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

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.

Feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or heartbroken? Life can be challenging, and sometimes we all need support. I'd be honored to help you walk through your difficult situations and emotions. With several years of experience helping people from all walks of life, I take a non-judgmental approach tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you heal, solve problems, manage challenges, and grow into the person you want to be.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'm a nature loving California native whose work blends depth psychology with nervous system healing, helping people move beyond simply coping and into a more authentic relationship with themselves. I have experience supporting adults through trauma, grief, anxiety, identity exploration, and major life transitions using body-based approaches. My clients are thoughtful, introspective, and feeling-types including Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), who are ready to explore themselves with curiosity, honesty, and compassion.

My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

You may understand yourself really well and still wonder why certain things have such a hold on you. Why is it so hard to say no? Why does someone’s disappointment feel unbearable? Why can one interaction stay with you all night? I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship patterns, boundaries, and the lasting impact of difficult experiences.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working in mental health, with a primary focus on women’s mental health. I support women navigating depression, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and mental health concerns during pregnancy and the postpartum period. I also work with individuals who may appear high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted internally.

I believe deeply in the power of words and how they shape our mental and emotional well-being. My work is rooted in bringing clarity, encouragement, and hope into spaces where patients may feel discouraged or stuck. I provide thoughtful, intentional, and holistic psychiatric care that considers the whole person, not just their symptoms.