device with a camera, and a private space are usually all you need. Sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, so you can feel confident your conversations remain private.

3. Can partners or family members join therapy online?

Yes. Virtual therapy makes it possible for couples or family members to attend together, even if they’re in separate locations. This flexibility helps loved ones work on communication and connection without needing to be in the same room.

4. Will my insurance cover the cost of virtual sessions?

Most insurance plans treat online therapy the same way they do in-person visits. While coverage varies by provider, many clients find their sessions are eligible for reimbursement. It’s always best to confirm the details with your insurance company.

5. Who can access Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center’s online services?

Our virtual therapy sessions are available to residents of California, Colorado, and Florida. If you live in one of these states, you can connect with our team and receive the same high-quality care as you would in person.

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Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan was born in India and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT, Madras. After spending a few youthful years in the Masters/Ph.D. program at the Ohio State University moved to the Bay Area for work. Since then he has stayed in the Bay Area and worked in tech for the better part of 20+ years. He has been with the center since its inception playing a key advisory role on tech related matters.

He enjoys living in the bay area with his family, exploring the outdoors in California and the world at large. While interests change over time some constants through the years have been travel, cooking, painting and board games. Lately all his spare time has been consumed by pickleball.

David Pepper

David Pepper, MD (Retired)

Dr. Pepper was born in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley and then Medical and Graduate School in Iowa. Returning to California, he practiced and taught full spectrum Family Medicine with UCSF for 30+ years, working in Fresno, San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties. 1,000 births and 1,000 deaths one could say – with thousands of Families in between… in the ER, Hospital and Outpatient Clinics – always with a focus on Family and Community.
 
He has a long interest in Psychedelics and completed the CPTR program through CIIS in 2023. He is passionate about helping people think about how to craft their second half of life with meaning, including planning for a natural End of Life process that is not over medicalized.  He believes that a well planned End of Life allows people to live well.  More about his work can be found here.  
 
He brings his expertise in clinical assessment, and the tools that support this to working with the Team at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center to develop best practices for working with clients seeking expanded state treatment.  He collaborates with his wife who also works with clients in Expanded States.  He enjoys his 4 children, gardening, hiking, and community.
Rochelle

Rochelle Frank, PsyD

Rochelle Frank, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Oakland, CA with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Frank earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at Syracuse University and completed her clinical training at Yale Psychiatric Institute. She specializes in evidence-based transdiagnostic treatment of  complex and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders in adults and adolescents, and related  problems in high-conflict couples and families. 

In addition to her private practice Dr.  Frank is an assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and also  holds faculty and supervisory appointments at The Wright Institute and the University of California San  Francisco School of Medicine.  She is co-author of The transdiagnostic road map to case formulation and  treatment planning: Practical guidance for clinical decision making (Frank & Davidson, 2014; New Harbinger),  a contributing author to S. G. Hofmann & S. C. Hayes (Eds.), Beyond the DSM (2020, New Harbinger), and  currently serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Better Health.

Dr. Frank has been involved with Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center since 2012.  She has served as a clinical consultant and focuses on helping the Team bring a transdiagnostic process-based perspective to case formulation and treatment planning, as well as integrating methods from other third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies into the DBT model.  

In addition to enjoying time with her family, Dr.  Frank is an avid golfer, home chef, and a frequent beta-tester of her clinical skills while skiing and mountain biking.

Michael Stanger

Michael Stanger, MD

I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in California and Colorado across a range of settings – inpatient, outpatient, emergency and partial hospital, with current affiliations at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Boulder Community Health.

I have a particular interest in the therapeutic utility of ketamine to support psychotherapy. I began working with ketamine in 2016, initially in my California private practice where I administered oral and intramuscular doses. I have since continued to support therapist access and to develop understanding around the most effective use of these modality. In related work, I have mentored with the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and taught sessions with the Polaris Insight Center on ketamine.

My background includes childhood immigration from South Africa to New York, working in the technology industry for several years and then traveling in an unscripted manner to arrive at the awareness that medicine, and ultimately psychiatry would be the path to be helpful to others in an applied way.

Chrysanthe

Chrysanthe Christodoulou

Operations Manager

Chrysanthe is our Operations Manager and one of our in-house Mindfulness Experts. She connects with new clients as they come into the Center, oversees day to day operations and runs special projects.  She is instrumental in supporting the Team by bringing joy, flow and ease.

Chrysanthe studied Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness with some of the most respected teachers of our time. She also holds a BS in Economics.  This combination of skills ensures our Center runs efficiently behind the scenes and lends wisdom to our budding Mindfulness Program.

Her local teaching career has spanned the Bay Area and beyond: overseas in Spain, Chile, Greece, and Amsterdam; and locally in San Francisco, Marin, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Chrysanthe honors the magic in both movement and stillness, stirring energy and witnessing what emerges as everything settles into place. 

When Chrysanthe isn’t handling the business end of the Center or running mindfulness programming, you can find her exploring trails with her wolf pup, finding connection in community, and enjoying the sun and the sea.

Priya Jogia

Priya Jogia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

​​Priya Jogia is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Since 2013, she has worked in various clinical settings including: community mental health, hospital, and outpatient programs. Priya’s also spent time in Vietnam studying international social work and the relationship between culture, ethnicity, and mental health.

Priya is an active practitioner of mindfulness-based behavioral therapies including DBT and ACT, and has extensive training in CBT. As a DBT therapist, she’s seen the positive impact of using DBT skills in her own life, and is strongly committed to helping clients live meaningful lives that are aligned with their values.

Priya has an interest in perinatal mental health and working with BIPOC populations, and she strives to integrate a social and racial justice lens into her work. While being a therapist has brought a lot of meaning to Priya’s life, she tries not to take herself too seriously, and gets much joy from being a mum, being in nature, and cuddling with her dog.

Jay Indik

Jay Indik

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jay brings his compassion, creativity, and equanimity to support each person who seeks therapy.. He believes that what makes each person happy is connected to their deepest sense of what is important. Jay listens for how each client can idiosyncratically transform their suffering into a happier life. As a result of working with Jay folks’ learn to address unwanted behavior, regulate their emotions, recover from individual or cultural trauma, repair relationships, and organize their behavior consistent with their values Jay has intensive training and has practiced the following modalities for decades: DBT, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Modulation, Psychodynamic Treatment and Expressive Arts Therapies. Jay specializes in working with couples, parents, parent child dyads and young adults, as well as with individuals from mid-life through retirement. Jay’s experience as a theater director, parent, teacher, and executive combined with his knowledge of research validated treatments allows him to best relate and serve each individual.

Jay has two adult children (one daughter, one non-binary), a “Real Dads Love Trans kids” t-shirt, and one amazing grandchild he watches one day a week.

Ari Tavano

Ariana Tavano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ari Tavano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She has worked in an array of clinical settings for over ten years, and utilizes the diversity of her experience to foster a therapeutic frame rooted in curiosity and empathic regard. She specializes in working with those looking to cultivate self-growth, increase interpersonal efficacy, and develop an affirming relationship with their internal worlds.

Ari extends a humanistic approach to her work by nourishing the whole self – according to one’s intersectionality and inherent wisdom. She is trained in DBT and other treatment modalities, including CBT, Existentialism, and Trauma Theory. She harmonizes the concepts of behaviorism and intuitiveness of relational healing, with opportunities to explore psychedelics and expanded-state work.

Ari invites you to build capacity for both processing and playfulness. She prioritizes humor and is often found in the ocean, on the dance floor, and imagining her next adventure. Ari has also worked as a licensed public school teacher in Hawai’i and documentary photographer in South Africa. She is committed to equity, inclusion, and the pursuit of social justice.

Alyson Barry

Alyson Barry, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Alyson Barry is a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD). Since 2005, she’s gained experience in diverse areas of practice, including inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private practice. Alyson came to DBT in 2013 through her own yoga and meditation practice, which led her to seek additional training in mindfulness-based therapies. Drawn to work with people who’ve experienced developmental trauma, she begins by addressing what’s happening in the present, helping her clients develop practical skills that fundamentally improve how they interact with themselves and the world around them. As a result of this work, this can over time, set the stage for healing the older wounds. She believes in a collaborative and consent-based treatment approach, working to ensure that clients understand and are in agreement with any diagnosis or therapeutic technique. She hopes that this transparency can help to create an environment of respect for her clients’ choice, autonomy, and knowledge of themselves. She is also a big believer in bringing humor and irreverence into therapy. In her free time, Alyson enjoys snorkeling, hanging out with her cat, and spending time with friends. Alyson is available to work via telehealth with clients in California, Colorado, and Florida.
Heather Macbeth

Heather Macbeth

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Heather co-founded the Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center in 2012. She is a licensed MFT. She offers a relational, somatic, experiential and humanistic approach to her work and is committed to relieving psychological suffering. Her style is both compassionate and gentle as well as directive and aims to be supportive of each person’s unique needs. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, changing persistent cycles of self-blame, listening more closely to intuitive knowing and increasing self compassion. She is committed and dedicated to helping her clients have a life where they can find themselves thrive vs. just survive. Working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, skills group and workshop facilitator has brought her a lot of joy. In addition to a private practice setting she has worked in community mental health organizations with disenfranchised youth and families and in public schools as a Behavioral Specialist. Heather works with adults and teens. She is intensively trained in DBT and other treatment modalities such as; Gestalt, Psychodynamic, MBSR, ands Expressive Arts. She is certified in EAP (Equine-assisted psychotherapy) and offers equine-facilitated learning workshops in the Bay Area. Additionally, she has received her training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through the Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco and is inspired by the potential healing benefits of expanded states of consciousness work.

In her free time, and in ideal worlds, she is exploring jungles, hot springs, beaches, hanging out with animals (large and small), enjoying good food, travel and most importantly time with loved ones.

Christine Benvenuto

Christine Benvenuto

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Christine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. She brings over 25 years of experience in mental health to her work, with a background in working with people in all walks of life in residential, outpatient and home based settings. A systems thinker, valuing sustaining relationships, she works with individuals, couples and groups, with a strong belief that small shifts can create dynamic changes.

She blends a lifetime of interest and practice in somatics, meditation, embodiment, psychedelics and the arts with a passion for social justice, nature and thriving ecosystems. Her mentors are psychologically savvy, center co-existence, value differences and maintain a sense of humor.

Her professional training spans from depth oriented, expanded state and attachment based to behavioral styles of treatment. She co-creates a therapeutic container that feels collaborative, warm, dynamic, thoughtful and deeply resonant.

She works with individuals, couples and groups, offering ongoing weekly therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Consultation.

Along side of her professional life, Christine is grateful for her extended web of relationships as daughter, sister, wife, friend, step-mom and community connector.

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