Behavior problems can be a handful when your child starts school and sometimes you don’t even notice that your child has a problem until they have been in school for a while. Many behavioral issues can be treated by one of the many psychiatrists or other mental health professionals in Arroyo Grande, California. 

Arroyo Grande also has quite a few awesome parks where you can take your little one to let out some of that excess energy. A few of these include Heritage Square Park, Hoosegow Park, and Centennial Park. Take your child for treatment for their behavioral issues and then visit some of these great places to play. 

This is Richard Clark's avatar and link to their profile

Richard Clark

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I earned my BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and my MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, San Diego. I have been counseling individuals, couples, families, and children for over 20 years in private practice, non-profit community organizations, hospitals, clinics, and schools. Having worked in a variety of diverse settings, I’ve gained valuable training and experience from many perspectives and incorporate this knowledge into guiding resolution for each unique client’s challenges. Specializing in Brief Solution Focused Therapy, I’m often able to help resolve client issues in relatively few sessions by setting clear, well defined outcomes and implementing strategic interventions designed for efficient and lasting change.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.'s avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a broad range of experience of over 35 years. I have found that when people reach a personal life impasse, they often benefit from developing increased self-understanding and an outside impartial opinion. My primary interest is in providing Humanistic psychotherapy to those people who want to invest the time to explore and understand themselves. My emphasis has focused on helping clients resolve the difficulties of Life Transitions: Family Separations (Divorce, Child Custody/ Reunification); Career changes; Marital and pre-marital; and Blended families. My clients learn to understand and resolve Depression and Anxiety and Grieve the Loss of loved ones. I am also a consultant in areas of Couple Communication, and Parenting; with First Responders; USA Military Service Members and their families. My approach is Humanistic/Cognitive/ Interpersonal; Learning to cope with Traumatic Life Changes. Throughout my career, I have worked in community Mental Health centers, and on crisis teams within the community. I provide the most useful guidance through guiding the development of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Independence; learning one's Strengths and Coping/problem-solving, and improving Communication. I value the impact of Positive Psychology as well as Mindfulness and Meditation. [Note: I currently schedule 9:00-6:00 PST weekday appointments]

Get started View profile
This is Gregory Barringer's avatar and link to their profile

Gregory Barringer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and Colorado. I received specialized training as a fellow at Stanford Children’s and Adult Hospitals. I understand that starting therapy can be daunting, but I am here to listen to my client’s needs without judgement and incorporate your goals to establish a holistic treatment plan to address your individual situation. My counseling style revolves around authenticity and genuine interaction. Treatment begins with mutual respect, compassion, and where you currently are in your life. My approach combines ACT, motivational interviewing, and task-centered therapies. Best of luck in your search for counseling options, and look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is John Sulmeyer's avatar and link to their profile

John Sulmeyer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience helping clients of all ages address a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, parenting issues, intimacy and relationship struggles, low self-esteem and self-confidence, life transitions and personal growth. My style as a therapist is both eclectic and dynamic, and I am committed to providing an environment that is safe, comfortable and free of judgment or labeling. It takes a great deal of courage to address one's own struggles in order to achieve a more fulfilling and happier life, and I am committed to supporting and empowering my clients in that endeavor.

Get started View profile
This is Leticia Servin's avatar and link to their profile

Leticia Servin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I am currently licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide psychotherapy for families, couples, individuals. It takes a lot of courage for you to seek out help and starting the therapeutic process. This journey can be very daunting. Many people get so caught up in their lives with work, family etc where we forget about ourselves and our own well being. I would like to create a safe and welcoming environment for you to be able to gain insight, learn new skills, and have emotional support so that you are able to work on achieving your goals. I am committed to working with you on your voyage of self discovery, well being and becoming a better self. Specialties in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, coping skills, anger issues, behavioral issues, emotional disturbances, family conflict, grief, self harming, trauma, abandonment, attachment issues, guilt /shame.

Get started View profile
This is Luke Barrett's avatar and link to their profile

Luke Barrett

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services and hospital emergency departments. Luke started clinical practice in 2019. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran and he is located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis on health care. Luke's primary focus areas are helping people recover from traumatic life experiences and substance use disorders. Luke believes in short-term realistic goals, positive psychology, harm reduction, and solution focused therapy to improve quality of life.

Get started View profile
This is Christina Stafford's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Stafford

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Danielle Sherman's avatar and link to their profile

Danielle Sherman

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Rachel Seifert's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Seifert

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Sheania Coleman Dorsey's avatar and link to their profile

Sheania Coleman Dorsey

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Arroyo Grande

Finding the best therapist close by in Arroyo Grande can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Arroyo Grande. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Arroyo Grande, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Arroyo Grande or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Arroyo Grande area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Arroyo Grande, elsewhere in San Luis Obispo, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Arroyo Grande area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Arroyo Grande therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Arroyo Grande due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Arroyo Grande may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Arroyo Grande, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Arroyo Grande above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Arroyo Grande helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Arroyo Grande therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Arroyo Grande therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Arroyo Grande therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 93420 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Arroyo Grande counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Arroyo Grande licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Arroyo Grande, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Arroyo Grande has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Arroyo Grande.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Arroyo Grande:

93420, 93421

Popular cities near Arroyo Grande, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist