Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been in practice for over ten years. I help Gen Zers and Millennials to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress that the fast-paced world of today causes. Whether the ever-evolving world is making it difficult for you to navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, parenthood, work pressures, romantic partnerships, emotional trauma, or interpersonal relationships, I am prepared to aid in rebuilding your confidence and developing a powerful toolkit for combatting mental health blocks.

As a proud Mexican woman, it’s important to me to provide a space for marginalized groups to feel understood and validated. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply passionate about supporting the queer community with compassion and empathy. I am also sex-positive and have helped many of my clients overcome barriers and concerns regarding sex and physical intimacy.

I graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2016. I began seeing clients in 2014, and in the years since, I have worked in substance abuse programs, behavioral health hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and numerous group practices. Today, I enjoy managing my own practice and seeing my clients thrive as they tackle treatment goals. I am located in Los Angeles and am exclusively offering virtual therapy at this time, making it convenient for you to meet for your sessions in the comfort of your chosen space.

Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

I believe healing begins when you feel seen, heard, and accepted—just as you are. My goal is to create a space where you can show up authentically, explore your story without judgment, and reconnect with the strength that has always been within you. As a bilingual Latina therapist, I understand the importance of culture, family, and identity, and I strive to provide care that honors all parts of who you are.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work. In my clinical journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with adults, youth, children, and families in a variety of settings—including hospitals, residential treatment centers, schools, private practice, and community-based services.

These diverse experiences have shaped my ability to meet clients where they are and support them through a wide range of challenges.

I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.

Being vulnerable and allowing yourself to seek support when needed is a sign of strength. Together in therapy, we can continue to build on those strengths and learn to create a life worth living. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialization in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and training in different therapeutic modalities. I have had the privilege of working with children, families, and adults in all stages of life in both outpatient and inpatient settings who are having mental health difficulties with everyday stressors, life/stage transitions, mental illness, and terminal illness.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I'm passionate about helping people navigate the deep impacts of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to carry the weight of painful experiences while trying to function in daily life.

I believe healing happens not by "fixing" people, but by reconnecting you with your inner strength and resilience.

Whether you're struggling with persistent anxiety, feelings of sadness, or the lasting effects of trauma, I will tailor each session to your unique needs and pace.