Master of Social Work

Skylar Selik brings a diverse background in mental health care, with experience spanning youth intervention, substance abuse disorder therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). After completing internships at the Youth Intervention Center and Havenwyck Hospital, Skylar worked as an outpatient therapist at Ellie Mental Health before joining Oakland Family Services in 2024. 

Skylar serves a wide range of clients but has a particular interest in working with teens and young adults struggling with substance use disorders. Using a person-centered approach, Skylar prioritizes building strong therapeutic relationships through genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and a safe, validating environment. Treatment methods include motivational interviewing to help clients explore their thoughts and goals, solution-focused therapy to identify strengths and past successes, and cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge negative self-talk and develop healthy coping skills. DBT strategies such as distress tolerance and emotion regulation are also integrated into sessions, along with psychoeducation on communication, boundary-setting, and managing anxiety or anger. 

Skylar has attended multiple specialized trainings, including DBT training through Oakland Family Services and Suicide Intervention training at OCHN.