My practice is currently full. For the waiting list email Richard@OutOfTheBramble.com
To find other local providers check the directory of the
North Coast Association of Mental Health Professionals at www.ncamhp.org
Etta Bergstresser is a lifelong resident of Humboldt County. Her parents relocated to Eureka in the 1940's, her father working as a timber faller and later as a longshoreman, her mother running a small restaurant. Her childhood was spent in Eureka with weekends in Orleans and summers at the families ancestral property near Oakhurst, CA. She is proud to be a member of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians and enjoys working with the Native community whenever possible.
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She received her BA in English from Humboldt State University in 1994, her senior project titled Daughters of Pocahontas: The Portrayal of American Indian Women in Literature. She nearly completed an MA in Sociology at HSU before family circumstances forced a change in direction. For eight years Etta was a Senior Research Analyst at HSU's Center for Applied Social Analysis Education (CASAE). In that capacity she wrote and administered grants, collected and analyzed data, monitored compliance with State and Federal requirements, and conducted countless interviews with families, staff, and caregivers. Key collaborators during this period were United Indian Health Services, the Humboldt Area 1 Agency on Aging, and the Humboldt County Probation Department.
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In 2013 Etta received her Masters of Social Work from HSU. Her internships were spent at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville and with the Behavioral Health branch of Humboldt County DHHS, specifically in crisis services of all types. These experiences confirmed what she already knew: her focus would be on those most in need of quality mental health care in our community.
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After receiving her MSW Etta began as a Mental Health Clinician with county Adult Outpatient Services. Working with our most critically mentally ill and underserved community members provided a depth and breadth of experience that is hard to acquire elsewhere. Without exception the most challenging cases brought the most satisfaction and professional growth.
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In opening a private practice Etta wanted to continue being accessible to as many people as possible. The office location was chosen with parking, public transportation, and nearby amenities and necessities in mind. Evening appointments help to simplify already complicated lives, and the flexibility of using in-person, telephone, or telehealth services means clients don't need to delay their progress due to circumstances.
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Etta knows that progress is achieved only if both the client and the therapist put in the work and share the load. Your treatment plan will be realistic, collaborative, and will evolve with you as needed.