Teen Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
See all therapists in San Luis ObispoWaitlist for new clients
Daniel Zacarias Messiter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
He specializes in
teen
issues, grief, depression and anxiety.
Life is like a river of emotions, and sometimes the current can become unpredictable and overwhelming. Navigating this river can be exhausting, and when we try to block the flow, pressure builds, and builds and until it feels like there is too much to face alone. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for his clients 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, to finding new insight and resolution to the difficulties in your life.
Matthew Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
In working with your
teenager
or child, I use humor and play, focusing on bonding as a foundation to build upon.
Are you or your loved one going through a major life transition? Have you experienced trauma or serious hardship? Are you ready to heal? As a holistic psychologist, I work with the mind, body, and spirit. This approach comes from the recognition that everything is interconnected and working with the whole person allows for the deepest level of healing. I am kind, warm, and patient in my approach.
Amaris Avellan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
Verified
My areas of focus include psychological assessment, counseling therapy with pediatric,
adolescent
and adult clients, and African American psychology for clients with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, blended families, and military or veteran related stressors.
Hi! In a world where so many of us regularly get the message that we are flawed, I think it is important to start by saying something that we might not hear so regularly, which is, that it is okay to be you. But if I’m being honest, being yourself is not always an easy thing to do. As a therapist, I place priority in creating a therapy environment where clients feel safe to share the most authentic versions of themselves without fear of judgement. In addition to a safe therapeutic space, my goal is to assist clients on their paths towards self-expression and self-acceptance no matter where they are in their journey.
Stacy Guisse
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Benjamin Rea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified
Verified
Thank you for exploring my profile. To begin, I am accepting new clients during the quarantine utilizing Zoom videoconferencing, even if you are not currently living in SLO. Licensed for 15 years, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as
adolescent
and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy.
Cristy Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialized in individual adult and
adolescent
therapy, with particular emphasis on interpersonal issues.
Life creates obstacles causing painful emotions, confusion, and disconnection. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, or daily coping skills, you might wonder how you will overcome such obstacles. With my unique approach to therapy, we will focus on your personal strengths, identify unconscious patterned behaviors, and guide you to a more fulfilling life. My mission is to encourage all beings to fearlessly honor who they are, find the tools necessary to freely live as the person they want to be, and to engage in their relationships with true connection.
Not accepting new clients
Kim Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with
adolescent
and college-aged girls/women and supporting them with their evolving identities, healthy boundaries and relationship skills, body acceptance, and nurturing self-compassion and confidence.
My practice focuses on supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety (generalized and social), trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy working with teens and supporting them in navigating the unique complexities associated with this life phase. In addition, I work with families to help create bridges of communication and understanding between teens and their parents. I am a strong believer in the importance of exercise, meditation/mindfulness/yoga, social connection, and nutrition to help us reach our optimal state of well-being.
Tom Buckley
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCIII
Verified
Verified
Aspires utilizes multiple theoretical orientations when treating our
teen
and adult clients including, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Relapse Prevention to name a few.
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling San Luis Obispo. Aspire SLO provides Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Teens and Adults in an intensive outpatient setting. Do you or a loved one struggle with depression, anxiety, self harm, substances abuse, addiction issues, etc.? If so, call Aspire SLO at 805-329-5595 to speak with a counselor. To schedule an appointment 24/7 call 888-585-7373. Ask about or free weekly family support group!
Not accepting new clients
Kari Whitson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, NCC
Verified
Verified
Being an
adolescent
/young adult can feel amazing, while also feeling confusing with all of the changes experienced during this time. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and their families, through individual, family and group counseling. I primarily utilize therapeutic approaches of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as part of individual and group counseling. Group counseling can enable individuals to form bonds with peers in a structured environment; understand that others can relate to their concerns; and share personal feelings that they have difficulty communicating.
Waitlist for new clients
Robin Noble
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Updated 4/11/2023. I will not be accepting any new clients in the future (retiring!). My specialty is working with
teen
and adult clients. I treat victims of trauma, as well as individuals suffering from anxiety and panic disorder, phobias, depression, and other stress related issues. Terrible events or repeated daily stresses can affect anyone and everyone, making life more difficult. Experiencing or witnessing a frightening, dangerous, or violent event can overwhelm our body’s natural coping abilities. Even more common life events like job/school stress can cause a trauma response as well.
Jaime J Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have worked with various client concerns including interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, anger, stress, parent/
teen
conflict, and divorce.
**NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** **Evening appointments available ** I specialize in building positive relationships with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. I take an active and collaborative role in therapy, and utilize strong skills in communication to establish your individual needs and to prepare and deliver appropriate treatment and therapy plans accordingly. I draw from many therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused.
15 Second Videos
Matthew Dean
Amaris Avellan
Maribel Alaniz Mendez
Mai Timberlake
Karen Schneller
Anthony Paul Martello
Kai Lillie
Summer Myers
Summer Sessions Counseling
The Art of Healing
Lynlee April Olivera
Michael Mazzella
Vanessa Swier
Marina Resa
Brendan Kearns
Lifespan Therapy- Jennifer Sale, LCSW
Jennifer Shepard
Monica Nunez
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Lauren Phelps
Edward C. Bischof, Ph.D.
Ron Huxley
Michelle Marie Kilcoyne
Elexia Estrada
Cynthia Sea Taking New Clients!
Maia Kiley
Stephanie Patterson
Steven McCall
Anxiety Experts for Athletes
Odette Boyd
Jennifer Swanson
John Siemens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the
adolescent
makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
Lisa Slover
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified
Verified
Are you pregnant or in the post-partum period and mentally struggling? I am a mom of four and a perinatal mental health certified clinician. A few unique subspecialties that I have experience working with are: Nicu stays, traumatic births, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, and infertility. Are you a
teen
or college student and feeling overwhelmed? I've been in your shoes and I can help. Visit www.ascentpsych.com/make-an-appointment to book now. There is healing powers in being validated and supported through difficult times. I believe that by sharing our painful thoughts and feelings in a caring environment, we begin to heal.
Not accepting new clients
Priscilla Kiessig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We all face moments that test our foundations. Seasons where we find ourselves struggling, often feeling alone and quietly wishing things would get better. It’s important for you to know that there’s no need to suffer. Hope is here. As therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), warmth, empathy, and growth are what you can expect from our time together. I believe in a compassionate, integrated approach to care, specifically tailored to meet your individual needs.
Julie Messer
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.
Kristin Koller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I enjoy connecting with college-age and adult individuals who seek relief from grief and loss, stress and anxiety, and relationship concerns. My work with couples centers around the emotional bond between partners and healing from wounds such as infidelity. I completed core skills training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) which is the model of couples therapy I provide. As an LGBTQ ally, I have a particular interest in providing a safe space for those who identify as gay, queer, trans and/or gender non-conforming and continue to learn and grow my skills in this area.
Grace Peavy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
Grace (licensed as Margaret Peavy), offers client-centered therapy to adults, youth, and families navigating life’s challenges. Taking the time and energy to earn your trust, she shares a relational approach to spark genuine connection in a non-judgemental space where you’re encouraged to build on your strengths. Over a decade serving youth and families of all ages in the mental health community makes Grace an impactful facilitator of personal growth.
Sandra De Silva
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Welcome and congratulations on taking this step. My role in our work together would be to support you in reaching your life goals, help you know your true self and live your most joyous and authentic life. My approach is warm, active, solution- focused and goal- directed. I not only provide support and a listening ear, but also strategies and recommendations that create a clear path to desired change. Whether you want to feel better, deepen enjoyment of life and relationships, discover purpose and spiritual connection or design and live the life you envision, my therapeutic approach is a direct means to work towards such change.
Inner Expansions Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Making the decision to seek a therapist takes courage and is the first step towards building a happier and healthier life. Inner Expansions has several therapists on staff who use a variety approaches to customize treatment to the uniqueness of each individual and/or situation. We serve a diverse population throughout the state of California by virtual sessions and we see people in-person in Atascadero and San Luis Obispo.
Lewis Scott Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified
Verified
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
See more therapy options for
Teen Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.