Grief counselors and therapists in Atascadero, CA

I am very honest, caring, real and genuine. Encouragement and support for their future journey.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to listen, guide, and support you in overcoming life’s challenges. I have been in the mental health field for eight years, working with clients of different socioeconomic status address their concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, and communication.

Hello! I'm Amanda Long, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to serving families through compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health care. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have been practicing as a PMHNP since 2019, with over a decade of nursing experience beginning in 2011. My educational foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in Springfield, which broadened my understanding of human behavior and community dynamics. My journey in mental health has taken me through diverse settings that have shaped my comprehensive approach to care. I've worked in psychiatric emergency services at a major hospital, 23-hour crisis stabilization units, outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, and forensic mental health centers, including fitness-to-stand-trial evaluations. This varied experience has equipped me to understand mental health from multiple perspectives and meet people wherever they are in their journey, whether they're facing an acute crisis or seeking ongoing support. I specialize in medication management for individuals across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. My treatment areas include depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, psychotic disorders, and other mental health concerns. I'm experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, making quality psychiatric services accessible and convenient for your lifestyle. What drives me is the belief that everyone deserves competent, caring mental health support that honors their unique background and circumstances. I'm committed to improving the communities I serve, one individual and family at a time, through evidence-based practice combined with genuine human connection. My approach centers on partnership and creating a safe environment for healing. I look forward to supporting you and your family's wellness journey.

I've found that building a strong relationship is the foundation of any successful therapy. My grounding philosophy is to meet people where they are at and to tailor my knowledge and experience to help them get to where they want to be. My ideal clients are those motivated, committed, and open to exploring various parts of the inner self and how these parts motivate, protect, grieve, and organize us for action.

Through therapy, clients develop new skills, discover new insights, and strengthen their resilience for whatever life brings.

Ready to feel more connected, confident, and in control of your life? Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or challenges around identity, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and supported.

I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience helping couples, individuals, children, and teens create meaningful, lasting change.

For couples, I help turn conflict and disconnection into stronger communication, deeper friendship, and emotional intimacy.

I provide an affirming, judgment-free space for those exploring identity, preparing to come out, building self-acceptance, or navigating gender-affirming care. Together, we can strengthen resilience and address anxiety, depression, and stress.