Male Therapists in Shafter, Oakland, CA
![Photo of Michael Rochette, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f04344ce-6ca1-4c3c-895c-f2b020a74cb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Rochette
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I have a lifelong commitment to exploring our interconnections with our selves, our families, our significant others, our coworkers/neighbors, and our natural world. I see many of our personal challenges, which tend to manifest as anxiety and depression, correspond with disconnected patterns that leave us stuck, emotionally, cognitively, somatically, and spiritually. As a California registered associate marriage and family therapist, I work with clients to heal existing interconnections and cultivate new ways of being in connection.
I have a lifelong commitment to exploring our interconnections with our selves, our families, our significant others, our coworkers/neighbors, and our natural world. I see many of our personal challenges, which tend to manifest as anxiety and depression, correspond with disconnected patterns that leave us stuck, emotionally, cognitively, somatically, and spiritually. As a California registered associate marriage and family therapist, I work with clients to heal existing interconnections and cultivate new ways of being in connection.
![Photo of Steven W. Flannes, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b84e532-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We control many aspects of life through our decisions.
Services: I provide individual psychotherapy for adults, using an approach involving mindfulness based practices and an existential-hu manistic mindset. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked across the full spectrum of psychotherapy settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, inpatient settings, and day treatment programs. I have also held numerous clinical leadership roles, such as the director of a county outpatient mental health center, and the director of an inpatient psychiatric unit.
We control many aspects of life through our decisions.
Services: I provide individual psychotherapy for adults, using an approach involving mindfulness based practices and an existential-hu manistic mindset. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked across the full spectrum of psychotherapy settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, inpatient settings, and day treatment programs. I have also held numerous clinical leadership roles, such as the director of a county outpatient mental health center, and the director of an inpatient psychiatric unit.
![Photo of Oscar S Ureño, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6b98ba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have many years of experience working with families in different configurations struggling with a variety of issues such as difficulties with effective communication between family members, past traumas, problematic dynamics in mixed and integrated families as well as challenges that arise from problematic behavior in children and adolescents.
Making the decision to seek out and find the right therapist either for you or for a loved one can be tough. There are many variables to consider and the task can be overwhelming. I work with people who struggle with issues related to identity, mood, life transitions, conflict, trauma and resistance to therapy often because it is mandated. I provide a safe space where you can discuss the details of your challenges and ground the clinical work in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
I have many years of experience working with families in different configurations struggling with a variety of issues such as difficulties with effective communication between family members, past traumas, problematic dynamics in mixed and integrated families as well as challenges that arise from problematic behavior in children and adolescents.
Making the decision to seek out and find the right therapist either for you or for a loved one can be tough. There are many variables to consider and the task can be overwhelming. I work with people who struggle with issues related to identity, mood, life transitions, conflict, trauma and resistance to therapy often because it is mandated. I provide a safe space where you can discuss the details of your challenges and ground the clinical work in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of David Trexler Gatta, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e29c234-31b1-4ca7-83bf-c551d4875c85/1/320x400.jpeg)
You are always becoming the person that you are. My approach to depth psychotherapy starts from this premise. Who a person is and how they come to understand themselves is an on-going life-long process. There are times in life when that process is disrupted and as a consequence, we suffer—struggling to locate ourselves and find our way forward. That suffering is best alleviated through collaborative understanding and insight building. In this way, my approach is a holistic one—as I see each individual as a sum of their total life experiences rather than a collection of symptoms.
You are always becoming the person that you are. My approach to depth psychotherapy starts from this premise. Who a person is and how they come to understand themselves is an on-going life-long process. There are times in life when that process is disrupted and as a consequence, we suffer—struggling to locate ourselves and find our way forward. That suffering is best alleviated through collaborative understanding and insight building. In this way, my approach is a holistic one—as I see each individual as a sum of their total life experiences rather than a collection of symptoms.
![Photo of Dr. Helge Osterhold, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/653098b2-358d-4edf-ae77-b792b5cc6c77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Helge Osterhold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is warm and interactive, providing a supportive environment where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling the life challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (for example: changes in relationships, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss, as well as seeking more meaning and deeper fulfillment in life). I have extensive experience working with people who immigrated to the US or are of diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is warm and interactive, providing a supportive environment where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling the life challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (for example: changes in relationships, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss, as well as seeking more meaning and deeper fulfillment in life). I have extensive experience working with people who immigrated to the US or are of diverse cultural backgrounds.
![Photo of Sami Qreini, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb8342e7-de7f-4fd0-b987-943376ad1f96/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for help, guidance or support as a parent, adolescent, adult, or couple? Do you feel out of tune with your friends or family? Overwhelmed with de mands? Or stuck in relational or behavioral patterns? Therapy can open you to new perspectives. As your therapist, I can help you widen your view, find your competence and reconnect with yourself, so you feel up to life’s challenges. I will be a curious and empathic listener and provide a secure, contained space to explore.
Are you looking for help, guidance or support as a parent, adolescent, adult, or couple? Do you feel out of tune with your friends or family? Overwhelmed with de mands? Or stuck in relational or behavioral patterns? Therapy can open you to new perspectives. As your therapist, I can help you widen your view, find your competence and reconnect with yourself, so you feel up to life’s challenges. I will be a curious and empathic listener and provide a secure, contained space to explore.
![Photo of Adam Kremen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdf35ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
People have come to me from many backgrounds and with a wide range of issues, from ordinary life problems to serious mental illness.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
People have come to me from many backgrounds and with a wide range of issues, from ordinary life problems to serious mental illness.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
![Photo of Philip James Keddy, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9afe62e-57ed-4c05-bc47-1956329c8567/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide Jungian-oriented and existential-hu manistic psychotherapy, including dream interpretation.
Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself, to experience a greater sense of wholeness and freedom? We can find answers to these questions and work towards a greater sense of meaning in your life. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 30 years of experience to helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.
I provide Jungian-oriented and existential-hu manistic psychotherapy, including dream interpretation.
Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself, to experience a greater sense of wholeness and freedom? We can find answers to these questions and work towards a greater sense of meaning in your life. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 30 years of experience to helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.
![Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f21d200e-72bd-429e-8607-0a75538004c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
![Photo of Noah Oderberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/680bb5d2-e127-47d3-9c7d-881604773db6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
![Photo of Andy Sussman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1e9931c-92d9-4040-9bb6-e49e8df792bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andy Sussman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.
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![Photo of Aron Sumii, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c18336-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Aron Sumii
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I first and foremost adapt my style of therapy to meet your needs. We work together to identify what best supports you toward your goals or areas of focus in therapy. Some clients progress through insight and understanding about an issue while others progress through tangible present-moment skills and tools, all of which I can provide support you with. I also feel that Identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc) plays an important role about how we experience the world and how the world views us and I incorporate this into therapy. I see therapy as an equal and collaborative effort between us.
I first and foremost adapt my style of therapy to meet your needs. We work together to identify what best supports you toward your goals or areas of focus in therapy. Some clients progress through insight and understanding about an issue while others progress through tangible present-moment skills and tools, all of which I can provide support you with. I also feel that Identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc) plays an important role about how we experience the world and how the world views us and I incorporate this into therapy. I see therapy as an equal and collaborative effort between us.
![Photo of Alek Jeziorek, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd25912d-8b53-47a4-b7ff-b618515bd2c8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alek Jeziorek
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618
I understand therapy to be a healing process rooted in our relationship; a therapeutic relationship built on authenticity, curiosity, empathy, deep attunement, and one without judgment. My initial goal is to help you become fully aware of your distress and understand it, and work with you to relieve it in the process. I believe that you have the innate ability to heal yourself and your relationships. So in the long-term, my goal is to help you access this innate ability.
I understand therapy to be a healing process rooted in our relationship; a therapeutic relationship built on authenticity, curiosity, empathy, deep attunement, and one without judgment. My initial goal is to help you become fully aware of your distress and understand it, and work with you to relieve it in the process. I believe that you have the innate ability to heal yourself and your relationships. So in the long-term, my goal is to help you access this innate ability.
![Photo of Aaron Wilson, LMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96490a13-b894-4db8-88f1-0183e03f8ad1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aaron Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
AUTHENTICITY, ALIVENESS, and CONNECTION are vital ingredients to living a healthy and meaningful life. Unfortunately these qualities do not always receive the proper attention needed to thrive. As a result, we develop coping strategies that often lead us to not getting what we want in life, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck. Therapy can help you make meaningful change to live the life you wish and to create the relationships you long for.
AUTHENTICITY, ALIVENESS, and CONNECTION are vital ingredients to living a healthy and meaningful life. Unfortunately these qualities do not always receive the proper attention needed to thrive. As a result, we develop coping strategies that often lead us to not getting what we want in life, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck. Therapy can help you make meaningful change to live the life you wish and to create the relationships you long for.
![Photo of Michael Shaw, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1872c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe three core things about therapy: 1. People are inherently healthy. 2. Therapy is not just about symptoms. 3. If the therapy is working, you'll know it. Traditionally, psychotherapy has been associated with illness while wellness and depth have been left to the self-help movement. The theory I practice sees everyone as sound at the core. As a result, there is no ceiling on "getting better." Someone with symptoms wants to feel more like him or herself, which I aim to make happen as quickly as possible. At the same time, I help people to achieve clear interpersonal, professional, and creative change.
I believe three core things about therapy: 1. People are inherently healthy. 2. Therapy is not just about symptoms. 3. If the therapy is working, you'll know it. Traditionally, psychotherapy has been associated with illness while wellness and depth have been left to the self-help movement. The theory I practice sees everyone as sound at the core. As a result, there is no ceiling on "getting better." Someone with symptoms wants to feel more like him or herself, which I aim to make happen as quickly as possible. At the same time, I help people to achieve clear interpersonal, professional, and creative change.
![Photo of Wallace Earl Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f46e38-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
![Photo of Tim Tisdell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db071bd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
![Photo of Dean Jones - EMDR Therapist Dean Jones, LCSW , LCSW , EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60ab78de-db03-4b65-ad47-860bcad8d015/2/320x400.jpeg)
EMDR Therapist Dean Jones, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , EMDR
Verified Verified
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618
As a well-seasoned therapist, I have a balance of wisdom and knowledge. I have worked with various demographics assisting in the healing process of various forms of trauma. I also provide training to clinicians as well, EMDR. With me, you will get experience, compassion, and sensitivity to your needs as we work together collaboratively to heal the wounds of the past that will allow for joy presently and in your future. It is possible as I have witnessed it hundreds of times. Let the healing start now. I am also a culturally focused therapist with a special interest in reprocessing racialized trauma and other form of oppression.
As a well-seasoned therapist, I have a balance of wisdom and knowledge. I have worked with various demographics assisting in the healing process of various forms of trauma. I also provide training to clinicians as well, EMDR. With me, you will get experience, compassion, and sensitivity to your needs as we work together collaboratively to heal the wounds of the past that will allow for joy presently and in your future. It is possible as I have witnessed it hundreds of times. Let the healing start now. I am also a culturally focused therapist with a special interest in reprocessing racialized trauma and other form of oppression.
![Photo of Reed A Malcolm Psychotherapist, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8ecf7f0-95ee-4c3a-bb8e-450e0c2d5b8e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Reed A Malcolm Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618
I am a psychotherapist treating both adults and couples, in-person and on-line, with offices in SF and Oakland. I take a relational and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. My clinical orientation is grounded in both Psychoanalytic and Attachment Theory. I am trained in Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy, and (for couples) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I am also trained in EMDR.
I am a psychotherapist treating both adults and couples, in-person and on-line, with offices in SF and Oakland. I take a relational and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. My clinical orientation is grounded in both Psychoanalytic and Attachment Theory. I am trained in Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy, and (for couples) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I am also trained in EMDR.
![Photo of Michael Anthony Tompkins, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4075d7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Anthony Tompkins
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shafter, Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I am the author of 14 books, including, Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear (New Harbinger, 2013), OCD: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (New Harbinger, 2012), and Anxiety and Depression: Simple, Effective CBT Techniques to Manage Moods and Feel Better Now (New Harbinger, 2020).
I have over 30 years of experience providing cognitive-behavior therapy for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic insomnia. I am a licensed psychologist, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, and Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I am an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an adjunct faculty member of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I am the author of fourteen books and present workshops and trainings to national and international audiences.
I am the author of 14 books, including, Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear (New Harbinger, 2013), OCD: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (New Harbinger, 2012), and Anxiety and Depression: Simple, Effective CBT Techniques to Manage Moods and Feel Better Now (New Harbinger, 2020).
I have over 30 years of experience providing cognitive-behavior therapy for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic insomnia. I am a licensed psychologist, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, and Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I am an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an adjunct faculty member of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I am the author of fourteen books and present workshops and trainings to national and international audiences.
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Male Therapists
As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?
There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.
How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?
Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client. Prospective clients should also ask what the expectation is for treatment, and what the fee structure is, and whether and which insurance plans are accepted.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?
Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with a male therapist. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges, in the case of male clients. Some women have prior negative experiences with women that predispose them to prefer working with a male in therapy. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.
Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?
Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.