Depression Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area

Free 15-Minute Consultation

About the Therapist

Christina Wade, LCSW

Christina Wade, LCSW, is a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting adults in California through secure virtual sessions.

She specializes in working with clients who feel stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected — especially those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

Christina’s approach is collaborative and client-centered, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.

She offers evening telehealth appointments and provides a calm, respectful space where clients can explore challenges and feel supported.

Christina is especially passionate about helping individuals move toward clarity, self-trust, and a renewed sense of emotional balance.

“My life at 22: it felt like I was the funny one in the group, but behind closed doors I just wanted to stay in my ‘depression cave.’” — Reddit user, shared publicly

That private ache is familiar for many people. Outwardly, things may look fine: work responsibilities are met, social plans are kept, and life runs on autopilot. Inside, mood is low, interest is gone, and motivation is nearly absent. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the United States experience depression during a given year. That single statistic is a reminder that depression is common, and it is not a personal failure.

If you are feeling drained, numb, or stuck, therapy can help. Christina Wade, psychotherapist, provides trauma-informed, queer-affirming depression therapy across the Bay Area. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience and a steady, compassionate presence, Christina helps clients understand what is driving their depression, develop practical coping tools, and reconnect with what matters to them.

Understanding Depression: More Than Sadness

Depression is more than a passing low mood. It is a condition that affects thoughts, behavior, body, and relationships. People with depression may notice one or more of the following:

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to feel meaningful
Persistent fatigue and low energy even with rest
Difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, or memory problems
Sleep changes, either too much or too little
Appetite and weight changes
Increased irritability or withdrawal from friends and family
Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

Recognizing these signs helps you take the first step toward change. Therapy is not about labeling you. It is about creating a space to make sense of these experiences and to build a plan that supports healing.

Why Therapy Matters: The Difference It Makes

Depression impacts daily functioning, relationships, and physical health. Left unaddressed, it can deepen and make work, parenting, and social connection feel much harder. Therapy offers more than symptom relief—it helps you identify root causes, change unhelpful patterns, and build resilience.

Without Therapy	With Therapy
Ongoing fatigue and low motivation	Renewed energy and improved daily functioning
Strained relationships	Stronger communication and healthier connections
Declining work or academic performance	Increased focus and productivity
Higher risk of chronic health issues	Improved mental and physical well-being
Persistent feelings of hopelessness	Greater resilience and sense of purpose

This need for therapy is universal. People seek help because they want to feel better and to live with more clarity, energy, and connection. That reason is the same whether you are experiencing a single episode or ongoing depressive symptoms.

Christina Wade’s Approach to Depression Therapy

Christina Wade blends clinical expertise with lived understanding. She is a queer, BIPOC psychotherapist who works with adults across all identities and backgrounds. Her practice emphasizes safety, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. Key features of her approach include:

Trauma-informed care: respects pacing and ensures safety for people with past trauma.
Queer-affirming practice: honors identity, intersectionality, and the specific stressors LGBTQ+ people may face.
Motivational Interviewing: supports intentional change and helps clients find personal reasons for healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based techniques: challenge negative thinking and build practical coping tools.
Strength-based and relational frameworks: highlight resilience and work with interpersonal dynamics affecting mood.

Christina meets each client where they are, with warmth, curiosity, and clear, usable strategies. Therapy moves at your pace, and Christina invites clients to be active partners in shaping their goals.

What a Course of Depression Therapy Looks Like

Therapy is a process. Knowing what to expect can ease uncertainty. Christina’s typical flow looks like this:

Stage	Description
Free consultation	15-minute call to answer questions and determine fit
Initial intake	Assessment of history, symptoms, strengths, and goals
Collaborative planning	Identify short-term and long-term aims and select approaches
Skill building	Cognitive reframing, behavioural activation, grounding techniques
Processing and integration	Address trauma, grief, or other underlying factors
Sustaining gains	Develop relapse-prevention strategies and community supports

Sessions are available as evening telehealth appointments and weekend daytime hours, making therapy accessible for busy schedules.

Practical Methods Used in Sessions

Christina draws on a broad set of evidence-based modalities. Depending on your needs, she may integrate:

Modality	Purpose
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)	Identify and change unhelpful thought patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)	Clarify values and take action despite difficult feelings
Motivational Interviewing	Enhance readiness and internal motivation for change
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)	Reduce rumination and stay present
Trauma-focused/Somatic approaches	Process embodied effects of past trauma safely
Relational/Attachment work	Understand relationships’ impact on mood and self-view

Clients leave sessions with concrete tools for use between appointments, not only insights about the past.

A Composite Client Story: Moving from Survival to Living

“Jordan,” in their early 30s, worked in a demanding profession. Publicly competent and sociable, privately they felt depleted. Weekends were for sleep, and hobbies felt hollow.

Therapy began with stabilizing daily rhythms and grounding practices. As trust developed, Jordan explored unresolved grief. Christina helped reframe self-critical thoughts and scheduled small activities for enjoyment. Over months, Jordan felt more present at work, connected in friendships, and less overwhelmed by daily tasks. The change was gradual but steady, providing tools for ongoing self-care.

Support Beyond Sessions: Habits That Help

Therapy is most effective when combined with supportive daily practices.

Habit	Benefit
Consistent sleep schedule	Supports mood regulation and cognitive function
Regular movement	Improves energy, brain health, and endorphin release
Mindfulness/grounding	Reduces rumination, calms nervous system
Creative expression	Processes emotions nonverbally via art, music, writing
Social connection	Buffers against isolation and builds support networks

Christina collaborates with clients to integrate these routines in meaningful and realistic ways.

Therapy and Medication: Coordinating Care

Medication can reduce symptom severity and make engagement in therapy easier. Christina supports clients using medication by coordinating with prescribers when needed. Combining therapy and medication often produces strong outcomes for moderate to severe depression.

Safety and Practical Details

Christina is a licensed psychotherapist in California (License #28533). Training: University of Texas, Austin (MSW, 2006). Nearly 20 years of clinical practice.

Detail	Information
Individual session fee	$180
Couples sessions	$200
Sliding scale	Available upon request
Insurance	Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Quest Behavioral Health
Session format	Evening telehealth; in-person options available
Contact	(510) 686-3839, cwade.consultation@gmail.com
Office	112 W 25th Ave, Suite 2, San Mateo, CA 94403

Confidentiality is a priority, and emergency resources are provided if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long will therapy last?

Duration varies. Some find relief in a few months; others choose longer-term work. Progress is reviewed regularly.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes, secure evening telehealth sessions available.

What if I am unsure therapy will help?

Christina offers a free 15-minute consultation to discuss fit.

Can I use insurance?

Some plans accepted; out-of-network reimbursement may be available. Good Faith Estimate provided upon request.

Is this affirming for LGBTQ+ clients?

Yes. Christina’s practice is queer-affirming and trauma-informed.

Taking the First Step

Reaching out can feel daunting, but it is often the most courageous step. Depression does not define you—it is an experience, not an identity.

Christina Wade, psychotherapist, offers compassionate, affirming care across the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the state of California. Evening telehealth sessions allow flexibility around work and family.

Book a free 15-minute consultation today: Call: (510) 686-3839 Email: cwade.consultation@gmail.com

Healing begins with one conversation. You are worth that conversation.

About the Therapist

Christina Wade, LCSW

Christina Wade, LCSW, is a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting adults in California through secure virtual sessions. She specializes in working with clients who feel stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected — especially those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

Christina’s approach is collaborative and client-centered, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. She offers evening telehealth appointments and provides a calm, respectful space where clients can explore challenges and feel supported.

Christina is especially passionate about helping individuals move toward clarity, self-trust, and a renewed sense of emotional balance.

Depression Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area

Free 15-Minute Consultation

About the Therapist

Christina Wade, LCSW

Understanding Depression: More Than Sadness

Why Therapy Matters: The Difference It Makes

Christina Wade’s Approach to Depression Therapy

What a Course of Depression Therapy Looks Like

Practical Methods Used in Sessions

A Composite Client Story: Moving from Survival to Living

Support Beyond Sessions: Habits That Help

Therapy and Medication: Coordinating Care

Safety and Practical Details

Frequently asked questions

Taking the First Step

About the Therapist

Christina Wade, LCSW

Free 15-Minute Consultation

We’re Here When You’re Ready.

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