Illustration of a diverse and smiling team of therapists at Blue Oak Therapy Center in Berkeley, highlighting their experienced and supportive staff.

Providing accessible, compassionate care

OUR THERAPISTS

At Blue Oak Therapy Center, the majority of our therapists are Associates (also called pre-licensed therapists or interns). An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) is someone who has completed the related doctoral or master’s degree, is registered with the State of California as an Associate, and is working toward completion of 3,000 hours of practicing psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed clinician.

Blue Oak Therapy Center was founded more than 30 years ago to provide a supportive and diverse environment where pre-licensed therapists could gain experience, maintain the autonomy that prepares them for private practice and be part of a larger community of like-minded therapists. This is also what makes it possible to match you with a therapist who will help you achieve your individual goals.

We select Associates who not only reflect the community we serve but possess deep knowledge of their subject areas. We welcome you to meet our therapists below: 

  • Terra Brigando, MA

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate MFT #109973

    “We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body.” – Mary Oliver

  • Alison Chou, MSW

    (she/her/ella)

    Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #102504

    Culturally responsive, trauma-informed psychotherapy with adults & adolescents.

  • Mary Beth Schuler, MS

    (they/them/theirs)

    Registered Associate MFT #130535

    Liberatory, Relational and Trauma Informed Therapy with individuals, youth, couples, and polyamrous constellations.

  • Ella Mamanta Davidson, MA

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate MFT #135113

    Creative & culturally responsive therapy for adults, youth & couples.

  • Meryl Haggege, MA

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate MFT #136379

    Somatic, mindfulness, relational, trauma-informed therapy for adults, couples, and children.

  • Eliza Liittschwager, MSW

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #98815

    Experienced clinician serving adolescents and adults. Specialties include trauma, family dynamics and identity exploration.

  • Natalie Pimenta, MA

    (she/her/ela/ella)

    Registered Bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #16008

    Culturally responsive, person-centered, trauma-informed therapy for adults, teens, and families.

  • Mel McCrea, MA

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate MFT #141982

    Soulful attention to grief, intergenerational wounds, gender and sexuality, and building a meaningful life.

    “Keep a little room in your heart for the unimaginable.” – Mary Oliver

  • Dara Freed, AMFT

    Dara Freed, MA

    (she/her/hers)

    Registered Associate MFT #142930

    An invitation to explore and discover the parts of yourself that have been longing to be seen.

  • Hannah Tedesco, MA

    (she/her)

    Registered Associate MFT # 141187, Registered Associate PCC # 14368

    Relational and trauma-informed therapy for adults, adolescents, and couples of varying identities.