Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
![Photo of Kristen Hess - Kristen Hess, LCSW @ Safe to Grow Psychotherapy, LCSW, IFECMHS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc6634b2-c342-4945-befa-5d26cefe5b86/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Hess, LCSW @ Safe to Grow Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
If you want to feel more grounded, joyful, connected, and at peace, you're in the right place. So much of our suffering is actually due to un-discharged traumatic stress. When we're exposed to stress, our nervous systems can get stuck "on" or "off." When we're stuck "on", we may feel anxious, panicked, emotionally overwhelmed, or enraged, and we may find ourselves with chronic tension, pain, or challenges with insomnia or digestion. When we're stuck "off" we can feel deeply depressed, ashamed, flat, dead, chronically fatigued, and disconnected or disoriented. In order to feel better, our nervous systems needs help regulating.
If you want to feel more grounded, joyful, connected, and at peace, you're in the right place. So much of our suffering is actually due to un-discharged traumatic stress. When we're exposed to stress, our nervous systems can get stuck "on" or "off." When we're stuck "on", we may feel anxious, panicked, emotionally overwhelmed, or enraged, and we may find ourselves with chronic tension, pain, or challenges with insomnia or digestion. When we're stuck "off" we can feel deeply depressed, ashamed, flat, dead, chronically fatigued, and disconnected or disoriented. In order to feel better, our nervous systems needs help regulating.
![Photo of Cristy Chavez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f652b79-3205-4442-94cc-bc1542228c4d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cristy Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Life creates obstacles causing painful emotions, confusion, and disconnection. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, an eating disorder, or daily coping skills, you might wonder how you will overcome such obstacles. With my unique approach to therapy, we will focus on your personal strengths, identify unconscious patterned behaviors, and guide you to a more fulfilling life. My mission is to encourage all beings to fearlessly honor who they are, find the tools necessary to freely live as the person they want to be, and to engage in their relationships with true connection.
Life creates obstacles causing painful emotions, confusion, and disconnection. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, an eating disorder, or daily coping skills, you might wonder how you will overcome such obstacles. With my unique approach to therapy, we will focus on your personal strengths, identify unconscious patterned behaviors, and guide you to a more fulfilling life. My mission is to encourage all beings to fearlessly honor who they are, find the tools necessary to freely live as the person they want to be, and to engage in their relationships with true connection.
![Photo of Allyson Thompson-Knox, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b31ea5bf-2ea1-4de7-96ff-4cb731d624c6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Allyson Thompson-Knox
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a change or a different perspective? You are here for a reason and looking for help! I want to help you find the answers you are searching for, develop new ways to handle situations and feelings, and support you in creating the change you want! Let us begin this journey together!
Are you looking for a change or a different perspective? You are here for a reason and looking for help! I want to help you find the answers you are searching for, develop new ways to handle situations and feelings, and support you in creating the change you want! Let us begin this journey together!
![Photo of Kim Richards, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d5436b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My practice focuses on supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy working with teens and supporting them in navigating the unique complexities associated with this life phase. I also work with families to help create bridges of communication and understanding between teens and their parents. I am a strong believer in the importance of joyful movement, mindfulness, social connection, and nutrition to help us reach our optimal state of well-being.
My practice focuses on supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy working with teens and supporting them in navigating the unique complexities associated with this life phase. I also work with families to help create bridges of communication and understanding between teens and their parents. I am a strong believer in the importance of joyful movement, mindfulness, social connection, and nutrition to help us reach our optimal state of well-being.
![Photo of Trinity Berguia, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c093cde-2440-4c2c-8c8f-a3525d31464d/2/320x400.png)
Trinity Berguia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Trinity works primarily with women who are navigating early adulthood. This often includes adjusting to college, life after college, marriage, motherhood, and breaking toxic family cycles. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe haven for you to explore your deepest inner wounds, and develop a sense of peace so that you may have healthy, secure relationships.
Trinity works primarily with women who are navigating early adulthood. This often includes adjusting to college, life after college, marriage, motherhood, and breaking toxic family cycles. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe haven for you to explore your deepest inner wounds, and develop a sense of peace so that you may have healthy, secure relationships.
Dorothy Pitkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I like working with people who recognize that they want or need to change something in their lives that they haven't yet figured out how to do by themselves. This includes people who feel they are stuck creatively-- working on a particular project that just doesn't move forward. Sometimes it is a question of what needs to change, as well as how to make that happen. While this process requires work that only they can do, therapy gives them a place to learn ways to do this work, using cognitive and experiential techniques.
I like working with people who recognize that they want or need to change something in their lives that they haven't yet figured out how to do by themselves. This includes people who feel they are stuck creatively-- working on a particular project that just doesn't move forward. Sometimes it is a question of what needs to change, as well as how to make that happen. While this process requires work that only they can do, therapy gives them a place to learn ways to do this work, using cognitive and experiential techniques.
![Photo of Lori Maggelet Eister, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d304eee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lori Maggelet Eister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hello! My name is Lori and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have worked in the counseling profession for the past 20 or so years.
Hello! My name is Lori and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have worked in the counseling profession for the past 20 or so years.
![Photo of Becky Sznejkowski, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61c12977-d021-4b92-83f8-2e9165a1fdf2/1/320x400.jpeg)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu. Having the courage to work on yourself to reach your full potential does not have to happen alone. As a psychologist and cancer survivor, I've experienced physical and emotional challenges that led to positive and healthy lifestyle changes. I hope to use these experiences to help others on their journey with emotional issues, chronic medical conditions, grief, life transition issues, or those who want to improve nutrition and lifestyle. I hope to walk this journey with you in order to facilitate growth and healing.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu. Having the courage to work on yourself to reach your full potential does not have to happen alone. As a psychologist and cancer survivor, I've experienced physical and emotional challenges that led to positive and healthy lifestyle changes. I hope to use these experiences to help others on their journey with emotional issues, chronic medical conditions, grief, life transition issues, or those who want to improve nutrition and lifestyle. I hope to walk this journey with you in order to facilitate growth and healing.
![Photo of Christine Tran, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/108ae4dc-6586-45cb-bd32-b3d01b15b2df/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hello and welcome. I want to acknowledge how brave you are for being here and seeking help. It takes plenty of courage to seek out therapy and it's okay to feel vulnerable at this moment. Whether you are a parent looking to find support for your child or someone whose wanting to start therapy, I offer empathetic support and tools to cope with life's many stressors. I work with children, teens, young adults, and families to help address challenges with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, school/behavioral issues, divorce, and family trauma. My practice honors diversity and offers non-judgmental space for you to feel safe and heard.
Hello and welcome. I want to acknowledge how brave you are for being here and seeking help. It takes plenty of courage to seek out therapy and it's okay to feel vulnerable at this moment. Whether you are a parent looking to find support for your child or someone whose wanting to start therapy, I offer empathetic support and tools to cope with life's many stressors. I work with children, teens, young adults, and families to help address challenges with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, school/behavioral issues, divorce, and family trauma. My practice honors diversity and offers non-judgmental space for you to feel safe and heard.
![Photo of Vicki M Matthews, MA, PCCI](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eccc68b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vicki M Matthews
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, PCCI
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Are you feeling a loss of joy in your life? Are you depressed, anxious, and emotional? Do you have problems with drugs or alcohol and suffering alone? I can help! I am a compassionate, empathetic and motivated Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling who wants to be a part of restoring the happiness in those struggling with life difficulties in my own community. I believe in a creative solution-focused and strength based approach to therapy. Together, I will help you identify fitting healing interventions; finding the source of your concerns and issues in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
Are you feeling a loss of joy in your life? Are you depressed, anxious, and emotional? Do you have problems with drugs or alcohol and suffering alone? I can help! I am a compassionate, empathetic and motivated Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling who wants to be a part of restoring the happiness in those struggling with life difficulties in my own community. I believe in a creative solution-focused and strength based approach to therapy. Together, I will help you identify fitting healing interventions; finding the source of your concerns and issues in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
![Photo of Mai Timberlake, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77e2834a-a2f7-4984-bf5e-759dcf781981/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mai Timberlake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I work with teens, adults, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
I work with teens, adults, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, autism, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. My aim is to create a nonjudgemental, compassionate, and safe space for genuine understanding of your needs and goals. Have you been feeling stuck and unable to make the changes you desire? Are you ready to start shedding unhelpful narratives of your past? I help empower clients to finally take the steps they need to create the life they've always envisioned for themselves.
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![Photo of Emma Carr, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be0dd5f5-5aa1-47f3-9927-95f0743f27b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emma Carr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed and finding it difficult to achieve daily tasks that used to be so easy? Maybe past traumas have been interrupting your sleep, relationships, career, and you don't know how to manage these traumas? Maybe you want understanding and to break generational toxic behaviors that have worked against you? Maybe you witnessed or experienced an extreme event that is affecting you, but have no idea where to start? I get it, life is not easy, and maybe you are at a point you just need to talk to someone who is non-biased and non judgmental. I am happy to be that person to talk too!
Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed and finding it difficult to achieve daily tasks that used to be so easy? Maybe past traumas have been interrupting your sleep, relationships, career, and you don't know how to manage these traumas? Maybe you want understanding and to break generational toxic behaviors that have worked against you? Maybe you witnessed or experienced an extreme event that is affecting you, but have no idea where to start? I get it, life is not easy, and maybe you are at a point you just need to talk to someone who is non-biased and non judgmental. I am happy to be that person to talk too!
![Photo of Caroline Cerussi, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1b00b09-08d5-4417-9c2a-160842577698/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Cerussi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Let’s be real, change is hard! But staying stuck in a cycle of pain and overthinking is harder. Are you feeling ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter? If you're someone who's been analyzing, overthinking, constantly wanting to feel better but struggling to know where to start, I'm here to help. I believe analysis and awareness is an important step, but we can’t always out-think our problems or solely focus on the source of the issue. I'm about action, results, and helping you move forward in a safe space. I'll combine empathy with a push to uncover your blind spots so you can make positive change.
Let’s be real, change is hard! But staying stuck in a cycle of pain and overthinking is harder. Are you feeling ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter? If you're someone who's been analyzing, overthinking, constantly wanting to feel better but struggling to know where to start, I'm here to help. I believe analysis and awareness is an important step, but we can’t always out-think our problems or solely focus on the source of the issue. I'm about action, results, and helping you move forward in a safe space. I'll combine empathy with a push to uncover your blind spots so you can make positive change.
![Photo of Benjamin Wallman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8bfa0d7e-43e0-4f3c-a0da-422ed66e10a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Benjamin Wallman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to supporting you in addressing your unique mental health needs. My approach is centered around warmth, understanding, and open-mindedness, ensuring that you have a supportive and non-judgmental environment for you. Together, we will collaborate to develop personalized strategies that enhance your well-being and help you achieve your goals. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.
As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to supporting you in addressing your unique mental health needs. My approach is centered around warmth, understanding, and open-mindedness, ensuring that you have a supportive and non-judgmental environment for you. Together, we will collaborate to develop personalized strategies that enhance your well-being and help you achieve your goals. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.
![Photo of Anthony Paul Martello, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc4fe153-423f-4ff1-8dbe-d0b2e452769b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
![Photo of Kendra N Williams, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e3e39f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
![Photo of Ryan Lubock, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/531b0598-5641-498f-9afb-e94e0a2a8801/1/320x400.jpeg)
Individual therapy will focus on the root causes of your suffering by examining how your past informs your present. More concretely this may look like examining different relationship patterns that you find yourself falling into and how you cope with the challenges in your life. In fact, the relationship that forms between yourself and the therapist serves as a tool to help change the way you relate to others outside of the office.
Individual therapy will focus on the root causes of your suffering by examining how your past informs your present. More concretely this may look like examining different relationship patterns that you find yourself falling into and how you cope with the challenges in your life. In fact, the relationship that forms between yourself and the therapist serves as a tool to help change the way you relate to others outside of the office.
![Photo of Isaiah Moore - ConnectUs, MA, BA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3989368-0a39-444b-af7e-5f279c2e9eee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Imagine a thriving business struggling with high employee turnover, low morale, and inefficient processes. The leadership team feels overwhelmed by these complex issues and seeks solutions to enhance productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and streamline operations. They want to create a positive work environment where their team can excel and achieve long-term success. Their ultimate goal is to transform their workplace into a hub of innovation and engagement, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage.
Imagine a thriving business struggling with high employee turnover, low morale, and inefficient processes. The leadership team feels overwhelmed by these complex issues and seeks solutions to enhance productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and streamline operations. They want to create a positive work environment where their team can excel and achieve long-term success. Their ultimate goal is to transform their workplace into a hub of innovation and engagement, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage.
![Photo of Jaclyn Woods, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/478e1ce4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaclyn Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93402
Not accepting new clients
Painful feelings, experiences, losses, and transitions in your life and those around you can sometimes feel too overwhelming to walk through alone, my job as your therapist is to walk with you. Together we can create a path on your journey towards healing and wholeness. If you have felt deep sadness, then you also have the capacity to feel great joy. I am continually humbled by the human spirit and it's ability to seek integration and healing and I believe therapy can be one of the most powerful practices available to create transformations from the inside out.
Painful feelings, experiences, losses, and transitions in your life and those around you can sometimes feel too overwhelming to walk through alone, my job as your therapist is to walk with you. Together we can create a path on your journey towards healing and wholeness. If you have felt deep sadness, then you also have the capacity to feel great joy. I am continually humbled by the human spirit and it's ability to seek integration and healing and I believe therapy can be one of the most powerful practices available to create transformations from the inside out.
![Photo of Erin Lindvall, PhD, LMFT, FAPA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44eae046-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Lindvall
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, FAPA
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | Self Esteem |
67% | Coping Skills |
65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
51% | Aetna |
36% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
36% | Other |
How Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Luis Obispo?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.