Business Details
39 Years
experience
Gay Psychologist & Author in Berkeley, CA
I am a licensed psychologist with over 35 years of experience providing individual therapy and couples counseling for gay men. My practice, established in 1987, focuses on addressing psychological and social challenges unique to gay communities, including trauma, relationship dynamics, and the long-term effects of the AIDS epidemic. I have authored two influential books and contributed to numerous anthologies, while also consulting for organizations like the Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Shanti Project.My therapeutic approach is tailored to each client, drawing from psychodynamic, developmental, and humanistic theories. I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Professional School of Psychology in San Francisco and am licensed in California under PSY-12715. My work emphasizes the importance of understanding personal history, fostering self-acceptance, and building meaningful connections within the gay community.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Trauma Counseling
HIV Prevention Counseling
Relationship Dynamics
Aging Support
Substance Abuse Counseling
Family Systems Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of specialized experience in gay men's psychological health.
- Our practice integrates clinical expertise with cultural understanding of LGBTQ+ communities.
- We provide evidence-based, personalized therapy grounded in psychodynamic and humanistic approaches.
- Our founder authored groundbreaking books on gay men's mental health and HIV prevention.
- We maintain active involvement in professional organizations and public health initiatives.
Services
Individual Therapy
Tailored therapy sessions address acute emotional challenges and long-standing developmental issues for gay men. We focus on relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-acceptance through evidence-based approaches. Clients gain tools to navigate life transitions and build healthier coping mechanisms.
Couples Counseling
Specialized counseling helps couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen intimacy. We address unique challenges faced by gay male relationships while fostering mutual understanding and emotional connection. Sessions focus on both maintaining and rebuilding partnerships.
HIV Prevention Counseling
Comprehensive counseling addresses HIV prevention strategies and psychological impacts of living in the AIDS epidemic era. We explore behavioral patterns, risk assessment, and emotional responses to public health challenges while promoting informed decision-making.
Trauma Counseling
Specialized support helps clients process early-life trauma and epidemic-related losses. We employ trauma-informed approaches to address anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress while fostering resilience and emotional healing.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Targeted interventions address substance use patterns within the context of gay male experiences. We explore underlying emotional triggers and develop strategies for healthier coping mechanisms while considering community-specific challenges.
People
Walt Odets
Licensed Psychologist
California-licensed psychologist with 35+ years of experience specializing in gay men's mental health. Author of two influential books and numerous professional contributions. Combines clinical expertise with deep understanding of LGBTQ+ community challenges.
Questions
What populations do you specialize in working with?
I primarily work with gay men, though I also see women, parents of gay men, and others seeking support for related psychological issues.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I employ an eclectic approach combining psychodynamic, developmental, humanistic, and family-systems theories tailored to each client's specific needs and goals.
Do you offer telehealth services?
Please contact me directly to discuss current service delivery options, including potential telehealth availability for qualified clients.
What are your credentials?
I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from San Francisco's Professional School of Psychology and am licensed in California under PSY-12715.
