We heard you & are responding!
In the past year we asked the community what resources the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland should focus on. Out of the 27 categories people identified, Therapy/Mental Health Resources topped the list.
The Mental Health Program is brand new and seeking collaboration with the community to create a meaningful programming that is responsive and relevant to the community’s needs.
Given the stressful times we currently live in and everything that has happened since Covid, there has been a marked increase in anxiety, fear, unrest, uncertainty and unsafe. We are hoping to partner with our community to offer a mental health program that is a useful resource for everyone. We hope to support and resource people via events, workshops and other activities that will support mental and emotional health and wellness.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email our Mental Health Director, H. Ameeta Singh, LMFT #50409 @ asingh@ywca-berkeley.org
Our Vision
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Clinical Training Program
that offers no to low cost individual and group therapy services for the Berkeley/Oakland Community while simultaneously creating a socially and racially aware training program for therapists working towards licensure in California.
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External Community Offerings
that include discussion groups; support groups and /or other group based activities that folks can participate in to learn more about mental health in general and more specific areas of need in the community
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Internal Offerings
to staff and interns of the YWCA to support mental wellbeing, self care and education on mental & emotional wellness as they provide much needed services to the community.
Healthy Relationships Series
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Mutual Respect and Trust
Thursday, November 20th, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
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Honesty, Equity and Consent
Thursday, January 22nd, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
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Compromise, Interdependence and Quality Time
Thursday, Feburary 19th, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
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Safety; Emotional, Psychological and Physical
Thursday, March 19th, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
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Reflective Listening and Emotional Self Regulation
Thursday, April 23rd, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
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Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Thursday, May 21st, 2025 10:30AM-12:00PM
Join us for a monthly open conversation with our Mental Health Director to explore these important questions and more.
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together — because real change starts with you.
Wellness
Upcoming events
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Rooted in Rest: A Candlelit Yoga & Sound Journey with Shirley Johnson
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
6:30–7:30PMAs autumn invites us to release and return inward, join us for an evening of slowing down in community. Join Shirley Johnson, certified yoga teacher & licensed psychotherapist, under the soft glow of candlelight. This gentle yoga and sound bath experience will guide you into deep rest and renewal. Allow the slowing rhythm of the season to remind your body how to soften, surrender, and release.
Join Shirley Johnson – LMFT, herbalist, yoga teacher, and sound healer – for 60 minutes of gentle, accessible movement, plant meditation, sound healing, and tea. We’ll begin promptly at 6:00 PM and close with an optional 15-minute conversation space for those who’d like to stay.
What to Expect:
Gentle Yoga: Slow, soothing postures to unwind tension and ground into the body.
Guided Breath Meditation: Simple breathing practices to quiet the mind and balance the nervous system.
Sound Bath: Immersive tones of crystal bowls and gong to support deep relaxation and energetic rejuvenation.
This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed. Come as you are, ready to exhale, restore, and settle into the nurturing embrace of autumn’s calm.