Expert Psychiatric Care

In a Warm, Supportive Environment

Now Accepting New Patients for In-Person and Telepsychiatry Visits

Call 805.541.6000 to Get Started

About Us

Meet Our Team
Serving the Central Coast since 2002 (2)

Pacific Psychiatry, Inc., (Pacific Psychiatry) is a family friendly full-service private psychiatric practice serving San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. We believe that behavioral health is a basic element of overall health and wellness. We offer a range of mental health assessment and treatment services in a warm and supportive atmosphere. By promoting and supporting an overall healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, patients frequently achieve optimal outcomes with minimal complications.

Psychiatric conditions are serious health issues that impact sufferers as well as families, caregivers and communities. Optimal prevention, diagnosis, treatment and case management of these conditions are often accomplished in the context of a multidisciplinary treatment approach. At Pacific Psychiatry, our professional staff work with you to develop a treatment plan which is both personalized and in accordance with evidence-based best practices. Our case management and educational resources enable clients to play active roles in their own care.

4.5 rating stars

96% of patients surveyed report a high level of satisfaction with their overall experience.

Everyone I've interacted with at Pacific Psychiatry, from the intake coordinator and front office staff to Dr. Murphy have been professional, polite and helpful. I'm very happy with their service and have had nothing but positive experiences across the board.
-Rachael

To start, my intake was really straightforward, and the lady I talked to was very sweet. I got on the schedule very quickly as well, which I didn’t anticipate given healthcare providers can lag. I have been seeing Suzy since the beginning of this year, and have had a great experience. Being able to receive a diagnosis was life-changing for me, and I have made a lot of positive strides in my life because of that.

-Ashley

My entire experience—from starting the new patient process with Kathy, to my first visit with Katie—has been excellent! Kathy is so helpful and works hard to help you make sure everything is taken care of with respect to paperwork and scheduling initial appointments. And Katie is such a helpful medical provider. She’s engaged, curious, compassionate, listening attentively to you, all of which demonstrate that she really wants to work with her patients to find a treatment program that meets their mental health goals.

-Rich

Excellent services from Doug Williamson for over 3+ years. Always punctual, empathetic, and compassionate about helping patients address their concerns.

Great place & great staff. Dr. Douglas Murphy is a great doctor & works for long-term treatment which is healthier for the patients.
- Liz 

They took my appointment so fast. I had issues with my insurance and they were extremely helpful and efficient. I really liked my psychiatrist and how she made me feel heard and not crazy which was big for me. I am just overall so grateful that this was such an easy process with some amazing people.

I have been going for years, and they have helped me so much. Great staff, caring and helpful and flexible with my availability.
-Cora

Dr. Altesman is attentive and patient. He is a very good listener and has offered me encouragement throughout my recovery.
-Anonymous

These people literally saved my life. I'm 62 and I know a good doctor when I find one, and I've been seeing the Nurse Practitioner there for almost 3 years. She is amazing.
-Bev D.

Dr. Murphy conducts his visits with my son in a very respectful and caring manner. Dr. Murphy takes the time to listen and not make quick judgment calls. I am very pleased that my son has such a good psychiatrist.
- Anonymous

I had a great experience. Lovely staff, excellent customer service.
- Monique

My daughter, who is a minor, has been a patient of Mary Garrett for almost two years. As a mother, I am grateful that my daughter feels understood and cared for. When I have had questions or concerns, Mary or the office staff have always been quick to respond. 
-Diana

I have been meeting with Dr. Valkov for 5 months and truly appreciate his experience, professionalism, and approach. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of psychiatric help. Also I had nothing but excellent assistance from the staff as I began working with this office.

-Jeanie

My experience with Pacific Psychiatry has been excellent. My provider is very thorough, informative and helpful. The office staff are kind and when I call with questions they always answer quickly.

-Shellie

Mary Garrett is great at taking the time to listen and understand her patients. 

-Christine

Kira Mesman-Hallman is amazing. Highly recommend!

Great experience. Dr. Murphy was very patient and insightful, and was very sensitive to my condition. The office staff were always very calm and kind in dealing with me. The waiting room was quiet and clean. Best mental health help I have ever received. 
- Anonymous

Lovely folks, and have been very responsive to needs. I do not like doctors visits but Susan is a treat.

-Chad

Dr. Altesman has been the greatest. When I first saw him I was on too many medications. He helped eliminate and find the right mix that is best for me. 

-Susan

Office staff was amazing. They helped me get my referrals taken care of and into a provider that would work with my needs.

We specialize in treating Child & Adolescent and General Adult clients utilizing the following treatment types:

  • Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Psychotherapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Supportive Psychotherapy
  • Treatment Planning & Case Management

Treatment Areas:

We treat patients who are experiencing symptoms due to a wide range of problems including:

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Are you experiencing intense sadness, isolation, increased or decreased appetite, unexpected weight changes, irritability, anger, hopelessness, and/or unusual shifts in mood and sleep patterns, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks? A mood disorder could be the cause. We can help.
Are you experiencing intense sadness, isolation, increased or decreased appetite, unexpected weight changes, irritability, anger, hopelessness, and/or unusual shifts in mood and sleep patterns, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks? A mood disorder could be the cause. We can help.

MOOD DISORDERS

Including Major Depression, Dysthymic & Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

Are you or your child experiencing severe temper outbursts (on average, three or more times per week), chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school or work, and with peers), or inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity? A disruptive behavioral disorder could explain these symptoms. We can help.
Are you or your child experiencing severe temper outbursts (on average, three or more times per week), chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school or work, and with peers), or inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity? A disruptive behavioral disorder could explain these symptoms. We can help.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

Including Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Are you experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety or dread, restlessness, irritability, unexplained aches and pains, fatigue or difficulty concentrating? You may be suffering from Anxiety. We can help.
Are you experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety or dread, restlessness, irritability, unexplained aches and pains, fatigue or difficulty concentrating? You may be suffering from Anxiety. We can help.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Including Panic Disorder, Phobias and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Are you experiencing recurrent, unwanted and distressing thoughts of a traumatic life event? Do you have severe emotional distress, physical reactions, upsetting dreams, nightmares or flashbacks of the experience? Perhaps you are not aware of how much a life event has impacted you or how you've disconnected as a way of protecting yourself. Post traumatic stress could help explain these symptoms, and we can help.
Are you experiencing recurrent, unwanted and distressing thoughts of a traumatic life event? Do you have severe emotional distress, physical reactions, upsetting dreams, nightmares or flashbacks of the experience? Perhaps you are not aware of how much a life event has impacted you or how you've disconnected as a way of protecting yourself. Post traumatic stress could help explain these symptoms, and we can help.

TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

Including Acute Stress and Post-traumatic Stress Disorders

Are you experiencing obsessive symptoms such as uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and/or behaviors such as a fear of germs or contamination? Do you need to have things symmetrical or in a perfect order, experience compulsive symptoms such as excessive cleaning and/or handwashing, ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way, or engage in compulsive counting? An obsessive compulsive disorder could be the cause. We can help.
Are you experiencing obsessive symptoms such as uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and/or behaviors such as a fear of germs or contamination? Do you need to have things symmetrical or in a perfect order, experience compulsive symptoms such as excessive cleaning and/or handwashing, ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way, or engage in compulsive counting? An obsessive compulsive disorder could be the cause. We can help.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDERS

Are you experiencing a preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape such as having a distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape, or a denial of the seriousness of low body weight? Do you severely limit the amount and type of food you consume or binge eat and then purge in some way? You may be struggling with an eating disorder. We can help.
Are you experiencing a preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape such as having a distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape, or a denial of the seriousness of low body weight? Do you severely limit the amount and type of food you consume or binge eat and then purge in some way? You may be struggling with an eating disorder. We can help.

EATING DISORDERS

Including Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Are you experiencing physical tics such as blinking, eye rolling, grimacing, shoulder shrugging, jerking of the head or limbs jumping, twirling, touching objects and other people, or a combination of physical and vocal tics? You may be suffering from Tourettes or another tic disorder. We can help.
Are you experiencing physical tics such as blinking, eye rolling, grimacing, shoulder shrugging, jerking of the head or limbs jumping, twirling, touching objects and other people, or a combination of physical and vocal tics? You may be suffering from Tourettes or another tic disorder. We can help.

TOURETTE'S

And other Tic Disorders

Are you having difficulty showing emotions, and prefer avoiding social interactions? Are you experiencing hallucinations or delusions, hearing voices, loss of motivation, or interest in daily activities? Are you feeling impacted by unusual or illogical ways of thinking? Do you have trouble organizing your thoughts and speech? You may be suffering from a psychotic disorder. We can help.
Are you having difficulty showing emotions, and prefer avoiding social interactions? Are you experiencing hallucinations or delusions, hearing voices, loss of motivation, or interest in daily activities? Are you feeling impacted by unusual or illogical ways of thinking? Do you have trouble organizing your thoughts and speech? You may be suffering from a psychotic disorder. We can help.

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Including Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder