Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Oakland, CA covered by United Healthcare

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process your experiences. We’ll dig deep and get “real.” My approach is collaborative and depth-oriented – I don’t just sit back and nod and smile. I’ll go deep with you and empower you to create healthy boundaries in relationships that will ultimately increase your confidence and allow you to live the life you want to live, free of people-pleasing.

Hi, I’m David Sudyka, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #1790385250). I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families find healing, balance, and a deeper sense of connection in their lives. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where you can feel comfortable exploring your experiences and working toward meaningful change. I take a compassionate and collaborative approach, meeting you where you are and helping you build on your strengths. I often draw from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR to support healing from trauma, manage anxiety, and foster personal growth and emotional well-being. Together, we’ll work toward creating the life and relationships you want.

Welcome! Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent many years in the law and advocacy field. My previous training and experience helps me relate well with many different backgrounds with a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse issues and concerns encountered by others. I love working with adults of all ages and couples in their journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, greater connection and fulfillment.

I work with women of color who are tired of always being the strong one. If you’re carrying old wounds that still feel fresh, stuck in patterns that don’t even feel like yours, or wondering when it’s finally your turn to be cared for; I’m here for that. You won’t have to code-switch with me. Let’s set down the masks you wear just to move through the day.

In this space, you get to be fully seen--the soft parts, the angry parts, the parts you’ve hidden just to keep the peace. All of you is welcome here. Together, we’ll make room for the messy, the painful, and the hopeful parts of your story, at a pace that feels right for you. Healing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to start with a space where you’re safe to be real.

I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.