Rate Dr. Justin Castello

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!