Teen & Young Adult Therapy in San Luis Obispo
Something feels off with your kid — or maybe everything feels off, all at once. They've pulled back. They're anxious, irritable, or just not themselves. You're not sure if what you're seeing is a phase or something that needs real attention. And if you're a young person reading this yourself, you already know something needs to change, even if you can't quite name it yet.
This is exactly the work we do.
Therapy for teens and young adults, ages 13–25
Ana Mathis brings something rare to therapy with young people: she's not just a clinician — she's a former classroom teacher, a school outreach coordinator, and someone who has spent her career inside the systems that shape young people's lives. She has worked with teens navigating OCD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use — in schools, community mental health settings, intensive outpatient programs, and recovery centers. She understands the world young people actually live in, and she doesn't need it explained.
There's something that happens when a young person feels genuinely safe — they open up in ways that surprise even themselves. Creating that kind of space is something Ana does naturally, and it's at the heart of how she works.
Jessica Bany also brings deep experience with adolescents, including work in intensive day treatment programs and juvenile hall settings. For teens or families navigating more complex clinical needs, our consultation process will help match you with the right fit.
What we help with
We work with teens and young adults dealing with:
Anxiety and stress — social anxiety, performance pressure, the constant hum of worry that won't quiet down
Depression and low mood — withdrawal, hopelessness, losing interest in things that used to matter
Identity and self-esteem — figuring out who you are, feeling like you're never quite enough, struggling with self-worth
OCD and intrusive thoughts — including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a gold-standard treatment for OCD
ADHD — building emotional regulation skills before patterns become harder to shift
Family conflict — communication breakdowns, feeling misunderstood at home, navigating hard dynamics
Life transitions — starting high school, leaving for college, entering adulthood, the in-between places that feel unsteady
Substance use and recovery — compassionate, non-judgmental support for young people finding their way back
If what your teen is experiencing isn't on this list, reach out anyway. These are starting points, not limits.
For parents
Watching your child struggle is one of the hardest things there is — especially when you can't fix it for them. Ana works collaboratively with families, and she understands that you are part of this picture too. If you have questions about whether therapy is the right step, what to expect, or how to bring it up with your teen, bring those questions to the consultation call. There are no wrong questions.
Accessible care — CenCal and Medi-Cal accepted
Ana is in-network with CenCal Health (Medi-Cal), which means quality therapy is accessible to families who might otherwise face cost as a barrier. If you're not sure whether your insurance qualifies, bring it up on your free consultation call and we'll help you figure it out.
In person, telehealth, and walk & talk
Sessions with Ana are available in person at our San Luis Obispo office, via telehealth throughout California, and as walk and talk therapy outdoors. For many young people, moving while they talk makes it easier — less formal, less pressure, more like a real conversation.
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you're a parent looking for support for your teenager, or a young adult ready to do this for yourself — we'd love to connect. The free 15-minute consultation is a chance to ask questions, get a feel for Ana, and decide if it's the right fit. No commitment required.
Or call or text us at (805) 704-3698