Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Atascadero, CA

avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, PTSD, and other life stressors. With experience in psychiatric crisis care and community outreach, I believe healing starts with feeling safe enough to show up. My goal is to offer real, judgment-free support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward lasting growth.

I entered into this field to help individuals to learn, grow and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My role through my education, learning and experience is to support clients’ in unlocking their awareness of patterns to increase the clients’ ability to access the tools within them to facilitate their learning, growth and healing through a collaborative process.

As a Black/African American woman, I am passionate about working with people of color (especially people of color who identify as LGBTIA+) in destigmatizing mental health in our communities and identifying how systemic racism/systemic oppression affect our mental health.

My strengths as a therapist are rooted in fifteen years of experience working in the field as a mental health clinician in a variety of settings. I have supported individual’s ability to access their inherent tools to overcome struggles connected to trauma, grief & loss, depression and general anxiety. Over the course of my experience I have developed skills in providing therapy to underrepresented, underserviced families, children, individuals, and couples. I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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.

My passion is to empower those that have not found their potential. We all have our own stories and experiences which makes us perfect candidates for success when we have the right support. Whether you have lived it, experienced it or witnessed it, the effects of trauma are devastating. Quit beating yourself up. It is time to heal. With 20 years experience in addiction and over 10 working with trauma, it is time to recover from the past, survive the present, and flourish into the future. It all starts with you.

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

Life has a way of throwing challenges our way that can feel impossible to navigate alone, but you don't have to carry that weight by yourself. With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I have worked with individuals of all ages—from young children to seniors—helping them find clarity through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether you are dealing with relationship struggles, depression, or the complexities of grief and trauma, my goal is to provide a steady presence that helps you find your way back to yourself. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by drawing on both my clinical training and the wisdom gained from decades of practice.

I believe that true healing happens when you have a space to speak freely with someone who isn't connected to your daily life or family circle. I bring a blend of professional expertise and extensive life experience to our sessions, which allows me to understand the nuances of the human experience beyond just a clinical lens. Outside of my work in the office, I enjoy staying active in the local community and find that a balanced life helps me show up fully for those I serve. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have an experienced advocate committed to their well-being.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in social work, and I’ve worked in both clinical and community settings supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and moments where things just feel “off.” Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, burnout, or a deeper sense of feeling stuck, I’m here to help you make sense of it and move forward.

My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods along—I’ll actively engage with you, offer insight, and help you connect patterns so you can create real, lasting change. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable being fully yourself, while also gently challenging what’s no longer working.

I also specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through a partnership with Journey Clinical, working alongside medical providers who prescribe and monitor treatment. This can be a powerful option for those who feel stuck in traditional approaches or are looking for a deeper level of healing and perspective.

I work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more grounded and aligned in their day-to-day lives.

I am a double board-certified family and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. As a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I believe that healing begins with understanding. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share your story without judgment and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I provide individualized, evidence-based care for adults facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorders, ADHD/ADD, and sleep disorders.