The City of Atascadero founded in 1913 by E. G. Lewis is on the Pacific Coast and in the California Central Valley. The name Atascadero, which just means a place of much water in Spanish, is a good way to describe the watery town, where almost two percent of the entire town is water. If you don’t like the beach, try downtown Atascadero, where there are movie theaters, wine bars, microbreweries, restaurants, and an art gallery.
In fact, there is something for everyone to do in Atascadero. However, if you are not interested in things like you used to be, that may be a sign of depression and you should seek treatment from one of the many licensed mental health professionals in town. They are ready to help you right now.

Brian VanBrakle
Hi, I am Brian VanBrakle, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life situations. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and issues including depression, relationship issues, parent/child conflicts, and anxiety. I have helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I will utilize a unique toolbox and treatment approach to meet your specific needs and concerns. It takes strength and courage creating a more fulfilling and meaning life. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, BVB.

Krista Arrington
Welcome! I am Krista Arrington, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 30 years of experience as a mental health professional in community-based, out-patient treatment programs and most recently, in public school settings. I work with clients seeking change through collaborative goal setting, problem solving, and progress monitoring in a validating, respectful therapeutic relationship. I am available to work with clients experiencing immediate challenges, as well as those exploring personal growth. I believe in the transformational power of relationship, as a way to deepen the understanding of patterns that you find no longer serve you. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including life transitions, relationship challenges, ineffective behavioral patterns, family conflicts, grief & loss, peri-menopause, menopause, and sleep difficulties. I have special knowledge in the areas of learning disabilities, neuro-diverse learners, and special education, working with clients who want to explore related parenting dynamics. My counseling approach is empathic, thoughtful, straight forward, and authentic. My approach combines mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and positive behavioral support strategies. I tailor techniques to meet clients’ unique needs and treatment goals, as they share their story and we get to know each other. Including bits of humor along the way, my goal is to help clients address immediate concerns, explore unhelpful response patterns, and learn uncomplicated practices that support emotional wellbeing. If this sounds right for you, contact me and let’s move forward together.

David Yadush
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LPCC) with a strong background in providing therapeutic support, recently relocating from rural Pennsylvania to California. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. As a therapist, I sometimes find it challenging to talk about myself, but I take this opportunity to model the value of self-reflection. At the core of my belief system are two critical principles: integrity and hope. I strive to bring my best self into everything I do; it’s this commitment that drew me to the field of counseling and has fueled my growth both personally and professionally. I believe that hope is the spark that ignites change, even in the face of daunting challenges or systemic barriers. My role as a therapist is to help others kindle that spark within themselves and use it to fuel their passions. I understand that reaching out for counseling can be a challenging first step, often accompanied by fears of the unknown or concerns about judgment. My approach is welcoming and non-judgmental, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you are seeking a fresh perspective. I draw upon positive practices to help individuals leverage their own strengths and creativity to achieve their goals. Creating an accepting and open environment is at the core of my practice. I work at your pace, encouraging personal growth while supporting you in recognizing your own potential and worth, even amidst the complexities of today’s world. My therapeutic focus is person-centered, aiming to help you discover and harness your strengths. I am committed to a trauma-informed, culturally aware approach, ensuring that therapy is tailored to your unique experiences and needs. I have been fortunate to have incredible experiences throughout my career in mental health, and these experiences have profoundly shaped who I am as both a person and a clinician. They are deeply infused into my ongoing efforts to advance mental health equity and integrity. If you have prior experience with therapy, I am keen to learn what has been effective for you. If past experiences have been challenging, I encourage open communication so we can tailor a strategy that truly works for you. My experience includes working with individuals in their homes, which has enhanced my adaptability to various therapeutic styles. I employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness practices, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and Reality-Based approaches. My goal is to empower you with tools to manage stress, challenge negative self-beliefs, and support your journey toward a healthier, happier life.

Evelyn "Elaine" Allen
I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Frances He
I am licensed in California with 23 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 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.

Angela Polk
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

Mauricio Mairena
I received my Master in Social Work at University of Southern California in 2006. I have fifteen years experience providing therapeutic services to youth, teens, adults and families in different settings including clinics, hospitals, and private offices. I like to take a non judgmental, collaborative and holistic approach where all areas are considered when improving an individual's quality of life. These areas include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I enjoy being part of the journey of health with others.

Sylvia Villasenor-Ortiz
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

Steven Jones
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Alysha Kim
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Find a therapist serving clients in California
Types of therapists available to clients in Atascadero
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Atascadero that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Atascadero available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Atascadero therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Atascadero therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Atascadero region and in the state of California.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Atascadero can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Atascadero may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.