Find a therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA accepting new patients
Mental health support in San Luis Obispo is accessible through Headway's network of 8,699 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions. With over 70+ insurance plans accepted nationally and copays estimated between $0-50 per session, care in neighborhoods like Downtown, Foothill, and Laguna Lake is affordable and flexible. Providers specialize in talk therapy and medication management across conditions including anxiety, depression, and more.
In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.
As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.
Hi, I’m Christopher Cooke, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, grief, career transitions, and relationship challenges. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can feel truly heard and make meaningful progress.
My background working in the fields of adoption and foster care led me to focus on healing trauma - childhood trauma or later traumas that impact our everyday functioning. I am here to help you heal. In addition to being an LMFT, I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher and I incorporate mental health practices with body work and breath work to reduce symptoms.
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, California. My practice blends both psychological approach as well as eastern wisdom. With a diverse background of professional and life experiences, I bring empathy, warmth, and a solution-focused mindset to my clients. My goal is to help clients alleviate suffering, boost their productivitiy, and enhance well-being.
Hi, my name is Cynthia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in the Mental Health field over 20+ years.
I am currently only accepting new Telehealth Clients.
I work with individuals and couples who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, or Relationship emotional stress.
Whether you are looking to resolve deeply troubling issues that are causing you to suffer or you are longing for something more satisfying in your relationships, I will walk through this journey with you.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have invested in clinical training as a graduate professor for the past 11 years, helping students move through their education into their careers. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, I also held the title of Lead Faculty and Faculty Advisor for the University of Phoenix, providing expertise in clinical supervision, assessment, and treatment planning.
Most of the people I work with have been told — or have told themselves — that they should be able to handle this. They're healthcare professionals, leaders, or both. They know what stress is. They've managed harder things. Therapy felt like something for other people, until something shifted. I work with people at that turning point. Sixteen years in healthcare, as a clinician and a leader, means I understand what it actually feels like to carry the weight of high-stakes work — the complexity, the responsibility, and the very specific kind of exhaustion that doesn't go away with a long weekend. I practice virtually throughout California and take Aetna, Cigna, and BlueCross BlueShield. You don't have to arrive with the right words or a clear agenda. That's what the first session is for.
Hi there, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose practice is rooted in one foundational belief: every person deserves compassionate, individualized mental health care — regardless of background, circumstance, or the barriers and challenges they've faced along the way.
I focus on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and life's traumas, with a particular dedication to individuals from underserved and marginalized communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to quality mental health care.
All care is grounded in evidence-based practice, blending the most current clinical research with individualized judgment and patient-centered values. As a lifelong learner, I actively pursue continuing education and emerging best practices in psychiatric care — because excellence in medicine requires ongoing growth, humility, and a willingness to be taught by both science and the patients who make this work meaningful.
I welcome patients of all backgrounds and identities, and I am honored to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing, wholeness, and hope.
Great to meet you! I'm Ryan Carr, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and psychotic disorders. My background includes years of psychiatric nursing in both inpatient and outpatient settings, caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health needs. I believe the best treatment starts with feeling heard, respected, and involved in your care. Together, we'll create a personalized plan focused on helping you feel better and achieve your goals.
Hello, my name is Keren Cabrera I am a bilingual and first generation Honduran American Marriage and Family Therapist who is based in California, born and raised in Los Angeles area. I received my masters at Pepperdine University and have been practicing therapy for the past 6 years. Over the past couple of years I have specialized in working with young and older adults from 18-70 years dealing with depression, anxiety and past traumas such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse. As a Latina therapist, my goal in each session is for each client to feel supported, validated and safe; acknowledging that everyone has a unique story and experience.
My orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy influenced by philosophy. The foundation of therapy is acceptance, unconditional positive regard and emotional support. The therapist partners with the client to clarify their thoughts to provide new skills and insights which increase the client coping skills and resiliency He educates and teaches about psychiatric disorders as depression and anxiety and the skills to overcome tthm.
I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
I’m Elba Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in relationships — with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. I hold space for people navigating the quiet weight of expectations, the complexity of identity, and the patterns that shape how we show up in the world.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and I have been providing therapy since 2018.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 7 years. My practice helps individuals who have experience trauma. I have experience in various therapy modalities including, EMDR, Mindfulness, mind-body awareness, Evidence-Based practices, among others; addressing issues surrounding depression, anxiety, PTSD and many other mental health conditions.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of San Luis Obispo, CA



- 95%Anxiety
- 91%Trauma
- 91%Depression
- 86%Grief or loss
- 86%Relationship issues

- 100%Aetna
- 64%Cigna
- 64%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 55%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 45%Blue Shield of California

- 95%English
- 5%Spanish

- 95%In-person or online
- 5%In-person only

- 82%Woman
- 18%Man

- 86%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 14%Licensed Clinical Social Worker

- 95%Individual therapy
- 32%Family therapy
- 23%Child or adolescent therapy
- 18%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Searching for therapists in San Luis Obispo starts with knowing what kind of support you want. Therapists can help with concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and stress. As you compare options, look for a therapist whose listed specialties, training, and approach match what you want to focus on. Bios can also show whether a therapist uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, or relationship-focused care.
In a smaller city like San Luis Obispo, local appointment options may be more limited than in larger California markets. Virtual therapy can expand your search while still letting you work with a therapist licensed in California. You may also want to compare appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Reading profiles before booking can help you understand each therapist’s communication style, session structure, and areas of focus.
Therapy in San Luis Obispo can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find therapists who match your preferences, accept a wide range of insurance plans nationally, and offer clear cost estimates before you book. You can browse therapists in San Luis Obispo, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
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