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Best Family Therapists in Arroyo Grande, CA (2026)

15 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Arroyo Grande: Tom La Chapelle Lmft, RP Score 76/100; 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

  2. 12

    Most-reviewed: DeRose Therapy Group, 13 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 15 ranked; ranked #12.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

15 Arroyo Grande family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 3 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 15 rated practices.

Top 10 family therapists in Arroyo Grande at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 family therapists in Arroyo Grande at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Tom La Chapelle Lmft765.0★ (4)Arroyo Grande—Overall
2Katja Ahlstrom674.4★ (7)San Luis Obispo, 12 mi away——
3New Beginnings Therapy645.0★ (5)Arroyo GrandeSat · Sun · Evenings—
4Tidelands Counseling624.0★ (8)San Luis Obispo, 12 mi awayEvenings—
5Jennifer Shepard, LMFT, LPCC603.2★ (9)Arroyo GrandeSat—
6Katty Richardson, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC605.0★ (5)Arroyo GrandeSat · Evenings—
7Peace and Purpose Therapy585.0★ (5)Arroyo Grande——
8Sacred Path Holistic Therapy575.0★ (3)Arroyo GrandeEvenings—
9Shannon Aguirre, LMFT Marriage and Family Therapist555.0★ (5)Santa Maria, 15 mi away——
10Jane A. Hill, Therapist524.5★ (4)San Luis Obispo, 10 mi away——

The 15 best family therapists in Arroyo Grande, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  1. Ranked #1 in Arroyo Grande

    #1 Tom La Chapelle Lmft

    Based in Arroyo Grande

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    154 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
    View profile for Tom La Chapelle Lmft(805) 704-4402

  2. #2 Katja Ahlstrom

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 12 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    508 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Katja Ahlstrom(805) 215-0373

  3. #3 New Beginnings Therapy

    Based in Arroyo Grande

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, based in Arroyo Grande.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat 11 PM–12 AM · Sun 12 AM–2 PM
    Address
    405 E Branch St #111, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
    View profile for New Beginnings Therapy(805) 242-8114

  4. #4 Tidelands Counseling

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 12 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1411 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Tidelands Counseling(805) 543-5060

  10. #10 Jane A. Hill, Therapist

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 10 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    1299 Briarwood Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Jane A. Hill, Therapist(805) 709-7496

  11. #11 Jaclyn Woods, MA, LMFT

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 10 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    4251 S Higuera St #300, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Jaclyn Woods, MA, LMFT(805) 776-3505

  12. #12 DeRose Therapy Group

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 10 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3889 Long St Ste 200, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for DeRose Therapy Group(805) 724-6831

  13. #13 Sun & Moon Therapy

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 12 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    441 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Sun & Moon Therapy(805) 242-5922

  14. #14 Pacific Emotional Wellness

    Based in San Luis Obispo, 12 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    441 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    View profile for Pacific Emotional Wellness(805) 234-8007

  15. #15 Gantt Lynda M PhD

    Based in Santa Maria, 15 mi away

    48/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    301 E Cook St Ste K, Santa Maria, CA 93454
    View profile for Gantt Lynda M PhD(805) 922-1093

Also serving Arroyo Grande

20 more family therapists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked family therapists serving Arroyo Grande
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Alexandra Seastrunk LMFT5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
BLOOM Maternal Therapy4.7★ (14)In Arroyo Grande
Bornino Kathy5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Central Coast Behavioral CenterIn Arroyo Grande
christian marriage counseling1.0★ (2)In Arroyo Grande
Colleen A. Sebastian, MC, LMFT5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Counseling into Wellness5.0★ (2)In Arroyo Grande
Deana Huddleston Lmft5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
dorothy boyce mft1.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Dr. Tammy Dobbs4.3★ (6)In Arroyo Grande
Jennifer Padilla-Burger, LMFT5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Jeremy Dastic, LMFT - Arroyo Grande Therapist4.0★ (4)In Arroyo Grande
Lisa Neuenschwander, Ph.D.5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Lola J. Friedmann, MA5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Mary Bienkowski, MFT5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
New Life Care + Counseling5.0★ (1)In Arroyo Grande
Sandra Warmerdam, LCSW5.0★ (2)In Arroyo Grande
Shelly A. Browne, PsyD5.0★ (2)In Arroyo Grande
SLO Psychological Services - Miriam Burlakovsky5.0★ (10)In Arroyo Grande
South County Adult Mental Health Services2.3★ (9)In Arroyo Grande

How we ranked Arroyo Grande family therapists

We scored 15 Arroyo Grande family therapists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Arroyo Grande data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a family therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure family therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Marriage and family therapists (LMFT) are trained to work with families as a whole; psychologists and counselors may also offer family sessions, so ask about their training.
  4. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a family therapist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is family therapy?
  • Who would you want to attend the first session?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Family therapists in Arroyo Grande: frequently asked questions

Who is the best family therapist in Arroyo Grande?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in Arroyo Grande, CA is Tom La Chapelle Lmft with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews. Katja Ahlstrom (#2) and New Beginnings Therapy (#3) follow. We ranked 15 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many family therapists are there in Arroyo Grande?

RankedPsychologists ranks 15 family therapists serving Arroyo Grande, CA. 6 of them are based in Arroyo Grande; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which family therapists in Arroyo Grande work on weekends?

3 of 15 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are New Beginnings Therapy (#3), Jennifer Shepard, LMFT, LPCC (#5) and Katty Richardson, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Arroyo Grande family therapists have?

The median Google rating among 15 rated family therapists in Arroyo Grande is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. DeRose Therapy Group has the most, 13 reviews, and ranks #12. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank family therapists?

Each family therapist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do family therapists outside Arroyo Grande count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Arroyo Grande city center, our service radius for family therapists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can family therapists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are family therapists in Arroyo Grande ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on family therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Who attends family therapy?

It depends on the concern. Sessions may include the whole household, a parent and one child, or adult family members. Ask the practice how it decides who comes and whether it also sees people individually.

Can I see a family therapist online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Arroyo Grande

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 15 family therapists serving Arroyo Grande.

More family therapists and Arroyo Grande pages