Alcohol Use Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
See all therapists in San Luis Obispo
Hannah Roberts
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Please email to work with a therapist on my team at Thrive SLO (available immediately). I work with college students and adults feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and/or anxious. Need balance in your life? Facing grief, past trauma, or coping with difficult family situations? Or maybe you are thinking about coming out to your family and friends? I offer expertise, guidance and support for you to navigate these challenges. I'm passionate about the personal transformation that comes through therapy. I love working with curious individuals who want to better understand themselves, their emotions, & their relationships.

Silvia Ortiz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
During my 22 years as a psychologist, I have worked with a wide range of conditions. I particularly focus on Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Abuse, Grief, Domestic Abuse, Obesity, and Self Esteem. I provide services to adolescents, adults, and the elderly either in an individual, couples or a family format. When indicated I collaborate with Doctors and Psychiatrists to ensure effective treatment.
Not accepting new clients

Emma Carr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed and finding it difficult to achieve daily tasks that used to be so easy? Maybe past traumas have been interrupting your sleep, relationships, career, and you don't know how to manage these traumas? Maybe you want understanding and to break generational toxic behaviors that have worked against you? Maybe you witnessed or experienced an extreme event that is affecting you, but have no idea where to start? I get it, life is not easy, and maybe you are at a point you just need to talk to someone who is non-biased and non judgmental. I am happy to be that person to talk too!

Paula Defrisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.

Douglas Bing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I tend to work with individuals and couples in a collaborative way. I attempt to assess what the goals are and explore how to get there. Generally, I see the work in a couple of phases: establishing a safe, supportive environment and secondly, attempting to provide insight for those I work with. Insight is part of it, then one must attempt to deal with some of the inevitable challenges of changing. To this end, a collaborative relationship allows for us to work at the Client's pace, with perhaps, some occasional supportive nudging.

Mandi jo Blake
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC II
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed professional clinician and I have worked in the field of addiction treatment for over 20 years. I have extensive experience in interventions, detox support, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, life coaching, owning and managing sober living homes, working with the mentally ill, criminal justice system and the homeless population. I have amplified love and passion for those who suffer from the disease of addiction. I also specialize in addiction behaviors such as, gambling, pornography, sex and love addiction.

Debbie Whitney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Debbie (licensed as Deborah Whitney) provides caring therapy to individuals and couples. From serving community members at a non-profit mental health agency and private practice to three decades of teaching preschool—a variety of life experience makes her a kind therapeutic partner to support children, adolescents, and adults. Beyond motherhood and postpartum issues, areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, phase of life transitions, parenting skills and relational challenges.

Sarah Whitmore Boe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, SUDCC, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Are your habits getting in the way of living your best life? Do you consider yourself a "functioning" substance user? Maybe you are ready to change but 12-step programs or rehab are not for you. My approach is coaching-based, and solution focused. Sessions focus on authentic self-discovery, recognizing and removing patterns that are keeping you stuck, setting realistic goals, and developing strategy to achieve them. I work well with individuals in a transition period of their lives, and with those who are motivated to make a change. I will help you develop a plan and accountability.

Tom Buckley
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCIII
Verified
Verified
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!

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.

Susan Hirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am a practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who provides a comfortable, supportive atmosphere where clients can achieve personal growth. One of my areas of specialty is working with individuals, couples and families on issues of bereavement, including suicide, and anticipatory grief. I also help couples to reconnect emotionally and help improve communication in families. Other areas of focus include treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma and recovery from abuse. For senior managers and professionals I provide high-performance counseling to optimize performance and personal success. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with each individual to help them achieve their treatment goals.
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Britteny Young
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Are you caught in an emotional storm? Are you flooded with anxieties for the future and traumas from the past? You are not alone. I work with adolescents, teens and young adults searching for a way out of the chaotic cycles of depression, anxiety, mood swings, addiction, trauma, and loss. I offer a safe, genuine space of understanding, solace, and support. Let's remove the pressures, distractions, and expectations that burden you so you can see and hear yourself clearly. Together, we'll find clarity in the chaos so you can calmly and confidently make decisions that add value to your life.

Lifespan Therapy- Jennifer Sale, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Do you ever wonder why you have anxiety, nervous tension, mood fluctuations, an inability to concentrate, or a lack of motivation? There are reasons for symptoms such as these, some of which may be environmental, including past trauma or adverse childhood experiences, some biological or hereditary and some related to current stressors. But it is important to have an understanding of these factors, as this type of knowledge is power. In my practice, I offer supportive, compassionate counseling that encourages insight and understanding on the part of my clients, but is also solution-focused with feedback and guidance where needed.

Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
MD
Verified
Verified
Founded in 2022 by Ray Rivas, MD, Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, PC, offers intravenous ketamine infusions and is located near downtown San Luis Obispo, CA. Our mission is to help our patients live happier and healthier lives. We envision becoming a leader in psychedelic-assisted therapy by treating mental health in ways that are rapid, effective, and safe. Our spaces promote tranquility and unforgettable, transformational experiences. Our practices align with holistic wellness and environmental conscientiousness.
Not accepting new clients
Nettie M Rosburg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with individuals and couples from the ages of 18 to 80-something. I like to help restore vitality to all sorts of relationships and life in general. I focus on assisting persons who want to make conscious choices for more satisfying living, and who want to develop positive and effective relationships and cope well with life challenges. My work is collaborative, is focused on the here and now and the achievement of a feeling of personal wholeness and satisfaction. I have 38 years of experience working positively with individuals or families affected by problems related to substance abuse.

Kristina Paramore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Hi! My name is Kristina and Congratulations on possibly your first step towards reaching your goals. Has life become too overwhelming? Confused about what your next step is or how to overcome a current life challenge and feel as if you are stuck? Therapy can be a great starting point. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist practicing since 2010; working with individuals, couples, families and teens.

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.

Erin Lindvall
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, FAPA
Verified
Verified
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.

Karen McGuffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
& Online
Waitlist for new clients

Mending the Spirit
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC II
Verified
Verified
My name is Jennifer Mangum, I am a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, I am also a certified drug and alcohol counselor and have completed certification training for peripartum/postpartum issues. I work with both individuals and families struggling with any of the above areas. As part of the process, I will work with you/your family collaboratively to develop treatment goals while exploring what thoughts/behaviors/patterns are keeping you/your family stuck. I offer a 20-minute free consultation to answer any questions you may have. Contact me today so we can start the healing you deserve.
See more therapy options for
Alcohol Use Therapists
Are there specific medications for alcohol use?
There are oral medications approved to treat alcohol use disorder—such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone, which also comes in an injectable form. These medications do help people reduce their drinking as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings, disulfiram can make a person feel sick when they drink, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.
How do alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other patients in recovery; in outpatient programs,individuals live at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff can also include people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other tools for recovery.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for alcohol use reduce the amount of alcohol they intake. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.