Aspire Counseling Services - San Luis Obispo, California

Jarrod E.

Aspire SLO is a life altering program that has provided clarity, peace, and wellness to MY life !
I have spent many years personally and professionally in and around councel, therapy, recovery, self-improvement and skill cultivation.
I PROMISE, ASPIRE IS DIFFERENT !!

On the daily, staff maintains a professional comprehensive curriculum for group work and activities. Engaging clients with education and interactive sessions, mutual exploration of social themes, patterns of self, and family of origin.

Figuring out my "WHATs and WHYs" revealed insightful knowledge of my past and current life circumstances.
Staff and group members helped me process, and be accountable for my thoughts, emotions and actions.

There is a certain amount of grit needed for a client to navigate and succeed in ASPIRE, however, no stress or worries ! The Aspire management, counseling, and support staff are clearly vested in our safety, growth, and success. On day one, I was assigned a 1:1 counselor... who helped with problem solving and goal planning.

The staff does not just care, they CARE CARE !!! They embrace the vulnerable and compromised with kindness, acceptance, and compassion.

Top to bottom, bottom to top, this staff applies knowledge, experience, and love to their work... and our lives.

Much love ASPIRE !

*** 4 out out 5 stars, always room for hope 🙏

Micah C.

Aspire is a fantastic program that saved my life. The staff are some of the best people I have ever met. Tom (the director) is on of the hardest working and honest guys in the world. Aspire is a safe place for broken people. If you're honest with yourself and willing to do the work, Aspire will help you get out of whatever hell you are going through.

Helene V.

When I arrived at Aspire in early April of 2024, I was lost, engulfed by addiction, and consumed by a sense of hopelessness that left me feeling suicidal. After years in a dark mental space, everything began to change within weeks of joining Aspire Counseling Services of San Luis Obispo. For the first time, I felt my soul reconnect with my body; I rediscovered a will to live and a desire to search for purpose.
In just a month, I began to take care of myself again, shedding self-loathing and embracing self-compassion. The tools and wisdom I gained from Aspire equipped me to confront my addiction and mental health challenges with newfound strength. The counselors delivered their teachings with genuine care and engaging methods that made learning accessible and impactful. I thought I knew it all, but Aspire offered me a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t realize I was missing.
What sets Aspire apart is its incredible community. The support and love shared among participants in group therapy create an atmosphere that feels like family. People become vulnerable, are heard and seen, and receive thoughtful support from an empathetic network of individuals. I have witnessed profound transformations in people battling debilitating anxiety and depression, and I have complete faith in the program for those who commit to it wholeheartedly. Aspire also offers a fantastic teen program.
The diversity at Aspire enriches the experience—whether you're an 18-year-old struggling to find your way or an older adult seeking change, everyone benefits from the shared experiences and connections. Empathy runs deep here, fostering self-compassion and forgiveness.
Every aspect of Aspire is meticulously crafted to support healing and growth. The director, Tom Buckley, is a legendary figure in his ability to guide and love every individual. His insights and compassion are unmatched, transforming lives in ways I’ve never seen elsewhere. The counselors, many of whom have personal experience with substance abuse and mental health, connect with patients on a profound, personal level.
Aspire has helped me achieve sobriety, build healthy routines, find community support, and develop coping skills. I’ve rediscovered my identity, set new goals, and found joy in life again. I am now proud of my sobriety, eager to face the world, and dedicated to becoming the best version of myself.
If you or someone you love is struggling, I urge you to reach out to Aspire SLO. Even a single day here could reveal the safety, comfort, and wisdom that transformed my life. If I could give ten stars, I would. This place is nothing short of life-changing.

Dylan B.

I recently had a near death incident at work and my second child was born 5 days after the incident. I had PTSD, anxiety, and sever sleep disorder. I was handling the stress in a negative way and was at one of the lowest points in my life. I decided to get help so I didn’t lose my family, job, or life. I found Aspire online and went in for an intake interview. I didn’t know what to expect but decided to try something different and it was the best decision I have ever made for my family, and myself. I spent just over two months at Aspire and even though it was tough I was able to finish their program and graduate.
During my time at Aspire I acquired many new skill sets “tools” that I could apply in my life to reframe my perspective on life. I worked one on one and in group settings and benefited greatly from both. Every single staff member there is genuine, authentic, and compassionate towards my healing journey. They challenged me, supported me, and gave me faith that I could overcome my attachments and become the best version of myself. They also gave me a place where I could connect with others that may have similarities in experiences and safe environment and felt comfortable in sharing since it was such a vulnerable time in my life.
I now have completely changed my life ( for the better) and honestly couldn’t have done it without the continued support from Aspire. It truly was the best thing I’ve done for myself/family. I also have gained a new community that I have for life to help me whenever I’m faced with difficult situations in life. The hardest step was walking through their door but I know from experience you’ll feel better walking out. So big thanks to Aspire and the team for saving my life.

Sunday G.

Aspire has been crucial and helpful in finding my way back, to strengthening me and encouraging me to take one day at a time. I highly recommend the PHP and /or IOP to parents who currently have a child/children attending Aspire. It's life changing and creates pathways to healing and positive communication.
I wish Aspire will open a satellite office in Santa Maria Ca.

Lilly D.

It’s been 5 months since ive attended an alumni group in-person and 3 days since ive attended through zoom. I started attending groups nearly 3 years ago at a very difficult time. The staff at aspire have been instrumental in getting me out of that time.

Throughout flux in staffing, cohort after cohort of clients, and adaptations to curriculum they have both fostered my growth and supported me all the times I’ve needed it. I’ve had the privilege to see them make every effort to provide this same level of care to each individual that steps foot in the door. Thank you for all that you do

evan A.

I owe this program and all the hard working and caring individuals my life. If it wasn’t for them I would be dead. I have struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues for the past two decades and been to countless programs none of which helped. I can say with out a doubt this programs structure existing of group therapy classes coupled with one on one counseling sessions has been the most instrumental in my continued sobriety and success in my life. During my treatment there was times of relapse and the leadership didn’t shut me out and make me feel like I’m a terrible person which many have done in the past yet doubled down on my recovery getting to the roots of my issues and helping me build strong positive coping mechanisms to help me combat my disease of addiction. Tom, Jacob and Laceys leadership and devotion to there clients is a beacon of hope in the darkness which is in the field of mental health and addiction. I am eternally grateful for them and the relationships with my fellow group member that I have made at Aspire. Thank you

Benjamin C.

Looking for services with mental health in the area, this place is a welcoming and loving safe place to be. My experience with the staff and practices they have here are fantastic, they treat everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness. I wish there were more places like this around, but if you are struggling with addiction, please know that you are not alone and that Aspire will help you turn your life around at your own pace, and more support than you could dream of!