 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.  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.  At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we believe in celebrating the milestones and growth of our team members—not just for what they’ve accomplished, but for the lasting impact they’ve made on our clients and community. Today, we’re proud to share that our very own Sara Mauricio, M.A., LMFT #156824, is beginning an exciting new chapter in her professional journey.
Sara has been an integral part of Oak Creek for many years, contributing not only her therapeutic skills but also her warmth, creativity, and deep commitment to client care. Her work has touched countless lives, and her presence has been instrumental in Oak Creek’s growth and success. Those who have had the privilege of working with her—whether as clients, colleagues, or collaborators—know how deeply she invests in each relationship. As she transitions to this next phase, Sara will continue her meaningful work with children in a school-based capacity while also expanding her reach through her own private practice. This move reflects her dedication to meeting clients where they are, supporting them through life’s challenges with compassion, intuition, and honesty. Sara’s therapeutic approach is as unique as it is effective—rooted in a strength-based, person-centered foundation and enriched with emotion-focused therapy, CBT, expressive arts, play, music, movement, and even nature-based practices. She creates spaces where clients can explore, heal, and grow, guiding them toward greater self-worth, resilience, and purpose. While we will miss having her as part of our daily team, we’re excited for all the lives she will continue to impact. Sara, thank you for everything you’ve brought to Oak Creek—you’ve left an indelible mark here, and we’re cheering you on as you continue your incredible work. |
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