Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA

I earned my master's degree in Social Work 29 years ago. Over the course of my career I have enjoyed working with girls and women of all ages. I enjoy supporting girls and women who are navigating middle school, high school, college, relationships, post-partum period, motherhood, divorce, menopause, and becoming empty nesters. I love seeing my clients begin therapy with stress, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief and loss, or trauma then graduate from therapy in a much better place. I believe that you can thrive no matter your age and no matter your circumstances. I have less experience helping transgender women but I really enjoy that work as well. I consider myself a LGBTQIA+ ally.

Life can be challenging, and in those moments we may lose touch with our true selves. Reaching out for support takes courage and is an important first step. With over 18 years of experience, my approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I work primarily with adults using an integrative approach that includes Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in creative and caregiving fields, helping them reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and find balance. I also work with adult children of caregivers who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues such as Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Marquetta McCleod is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience serving children, families, and individuals through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Her professional journey spans more than 15 years in social services, including extensive work with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both emergency response and ongoing support. She has also provided guidance to diverse populations through county health and social service programs, including CalWORKs recipients, families experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.

Licensed since 2019, Marquetta brings a compassionate and practical approach to therapy, leadership, and community outreach. As the Founder and Executive Director of MNM Project HOPE, a nonprofit she has successfully led for the past four years, she has built a haven of healing that offers low-to-no-cost mental health services, outreach, and training for emerging clinicians.

Grounded in her values of spirituality, leadership, and reliability, Marquetta is dedicated to empowering underserved communities and nurturing the next generation of culturally competent therapists. Her vision is to make holistic, heart-centered care accessible to all, while inspiring hope, growth, and lasting change in every life she touches.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve taken the step to begin therapy, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey toward healing and growth. My name is Sam and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of issues, including relational difficulties, mental health challenges, eating disorders, trauma, and more.

Psychotherapy provided to adults seeking support. In treatment,we can create/reach goals to cope successfully while decreasing symptoms of anxiety/depression. Both short-term and long-term assistance available.

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 have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.