Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Atascadero, CA covered by Cigna

Hi, I'm Sarah.

For more than 14 years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside people during some of life's most challenging and transformative moments. My career has taken me everywhere from neonatal care to hospice, giving me a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human experience at every stage of life.

Today, I specialize in working with young adults (ages 18–30) who are navigating life's many transitions—whether that's graduating, starting college, launching a career, building relationships, or simply trying to figure out who they are and where they're headed.

Originally from Colorado, I completed my education there before moving to California, where I earned my clinical social work license and continued developing my approach to therapy. My background has shaped me into a systems-oriented therapist, meaning I look beyond symptoms to understand how relationships, family dynamics, environment, and life experiences all influence your well-being.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, challenged, and supported. My goal isn't just to help you get through difficult moments—it's to help you build a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and sustainable.

When I'm not in the therapy room, you'll likely find me out for a run, cheering on the Seattle Mariners, spending time with my cats, or seeking out quirky places and new adventures. Those moments remind me that healing isn't only about working through hard things—it's also about making space for joy, connection, and curiosity.

I'm honored to do this work and would love the opportunity to be part of your journey.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I truly love walking alongside people as they work through what’s weighing on them. Maybe anxiety has taken over your days, or depression has made everything feel heavier, or old experiences keep showing up in ways you didn’t expect. Some of the areas I have experience with include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, self esteem, substance use and addiction, and women’s issues, among others. Whatever brought you here, you’ve found a warm and caring place to start, and my hope is to help you feel more seen and like yourself again.

I'm Michael, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes that these conditions are deeply interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose to specialize across this broad spectrum because I understand how neurodivergence intersects with trauma responses, how personality patterns emerge as adaptive mechanisms, how substance use can complicate other presentations, and how psychotic symptoms may develop in vulnerable individuals. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, discovering neurodivergence later in life, or dealing with multiple diagnoses that influence each other, I bring the expertise needed to see the complete picture.

My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity. I recognize that seeking help for multiple or stigmatized conditions takes tremendous courage, especially after disappointing experiences with other providers who may have felt overwhelmed by your needs.

What you can expect from our collaboration is a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support as we navigate your unique mental health journey. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective strategies, and create the fulfilling life you deserve. You are full of possibilities. Together, we'll work at your pace, honoring your experiences while moving toward meaningful change.

For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515. Thank you for reading!

Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth. As an author and TEDx speaker, she translates complex research into clear, practical care plans that help patients feel informed and supported.

Shara specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions (PTSD), adult ADHD, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, and women's mental health across the reproductive lifespan—including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, PMDD, and menopausal transitions. Her practice is medication-focused and highly collaborative, with education, skills coaching, and supportive check-ins integrated into visits. She coordinates closely with therapists, primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other clinicians to ensure cohesive treatment.

Patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation reviewing history, symptoms, prior treatments, and goals. Shara practices thoughtful prescribing with transparent discussion of options, benefits, and side effects so decisions are truly shared. She uses measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error. Her whole-person approach integrates sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management when relevant, with streamlined access through secure telehealth and clear after-visit summaries.

Shara's style is warm, direct, and person-centered, grounded in shared decision-making. Her care is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in current clinical evidence. Beyond clinical practice, she serves as a nurse educator and academic mentor, shaping future psychiatric clinicians through evidence-based teaching. An international fellowship in India enriched her global perspective through research and teaching in hospital and university settings.

For up-to-date availability, please visit us or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves. There’s room here for deep healing, honest conversations, and the occasional ‘okay, but why is my brain doing THAT?’

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. Over the years, I've worked with adolescents and adults in both community mental health and private practice. My work focuses on anxiety, relationship challenges, body image concerns, life transitions, and helping clients better understand the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. I believe we're all continually evolving, and I strive to bring warmth, curiosity, and authenticity into every session.

Asking for help can feel harder when you've spent most of your life being the one who holds things together. I'm Neydi, a bilingual English and Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I work with individuals and families navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and substance use. These challenges rarely arrive alone and almost always connect back to our relationships, our families, and the communities we come from. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and genuinely invested.

Hi! I’m a Mexican-American LCSW who believes that therapy is something everyone can benefit from at some point because life happens! In my practice, I help children and teens navigate peer conflict, grief, anxiety, and depression, while also supporting adults and parents through stressful life transitions. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable space where you feel truly heard and understood. I am honored to be a safe, trusted person for my clients, and I would be happy to be that supportive guide for you on your journey.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about working with teens and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. Many of the clients I work with come to therapy feeling stuck, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of where they’re going. I hope to create a space where you feel supported in exploring what matters most to you and gaining greater clarity and confidence moving forward.

I am a first-generation Latina and a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 9 years of experience supporting individuals through life's challenges. My passion for social work began with a deep curiosity about people's stories and a genuine desire to help others heal, grow, and create meaningful change. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood trauma, relationship concerns, attachment issues, and the everyday stressors that can impact emotional well-being.