Zach Gratz-Lazarus, LCSW

Psychotherapist in private practice based in the east bay

My Approach

The world we live in today easily overwhelms. The pressures of parenthood, the gains and pains of our online presences, the hustle and pressures of work in today's economy can leave little space for coping when life's true crises arise: the pain of a diagnosis, the loss of employment, struggles with addiction, or serious mental illness. And supporting a loved one struggling with these issues creates its own challenges.In my private practice, through thoughtful listening and reflection, I support my clients in re-discovering their inner strength. Informed by a narrative therapy and strength based approach, I support clients struggling with some of life's hardest turns. Healing requires trust, reflection, self-appreciation, and effort. These skills, unfortunately, don't always come easily. Should I be a good fit, I am here for you along the journey.My practice includes supporting adults and youth.

About Me

I started my clinical social work journey in 2010 as an intern supporting children with who have an incarcerated parent and their caregivers, followed by a year working within West Contra Costa Unified working with elementary and high school aged children and youth.Since, I have spent the last decade and more working in community mental health, first within a Family Resource Center in San Francisco followed by the Public Defender’s Office. Presently, I am a manager of Alameda County's Criminal Court Appointed Social Work Program: recruiting, providing consultation, supervising and training social workers working with criminal justice impacted clients.I am a participant in the 2024 year long Narrative Therapy training through the Evanston Narrative Therapy Center after completing an intensive training in 2022. I am trained in Motivational Interviewing and completed a year long training of young men's work with Brother's on the Rise. I have also completed two phases of the UNtraining white privilege project.I love hikes and nature, redwood trees, and time in community, and my East Bay home. My sweetie and I live in the East Bay where I co-raise two children, one of whom lives with a complex medical condition, and one small rescue pup.

Educational background

Licensed with Board of Behavioral Sciences, April 2016
MSW, Children and Family (Clinical Focus), UC Berkeley class of 2012
BA, Religion, Wesleyan University class of 2006

Clinical Supervision

Since 2022, I have provided clinical supervision to Associate Social Workers working with clients involved in the justice system, clients suffering from addiction, depression, trauma or severe mental illness. Supporting clinicians new to the field keeps me inspired with fresh perspectives on the work.I maintain a reduced rate for clinicians requiring supervision who work in community mental health settings.

Location, Fee & Contact

Presently, I primarily see clients on Mondays online or outside, though I am looking for part-time office space in Oakland or Alameda.I am happy to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit for me to support you on your journey.My current fee schedule is $220 for a 60 minute session. I am not accepting insurance at this time but can provide a receipt for out of network PPO or FSA reimbursement.