Individual therapy in Avila Beach & San Luis Obispo County

Start with what you’re carrying.

Individual therapy is a private one-on-one place to slow things down, name what is happening, and work with a curious therapist who shows genuine interest in you, your story, and what you want to change.

Comfortable therapy room in the Avila Beach office
Is individual therapy the right place to start?

You do not need the perfect words before you reach out.

Some people know they want help with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, school pressure, or relationship patterns. Others only know that life feels heavier, more confusing, or harder to manage than it used to.

Our small practice focuses on therapy that is curated to each client, and we want to help you connect with the therapist who best matches your personality as well as your needs.

Ask about fit
What you can bring into the room

Start with the part that feels most present.

These are common reasons people begin individual therapy. Your reason may fit one of them, several of them, or none of them exactly.

  • Anxiety & stress

    Your mind will not slow down

    Worry, pressure, overthinking, panic, or the feeling that you are always bracing for what comes next.

  • Depression & grief

    Life feels heavy or distant

    Low mood, loss, burnout, numbness, or the sense that you have been away from yourself for a while.

  • Relationships

    The same patterns keep returning

    Boundaries, family roles, dating, friendship, conflict, loneliness, or relationship choices you want to understand more clearly.

  • College & young adulthood

    School, relationships, and the future pile up

    Academic pressure, roommate stress, family expectations, identity, direction, motivation, or the transition into adult life.

  • Identity & self-esteem

    You are trying to feel more like yourself

    Questions about confidence, values, purpose, identity, self-trust, or how you want to move through the world.

  • Life transitions

    Something has shifted

    A move, ending, new role, health stress, career change, or season where the old way of coping no longer fits.

Therapist fit blueprint

Choosing a therapist is part of the work.

The right fit is not only about a specialty list. It is also about how comfortable, direct, calm, practical, reflective, or collaborative the conversation feels.

  1. Name what you are carrying

    Start with the concern that feels closest: anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, school pressure, identity, stress, or feeling stuck.

  2. Notice the style you might open up with

    Some clients want warmth and reflection. Some want directness. Some want a therapist who is practical, curious, mindfulness-based, relational, or comfortable with deeper questions.

  3. Check the practical fit

    Location, telehealth, CenCal, fee, availability, and whether you want a specific therapist can all shape the first step.

If you are unsure, you can simply say what is going on and ask who may be a good fit.

Individual therapy fit

Individual therapists at Michael Harris & Associates

The list below starts with therapists who offer individual therapy. Use the service filters if you also want to compare college-student support, teen and parent therapy, or couples therapy.

  • Michael Harris

    Founder

    Michael Harris

    LMFT 100204

    For young adults and adults who want compassion, directness, and room for deeper questions.

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Men’s issues
    • Young adults
  • Melissa Campe

    Co-founder

    Melissa Campe

    MS, LMFT 108234

    For clients seeking a compassionate, mindfulness-based style for anxiety, mood, relationships, or confidence.

    • Anxiety
    • Trauma and PTSD
    • Women’s issues
    • Relationship issues
  • Hans Kulla-Mader

    Therapist

    Hans Kulla-Mader

    LMFT 162290

    For people who want honest, relational therapy that feels human.

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Overwhelm
  • Spencer Marley

    Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

    Spencer Marley

    AMFT 154954

    For couples, parents, and clients ready to name patterns and try something different.

    • Relationship patterns
    • Psychodynamic work
    • Couples therapy
    • Family conflict
  • Nathan Rubinoff

    Associate Social Worker

    Nathan Rubinoff

    ASW 137611

    For teens and clients who want a collaborative, transparent process.

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • ADHD
    • Self-understanding

If you are not sure who fits, tell us a little about what is going on and we can help you sort through the options.

Contact the Practice
Getting started

What happens when you reach out

The first step is meant to be simple. You can request an appointment directly, or ask for help choosing the therapist who fits your situation.

  1. Send an appointment request

    Share your name, contact information, and a brief note about what you are looking for. You do not need to explain everything at once.

  2. Sort through fit and logistics

    The practice can help you think through therapist style, availability, in-person or telehealth sessions, CenCal, and next steps.

  3. Begin with a 50-minute session

    Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. The first meetings are a place to understand what is happening and decide how the work should continue.

More practical answers are available on the FAQs page.

Insurance & CenCal

We accept CenCal — therapy may be covered.

Many people do not realize therapy can be covered through CenCal (Medi-Cal for San Luis Obispo County). If you have CenCal, or are not sure what your coverage includes, reach out and we will help you check.

Locations

Choose the location that works best for you

Meet in Avila Beach or San Luis Obispo, with telehealth available when remote sessions are the better fit.

Primary office

Avila Beach

6627 Bay Laurel Pl. Bld 5, Avila Beach, CA 93424

Free parking is available near the office.

Get Avila Beach directions

San Luis Obispo office

San Luis Obispo

599 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Ask about availability for this location when you reach out.

Get San Luis Obispo directions