Tips to Find a Great San Luis Obispo Therapist, Psychologist, or Counselor
San Luis Obispo, CA exudes charm in every corner, boasting near-perfect year-round weather, breathtaking hiking trails, and close proximity to stunning beaches. Its charming downtown is lined with an array of delightful shops and boutiques, and the area hosts several Farmers' Markets each week. Life in this town can be truly enchanting. However, living in San Luis Obispo does present challenges, including limited options for specialized services. If you're seeking a local mental health therapist, I'm here to assist you in finding the support you need.
I want to help you find a great San Luis Obispo therapist
Below are a few suggestions to help you in your search:
Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through Psychology Today
A great place to start your search is psychologytoday.com. Begin by entering your zip code, and then use the “refine” feature to customize your search. You can refine your search by a specific issue, your health insurance provider, type of therapy, therapist’s faith orientation etc.
Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through a therapist’s website
On many therapist’s profiles on Psychology Today, you will find a “My Website” link. I encourage you to choose a few Psychology Today profiles that resonate with you and then explore those therapists’ websites to learn more about their specialties, style, services etc.
Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through your health insurance
Some therapists are contracted directly with health insurance providers. However, many of us (including myself) are out-of-network therapy providers who can give you with a superbill (a form that lists the services you engaged in) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Being a private pay therapist enables me to focus 100% of my attention on giving my clients the care and attention they deserve.
Find a San Luis Obispo therapist that specializes in treating the issue you are struggling with
Some therapists are generalists and enjoy working with a variety of different issues. Other therapists specialize in a specific population and/or issue(s). For example, in my private therapy practice I specialize in EMDR therapy and online EMDR therapy and I work with women who struggle with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD.
On Psychology Today profiles many therapists include a long list of areas and issues that they specialize in. I encourage you to check out their website to get a clearer picture of who they are, how they work, and the types of issues that they specialize in.
San Luis Obispo therapy in-person vs. online therapy
Since the onset of COVID-19, online therapy (also known as telehealth, teletherapy, virtual therapy, etc.) has significantly increased in popularity. While some may perceive online therapy as less personal than in-person sessions, it offers numerous advantages. Many individuals appreciate the added flexibility of online therapy, which allows them to better balance work, children's schedules, and other commitments. This includes the convenience of scheduling therapy sessions during lunch breaks, after dinner, or on weekends. Online therapy also provides a safe option for those with compromised immune systems, eliminating the need to risk their health by attending in-person sessions. Furthermore, many people find that engaging in therapy from the comfort of their own home leads to increased comfort and reduced anxiety.
San Luis Obispo therapist vs. counselor vs. psychologist vs. life coach
The term therapist and counselor is often used interchangeably to describe a professional with specialized training in mental health disorders, emotional and behavioral challenges, and healing after trauma. In California, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) must have at least 3,000 hours of supervised hours and pass a law and ethics and clinical exam before becoming licensed.
Psychologists often focus on assessments, research and/or teaching and may work closely with a psychiatrist who prescribes medication. Although psychologists and therapists have many of the same skills, psychologists much obtain a doctoral degree.
Life coaches often focus on life improvement, increasing motivation, and boosting confidence in a variety of different areas. Although many life coaches have specialized training and/or certifications, there are currently no legal standards for becoming a life coach in California. Many life coaches gain their skills through life experience, and they may or may not have specialized training.
I hope this information helps you find the right therapist for you in San Luis Obispo or Arroyo Grande, CA
A free consultation with a San Luis Obispo therapist
Hi! I’m Andrea Bey, LMFT, an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in California struggling with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD. Call me today at (805)225-4495 for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation so that you can leave the anxiety and stress behind and live the life you want to live.
