Founder
Michael Harris
LMFT 100204
Michael Harris is a good fit for young adults and adults who want a therapist who shows up with genuine warmth, listens deeply, and helps them work through life’s difficult moments.
Work with a genuine, compassionate therapist in Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, or online. We are a small, local practice — Cal Poly rooted, and here to serve the community on the Central Coast.
Michael Harris & Associates is a small group of therapists with different life experiences, styles, and areas of focus. Likewise, we welcome individuals from every background, identity, and stage of life. Read through the profiles below to get a sense of who you want to contact first. We look forward to connecting, and answering any questions that you might have.
Founder
LMFT 100204
Michael Harris is a good fit for young adults and adults who want a therapist who shows up with genuine warmth, listens deeply, and helps them work through life’s difficult moments.
Co-founder
MS, LMFT 108234
For clients seeking a compassionate, mindfulness-based style for anxiety, mood, relationships, or confidence.
Therapist
LMFT 162290
For people who want honest, relational therapy that feels human.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT 154954
For couples, parents, and clients ready to name patterns and try something different.
Associate Social Worker
ASW 137611
For teens and clients who want a collaborative, transparent process.
Not sure who fits? Tell us a little about what is going on and we will help point you toward the therapist who may be a good match.
Get help choosingProfessional peers describe Michael as warm, thoughtful, compassionate, and steady in difficult moments.
“Michael is a trusted colleague that I refer clients to all the time. He has extensive experience and builds rapport with ease. He's great at what he does!”
“Michael is a kind, compassionate, and skilled therapist!”
“Michael's empathy and thoughtfulness shine through in both his personal and professional life. Among the many reasons I would recommend Michael as a therapist are his sharp mind and earnest desire to understand.”
“Michael is a seasoned clinician whose intelligence and curiosity come with a genuine warmth. He comes highly recommended in my book.”
“Michael is an empathetic, caring and knowledgeable therapist. I had the privilege of being part of an existential therapy book study led by Michael Harris and trained with him during my licensure. He is knowledgeable and an excellent communicator.”
“Melissa and I have much experience with being colleagues and co-workers. I have witnessed her genuine empathy and intelligence. She has a warmth about her that clients find inviting. I recommend people to her often and trust that they are in good hands.”
“Highly recommend Melissa! She is a great therapist and makes a positive impact on all her clients.”
“Melissa is a skilled clinician who shows genuine care towards her clients. She is insightful, understanding, and compassionate. I highly recommend her as a therapist.”
“Hans is gentle, kind and has excellent intuition. He always knows how to make clients feel safe and heard.”
“Hans is thoughtful, kind and practical, and I have loved learning from and working with him. I think he's especially good at mixing practical solutions with deep connection, two polarities that make him an excellent therapist.”
“Hans is a wonderful clinician with an incredibly calming presence; his approach is warm and authentic. He works especially well with folks navigating anxiety and depression.”
“I worked with Nathan in homeless services, and I witnessed his warmth and professionalism firsthand. Nathan not only has an exceptional ability to connect with people from various backgrounds, he also creates and runs effective programs and interventions.”
These are professional peer endorsements, not client testimonials.
Choose the closest fit, or ask us to help you decide.
A one-on-one place to work through anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationships, identity, or a difficult transition.
Support for teens, plus guidance for parents when school pressure, conflict, ADHD, or emotional overwhelm affects home life.
When the same arguments keep returning or distance has built up, therapy helps slow the pattern down.
Finding the right therapist matters more than anything else, and you do not have to figure it out alone. Michael personally reads the messages and calls that come in, and is always glad to help you think through who might be the best fit for what you are going through.
We are a small, independent practice rooted here on the Central Coast. If someone in our practice is not the right match, that is okay: we are well connected locally and are happy to point you toward another trusted therapist. The goal is simply that you land with the right person.
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.
We see clients in Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo, with telehealth available across California. Availability differs by therapist and office — reach out and we'll help you find a fit.
Primary office
Free parking is available near the office.
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