Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Maria, CA covered by Aetna

As a therapist working with both children and adults with 5 years experience, my clinical approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for healing and growth. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences. Many individuals come to therapy carrying the weight of trauma, stress, or life transitions, and my role is to walk alongside them as they develop insight, resilience, and practical coping skills.

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.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and reaching out for support can be an

important first step toward feeling better and creating meaningful change. I am a

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with several years of experience working with

children, adolescents, adults, and families.

My experience includes working with community programs, mental health services, and

private practice. I have worked with individuals and families experiencing trauma,

emotional and behavioral challenges, family conflict, and difficult circumstances

involving foster care. I have also worked with youth transitioning to adulthood and

individuals in the justice system. In addition, I have provided clinical supervision to

interns and delivered professional training within the field.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to make

change. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, drawing from CBT, DBT,

Family Systems, and trauma-informed care. Together, we can identify patterns that may

be getting in the way, develop practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, and work

toward your set goals.

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.

I’m a licensed therapist in San Francisco with over 15 years in private practice. I specialize in Eating disorders, body image and trauma and work primarily with adults who are exhausted by the cycle of restriction, compulsive eating, shame and self criticism and are ready for something to genuinely shift. My training includes, IFS, Somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT and Expressive Arts therapy, which means we will not only engage in supportive talk therapy, but also have real tools to work with. My clients often express that not only do they heal and find peace with food, disordered eating and body image, but they also become more able to feel and tolerate emotions and regulate moods, while building trust in their bodies and discover true hungers, desires and enhance creativity and vitality. This can lead to more ease and comfort in your own skin, with the potential of more meaningful work and healthy relationships.

I look forward to talking with you about what needs to change in order for you to have the life you want & deserve. I believe most of our problems are usually short-term issues.

Struggling with anxious thoughts or self-doubt? I work with young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Together, we’ll build coping skills and create a personalized plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. I help clients navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and life changes with curiosity and compassion. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected—to yourself and the life you want to create.

I'm Mary, and I want you to know that whatever's bringing you here — anxiety that won't quiet down, a relationship that's fraying, grief you can't shake, or patterns you keep repeating despite your best efforts — you don't have to figure it out alone. I've worked with individuals, couples, families, and teens facing some of life's hardest chapters, and I genuinely believe that the right support at the right time changes everything.

I'm California-licensed and offer telehealth sessions statewide, which means flexible, private care from wherever you're most comfortable. I accept Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health, and I'm happy to help you understand your benefits before your first session.

Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

Hello, I’m Carmen Alegria, LCSW.

At times, life can feel heavy. You may be navigating the end of a relationship, coping with grief, managing work stress, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or low mood. You may notice yourself overthinking, feeling emotionally drained, struggling with boundaries, or questioning how you got here. If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected, therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and begin moving forward with intention.

There are some things in life that are too hard to face alone. If you or a loved one have experienced trauma, relationship struggles, stresses related to parenting or taking care of an aging parent, grief at the loss of a beloved member of your life, anxiety, depression, survivor or witness to abuse, or seeking tools for living with wellness. Please come and be welcome in a healing space.