Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Luis Obispo, CA covered by Cigna

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 support deep-feeling individuals in gaining self‐knowledge, confidence in their own intuition and voice, and practical tools to navigate challenges when they resurface. My work is collaborative and person‐centered; I see therapy as a process of guiding you back to yourself, rather than telling you what you should do.

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Together, we explore how past experiences may be impacting your life today, build awareness of your nervous system, and create space for clarity around your purpose and goals.

I am LGBTQIA+ and multiculturally informed and welcome diverse communities into my practice.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals reconnect with themselves, understand the emotions beneath their experiences, and develop effective coping tools that support greater happiness and well-being. I have been licensed since 1998 and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD.

I have years of practice across clinical, executive, and case management roles. I've worked with adults and older adults navigating everything from decades of unprocessed trauma to the kind of anxiety that makes everyday life feel like an uphill climb. I'm experienced, I'm direct, and I genuinely believe therapy works best when you feel like you're being heard — not assessed.

My approach is eclectic because people are complex. I don't believe in rigid scripts. I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic techniques, and strength-based methods — adapting what's most useful for where you are right now. I accept Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross CA, Blue Shield of CA, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and more. I offer telehealth sessions throughout California, so no commute required.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

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.