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.

Christina Kohfield
Hello! Thank you for reading my profile. I am a marriage and family therapist (LMFT) licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, issues pertaining to sexuality, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and issues pertaining to spirituality. I also helped many people who have experienced physical and sexual trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and down to earth. My goal is to create an environment where you feel at ease talking about what is in your heart and on your mind. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psycho-dynamic counseling. Potential clients should know that I am Christian and have gone through a conversion experience. I am trained in Christian Counseling amd have come to believe that faith in God can bring about profound transformation. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is about teaming up to give you the insight, inner wisdom and motivation to make the changes you want in your life. We will come up with a plan to work on improving your current situation. Some people simply need a compassionate person to hear them out. Some people may want a concrete action plan with steps and advise on how to proceed. Our work is to collaborate and come up with a plan that would be most effective in meeting your needs. On a practical matter, my office hours vary, however I generally have sessions every day of the week, morning and evening. Please look at my schedule to see if there is a time that works for you. I will respond to messages within 24 hours. If you would like a video chat session during a time that is not listed, please send me a message and we may be able to work out scheduling a time that works for both of our schedules. "...but with God all things are possible." Mathew 19:26 "Out of clutter, find simplicity. Out of discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity." Albert Einstein "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature." Marcus Aurelius I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, Christina Kohfield, LMFT 78980

Kevin Farrell
My name is Kevin Farrell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (#22616). I have almost 20 years experience as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I previously had a successful career in media and in my mid-30s I returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work in order to find a more rewarding career path for myself. As a Psychotherapist, I have worked with a wide variety of adults and I use a range of therapeutic tools. I view therapy as a partnership and for me the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between client and therapist. This is strongest when there is agreement on goals and objectives. I work closely with each client to establish goals and achieve a strong alliance built on mutual trust. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy with reliance on core theoretical concepts from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy, among others. I tend to emphasize solution-focused strategies that assist a client in understanding themselves, improving their problem-solving/coping techniques, and building resiliency for future challenges. I seek ongoing feedback and collaboration with clients to evaluate and improve a client's experience in therapy. I have been told that my non-judgmental style engages people and they find me respectful, sincere, and easy to relate to. My primary goal with clients is to successfully address a client's challenges in order to improve overall quality of life.

Dr. Carol Carrell
I have been a counselor for 30 years with experience in treating clients from 18 months to 98 years. As a professor and supervisor I utilize a variety of modalities and believe that each client is special and unique. One approach does not fit all. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, first responders, professionals, dealing with illness and care giver fatigue, chronic pain, trasuma, abuse and addiction. I have worked with children that have faced difficult health challenges that have not only affected them but their family as well. In addition I have worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system, learning disabilities, suicidality, LGBTQI issues, trauma and abuse. It is important to establish an atmosphere of trust and safety where adolescents can express themselves and feel heard and accepted. When working with couples it is important to establish an atmosphere that is safe to explore the family issues. I work with couples that have chronic medical issues that have caused stress and communication problems. It is important to address the caregiver fatigue aspect in chronic medical issues. In addition, is important to identify and strengths that each brings to the relationship and how to communicate effectively. Communication is a key element in being able to set goals and move forward in their relationship. I have worked with LGBTQI clients in their process of coming out to their family and community. Therapy is a gift that you give yourself. I look forward to working with you to work towards the change you desire

Dr. Anna Hiscox
Hello. I'm Anna Hiscox, a graduate of Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI, where I earned a doctoral degree in Art Therapy. I also attended Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, and received a master's degree in Art Therapy (ATR) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). My theoretical approach to counseling includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Family Systems counseling. I have over fifteen years of experience working in public agencies and private practice. I aim to provide culturally diverse psychotherapy to children, adolescents, couples, and families. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and Art Therapist, it is heartfelt to offer clients options. I believe "Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where to start" (Nido Qubein). I look forward to working with you!

Ellen Golding
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. 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.

Anastasia Ingram-Flores
Hi! I'm Anastasia, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with decade of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Todd McGinnis
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorder, & 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. "Take back your mind"

Karen Swanson
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

Melinda Elson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and am a dedicated mental health professional licensed in California with thirty years of valuable work experience. I specialize in assisting clients with a wide range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking healing and personal growth. I have dedicated over 30 years to the field of mental health and therapy, specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. With expertise in a range of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, meditation practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, I offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing and growth. As a trained yoga practitioner with a Yoga Teacher 500-hour certification, I seamlessly integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into therapy sessions to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on increasing self-love, acceptance, and self-esteem, my goal is to guide clients through life changes, past traumas, and personal challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to holistic healing, I empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. With a client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to establish an open and safe therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By fostering a space of trust and empathy, I focus on empowering clients to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and embark on a journey towards improved mental well-being. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help and make positive changes in one's life, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting clients through this transformative process. Whether you are facing stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, or depression, I am here to provide the guidance, tools, and encouragement needed to navigate challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and happier life. By choosing to work with me, you can expect a compassionate and dedicated therapist who is committed to your well-being and growth. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Marco Regalado Chacon
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in San Luis Obispo?
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 San Luis Obispo that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 San Luis Obispo available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. San Luis Obispo 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, San Luis Obispo therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the San Luis Obispo region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in San Luis Obispo offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.