KAIROS Psychology Group

Now a part of Saint John Vianney Center’s Care Network

Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the psychological and spiritual well-being of clergy, religious, candidates for ministry and religious formation, pastoral and spiritual leaders, and all who regard spirituality as an essential dimension of their lives. We provide comprehensive psychological services including individual psychotherapy, psychological assessment, education, and consultation within a welcoming, respectful, safe, and confidential environment. Through our professional expertise and commitment to holistic care, we seek to foster personal growth, vocational integrity, and the flourishing of faith communities.

About Us

Kairos Psychology Group is a nonprofit psychological practice in Oakland that offers compassionate, confidential care for clergy, religious, ministry candidates, and pastoral leaders. In a safe and welcoming environment, our team provides individual psychotherapy, in-depth psychological and vocational assessments, education, and consultation to support emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being.

With the common goal of providing mission driven psychological care services to the Church, Kairos Psychology Group (KPG) and Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC) began a partnership in January 2024. KPG is now a part of SJVC’s Care Network on the West Coast.

Our Services

We provide assessments and evaluations, psychotherapy and counseling, and spiritual direction for clergy and men and women religious. Our services are offered in English and Spanish.

-Assessment and psychological evaluations for:

Religious Life – candidates and final vows
Seminary
Permanent Diaconate

-Clinical Assessment for individuals experiencing ministry difficulties

-Cognitive and emotional screenings for issues of aging, cognitive difficulties

-Incardination, fitness for duty, transfer into a new/different religious community, return to ministry

-For Leadership transitioning out of a leadership role

Assessments are conducted by an interdisciplinary team – psychiatrist, psychologist, spiritual care advisor, and nurse, if applicable.

To plan for an assessment, and for travel and accommodation information, please contact our office.

Psychological and spiritually integrated therapy and counseling services are provided for clergy, men and women religious, and permanent deacons and their spouses. Services include:

Individual Psychotherapy and Counseling
Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction
Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Anger and Stress Management
Marital Therapy and Counseling
Grief & Trauma Response

Examples of issues that may be covered include:

Personal effectiveness (e.g., anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, adjustment to life transitions, the aging process, difficulties with the acculturation process)
Behavioral challenges (eg., alcohol and substance use and abuse, gaming, gambling, internet use, sexual struggles)
Interpersonal effectiveness (e.g., anger, isolation, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress)
Spiritual issues (e.g., relationship with God, vocational discernment)

For married permanent deacons and married clergy:

Behavioral and mental health issues within the marriage (e.g., marital stressors, spousal distress)
Within the family (e.g., conflicts related to child rearing, child development concerns).

Our approach to therapy is:

Integrative
Tailored to meet your needs.
Psychodynamic
A relational model
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT)
Solution-focused
Time-limited or long-term, depending on your needs
Collaborative – we set clear goals with you.

We offer an opportunity to share with another how God is present in and through our prayer and everyday life experiences with the purpose of helping individuals grow in a personal relationship with God.

Spiritual direction can assist an individual to:

Listen more attentively to God’s voice
Increase awareness of God’s love and presence
Find clarity in decision making
Cope better with the difficulties in life
Share more deeply in God’s peace
Move through forgiving self/others
Express love through service to others

Consultation, facilitation, and educational wellness programs are provided for dioceses and religious communities. Contact us to discuss your interests and needs.

303 Adams St #309, Oakland, CA 94610

(510) 834-4080