Dementia Therapists in San Rafael, CA

Photo of Dr. Elizabeth S Sutherland - Geropsychologist, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Elizabeth S Sutherland - Geropsychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I am a Geropsychologist which means I specialize with older adults. I provide forensic neuropsychological evaluations to assist with decision making capacity for the following domains: medical/financial consent, sexual consent, testamentary consent, driving, independent living. Evaluations/therapy also assist with diagnoses for dementia, depression, anxiety, and/or grief/loss. I work with family members/caregivers caring for those with dementia and perhaps behavioral challenges associated with the dementia. I currently work at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) for the Department of Geropsychiatry since 2007.
I am a Geropsychologist which means I specialize with older adults. I provide forensic neuropsychological evaluations to assist with decision making capacity for the following domains: medical/financial consent, sexual consent, testamentary consent, driving, independent living. Evaluations/therapy also assist with diagnoses for dementia, depression, anxiety, and/or grief/loss. I work with family members/caregivers caring for those with dementia and perhaps behavioral challenges associated with the dementia. I currently work at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) for the Department of Geropsychiatry since 2007.
(415) 813-1411 View (415) 813-1411
Photo of Paula F Mierzejewski, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paula F Mierzejewski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults facing life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. Iwork with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults facing life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. Iwork with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
(628) 333-3593 View (628) 333-3593
Photo of Melanie Summerhayes Neuropsychologist, PsyD, Psychologist
Melanie Summerhayes Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I provide clinical neuropsychological evaluations for a wide range of known or suspected cognitive disorders across the lifespan. I also provide psychotherapy to those suffering from life stressors related to medical conditions, losing a loved one, trauma, grief, and depression. Life is full of challenges and can leave you wondering where to go next. This can lead to all sorts of pain, frustration, sadness, anger, and resentment. The good news is that you do not have to struggle alone. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, insight oriented and solution focused therapy, and teach DBT coping skills.
I provide clinical neuropsychological evaluations for a wide range of known or suspected cognitive disorders across the lifespan. I also provide psychotherapy to those suffering from life stressors related to medical conditions, losing a loved one, trauma, grief, and depression. Life is full of challenges and can leave you wondering where to go next. This can lead to all sorts of pain, frustration, sadness, anger, and resentment. The good news is that you do not have to struggle alone. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, insight oriented and solution focused therapy, and teach DBT coping skills.
(415) 766-9499 View (415) 766-9499
Photo of Wendy Labov-Dunne - Wendy Labov-Dunne, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Labov-Dunne, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Waitlist for new clients
I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. Most important is the building of trust. My presence is kind and authentic, with healthy boundaries. An experienced Individual and Couples therapist, I teach relational skill-building, personally and inter-personally. I'm comfortable with all kinds of trauma, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, addiction, loss & grief, spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I encourage clients to identify and move closer to what is really important in their lives. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative & alive.
I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. Most important is the building of trust. My presence is kind and authentic, with healthy boundaries. An experienced Individual and Couples therapist, I teach relational skill-building, personally and inter-personally. I'm comfortable with all kinds of trauma, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, addiction, loss & grief, spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I encourage clients to identify and move closer to what is really important in their lives. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative & alive.
(415) 635-0502 View (415) 635-0502
Photo of Caroline Jeanne Keystone - Caroline Keystone, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caroline Keystone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I thrive on connecting with clients in a way that provides them with the safety and support needed to achieve desired goals, explore and change problematic behaviors, and process experiences that are proving to be challenging. I work with clients to establish a strong therapeutic alliance that is both genuine and non-judgmental, utilizing humor, warmth, and compassion.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I thrive on connecting with clients in a way that provides them with the safety and support needed to achieve desired goals, explore and change problematic behaviors, and process experiences that are proving to be challenging. I work with clients to establish a strong therapeutic alliance that is both genuine and non-judgmental, utilizing humor, warmth, and compassion.
(415) 592-5435 View (415) 592-5435
Photo of Annie Danberg, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annie Danberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94915
Life’s difficulties – when held properly – are like the grains of sand that form the pearl in the oyster. I am here to help you discover that pearl. Are you feeling tossed and confused by life’s sea changes? I’m here to guide you into discovering what generates the whirlwind in your mind, the ache in your body, the weight and grip in your belly. We’ll use art-making, mindfulness, dreamwork, and inner listening to dip beneath the surface.
Life’s difficulties – when held properly – are like the grains of sand that form the pearl in the oyster. I am here to help you discover that pearl. Are you feeling tossed and confused by life’s sea changes? I’m here to guide you into discovering what generates the whirlwind in your mind, the ache in your body, the weight and grip in your belly. We’ll use art-making, mindfulness, dreamwork, and inner listening to dip beneath the surface.
(415) 521-3756 View (415) 521-3756
Photo of Kristen-Lee Jorbahn Gkikas - Kristen Jorbahn Gkikas, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Jorbahn Gkikas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903
If you have found this page you are likely feeling lost, confused, overwhelmed or simply don’t feel like yourself anymore. Maybe you are having a difficult time with a life transition or are struggling to cope with a loss. I am here to help you get back on track so that you can reconnect with your true sense of self and gain confidence that you can tackle problems, now and in the future.
If you have found this page you are likely feeling lost, confused, overwhelmed or simply don’t feel like yourself anymore. Maybe you are having a difficult time with a life transition or are struggling to cope with a loss. I am here to help you get back on track so that you can reconnect with your true sense of self and gain confidence that you can tackle problems, now and in the future.
(415) 849-4480 View (415) 849-4480
Photo of Alyse Clayman, LCSW, CPC, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alyse Clayman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPC, LICSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I treat adolescent girls and women coping with a variety of presenting problems/diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting challenges, and overall mental health. In addition, I have specific expertise in working with young people experiencing anti-Semitism. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable, and I focus on developing a collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem.
I treat adolescent girls and women coping with a variety of presenting problems/diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting challenges, and overall mental health. In addition, I have specific expertise in working with young people experiencing anti-Semitism. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable, and I focus on developing a collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem.
(415) 969-5707 View (415) 969-5707
Photo of Elizabeth Alcaraz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Alcaraz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with individuals and families on their journey to improve their mental health and well-being. I provide a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength based approach.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with individuals and families on their journey to improve their mental health and well-being. I provide a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength based approach.
(415) 849-4915 View (415) 849-4915
Photo of Gretchen Kishbaugh, PhD, Psychologist
Gretchen Kishbaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
(707) 518-6142 View (707) 518-6142
Photo of Caitlin West, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Is a chronic or serious illness impacting your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, adjustment to illness, uncertainty, role changes, loss, or depression? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your experience? I can help you. I help clients navigate the impact that illness has on all areas of their lives. Please note that I am part of the Compassionate Integrative Counseling Group. Our group consists of three seasoned therapists who specialize in working with patients, caregivers, and loved ones around the complexities of serious illness.
Is a chronic or serious illness impacting your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, adjustment to illness, uncertainty, role changes, loss, or depression? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your experience? I can help you. I help clients navigate the impact that illness has on all areas of their lives. Please note that I am part of the Compassionate Integrative Counseling Group. Our group consists of three seasoned therapists who specialize in working with patients, caregivers, and loved ones around the complexities of serious illness.
(707) 200-8368 View (707) 200-8368
Photo of Joy A Fillman, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Joy A Fillman
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
(415) 800-2493 View (415) 800-2493
Photo of Judy Iwanier, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judy Iwanier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I offer support to survivors of traumatic experiences, individuals who have experienced a loss or separation from a loved one, as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety. Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truly agonizing.
I offer support to survivors of traumatic experiences, individuals who have experienced a loss or separation from a loved one, as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety. Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truly agonizing.
(707) 419-3415 View (707) 419-3415
Barbara E Nova
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
After 30 years of doing psychotherapy with individuals and families, I am shifting to providing psychological assessments with children, teens, and adults. I currently have a waiting list for psychological assessments. My approach is thorough and affordable. Please call today for a free one-hour consultation.
After 30 years of doing psychotherapy with individuals and families, I am shifting to providing psychological assessments with children, teens, and adults. I currently have a waiting list for psychological assessments. My approach is thorough and affordable. Please call today for a free one-hour consultation.
(415) 991-3275 View (415) 991-3275
Photo of Erika S Tomlinson, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Erika S Tomlinson
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94915  (Online Only)
A Harvard and Stanford trained trauma therapist and clinical neuropsychologist, my passion is helping individuals return to themselves after trauma, chronic illness and major life changes. Has something changed in your life and you just don't feel like yourself anymore? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to get through the day? Do you feel scared, angry, or stuck? If so, you're not alone! People who have experienced major events or illnesses often feel frustrated, uncertain, and overwhelmed. They worry that this will go on forever. But there is hope. I can help you to focus your mind, process your feelings, and rekindle joy.
A Harvard and Stanford trained trauma therapist and clinical neuropsychologist, my passion is helping individuals return to themselves after trauma, chronic illness and major life changes. Has something changed in your life and you just don't feel like yourself anymore? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to get through the day? Do you feel scared, angry, or stuck? If so, you're not alone! People who have experienced major events or illnesses often feel frustrated, uncertain, and overwhelmed. They worry that this will go on forever. But there is hope. I can help you to focus your mind, process your feelings, and rekindle joy.
(415) 358-7542 View (415) 358-7542
Photo of Jessica Shank, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Shank
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
I am currently accepting new clients! It takes amazing strength and courage to share our insecurities, worries and pain. As a compassionate therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and trusting space where you can feel better and get relief. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, I provide a free 15 minute consult to help make the process less overwhelming and to explore if working together is the right fit for you. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families.
I am currently accepting new clients! It takes amazing strength and courage to share our insecurities, worries and pain. As a compassionate therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and trusting space where you can feel better and get relief. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, I provide a free 15 minute consult to help make the process less overwhelming and to explore if working together is the right fit for you. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families.
(707) 505-9584 View (707) 505-9584
Photo of Linda Fong - Wisdom of Mind and Body, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wisdom of Mind and Body
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
(925) 255-7552 View (925) 255-7552

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nancy Haugen - Nancy Haugen, PhD, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Nancy Haugen, PhD
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
Therapy only works when there is a "sense of connection". Research discovered that for therapy to be successful, the client needed to have a feeling of connection. There are two parts to that: 1. You feel like the therapist really knows what they are doing. 2. You feel like the therapist REALLY gets who you are. For me, the art in therapy is the ability to listen between the lines to be able to understand the nuances that make you, you. You should know in the first session whether the therapist is the right fit for you.
Therapy only works when there is a "sense of connection". Research discovered that for therapy to be successful, the client needed to have a feeling of connection. There are two parts to that: 1. You feel like the therapist really knows what they are doing. 2. You feel like the therapist REALLY gets who you are. For me, the art in therapy is the ability to listen between the lines to be able to understand the nuances that make you, you. You should know in the first session whether the therapist is the right fit for you.
(415) 991-1215 View (415) 991-1215
Photo of Alyssa Steiger, PsyD, Psychologist
Alyssa Steiger
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Are you stuck in unhealthy patterns that you don't know how to break? Or struggling with something and thinking you might need extra support? Whether we tackle long-standing issues or address an immediate problem, you will find this integrative therapy useful and be grateful you took up this endeavor. I have a very modern, honest and direct style of communicating that allows us to focus on your goals in a collaborative and constructive way, but more importantly, in a way that makes sense to you.
Are you stuck in unhealthy patterns that you don't know how to break? Or struggling with something and thinking you might need extra support? Whether we tackle long-standing issues or address an immediate problem, you will find this integrative therapy useful and be grateful you took up this endeavor. I have a very modern, honest and direct style of communicating that allows us to focus on your goals in a collaborative and constructive way, but more importantly, in a way that makes sense to you.
(628) 227-6278 View (628) 227-6278
Photo of Tina Chase, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tina Chase
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94914
Waitlist for new clients
Life presents us with emotional challenges, which can deeply affect us. It might be the death of someone we dearly love; a loved one's life-threatening diagnosis; marital issues; a painful divorce; an emotionally-challenging late-in life “gray divorce.” You may be feeling sad, lonely, scared, betrayed, or not wanting to face another day. You could be the parent of a child having difficult feelings, or who is resisting seeing one of his/her parents. These times challenge you at your deepest core when you are the most vulnerable, and can make life feel too hard to bear.
Life presents us with emotional challenges, which can deeply affect us. It might be the death of someone we dearly love; a loved one's life-threatening diagnosis; marital issues; a painful divorce; an emotionally-challenging late-in life “gray divorce.” You may be feeling sad, lonely, scared, betrayed, or not wanting to face another day. You could be the parent of a child having difficult feelings, or who is resisting seeing one of his/her parents. These times challenge you at your deepest core when you are the most vulnerable, and can make life feel too hard to bear.
(415) 683-7992 View (415) 683-7992
Dementia Therapists

Can dementia patients benefit from counseling?

Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counseling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counselors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counselors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.

How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?

To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.

What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioral and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.

When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?

It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.