Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
Alex Savage
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
You and your story deserve to be heard - in a safe, supportive environment, and on your terms.
You and your story deserve to be heard - in a safe, supportive environment, and on your terms.
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 33 years of practice. I currently provide individual psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/bereavement, family issues, peer issues, relationship issues and/or life transitions. I offer a personalized therapy experience in a safe and inclusive space that honors your uniqueness as an individual. My approach is strength-based and client-centered with a humanistic/existential orientation.
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 33 years of practice. I currently provide individual psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/bereavement, family issues, peer issues, relationship issues and/or life transitions. I offer a personalized therapy experience in a safe and inclusive space that honors your uniqueness as an individual. My approach is strength-based and client-centered with a humanistic/existential orientation.
Mai Timberlake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I work with adults, teens, and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
I work with adults, teens, and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
Leah DeRose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and aspirations. Using a combination of therapeutic techniques I am able to help support you in identifying and processing through areas in your life that you feel are impacted negatively. Drawing from evidence-based practices and my experience, I offer an approach that integrates psychological insight with practical strategies. Together, we will identify your strengths, clarify your values and cultivate resilience to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and aspirations. Using a combination of therapeutic techniques I am able to help support you in identifying and processing through areas in your life that you feel are impacted negatively. Drawing from evidence-based practices and my experience, I offer an approach that integrates psychological insight with practical strategies. Together, we will identify your strengths, clarify your values and cultivate resilience to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Rebecca is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Rebecca is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, OCD, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, or chronic pain/ medical condition, you will find that my treatment framework allows you to make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, OCD, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, or chronic pain/ medical condition, you will find that my treatment framework allows you to make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
My early training and work with young children and their parents prepared me for my current work treating adults and couples; many of the struggles these families had centered around bonding and attachment. Today, most of my adult patients face relationship issues rooted in early life experiences. During psychotherapy treatments, I help my patients understand the value of working through early emotional losses so they can mature and enjoy healthy adult relationships.
My early training and work with young children and their parents prepared me for my current work treating adults and couples; many of the struggles these families had centered around bonding and attachment. Today, most of my adult patients face relationship issues rooted in early life experiences. During psychotherapy treatments, I help my patients understand the value of working through early emotional losses so they can mature and enjoy healthy adult relationships.
Emily Elrod-Black
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We both know this story - waking up each day with anxiety as thoughts about food and body image dominate your mind. The cycle of restrictive eating, binging, and compensating for what we've eaten is one I am personally familiar with, and it has fueled my professional passion for and specialty in recovery from food and body image issues. If you're reading this, you likely want to feel balanced and resilient, able to move through life with greater ease and confidence. It is difficult to achieve this alone, and I am so glad you're here. Therapy can help you heal, re-center, and regain the freedom you've lost.
We both know this story - waking up each day with anxiety as thoughts about food and body image dominate your mind. The cycle of restrictive eating, binging, and compensating for what we've eaten is one I am personally familiar with, and it has fueled my professional passion for and specialty in recovery from food and body image issues. If you're reading this, you likely want to feel balanced and resilient, able to move through life with greater ease and confidence. It is difficult to achieve this alone, and I am so glad you're here. Therapy can help you heal, re-center, and regain the freedom you've lost.
Imagine a thriving business struggling with high employee turnover, low morale, and inefficient processes. The leadership team feels overwhelmed by these complex issues and seeks solutions to enhance productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and streamline operations. They want to create a positive work environment where their team can excel and achieve long-term success. Their ultimate goal is to transform their workplace into a hub of innovation and engagement, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage.
Imagine a thriving business struggling with high employee turnover, low morale, and inefficient processes. The leadership team feels overwhelmed by these complex issues and seeks solutions to enhance productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and streamline operations. They want to create a positive work environment where their team can excel and achieve long-term success. Their ultimate goal is to transform their workplace into a hub of innovation and engagement, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage.
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
My journey in the healing arts is a wonderful one and involves working with clients of all ages and stages of life. I have an integrated therapy approach with a specific focus on intermodal therapies, life transitions, community building, and family/group work. I work with clients who can be experiencing anxiety, adolescent anxiety, depression, substance abuse, significant life adjustments/transitions, post traumatic stress, blended family dynamics, grief/loss, adjustment to motherhood, and couples communication challenges. In our work together we are transforming life challenges into growth opportunities and creative action in your life.
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina approaches therapy with an intersectional perspective, recognizing how various aspects of identity and environment influence one’s life. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina approaches therapy with an intersectional perspective, recognizing how various aspects of identity and environment influence one’s life. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
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The Art of Healing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With specialties in addiction and dual diagnosis; including depression, anxiety and trauma history, I take an integrated, holistic approach to care. The therapeutic relationship is one in which optimum healing is, as a result of the reciprocal bond, between the therapist and the client. One can only be open to the experience of change and improvement in their life if they feel safe. This is the therapy space that I provide in order to help shape authentic, loving and accurate self-awareness. I provide nurturance, guidance, affirmation and compassionate reflection in order to help clients feel grounded in their own decision-making.
With specialties in addiction and dual diagnosis; including depression, anxiety and trauma history, I take an integrated, holistic approach to care. The therapeutic relationship is one in which optimum healing is, as a result of the reciprocal bond, between the therapist and the client. One can only be open to the experience of change and improvement in their life if they feel safe. This is the therapy space that I provide in order to help shape authentic, loving and accurate self-awareness. I provide nurturance, guidance, affirmation and compassionate reflection in order to help clients feel grounded in their own decision-making.
Jesse Tatum
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Book Here: www.tishaaronsenlmft.com. My name is Jesse Tatum and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Aronsen Counseling Services. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Davis and my Master’s degree in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling specialization from Palo Alto University.
Book Here: www.tishaaronsenlmft.com. My name is Jesse Tatum and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Aronsen Counseling Services. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Davis and my Master’s degree in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling specialization from Palo Alto University.
We Are Nature
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We believe we belong in a reciprocal relationship with nature. Nature is a co-facilitator in our therapeutic healing journey. Evidence based studies show that nature therapy engenders a variety of mental health benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, attention restoration, depression alleviation, self-esteem, and embodiment. Through mindfulness and interactive practices, we will immerse ourselves in a chosen outdoor space. Noticing our role in the rich ecosystem around us, we acquaint ourselves with the truth that we are part of, not separate from; healing ourselves to wholeness.
We believe we belong in a reciprocal relationship with nature. Nature is a co-facilitator in our therapeutic healing journey. Evidence based studies show that nature therapy engenders a variety of mental health benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, attention restoration, depression alleviation, self-esteem, and embodiment. Through mindfulness and interactive practices, we will immerse ourselves in a chosen outdoor space. Noticing our role in the rich ecosystem around us, we acquaint ourselves with the truth that we are part of, not separate from; healing ourselves to wholeness.
Daniel Zacarias Messiter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Emotions are a river, and sometimes the current can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for people to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, and finding new insight and resolutions to the difficulties in your life.
Emotions are a river, and sometimes the current can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for people to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, and finding new insight and resolutions to the difficulties in your life.
Caroline Cerussi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Let’s be real, change is hard! But staying stuck in a cycle of pain and overthinking is harder. Are you feeling ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter? If you're someone who's been analyzing, overthinking, constantly wanting to feel better but struggling to know where to start, I'm here to help. I believe analysis and awareness is an important step, but we can’t always out-think our problems or solely focus on the source of the issue. I'm about action, results, and helping you move forward in a safe space. I'll combine empathy with a push to uncover your blind spots so you can make positive change.
Let’s be real, change is hard! But staying stuck in a cycle of pain and overthinking is harder. Are you feeling ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter? If you're someone who's been analyzing, overthinking, constantly wanting to feel better but struggling to know where to start, I'm here to help. I believe analysis and awareness is an important step, but we can’t always out-think our problems or solely focus on the source of the issue. I'm about action, results, and helping you move forward in a safe space. I'll combine empathy with a push to uncover your blind spots so you can make positive change.
The needs of others come before your own? Sometimes, as children, we fundamentally altered who we were to adjust to trauma, role-reversals, and cold parenting. This can create an underdeveloped sense of self or we are sensitive the slightest shifts in the moods of others. Relationships are scary. When happiness finally starts to seep in, an overwhelming fear sets in that it will all collapse & disappear.
The needs of others come before your own? Sometimes, as children, we fundamentally altered who we were to adjust to trauma, role-reversals, and cold parenting. This can create an underdeveloped sense of self or we are sensitive the slightest shifts in the moods of others. Relationships are scary. When happiness finally starts to seep in, an overwhelming fear sets in that it will all collapse & disappear.
Dr. Aponte is a psychologist and partner at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a specialized practice providing clinical and forensic psychological evaluations. Areas of assessment include psychopathology, cognitive/intellectual, attention, memory, personality, criminal responsibility/mitigation, mental status at the time of offense, competence to stand trial, and violence risk. She regularly provides expert witness testimony across the state of California.
Dr. Aponte is a psychologist and partner at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a specialized practice providing clinical and forensic psychological evaluations. Areas of assessment include psychopathology, cognitive/intellectual, attention, memory, personality, criminal responsibility/mitigation, mental status at the time of offense, competence to stand trial, and violence risk. She regularly provides expert witness testimony across the state of California.
Anthony Folino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
*Accepting new clients at this time.* Have you experienced overwhelming emotions as a result of a change that has occurred in your life recently or in the past? Have you experienced physical and/or emotional trauma that has impacted your functioning? Have you been struggling with finding satisfaction in your life? Do you have trouble dealing with difficult emotions? Do you have a loved one with a serious mental health condition who you want to better support? Most of us will not go through life without facing varying types of adversity, trauma, or other challenges.
*Accepting new clients at this time.* Have you experienced overwhelming emotions as a result of a change that has occurred in your life recently or in the past? Have you experienced physical and/or emotional trauma that has impacted your functioning? Have you been struggling with finding satisfaction in your life? Do you have trouble dealing with difficult emotions? Do you have a loved one with a serious mental health condition who you want to better support? Most of us will not go through life without facing varying types of adversity, trauma, or other challenges.
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
Nearby Searches for San Luis Obispo
- Arroyo Grande
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- Los Osos
- Morro Bay
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- Paso Robles
- Pismo Beach
- Shell Beach
- Templeton
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
500+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Self Esteem |
67% | Coping Skills |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
52% | Aetna |
37% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
34% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Luis Obispo?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.