Dr. Justin Castello, Psychologist
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Justin is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Justin
- 17 years' experience
- Male
- Psychologist
Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist and was born and raised in the CA central bay area. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco (SF). I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years and as a Harm Reduction Psychotherapist for 14 years, in a variety of settings.
This work began in a locked acute psychiatric facility and in social rehabilitation housing in Santa Cruz. In my 9 years with the Harm Reduction Therapy Center (HRTC), I provided therapy at a community program for transitional aged youth in the SF Haight, at two community programs in the SF Tenderloin, at Pretrial Diversion of SF County, at a K-8 charter school for at-risk youth in east Oakland, and at HRTC’s SF and Oakland private practice offices as as an individual and group psychotherapist and the Program/Intake Coordinator. In January 2016 I joined UC Berkeley University Health Services (UHS) Social Services Unit as part of their Alcohol and Other Drugs and Trauma Teams, and have been honored to collaborate with UHS staff to support and serve its students.
In addition to my therapeutic role, I've provided trainings and presented on Alcohol and other Drugs, Harm Reduction Therapy, Harm Reduction Group Facilitation, and other psychological issues at UHS and on campus, at the Harm Reduction Coalition in Oakland, at the Harm Reduction Conference in New Orleans, at the American Psychological Association Convention in Hawaii, and at American Group Psychotherapy Association Conferences in New York. I am also a UC Berkeley and UC San Diego Extension Instructor and have developed and taught a course on Substance Use Treatment Group Therapy Facilitation.
As a Harm Reduction Psychotherapist I don't place value judgments on alcohol and other drug use or other behaviors and mental health concerns society often shame people for or attach stigma to. I recognize that though such things may significantly impact your life they don't fully define you as a person and you are much more than a disorder/diagnosis, behavior, or other label. I will acknowledge all of your intersecting identities and how they influence your life experiences. I invite you to come as you are and will meet you where you are at. I won't assume I know what is best for you or tell you what you have to do/how to live your life. While I will have suggestions and recommendations based on my expertise, the information you share with me, and the therapeutic goals you choose over the course of our therapeutic relationship, ultimately you have the self-determination to make your own choices. We'll work together in a collaborative partnership. If this sounds like what you're looking for I'd be happy and honored to work with you!
It takes courage to ask for help. I commend you on prioritizing your health and desire for positive change/a more fulfilling life.
Thanks very much for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon!
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Jungian Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Dr. Justin Castello's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1912364720.
- Psychologist · California · 27747 · Expires October 2024
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.
Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.
Reviews for Dr. Justin Castello
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Justin Castello offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Dr. Justin Castello works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Dr. Justin Castello speak?
Dr. Justin Castello speaks English.
How many years of experience does Dr. Justin Castello have?
Dr. Justin Castello has 17 years of experience.
Where is Dr. Justin Castello licensed to practice?
Dr. Justin Castello is licensed to practice in California.
Does Dr. Justin Castello accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Dr. Justin Castello does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Dr. Justin Castello offer?
Dr. Justin Castello offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Dr. Justin Castello?
Dr. Justin Castello can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Dr. Justin Castello?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.