 Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center (OCRCC) in Pleasant Hill, CA is thrilled to congratulate Stacey, Maddy, Tasal, and David, who in 2025 moved from being trainees to being full Associates in our clinical training program. This is more than a title—it represents hours of learning, growing, reflection, and real client work. Well done! Why Oak Creek is a Top Therapy Practicum Site in Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa County If you’re a graduate student, especially in Marriage & Family Therapy, Counseling, or Social Work, looking for a practicum site, there are few places that combine all the essential ingredients like OCRCC:
Meet Stephen Polin: Supervision Director & Mentor A big part of what makes Oak Creek such a strong practicum site is Stephen (“Steve”) Polin. Some highlights:
These credentials make him someone who not only has deep clinical and supervisory experience, but also understands both the academic side (theories, ethics) and the real-world side (clients, crises, relational work). What Supervision Looks Like: More than Once a Week A standout feature at Oak Creek is how frequent and engaged supervision is. Trainees and Associates are offered supervision from Stephen Polin at four different times a week. This high level of supervision ensures:
This intensity helps make the jump from trainee to Associate more solid, more confident. You’re never “left hanging” or operating in isolation. The Trainee Journey: What It’s Really LikeBecoming a trainee at OCRCC means:
What Rising Graduates Should Know: Tips for Getting a Practicum Site Like OCRCC If you're in a graduate program and seeking a practicum, these tips helped Stacey, Maddy, Tasal, David—and might help you:
Final Words & Congratulations Stacey, Maddy, Tasal, and David—you embody what OCRCC aims for: compassionate, skilled, relational therapists, grounded in supervision, growing through practice. Congratulations on becoming Associates in 2025! You’re an inspiration for trainees across Pleasant Hill, all of Contra Costa County, and the East Bay. And to all of you graduate students out there: a practicum site like Oak Creek, under supervision of someone like Stephen Polin, can be transformative. If you aspire to become your best clinical self, to serve with integrity and relational presence, OCRCC is one of the places to seriously consider. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  Madison Gluck is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee who believes that every person has the innate ability to rewrite their own story and create lasting change. She is passionate about working with couples, families, and individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. In her work, Madison draws from Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Structural Family Therapy, emphasizing empathy, empowerment, and curiosity. She helps couples strengthen their connection, supports families as they navigate conflict, and guides individuals seeking clarity, healing, and direction. Madison’s focus is on fostering deeper understanding and stronger relationships, while co-creating a safe and supportive space for clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. Her areas of focus include anxiety and stress-related concerns, depression, coping skills, life adjustments and transitions, premarital counseling, mood disorders, relational and interpersonal challenges, strengths-based care, substance use and addiction, trauma and PTSD, and women’s issues. Currently completing her clinical training at Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, Madison views therapy as a collaborative journey where clients can discover their strengths, clarify their values, and take meaningful steps toward growth and resilience. She believes therapy is not just about healing wounds—it’s about cultivating insight, building connections, and embracing meaningful change. Madison is supervised by Stephen Polin, LMFT #7861, and offers therapy through Oak Creek’s counseling program. We’re grateful to have her insight, dedication, and compassionate presence on our team. To learn more about Madison or to schedule a session, visit her Therapists page or contact her directly at 415-761-3986. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  Have you ever thought about getting therapy, only to pause because of the cost? You’re not alone. Many individuals, couples, and families delay seeking support due to high session fees or lack of insurance coverage. The good news is there’s a solution. Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, California, is proud to be part of Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, a nonprofit that makes therapy accessible through affordable, sliding-scale rates. What Is Open Path Psychotherapy Collective? Open Path is a national nonprofit network of mental health professionals who provide therapy at significantly reduced rates. For a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65, clients can access therapy sessions that range between $30 and $70 each. For the surrounding community and telehealth clients in California, this means high-quality relational counseling through Oak Creek without the financial barrier that so often keeps people from starting therapy. Key Benefits of Open Path at Oak Creek
How to Get Started with Oak Creek + Open Path If you’re ready to begin, here’s how the process works:
Why Acting Now Matters The future of mental health access is shifting toward greater equity and affordability. By taking advantage of resources like Open Path, you don’t have to wait for “the right time” or better insurance coverage. Affordable therapy is available now, and Oak Creek is here to walk with you. Take the Next Step with Oak Creek By choosing Open Path through Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, you can receive compassionate, affordable therapy that meets you where you are. Ready to begin? Visit Open Path and choose Oak Creek as your provider, or contact us directly to learn more about your options. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. |
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