In San Luis Obispo, CA, individuals seeking support for a range of mental health needs—including low self esteem, family conflict, and feeling stuck—can find a variety of therapeutic services. Art therapy and individual counseling are particularly popular among college students and other residents who are navigating the complexities of college life and beyond.
Located in San Luis Obispo County, local therapists are known for creating a supportive environment where clients can explore issues related to their past experiences and current life situations. These services aim to foster a fulfilling life by addressing the unique challenges each individual faces, promoting well being and personal growth.
Therapists in San Luis Obispo utilize a range of approaches to help their clients gain insights and develop coping strategies that can transform their approach to daily challenges. The goal is to empower individuals to make meaningful changes that resonate throughout all areas of their lives.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Anita Vaccaro
Anita holds a Bachelor of Arts in the Behavioral Sciences, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Her profession has spanned over twenty five years working with individual issues in private practice, conducting groups and working with a wide variety of issues using the latest science based techniques to ensure the best possible outcome. She has worked with families & relationships, children & teens, family of origin and lifetime trauma, self esteem issues, general life dissatisfaction issues, and business & executive coaching. With an extensive career, Anita tailors treatment to your specific needs with expertise and precision. So many times we attend seminars, read books, and buy very expensive programs, which may be great, however, it's not long before you find that nothing sticks, leaving you needing more and more therapy. In the same way, you may also find that the most well intended communication therapy techniques don't seem to work when put into action with real life people. Or perhaps you find that you do so well in some areas of your life , but that doesn't translate to all areas. Anita addresses these issues and more, utilizing the latest research on the role of the brain to instigate and sustain lasting change. Her insights and approach have been featured on radio, podcasts, television, as well as, within the psychology community. In addition, she holds a teacher certification in meditation practices and is currently getting certified as a Brain Health therapist.
Patricia Temple
I am licensed in California with 25years and more of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. Working with each individual within the family brings in their unique personality and characteristics which makes this particular group also unique and exciting to work with. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Pascale Dellefield
I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2006. I have 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients on a spectrum that ranges from mindfulness, anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, to crisis management, homelessness, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and overall coping with life changes. I am heart centered with a warm approach and make every effort to help my clients reconnect with what matters most to them in their lives. I have experience working with clients who present as individuals, couples, children, teenagers, veterans, military families on deployment, older adults, LGBTqia, and or groups. I am open minded, have good values, and I am well versed in theology and spirituality. I have an understanding of the struggles of immigrants, and a deep respect for the need for multicultural and ethnic integration into our society. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I speak English, French, Lebanese-Arabic, and some Spanish, however I only conduct therapy in English. I have traveled and lived in multiple countries. I have survived a war and know how to thrive and overcome trauma through Meditation and Mindfulness. I am trained in Mindfulness, Meditation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have also found that reading and skill building homework can be very powerful resources to add to therapy. I am the author and illustrator of the book “Being With Heart: How to Thrive in Life With A Tender Heart.” I tailor our dialogue 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. Thank you for reaching out to me. I look forward to us working together in therapy.
Marsha Greenstein
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Jerri Curry
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. As you think so you are. Change your thoughts and change your life. It takes courage to engage in counseling to become more aware and responsible for one's own choices and the dysfunctional patterns we often get stuck in. Change is an internal process and not external. Every experience is an opportunity to learn. You have every right to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Bente Hansen
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Karissa Matthews
*I am currently only available for live chat and messaging services* I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sonia Diaz
Hello, my name is Sonia Díaz, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with clients all over California via telehealth. It is my passion to support others as they seek to better their lives and bring about wellness in many different areas. My approach is holistic in nature and client-centered. In this way, we can incorporate an integrative and humanistic approach that respects, validates, and supports your individual goals. I work with very diverse groups of people, whether ethnically, racially, gender, age, sexual identity, relationship or family style, etc. This perspective and experience have been the key to allowing me to support individuals on their journey, be that with a life transition, loss, trauma, systemic, relational, or many other personal challenges we face. Listening to your experiences and needs, understanding their specific context and the unique meanings they hold in your life is a key part of building our therapeutic alliance. Are you ready to get started? I am. After decades as a teacher and then a school counselor, I expanded my reach as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Helping people individually grew naturally from my previous roles... wanting to be able to provide more one-on-one time to someone in need spoke to me, and I continue to be honored and humbled with each and every session. As an experienced counselor and therapist, I offer a safe space to explore issues that are important to you and yours (past, present, and future). Being heard, understood, and seen are some of the most important experiences in our lives. I offer empathy and compassion for your journey as well as support and assistance as you continue to define and move toward increased wellness in all areas. What next? Well, I am looking so forward to hearing from you, meeting you, and ultimately working together to support your goals. Be they personal, relational, familial, or within another group or system.
Nadine La Fleur
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Hannah Thayer
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in San Luis Obispo
Finding the best therapist close by in San Luis Obispo 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 with therapists in San Luis Obispo that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Luis Obispo. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Luis Obispo, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the San Luis Obispo region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in San Luis Obispo or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A San Luis Obispo therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 San Luis Obispo area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo, elsewhere in San Luis Obispo, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Luis Obispo area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Luis Obispo therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Luis Obispo due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 San Luis Obispo may not take health insurance, some therapists 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this San Luis Obispo online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in San Luis Obispo, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 San Luis Obispo psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in San Luis Obispo 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Luis Obispo helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified San Luis Obispo 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 San Luis Obispo therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in San Luis Obispo?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Luis Obispo 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in San Luis Obispo therapy sessions.
San Luis Obispo therapists 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 93401 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Luis Obispo counselor?
Before seeing your San Luis Obispo 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. San Luis Obispo therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in San Luis Obispo.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A San Luis Obispo 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 with a San Luis Obispo counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 San Luis Obispo, 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.
San Luis Obispo 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for San Luis Obispo, California
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 San Luis Obispo 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Luis Obispo:
93401, 93403, 93405, 93406